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NeverStopTraveling

Florida’s Real Alligator Alley

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Last Updated on December 12, 2022 by Jim Ferri

a woman in Floridas Everglades - Florida’s Real Alligator Alley
Looking for ‘gators on Florida’s real Alligator Alley

The real Alligator Alley in Florida is a step back into another world…

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

By Jim Ferri

I’ve been across Florida’s Route 75 — the famous “Alligator Alley” — many times and I’ve never seen an alligator.

In fact, I’ve never seen any animal. It’s a pretty boring drive.

But there is another road off Tamiami Trail. It’s the old road to the south that originally connected Miami and Miami Beach with Florida’s west coast. Running parallel to Route 75, here you’ll often see alligators galore, close next to your car given the right conditions. You’ll see other wildlife, as well.

It’s called the Loop Road and is part of the Big Cypress National Preserve.

An alligator in Floridas Everglades on Florida’s Real Alligator Alley

Not everyone likes alligators. I’m not a big fan myself. But when you get to see them from the safety of your car on this real Alligator Alley, your attitude changes a bit. I know, I’ve done it several times.

I first heard of Loop Road a few years ago on a program on National Public Radio, of all places. Tuning in I heard a writer for Sports Illustrated telling the show’s host about growing up in Miami. He told how he and his friends would go out on Loop Road when they were kids. His description of primeval nature of the place made me want to go. I made a mental note to check it out next time I was in the area.

swamp in Floridas Everglades on Florida’s Real Alligator Alley

Off Alligator Alley and Onto Route 75

A few years later as I was crossing the Everglades on Route 75, I talked my wife and some friends into tracking down the Loop. Using the GPS in our car we found the easterly end of it and off into the wilderness we went.

It was fairly innocuous for the first few miles. The road was paved and was lined with a few square concrete houses built by local Indians. Behind the houses were fields of scrub vegetation and marsh. Everything increasingly grew more dense and taller as we moved deeper into the swap. Soon the pavement turned to dirt, which although rough, was still passable.

Loop Road-in Floridas Everglades

On subsequent trips we found it wise to choose your month of travel on Loop Road, the “real Alligator Alley,”carefully. The summer-early fall “rainy season” is the worse time to try to traverse it. At that time large areas along its entire length are washed out by floods. You’re forced to creep along at 3-4 miles per hour, slowly and arduously weaving about large craters in the road.

A Map From Miami Beach to Loop Road

The Route from Miami Beach to Loop Road in the Big Cypress National Preserve

This map is interactive; press +/- to enlarge it or make it smaller. It can also be viewed, and the route followed, on your smartphone.


See the Real Alligator Alley on Loop Road

During the winter dry season after the road has been filled and leveled by the Park Service the drive is much easier both on your car and your bottom. The winter dry season is also a better time to travel the Loop since it’s when you see the most wildlife.

During the hot summer months alligators spend most of their time in the water keeping themselves cool. But in the winter months, when the waters cool down a few degrees, many come out of the water. Then they lie sunning themselves along the banks of the streams and marsh alongside the road. In fact, on this Alligator Alley they’re so close you can stop your car only yards away from them.

-alligator group in Floridas Everglades

It’s not a good idea on this Alligator Alley, to get out of the car in certain spots. We once convinced a Texas friend of this, when she was halfway out of the car “to pull its tail”. Nor do you want to walk your dog along the road here, since Fido is an alligator’s favorite treat. Keep in mind that alligators are extremely fast from a dead stop and can grab your dog, or you, within seconds.

Moving on down the road we slowly moved further into the primeval wilderness. In the Big Cypress National Preserve, we passed signs for Sweetwater Junction, Gaging Station and Trail City. It was totally quiet except for the sound of an occasional bird off in the trees somewhere. In the crystal-clear waters little fish darted about in the shadows of ferns that cascaded over the bank.

