All STA trails offer enough technical challenges for intermediate and advanced mountain bikers in Anchorage, Alaska. Keep reading to see what you are missing.
STA (Single Track Advocates) has built and maintains over 35 miles of single-track mountain biking and multi-use trails. The organization has built 12.5 miles of single-track trails at Hillside, 16 miles at Kincaid Park, the Hemlock Burn trail, and the Summit to Sea connector. All the trails are built on City Parkland and named after the lady who saw the projects to completion. The STA trail system has 9 trails; 7 newly built and 2 old ones. Here is a quick breakdown of what to expect on the trails.
The STA trails were named after Janice, popularly known as Queen Bee. She spearheaded the STA project to build the network of trails, including:
We recommend beginning your ride from the Hilltop ski area. The trailhead is about a ¼ mile from this point. Turn right onto the first gravel road, then ride down to the signpost that indicates the start of Dome Lane and other STA trails. Enter the drone lane and ride up the steep climbs tactfully. Descending Drone Lane is tricky as it is filled with banked curves and many little hills.
Join the Queen Bee Loop, which is one of the most exciting and technically challenging mountain biking loops in Alaska. It will lead you further into the main trail network.
The Hive and Janice’s Jive are outer trails on the network and are a real challenge to climb because of their roots, banked curves, long up-hills, and steep climbs. The Hornet’s Nest and Yellow Jacket are the network’s inner trails. They are more technical hence their advanced level rating. You must have an advanced skill set to ace the trail’s fast downhill sections, roots, jumps, and banked curves.
You may catch a splendid sunset view of Anchorage if you go in the evening. Remember, the gates at the ski area close at 8 pm. You may also spot the Mountain at Chugach State Park through the trees.
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