Cycling the Shark Valley Loop

Cycling the Shark Valley Loop is a self-guided ride on a 15-mile (24 km) paved road inside Everglades National Park, starting at the Shark Valley visitor center at 36000 SW 8th Street, about 35 miles (56 km) west of downtown Miami. The route is almost completely flat, running out along a straight causeway through sawgrass marsh to an observation tower at the midpoint and returning along a different stretch of the loop. Cyclists share the road with the park's tram, and alligators, turtles and wading birds are often seen beside the pavement or in the adjoining canal, which makes the ride one of the most intimate ways to see the Everglades. The ride takes about two to three hours at a relaxed pace. Fitness requirements are modest because there are no hills, but the distance, exposure to sun and lack of shade mean that basic fitness and good heat tolerance are needed, and children should be comfortable riding about 15 miles. Bikes can be rented at the visitor center from Shark Valley Bike Rentals, linked with sharkvalleytramtours.com and reachable at 305-221-8455, for about $25 USD per day, and riders may also bring their own bike and helmet. Visitors need to bring at least two liters of water, sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent, since there are no services along the loop. Park entry costs about $35 USD per vehicle, with non-US residents paying an additional $100 USD per person; these fees and rental rates should be confirmed before travel. Rangers and tram drivers pass regularly, and the visitor center is the contact point for emergencies, but long stretches are remote and mobile coverage can be patchy, so riders should tell someone their plan and turn back if they feel unwell. Cyclists must keep a safe distance from alligators and never feed or approach wildlife. Rentals are first come, first served and are usually stopped by mid-afternoon so riders can finish before closing. The best season is December to April, when the weather is drier and cooler. Summer brings heat, mosquitoes and afternoon lightning, so visitors should avoid midday and start early.