Everglades Shark Valley Bike Trail

Activity Overview

Shark Valley, the entrance to Everglades National Park off the Tamiami Trail directly west of Miami, is a really cool outing that incorporates exercise and exploration all in one. The park features a smooth 15-mile paved loop bike trail through Everglades National Park. (A tram travels the same road on a schedule, but it will only pass you three or four times on a given ride.)

Things to See & Do

Bike the 15 mile trail loop - Bikes are available for rental or you can bring your own.

See the wildlife - There are alligators everywhere along (and sometimes on) this trail - especially in winter. You'll also spot lots of interesting wading birds. The animals here seem accustomed to being watched and allow visitors to observe up close. Keep in mind, there are no fences dividing you from them.

If it is crowded and bike rentals are sold out, the path makes a great walk, too. The advantage to walking is the slow pace allows you to notice the abundant wildlife.

The tram ride offers a great alternative for families with small children and older adults as it is an excellent way to experience the Everglades for those who can’t pedal or walk great distance.

The staff and volunteers who narrate the Shark Valley tram tour are passionate about the place and first-time visitors, in particular, come away informed and impressed.

Give yourself a goal and bike all the way out to the concrete viewing tower. It's a great place to stop for a quick snack (bring water and snacks in a backpack) as well as to see for miles across the Everglades.

Everglades Shark Valley Insider Tips

• The 15-mile road was built by an oil company that hoped to drill here. At the half-way point, an observation tower overlooks a gator hole. There are restrooms here as well.
• November through April are the best times to visit Everglades National Park, and Shark Valley. Dry conditions result in animals gathering around the remaining water, so wildlife viewing is better. Mosquitoes can be bad in the summer and there is little shade at Shark Valley.
• Shark Valley is very popular on winter weekends, so the parking lot fills up so it makes sense to get an early start here especially if you plan to rent a bike. Even on the busiest days you can still have a great time by walking on the path.

• If you bring your own bike and there’s a wait to enter the park, you can park on the Tamiami Trail and pedal in.
• If you bring a picnic, the only picnic tables are around the parking lot, so if those are taken you may end up sitting on the grass. You can also eat lunch near the observation tower sitting on a bench at the half-way point.

• Your admission is good for seven consecutive days. Shark Valley Visitor Center information
• The park is busiest from Dec. 26 through April 30, and reservations are recommended during this time period. You may reserve for the 9:00am, 10:00am, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, and 4:00pm trams.