10
PDI
8.3 mi
DISTANCE
2,065 ft
GAINED
4.6 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Bryant Robbins and Jason Roland, Palmer, AK, USA
INTRO
Ferry Road is a traffic-free gravel climb near Healy, Alaska, close to the northeast edge of Denali National Park: 8.3 mi and 2,065 ft of gain at an average 4.6%, from 1,039 ft at the start to 3,058 ft at the top. The road serves the Eva Creek wind farm, and because it is reached only by crossing the pedestrian bridge, the only vehicles you are likely to meet are occasional ATVs from locals and turbine maintenance crews.
The average is gentle, but there is a hard pitch: the steepest half-mile averages 10.1%, and the steepest mile 8.2%. Jason Roland writes: “10/10 Gravel. If you're going to or from Fairbanks, stop and ride this climb! There is a large pull off on the Parks highway outside of Healy where you start riding. It is really a unique experience and highly recommended!”
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Ferry Road covers 8.3 mi and gains 2,065 ft, rising from 1,039 ft at the start to 3,058 ft at the finish at an average grade of 4.6%.
The steepest quarter-mile averages 10.2% and the steepest half-mile 10.1%, and the steepest 100 yards reach 10.7%. The steepest mile averages 8.2% and the steepest 5 miles 5.4%, so most of the climb is a steady grind with one hard pitch.
Roadway: The road is gravel the entire way. It is manageable on a road bike, preferably with 28-30mm tires, though a gravel bike with 38mm tires is the better tool.
Traffic: None, other than service vehicles. The road is reached only on foot or by bike over the pedestrian bridge, so ATVs from locals and turbine maintenance crews are the only traffic.
Parking: Park at the large pull-off on the Parks Highway at its intersection with the gravel road you ride to get to the start - Map.
Provisions: There is nothing for sale on the climb, so fill your bottles and eat before you leave the Parks Highway. Healy, with its hotels, RV parks and restaurants, is the nearest town.
Gear: A gravel bike with 38mm tires is recommended; bring a spare tube and a pump, since you will be out of sight of the highway and the only vehicles on the road are service trucks.
Weather: Healy has a subarctic climate with short, warm summers and very long, cold winters, so ride this in the summer months and pack a layer for the ridge.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
This is a remote climb at the northeast edge of Denali National Park - Google Map + Reviews. Healy sits on the Parks Highway about 18 miles from the park, and its 966 residents (2020 census) are largely tied to the Usibelli Coal Mine, Golden Valley Electric Association and park tourism. The Eva Creek wind farm that the road serves went into service in 2012 with 12 turbines and 24.6 MW of capacity, the largest wind project in Alaska at the time.
If you are interested in hiking, see All Trails - Best trails in Denali Wilderness.
ROUTE MAP
MEMBER RATING
CURRENT WEATHER
PJAMM TRIPS ADVENTURE STARTER BUNDLES
Check out PJAMM Adventure's prepackaged (self-guided) cycling trips. They will help you plan, document and conquer your next adventure.
NEARBY CLIMBS (0) RADIAL PROXIMITY
FROM No Climbs Found
MEMBER REVIEWS & COMMENTS
Let us know what you thought of this climb. Signup for our FREE membership to write a review or post a comment.
Already have an account?
LOG IN HERE
