Riding at the top of the world

Discover Alaska’s raw and majestic beauty on a ride that shows you the best the state has to offer.

Words by Jeremy Pick

Alaska is one of the last great frontiers and a must-ride destination, according to Alex Traxler, Assistant Director of the H.O.G. Alaska Chapter.

“As a proud H.O.G. member and avid rider who calls Alaska home, this iconic location offers more than just scenic value—it’s a true test of the soul and spirit of riding,” says Alex. One of his favorite rides is based around the Denali National Park & Preserve, and takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America.

“The route north from Anchorage delivers sweeping views, alpine air, and the kind of solitude that makes a rider feel deeply connected to the road—and to themselves. From the twisty, tree-lined curves near Cantwell to the open, awe-inspiring stretches where Mount Denali (officially known as Mount McKinley) crowns the horizon, the experience is unforgettable. Riders can stop at classic spots such as Denali Viewpoint South, Igloo City in Cantwell, the Denali Park entrance sign, and last, but not least, the Mount McKinley Harley-Davidson^® store in the canyon.”

The ride has a mix of everything in terms of roads, as well as a mix of elevations. Riders can travel up to 13 miles into the vast Denali National Park, where sightings of wildlife are guaranteed, including wolves, caribou, grizzly bears, and moose.

Denali encompasses six million acres of Alaska’s pristine interior wilderness, bisected by a single stretch of road, with the 20,300-foot-high Denali as its centerpiece. Unique scenery includes glaciers, spruce forests and tundra, as well as the iconic wildlife it’s famous for.

The riding season in the region is relatively short, from May to September, but the scenery and unique, diverse landscapes make this a must-ride for the adventurous, says Alex, a technical manager in the oil industry who moved to Alaska from Houston, Texas, six years ago.

Alex counts himself as a fairly new rider, at least on road bikes, after taking a break from riding dirt bikes many years ago. “I had wanted to ride Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles since I was young, but of course, in those days I couldn’t afford them,” he says. “I like the heritage and tradition of the bikes, and the fact that they’re made in the U.S., so when I moved to Alaska I was able to fulfill this dream.”

Since living in Alaska, Alex has owned seven Harleys, starting with a Sportster^®. He now rides a  2023 Street Glide®, a 2023 Street Bob® that he won in a competition, and a 2016 Freewheeler®, and a 2016 Freewheeler^® which he bought for off-season riding.

“Despite the short riding season there’s a very active H.O.G. community up here,” says Alex. “Our chapter rides every Wednesday night, attracting 40 or so people, as well as overnight rides to destinations like Denali, Seward and Homer once per month. All Alaska chapters get together at the annual Meet in the Middle event at Denali Grizzly Bear Resort at the end of May, which has been taking place as a H.O.G. event for at least 20 years.

“If you haven’t ridden in Alaska before, be mindful that there are two seasons—roadwork, and preparing for roadwork. Just make sure you’re alert, especially in remote areas. Other than that, the scenery, riding, and wildlife here are just incredible. Riding to Denali represents one of the last remaining journeys through some of the most untouched and magnificent landscapes in North America. Ride far, ride free, ride Denali!”

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