Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The number of routes through Alaska are limited because there are only three really major highways running through the entire state. While some shorter weekend tours of the Kenai Peninsula are available for motorcycle tourists, but most adventurous routes go from Anchorage to Prudhoe Bay. This leads from the south-central part of the state straight north past Denali (Mount McKinley) and Fairbanks, ending up at the Arctic Ocean.
If you are taking a guided tour (strongly recommended, especially for first-time riders in Alaska), requirements may vary from company to company, but there are normally a few common factors. Most require health insurance, and all will require a waiver for injuries along the way. A motorcycle license, previous riding experience and a helmet will all be mandatory as well, regardless of which tour company you ride with.
Lodging for most motorcycle tours will vary greatly from place to place. All the way up to the city of Fairbanks in the central part of the state there are plenty of hotels along the way, but once you get north of there, the lodging is limited. Shared cabins, an occasional cramped hostel and some tent camps are often the best that can be offered between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay.
The main route from Anchorage to Prudhoe Bay will include many sights, including Denali (Mount McKinley), the tallest mountain peak in North America, the Brooks Mountain Range and Alaska Mountain Range, the Arctic Ocean, and of course, all the natural beauty and vastness of Alaska's wilderness between.
There are many challenges that need to be considered before taking a motorcycle ride across Alaska. For one, the roads are not always in best of repair and can get very uneven because of the permafrost. There is a lot of wildlife to be wary of, including bears and especially moose. The drive across state is also incredibly long. It takes a lot of toughness and physical stamina and endurance. Also, Alaska is still pretty wild. Always be prepared for the unexpected.