Bike along a subalpine creek to a high basin full of Alaska mining history. Hikers, runners, and mountain bikers all use the wide, graded Perseverance Trail in the Gold Creek valley above downtown Juneau. The valley is the site of the 1880 gold discovery that led to the founding of the city; the trail runs along the old wagon road to the Perseverance Mine and then downsizes to a meter wide trail, which shrinks to a single track crux finish. Mountain scenery, waterfalls and cascades, and mining history are the highlights of the hike. There are not many rides in Alaska that combine high-country scenery with historical interest as well as the Perseverance does.

Trail Description

Begin downtown and climb up Gold Street which winds into the valley where other hiker and bikers can park. Cruise to the fork in the road marked by two large granite boulders and enjoy the initial burn of the fire road appraoch, a quarter mile in length. Pass thru a fence and get to work on the 10-18 degree steep section which levels off for a spell and then cranks it back up for a 0.15 mile long crux up to a scenic overlook high above Ebner Falls. The trail mellows out and gains elevation gradually for the next two and a quarter miles. Enjoy numerous river crossings, a challenging rock garden ascent, and fast windy terrain.

Be on the lookout for the jumps, boulder hits, and funboxes scattered along the trail that push a riders ability limit to the max

When to Bike

Late April through Mid October

Links

http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails/trailNRT/perseverance-AK.html

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