-swamp-in Floridas Everglades

A Primeval Adventure on Alligator Alley

We saw very few cars or people on this real Alligator Alley, even at midday, since few know about it. At various places we’d pull over when we saw alligators lying along the side of the road on creek banks. Sometimes they’d be piled atop one another in the morning sun.

Up ahead, every now and then, groups of vultures stood in the middle of the road as if to blockade us from venturing further on. Egrets perched on tree limbs, their white feathers bright against the dark green shadows of the deep swamp.

Sometimes we would stand outside the car and only hear birds singing in the towering cypress about us. At time we’d hear the rustle of the water made by fish or a swimming gator. A huge Great Owl fluttered out of a stand of old trees onto the road in front of us. It then quickly flew away as our car edged forward.

egret in Floridas Everglades

At one spot, my wife and I stood looking across the water into the forest of Cypress trees rising from the water. Incredibly, we could not hear a sound. It was total silence, with not even the whisper of a breeze blowing. We stood there and stared at the beautiful scene almost feeling that we were the very first humans who had ever discovered this primeval place.

It was our own National Geographic moment. Right there on the Real Alligator Alley.


You may also enjoy: Things to Do, Where to Stay in Miami / Things to Do in Miami for Adults / Planning for A Road Trip / Ecuador’s Fake Equator


If You Go:

This isn’t a trip for everyone since it can be rough at times, exceptionally rough if the Park Service hasn’t yet leveled the road. Still though, it is a unique experience.

You’ll find Loop Road halfway across State Road 41, the southernmost road that crosses the state from Miami to Naples, FL. Follow the map above and happy hunting!

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Comments

  1. Carla Marie Rupp says

    June 12, 2013 at 2:43 pm

    Thanks, Jim! I am happy to read a great story from an expert on where to find the alligators and other creatures. I love stories like this and it brings back good memories of going there years ago with my parents and when my son Jason was small.

    Reply
    • Roger shautt says

      March 1, 2018 at 1:51 pm

      When he said he’s been across alligator alley and never saw an alligator,what the hell was he smoking. We’ve been across it in semis,and you can see a ton of Gators, he must of went through at night. Yeah it’s boring cos there’s nothing out there but swamp,AND GATORS. no way can you drive that stretch of highway and not see some gators.

      Reply
      • Jim Ferri says

        March 1, 2018 at 3:34 pm

        Sorry, Roger, I’ve seen them in plenty of other places but never on alligator alley. And I’ve been driving across it for years. Perhaps since you’re in a semi you have a better vantage point.

        Reply
        • Wayne says

          April 7, 2018 at 10:19 am

          Roger seen them because he drove his semi truck.. semis are 13feet higher in perspective view

          Reply
        • Mark says

          April 12, 2020 at 10:04 am

          I’ve driven the ally in my cars for over 30 years, and always see gators – sometimes more often than others. You see them in the water, but need to look closely. Or they may be on the banks sunning. If anyone thinks the drive is boring, they don’t know anything about the River of Grass, and the unique beauty of the Everglades that is being destroyed by cattle ranchers, big sugar and real estate moguls.

          Reply
          • `Jim Ferri says

            April 12, 2020 at 11:48 am

            Hi Mark,
            I would expect that you would see gators driving the road for more that 30 years, I’ve only driven it sporadically for about 15 and I’ve seen a couple, but not many. The thing is that many of these travelers are only crossing it for the first and, likely, only time. They’re expecting to see a lot of gators and depending on the season don’t see any. Plus they’re staying on the highway and keeping their eyes on the road. Loop Road, on the other hand, where you are forced to drive slowly, has loads of gators, mostly seen in the cool winter months when they come out to sun themselves. Have you been up to Cape Canaveral, and driven along the main road to the complex? At the right time of year there are loads of gators there sunning themselves on the banks.
            By the way, I totally agree with you about the River of Grass and how it is being destroyed by big sugar and real estate moguls and the state and local governments that allow them to do what they to this national treasure.

