Project Overview

The CBJ Parks & Recreation Department worked for many years with community Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) groups to understand interest in local riding opportunities. Over the past two decades, riding areas have been redeveloped or regulations have changed to prohibit motorized use, leaving few places to legally recreate in Juneau. CBJ has evaluated many potential sites for motorized use since the early 2000s, but a permanent riding area has not been established.

Through recent work with user groups, the 35-mile site was identified as a feasible location for an ORV riding park. Establishing the park involved a general public meeting, support from the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC), and review by the Lands, Housing and Economic Development Committee. At its January 24, 2023, meeting, the Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit for the park on 565 acres in this area. On July 10, 2023, the Assembly authorized an agreement with the Juneau Off-Road Association (JORA) to provide guidance, stewardship, and maintenance support for the park. Initial construction of a parking lot and trails has been authorized under a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers, and the State of Alaska Recreation Trails Program has granted $600,000 toward trail construction.

General questions about the project can be emailed to [email protected]. To learn how you can volunteer, visit JuneauOffRoad.org.

Update Fall 2025

Construction of the driveway, parking lot, and picnic area has been completed. Three of the five miles of trail have been cleared, with one mile graveled. The site is not yet open for use. Trail construction is ongoing with the goal of a partial opening in late 2026.

Update February 2026

Construction is progressing. Southeast Trucking is working to cap trail sections that have been cleared and grubbed. About 1.5 miles of trail will hopefully be graveled and open for riding by the end of the 2026 season, depending on the volunteer hours contributed this summer. CBJ is applying for an additional Multi-Use Trails grant through AKDOT&PF to continue construction into 2027.

Update June 25, 2026

Parks & Rec is excited to share the latest updates and volunteer opportunities for the 35-mile ORV Riding Park project. Together with our partners at Juneau Off-Road Association (JORA) and Trail Mix, Inc., CBJ invites the public to an open-house style meeting on Thursday, July 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mendenhall Valley Library Large Meeting Room.  

Community members are welcome to learn more about the project and ways to get involved. Remaining construction will be completed through a combination of State of Alaska grants, private donations, and volunteer support.