Everglades, FL – A 15 mile bike ride through an alligator infested trail? Sign me up! Shark Valley is located in the central part of Everglades National Park, about 40 miles west of Miami. The main attraction is either hiking, biking or taking a tram around a 15 mile paved loop through the Everglades ecosystem. Bikes are available for rent, or you can bring your own. We did this trip once before, about 7 years ago, using rental bikes. This trip we used our Brompton folding bikes. On both trips we saw numerous alligators, some on the trail, most just off the trail near the water. They appear docile, but I wouldn’t get near one. The park service recommends a minimum safe distance of 15 feet.
Alligators are one of the main draws of Shark Valley
Alligators sunning along the trail in Shark Valley
Alligators are cold-blooded and require sun to warm their bodies
Karla and some alligators
At about the half way point there is a tall observation tower for viewing flora and fauna from an elevated perch. There are also restrooms here. Outside of alligators, we also saw great blue herons, green herons, white ibis, great egrets, and anhingas. This section of the Everglades National Park can easily be combined with a visit to the Big Cypress National Preserve whose visitor centers are also located along The Tamiami Highway (Hwy 41).
The observation tower offers great 360 degree views
An Anhinga dries its wings in Shark Valley
Great Blue Heron
A Great Egret
Yellow-crowned Heron
Alligators along the trail range in size
Alligator and a Great Blue Heron
To the gentleman who made fun of our folding bikes: I take umbrage at calling my means of conveyance a clown bike. I’ll have you know I hit 22 mph on flat land on my Brompton. So there.
We visited Shark Valley from the Naples Motorcoach Resort.
Alligators sunning below the observation tower
