Everglades · Easy · Loop

Shark Valley to the observation tower

A flat paved loop into the Everglades sawgrass, out to the Shark Valley observation tower and back by the other road.

Distance
14.7 mi (23.7 km)
Ascent
0 ft (0 m)
Riding time
About 1 h 30 min
Grade
Easy
Bike
Any bike
Runs on
99% cycle path

Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.

0 mi5 mi10 mi23 ft10 ft
Move along the height chart to see each point on the map.
Shark Valley to the observation tower
Daderot · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

The ride

From the Shark Valley visitor center off the Tamiami Trail (US 41) the paved tram road runs south into the Everglades to the observation tower, 45 ft high and built in 1964, at the halfway point. The loop then comes back north by its other side to the visitor center. Two short walks start near the visitor center: the Bobcat Boardwalk and Otter Cave.

It is 23.7 km (14.7 miles) round with 0 m of climbing; allow about 1½ hours of riding. The grade is Easy. The road is paved and flat, and shared with the tram tours.

Keep at least 15 ft from alligators and all other wildlife. There is no drinking water on the loop, so carry plenty. E-bikes are allowed, with a limit of 15 mph. The entrance gate opens from 8.30am to 6pm. Entry costs $20 a person on a bike or $35 a car for seven days, by card or digital pass, and from 2026 visitors who are not US residents, aged 16 and over, pay $100 more.

The car park at the visitor center fills by 10am from December to April. Bikes can be hired at the visitor center for $27 a day, from 8.30am to 4pm, with helmets.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.

Good to know

  • A paved loop on the tram road, shared with the tram tours
  • The 45 ft observation tower at the halfway point, built in 1964
  • Bike hire at the visitor center; no drinking water on the loop
  • Keep at least 15 ft from alligators and other wildlife

Getting there

Start: Shark Valley Visitor Center. 25.75680, -80.76595

Directions to the start

Places to stay nearby

Rooms in and around Everglades: Booking.com → Expedia →

Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.

Paths and roads change, and surfaces vary with the weather. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; ride to what you find, give way to walkers and horses, and carry what you need to mend a puncture.