        • Allison says

          December 14, 2021 at 6:37 pm

          It depends on the weather. I’ve seen gators here and there behind the giant fence that blocks them from getting onto the highway along 75/ alligator alley. But it certainly doesn’t live up to the name- not anymore anyway.

          Reply
          • Jim Ferri says

            December 17, 2021 at 9:04 am

            Thank you Allison. On Loop Road you’ll also see more in the cooler weather when they come out of the water to warm themselves.
            Jim

        • Bill says

          December 31, 2021 at 12:31 pm

          Wow another so called expert on the Everglades. Before you publish your articles. You need to do a little bit ,”actually a lot more research”
          Shame on you for such false information!

          Reply
          • Jim Ferri says

            January 5, 2022 at 2:58 pm

            Bill, the shame is on you for not reading the article better. It’s true information written for the average traveler, who’s driving along Alligator Alley sitting low in a car and usually traveling at high speed. Of course any fisherman on the water, or truck drivers with a much higher vista, will see gators. If you’re not a fisherman or truck driver you’ll see more gators on Loop Road.
            Jim

      • Sharon says

        February 4, 2019 at 2:22 pm

        I agree with Roger. We were just there in January. Driving in a small car, and we saw tons of alligators on Alligator Alley.

        Reply
        • Jim Ferri says

          February 4, 2019 at 2:46 pm

          Hi Sharon,
          In the winter alligators come out of the cool winter waters to sun themselves on the banks, so I know you’ll see them on Alligator Alley during the winter. I’ve also seen many of them on the way to Cape Canaveral. But in either of those road they’re relatively far away. On Loop Road in the wilderness you’re much closer to them. In the cooler months just be careful where you walk when you get out of your car.
          Whichever road you take it’s a good experience. It just depends on which experience you’re looking for. What’s important is to go in the winter if you want to see gators.

          Reply
          • Jeffrey Gratton says

            March 18, 2019 at 11:01 am

            I hear there’s an explosion of the non-native Python population. Anybody see any? Or is this just urban legend?

          • Jim Ferri says

            March 18, 2019 at 11:07 am

            Hi Jeffrey,
            I can tell you the pythons are very real. It’s such a major problem that the state hires bounty hunters to kill as many as possible but they barely make a dent in their population. Every one in a while in the news you’ll see a photo/video of 5-6 people holding one that’s 20+ feet long. They’re killing much of the other wildlife in the Everglades.

          • Mitch warren says

            September 28, 2021 at 7:47 pm

            Years ago I’d say back in the 70 to 80s on alligator Alley they fenced it off on both sides so the alligators didn’t come out there and get run over but you used to see him all the time loop road is behind used to be Monroe station hunt fish camp all the time many years early 60s 70s I watched them put the first pythons back in there and I would say probably about 1971 that’s when I seen it started and I was 14 at 14 or 15 years old but I remember seeing alligators all the time 100 Big Cypress and the state park I lived out there for 20 years beautiful and boy how is the army corps of engineer and how should I say progress is ruined it absolutely ruined it

          • Jim Ferri says

            September 30, 2021 at 7:55 am

            Thank you Mitch. I always appreciate a front-row perspective!
            Jim

      • Julie says

        August 14, 2020 at 9:11 am

        My friend and I crossed Alligator Alley to visit Fort Lauderdale one year. I’ve lived in Tampa for 35 years and never ventured passed the Orlando theme parks. So as I neared my 18th birthday my friend decided it was time for a road trip. We saw to Alligators that day. One crossing the road which backed up traffic for about 15 minutes and another laying on the side of the road that a driver had hit. They were waiting for the authorities. Traffic was moving slowly around them. The trip home proved to be uneventful. It was a good time anyway because it was my first adventure out of the Tampa/Orlando area. I live in KS now off the Kansas River and so far I’ve come out of the house in the morning to find a deer and mama possum. The Lab likes to play with the wildlife but I keep him tethered for his own protection. The Ninja squirrel caused enough damage to warrant 14 stitches so we are extremely careful with the wildlife now.

