Riding the Petersville Road in Alaska takes you on a bumpy ride through gold mine country. Formerly an old wagon road, the trail runs from Trapper Creek, 34 miles or so to the historic mining town of Petersville and beyond. It’s a popular route for ATVs, snowmobiles, cyclists 4×4’s and of course, motorbikes. Spending most of the year covered by snow, the road can be a little hard going, but it’s well worth the effort. The road offers spectacular views of mountains, creeks, gorges and rivers. North America’s tallest mountain, the immense Denali, or Mount McKinley, looms ever ahead on the journey north.
Planning your ride on the Petersville Road
The Petersville Road is accessed from the Parks Highway. Travel to Trappers Creek at mile 114.9, fill up and enjoy the ride.
The first 10 miles or so of the road are paved, though the quality is fairly poor in comparison to the highway. After that the road turns to gravel all the way up to Petersville and beyond. The going is hard, but not impossible for most dual bikes, however road bikes would struggle. It’s relatively flat, with a few elevations.
You’re unlikely to come across an awful lot of traffic along the way, though you may run into the occasional camper or ATV, especially at weekends and during holidays.
Fuel can be found at Trappers Creek and will easily keep you going until you return.
Accommodation
There are plenty of places to make camp along the Petersville Road, with some fantastic views to wake up to. Alternatively, accommodation can be sought in Trappers Creek, where inns and b&bs can be found. There are lodges and cabins that can be booked along the route, but these should be booked in advance.
Food
Since this is a relatively short ride, food shouldn’t be a huge concern. It’s worth packing some lunch to have on the road to make the most of the scenery. Otherwise, reward your efforts with a meal in Trappers creek.
Weather considerations
The Petersville Road is inaccessible for the vast majority of the year for all but snowmobiles. The best time to ride Petersville Road is July or August, when winter snows have fully melted. June and September are not out of the question, but it depends on the weather conditions that year.
Sights
While the road itself, paired with the fantastic views of Denali, lure most riders to the road, there are a few other things to visit along the way. In Petersville you can try your hand at panning for gold at the Petersville State Recreational Mining Area. Climb the Peters Hills for spectacular views over the canyons and out into the distance. Trapper Creek Spruce Lane Farms Museum and Gifts is an interesting museum in a log cabin where you can discover more about the history of the area and gold mining in general. Enjoy the waterfalls as you ride the narrow road through the Peters Creek Canyon. Finally, you can even visit some of the gold mines, with some offering tours, though it is best to call to arrange these in advance.
Header Photo: Lynda Cazort CC/BY
Petersville Road – Alaska – Tundra | Photo: Tony I CC/BY
