Rates:
$200.00 – per guest
Turnagain Arm is a branch of Cook Inlet leading toward Girdwood from Anchorage, with sweeping views of picturesque snow-capped mountains, wildlife, and oceanside vistas. This E-Bike tour takes you from our starting point at Bird Creek to Girdwood and back again, following the scenic Turnagain Trail both ways. Enjoy a true round-trip adventure along this stunning coastal route. We will cover approximately 24 miles round-trip on easy-to-use, pedal-assisted E-Bikes, with opportunities to see mountain goats, Dall sheep, birds of all varieties, dramatic mountain landscapes, and even Beluga whales. This tour is perfect for beginners and anyone wanting to experience Alaska’s tidal areas off the beaten path and away from the crowds. The adventure lasts 4–5 hours and includes lunch and rain gear as needed.
Note: Guests should be in good health and expect to interval strenuous activity.
This tour includes a guided round-trip e-bike ride from Bird Creek to Girdwood and back along the scenic Turnagain Trail. We provide all necessary gear, including helmets, jackets, and basic safety equipment. A light snack and water are also included.
The tour starts at Bird Creek, a popular trailhead along the Seward Highway just south of Anchorage. After a short briefing, your guide will get you set up with gear and a pedal-assist e-bike. From there, you’ll follow the paved Bird-to-Gird Trail as it winds along the shoreline, passing through forested sections, open flats, and scenic pullouts that overlook Turnagain Arm. After reaching the Girdwood end of the trail, you’ll enjoy the return ride back to Bird Creek, retracing the beautiful coastal path from a new perspective.
This route is known for its wildlife. You may see bald eagles perched near the water, Dall sheep on the cliffs, and beluga whales swimming along the shoreline. The trail is mostly flat with some gentle rolling hills, and the e-bike motor helps with any sections that require more effort. The pace is relaxed, with time built in for rest, photos, and short stops along the way
The ride reaches its turnaround point in Girdwood, a small mountain town surrounded by peaks and trees. Once the group arrives, you’ll have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the area before riding back to Bird Creek along the same scenic route. The full tour lasts around 4 to 5 hours, including stops and breaks. It’s a smooth, scenic round-trip adventure that offers a fresh way to experience Alaska’s coastline without the crowds.
Departs Daily: 10 am
Available: Sept – Oct
Note: Guests should be in good health and expect intervals of strenuous activity.
The Bird Creek to Girdwood E-Bike Tour takes about 4 to 5 hours round trip, including breaks, photo stops, and time to explore Girdwood before heading back. The route covers roughly 13 miles each way along the Bird-to-Gird Trail, a paved and scenic path that follows the coastline of Turnagain Arm. Riders move at a steady pace with plenty of time to enjoy the views and spot wildlife along the way. Our guides make sure the timing works for the group, so it never feels rushed or too slow.
The Bird Creek to Girdwood E-Bike Tour is a round trip. You’ll ride from Bird Creek to Girdwood along the scenic Turnagain Arm, take a break in town, and then bike back to the starting point with your guide. The total distance is about 26 miles, but with pedal-assist e-bikes and regular stops, the pace stays manageable for most riders.
No, you don’t need biking experience to join the Bird Creek to Girdwood E-Bike Tour. If you can ride a standard bike, you’ll be fine on this route. The pedal-assist e-bikes make it easier to handle hills and longer distances, even if you’re new to trail riding. The Bird-to-Gird Trail is paved and mostly flat, with wide shoulders and great visibility. Our guides go over everything before the ride, including how the bike works and what to expect on the trail. We keep the pace relaxed and build in time for breaks, so beginners never feel rushed.
Pack light but be prepared. Here’s what we recommend bringing:
Water bottle to stay hydrated during the ride
Comfortable layers (moisture-wicking base, light jacket)
Closed-toe shoes with good grip
Sunglasses and sunscreen for sun protection
Phone or camera for photos along the Bird-to-Gird Trail
Small backpack for personal items
We provide the e-bike, helmet, basic safety gear, and a light snack. The weather along Turnagain Arm can change fast, so dressing smart helps you enjoy the ride.
We’ll follow the Bird-to-Gird Trail, which runs along the edge of Turnagain Arm. The terrain is smooth and mostly flat, with a few gentle hills and curves. You’ll ride through wooded areas, open coastal sections, and scenic pullouts with wide views of the water and mountains. There are no technical sections or loose gravel, so it’s easy to navigate even if you’re new to trail riding.
The Bird Creek to Girdwood E-Bike Tour covers about 13 miles one way, or roughly 26 miles round trip. The full route follows the Bird-to-Gird Trail, a paved path that runs along the coast of Turnagain Arm. The distance sounds long, but the pedal-assist e-bikes make it much easier to handle, even for beginners. The ride includes plenty of stops to rest, take photos, and enjoy the views, so it never feels too intense.
A pedal-assist e-bike is a bicycle with an electric motor that helps you while you pedal. It doesn’t replace pedaling, you still do the work—but it makes hills and longer rides easier. The motor gives you a steady boost when you need it, especially on small climbs or when you’re getting tired. It feels like a normal bike, just smoother and more efficient. You stay in control of your speed, and the assist only kicks in when you’re pedaling.
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on the Bird-to-Gird Trail. The trail is open to Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes, which only provide power while you’re pedaling. These bikes meet the guidelines for multi-use paths in the area and are a great fit for the terrain along Turnagain Arm.
During the Bird Creek to Girdwood E-Bike Tour, there’s a good chance you’ll see wildlife along the trail. Common sightings include:
Bald eagles perched in trees or flying overhead
Dall sheep grazing or resting on the cliffs above the Bird-to-Gird Trail
Beluga whales swimming close to shore during high tide
Moose near the forest edge, especially in the early morning or evening
Coastal birds like gulls, magpies, and ravens
Wildlife sightings vary by season and weather, but Turnagain Arm is one of the best spots near Anchorage to catch a glimpse of Alaska’s animals in the wild.
The best time to ride the Bird-to-Gird Trail is between June and early September, when the weather is mild and the trail is clear. During this window, the path is dry, daylight hours are long, and wildlife activity is high along Turnagain Arm. You’ll get great visibility for spotting animals like Dall sheep or beluga whales, and the views of the mountains and water are at their best. Earlier in the season, snow or wet conditions can make parts of the trail harder to ride. Our Bird Creek to Girdwood E-Bike Tour runs during peak biking season so riders can enjoy safe conditions, comfortable temperatures, and a better all-around experience.
The Bird-to-Gird Trail is a moderate ride that’s doable for most people with basic fitness. The path is paved, well-maintained, and mostly flat, with a few gentle hills along the way. On the Bird Creek to Girdwood E-Bike Tour, the pedal-assist e-bike helps make the ride easier, especially on longer stretches or small climbs. There’s no technical terrain, and no experience with mountain biking is needed.
The Bird-to-Gird Trail is one of Alaska’s most accessible long-distance bike paths, offering scenic views and wildlife along the Turnagain Arm. For updated trail maps and conditions, visit the Alaska Department of Transportation. You can also check real-time weather and tidal patterns through the National Weather Service Anchorage to help plan your ride with confidence.
Girdwood is a popular destination at the end of the trail, known for its local charm and mountain scenery. If you want to explore more while you’re there, the Girdwood Chamber of Commerce highlights places to eat, shop, and sightsee. The full route gives you a chance to ride, relax, and see a different side of Southcentral Alaska.