        Reply
        • Jim Ferri says

          August 14, 2020 at 4:18 pm

          That’s very funny Julie. I never knew Kansas was such an adventurous state!

          Reply
          • Eric says

            October 1, 2021 at 12:43 am

            Kansas is prone to stereotypes and cliches like everywhere else. One of them is how flat it is. While obviously not home to mountain ranges, Eastern Kansas is far from flat. Florida is so much flatter than Eastern Kansas, yet I never hear anyone mention that ad naseum. Florida is like a huge airport runway. 😂 I love Florida, but it is probably the flattest state.

          • Jim Ferri says

            October 2, 2021 at 7:49 am

            Thank you Eric!

      • Arielle says

        August 11, 2021 at 9:16 am

        I grew up going up and down Alligator Alley and it being the favorite part of the drive from Tampa to Ft. Lauderdale. I saw alligators all the time. It may not be as luxurious for you, but it was a favorite stretch of Florida for my childhood! As a kid, of course I was in the back seat. If I fell asleep, my aunt’s or mom were waking me up to make sure I didn’t miss that part of the drive. Maybe not so many out there now, maybe you had to be in those years!

        Reply
        • Jim Ferri says

          August 13, 2021 at 11:02 am

          Thank you Arielle.

          Reply
      • Gary Reina says

        December 29, 2021 at 9:31 am

        Agree totally. Always see gators on the alley. Even at the boat ramp/rest stops. ALWAYS. I fish off those ramps and many a gator have chased my catch as I’m reeling in. Some I win some gators win.

        Reply
      • Larry Jones says

        April 6, 2022 at 1:45 am

        I agree 100% I driven across dozens of times and never have i not seen an alligator

        Reply
      • Terry says

        April 10, 2022 at 5:36 pm

        Sometimes you don’t see any in the first 4 or 5 miles. After that they are ALWAYS THERE. Maybe just my big truck vantage point too.

        Reply
      • Jg says

        May 4, 2022 at 5:12 pm

        Traveled that road in February and only saw one—thank God! Don’t like them, don’t understand the fascination with these vicious creatures and why we allow them so close to people (hello Disney World)!

        Reply
        • Jim Ferri says

          May 5, 2022 at 3:58 pm

          Thank you JG!

          Reply
    • George says

      September 29, 2021 at 1:56 pm

      Alligator Alley (Interstate 75) is fenced to protect wildlife. Gators climb (there are photos to attest to that), and occasionally one gets onto the pavement. Not long ago, woman driving there one night hit a large gator. She died.

      Reply
  2. Jim Ferri says

    June 12, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    I’m glad you enjoyed it Carla, and that it brought back good memories.

    Reply
  3. pat says

    June 16, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    Jim – this sounds really cool! Can we do this the next time we come visit?? We have alligators all around us here, but when I was little my family used to drive around down there and it would be a hoot to see it again as you describe it! Pat

    Reply
  4. Jim Ferri says

    June 16, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    Oh my God – you’re coming back????!!!!
    Of course, we’ll be glad to take you out there.

    Reply
    • jim== says

      August 3, 2015 at 3:32 pm

      hey …jimbo i wanna come see some gators?? aww man need a guide

      Reply
  5. Stan says

    July 31, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    What a neat place to visit! Although I’m not sure I would have the guts to go, I think many people would find Alligator Alley in Florida to be a fun place!

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      July 31, 2013 at 7:21 pm

      Thanks for the comment Stan. But I meant it’s not Alligator Alley but something much better!

      Reply
  6. Carole Hinshaw says

    August 29, 2015 at 10:48 am

    While in the area, a must see is Clyde Butcher’s gallery at Hwy 41 Tamiami Trail Mile Marker 54.5
    He’s the “Ansel Adams” of Florida.

