Bikepacking Alaska 3: Lost in Denali

Mathilde goes missing! In this episode, things quickly get out of hand as we cycle through Alaska's incredible Denali National Park, with a ranger search and rescue operation underway to find our lost group member.

The Denali Park Road has been closed past Mile 43 at East Fork since 2021 due to a huge landslide, the Pretty Rocks landslide, which has washed away a large chunk of the road. A detour around the landslide is possible on foot or by bike, and once you make it around to the far side of the landslide you have the privilege of exploring the deepest areas of the park almost entirely to yourself. We had an unforgettable experience in Denali, both good and bad, so I'm really happy to be able to share it with you.

Bikepacking or hiking in the wilderness is not to be taken lightly, as things can turn bad very quickly, so this experience was a real eye-opener for all of us. Always make sure you're fully prepared, make sure people know where you are, and ideally carry an emergency device so you can call for help if needed.

Thanks to everyone at Denali National Park who helped us through this ordeal.

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[annanelson]

As an Alaskan, for the last 35 years, anyway, I appreciate your thoughtfulness in your travels. We appreciate adventure and courage, but not stupidity or failure to reasonably plan. Enjoy your adventure and thanks for sharing.❤

[obikedog]

It's great to see people with wisdom to stop and appreciate a place after they've travelled so far to reach it instead of rushing past on a schedule! I've been to Alaska for work when I was younger and remember it feeling like another planet. The light alone does this. To see scenery like what you had all around is magical. There's nothing to do but enjoy it and give it time to really burn into the memory banks! (But thanks for also filming it for us!) So glad everyone made it out in one piece!

[TheGuyKirby]

What a fantastic area and so glad that Mathilde was ok after all! Another great video, thanks Tristan

[ParaditeRs]

Me and a friend rode our bikes past the landslide last summer. Saw 3 people total in 3 days out there lol

I actually spent 5 months working there and I saw Denali once in August (on my birthday actually) 😂 That damn mountain does not want to be seen.

[MimiPet]

Wow, you had a bad experience there, luckily nothing bad happened to Mathilde!
The landscapes you show are spectacular! 👍

[frankk]

So relieved Mathilde made it back!! Well done her for staying strong and to you guys for raising the alarm as soon as you could.

[martinatompic]

Mathilda you rock! !!! oh I am enjoying your ALASKA adventures so much :)

[joseadavila]

best views of denali ever . thanks . rule no 1 dont separate especially in alaska .

[tedsmith]

Hi Tristan, absolutely love your videos and wish I was as fearless as you. BUT, when I go on less ambitious bikepacking adventures than you with mates I insist that, if we get separated, if not back together after 15 mins, all regroup at the last point we were previously together- works every time!

[returnedfrompanama]

This is a good reason for each member of the group to have a Garmin InReach.

[richardholden]

Wow, I must have passed Mathilda where she went down to the river prematurely. A solo woman cyclist from SF told me some people at Toklat were partying up the night before. With the pub open, maybe you three? Glad you all made it back without further incident. This is a good lesson for others on the Denali Road and wilderness biking. You can’t be too careful. Good job of hanging in there Mathilda and getting yourself back. Whew!

[john_of_us]

Wow, this video gave me goose pimples…absolutely breathtaking !

[PCHERE]

i am in india, small village, remote area but i am able to know there is also a heaven in some part of earth. thanks for bringing this. DREAM ONCE TO TRAVEL here

[walkingtwobytwo]

Oh this really brings back so many memories of my time hiking through Alaska and Denali. 😊

[mcakey]

Well done on the video, mate. Looking forward to the next one!

[lecrab]

quite the adventure. Glad Mathilde is ok.

[canica]

Thank you so much for these videos, I am going to Alaska in a month's time and I will be traveling alone and will be riding pretty much the same course you have on these three videos. Glad Mathilde made it safe and sound, I think Alaska is beautiful but it is not a place to take lightly. Again, thank you for posting this video and I also have gotten inspire by Iohan and I miss him not been on this earth.

[ishgumi]

Absolutely epic! Hats off to you guys (and gal)!

[omare_biketonature]

I pretty much ride solo but when in a group you stay together specially out there in the wilderness with no mobile reception, navigation or tracking device, she made a reckless mistake and I think she learned the lesson, thankfully she is ok but things can turn really nasty in a place like that with wild animals and weather that can change drastically and rapidly.
Looks like a beautiful place to ride, great video, cheers!

[garysilcox]

Bet there was lots of anxiety and worry when a friend goes missing. Keep up the good work. Good stuff. Enjoy your videos.