About This Route
The Glacier Highway north of Juneau follows the Mendenhall River valley. Glacier views, rainforest, and wildlife make this Alaska's most accessible mainland motorcycle route.
Why ride Glacier Highway
Glacier Highway sits in Alaska, USA, and earns its place on this guide for a simple reason: it gives riders something most roads can't — scenery that genuinely makes you stop the bike, with a rhythm that suits a relaxed touring pace.
Across roughly 80 kilometres of asphalt, you'll get a real feel for what riding in this corner of USA is about. It's not the longest route in the region and it isn't trying to be — it's a focused, high-quality stretch that rewards riders who take their time.
What the riding actually feels like
On a easy-rated road like this one, this is a road most riders can enjoy without stress. Sightlines are generally good, corners are predictable, and you won't need racetrack focus to keep things tidy. It's the kind of route where a passenger can actually relax and enjoy the view.
Read the road first, then commit. The combination of surface, sightlines and traffic on this route rewards a smooth, relaxed pace far more than aggressive corner entries. The route's twistiness rating of 3/5 and scenic rating of 4/5 give a fair indication of where to focus: more on letting the landscape unfold than on chasing apex after apex.
Best time of year to ride
The honest window is May-September. In practical terms, this route really shines in autumn — golden light, fewer cars and tarmac that's still warm enough for confident cornering. If you only have a narrow weather window, aim for a weekday rather than a weekend — you'll share the road with far fewer cars and tour buses, and the popular pull-offs won't be jammed.
Fuel, food and stops
Reliable fuel options along or near the route include Juneau, Auke Bay. Top up before any long climb — pumps in mountain villages can be closed at lunch or on Sundays.
For food and coffee, Juneau are solid stops. Aim for a proper sit-down lunch rather than a vending-machine snack — the locals eat well in this region.
⚠️ Safety and hazards to watch for
Specific hazards on this route include: Rain; Bears; Moose.
- Rain common
- Wildlife
- No road connection to other highways
- Juneau is road-isolated (reachable only by ferry or air), and the highway is often wet with bears and moose near the Berners Bay end — check current conditions.
Who this route suits
Glacier Highway works especially well for photographers and slow-tour riders chasing scenery, adventure bike riders who don't mind the occasional rough patch. Recommended bike types are Touring, Adventure, but realistically anything in good mechanical condition with decent tyres will do the job — the road matters more than the badge on the tank.
Insider tips
- Mendenhall Glacier visitor center
- Whale watching nearby
- Rain is common