    Reply
  7. lotte skinner says

    November 6, 2015 at 11:56 am

    it looks grate to go to i bet you had fun their

    Reply
  8. dave says

    December 3, 2015 at 7:58 pm

    can you find snakes their ? we are coming from nj to look for snakes, we need some help knowing where to look

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      December 4, 2015 at 6:53 am

      This area is part of the Big Cypress National Preserve. I’ve never seen snakes there although there are many throughout the preserve. I’m certain the park rangers can tell you where to go. Contact them through their site: http://www.nps.gov/bicy/

      Reply
  9. Wayne Frese says

    February 24, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    I have travelled through the original “Alligator Alley” and really enjoyed it. There were alligators everywhere and it was”look,but don’t touch”! The sight and sounds of birds were great also! The most dangerous animal of the environment is MAN.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      February 24, 2016 at 5:43 pm

      Glad you enjoyed it Wayne. It’s great, isn’t it?

      Reply
    • Lynda Hawke says

      July 14, 2019 at 10:44 am

      The first time I crossed Alligator Alley was over 60 years ago. It was NOT a highway. And there were alligators everywhere!

      Reply
  10. Jeremiah says

    May 30, 2016 at 12:06 am

    Jim,
    We travel to southwest fl every year over the new years. We spend 1 day travelling 41 to view all the gators and other wildlife. This year I saw a croc in the canal at mile marker 42; a few miles west of the souvenir store called Swamp Apes. I was stunned. I have lots of pics too.
    You ever see crocs that far north? Also, Panthers?
    Southern fl is the best.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      May 30, 2016 at 10:17 pm

      Hi Jeremiah,
      Are you referring to Rt 41 near Tampa? I’ve never seen alligators in that area (although I’ve never gone looking for them there). I have seen a lot up near the Kennedy Space Center. You really need to go to Loop road during the winter months when the water gets cool and they come out to sun themselves and warm up (the same as down on Loop Rd). I’ve never seen any panthers that, as you likely know, are an endangered species. There are only a few left, and, unfortunately, every year some get hit by cars.

      Reply
  11. Jeremiah says

    May 31, 2016 at 12:12 am

    Jim,
    We spend 1 day travelling Naples to Miami. We saw the croc in the canal just west of hwy 29 or just west of big cypress. Also, the souvenir shop I was referring to is Skunk Apes; not Swamp Apes. It’s also a campground.

    I speak with the owner there every year when we stop there and he showed me pics he took of a few panthers that passed thru his campground recently.

    I showed him the pics of the croc we saw a few miles west of his store and he closed his store down to witness it for himself. He came back with a few pics of his own and said “I’ve lived here my whole life and thought ive seen everything. I never thought I’d see a croc. Must be from the recent flooding.”

    Anyhow, I’d love to travel Loop Road. Where does it intersect 41? We will be back again the day after Christmas for 3 weeks. I will make that trip.

    Reply
  12. Mary says

    July 31, 2016 at 1:10 pm

    Is loop road the actual highway 41 or is it a rod off of 41?

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      August 1, 2016 at 9:27 am

      Hi Mary, It’s a road off Hwy 41. It loops around and parallels 41. Go to Google Maps and google “15 Loop Road Big Cypress National Preserve, Ochopee, FL 34141” and it will show you where it begins on its eastern end. (My apologies to whomever — if anyone — lives at #15. It just happened to be where I clicked on the map). If you have problems finding it let me know.

      Reply
  13. Laurel mortise says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:55 am

    Totes Funny

    Reply
  14. Neliza Drew says

    March 26, 2017 at 9:06 am

    I always see alligators when driving I-75, but I’m the family wildlife spotter in general. Last time we drove across, I saw a rosette spoonbill, which was cool because they’re usually hard to spot outside the Eco Pond area of Everglades Natl Park.

    Loop Road is great and I can hardly wait to get back out there and hike some of the trails off it.

    Gotta add, though, that I’m it’s safe to stand within a few feet of alligators as long as you’re not threatening them. Just don’t stoop or sit because that’s when you start to look more like possible prey. In winter, especially, they line the tram trail at Shark Valley (ENP) and it’s safe for hikers and bikers to stop and take pictures.

    And while gators are cool, my absolute favorite thing out in the everglades is the Wood Stork.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      March 26, 2017 at 10:13 pm

      Drew,

      This is great info! Tahnks!

      Reply
    • Biff From Yeehaw Junction says

      June 14, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      Want to see Roseate spoonbills? Come on over the the Tampa Bay area. I see them in St. Pete all of the time.

      Reply
  15. Adam says

    April 4, 2017 at 6:44 pm

    Hey Jim!
    I will be in South Florida next week
    Is this a good time of year to take a trek down loop road to see some alligators!?
    Thanks from a northern neighbor

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      April 5, 2017 at 11:31 am

      Hi Adam,
      I’m not an alligator expert but I know that when the weather is cool the water cools down and the gators come out to warm themselves. When the weather get hot they go into the water to cool themselves. This is the iffy month since the weather has already turned hot in South Florida but the water may not have warmed yet.
      My answer: I don’t know. But you’ll certainly see some (even if only inn the water) at the little bridge crossings — just look carefully. And be careful and don’t get anywhere near them. They are extremely fast and 20 feet from a dead stop in seconds.
      Have fun!

      Reply
  16. Debby says

    April 25, 2017 at 12:09 am

    Hi Jim, really enjoyed your article. Is Loop Road near Monroe Station? We were there many years ago when the restaurant was open, such a cool place. We went into a bush camp not far from there.
    There were a few gators that day in a quarry. We enjoyed that experience immensely.. Our friend and guide took us into a bush camp well hidden under the moss covered trees. I was kind of worried about snakes but we didnt see any. A trip to Florida is the best when you have someone who knows the area that can show you its hidden
    treasures..

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      April 25, 2017 at 7:15 am

      Hi Debby,
      I’m glad you enjoyed it. Monroe Station is at the intersection of Loop Road and I-75. I just looked it up and, unfortunately, found that Monroe Station burned down last year. What a loss!
      Jim

      Reply
  17. Kathie Jacobs says

    June 24, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    Dear Jim, I’ll be in the area on September 25, 2017. Do you think we can get across the loop road then? I’ve driven Hwy 75 about 40 years ago, or what was called Alligator Alley back then and saw all kinds of wildlife. I’m afraid modern day traffic will hamper that. Any suggestions are welcomed!

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      June 24, 2017 at 3:44 pm

      Hi Kathie,
      You can get across Loop Road anytime of year, although its difficult in the rainy season (the summer months). You should be fine. You wll have to drive on 75 to get there though.
      Jim

      Reply
  18. Eric ISAAC says

    May 12, 2018 at 7:56 pm

    Can you give little bit more detailed information about Cyprus National Preserve? Cheers

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      May 15, 2018 at 8:33 am

      Hi Eric,
      You can get good info on the Big Cyprus National Preserve at these two places: South Florida Parks and National Parks Service. Hope this helps.

      Reply
  19. John Cisler says

    July 8, 2018 at 3:04 pm

    there meat is great to eat, YUMMY

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      July 8, 2018 at 5:37 pm

      Hi John,

      I’ve tried it but never quite developed a taste for it. Maybe I got a bad piece.

      Reply
  20. Jim says

    December 26, 2018 at 3:27 pm

    Jim
    Thank you for posting this information about loop rd we just moved to south Florida earlier this year and had family in town for the holidays and wanted to see some gators and thanks to your post we were able to do just that today!!! We saw 26 different gators on the loop ride and saw another 24 near mile marker 67 on highway 41 going west from the loop road. Thank you again. If anyone reads this post it’s definitely worth your time

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      December 28, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      Hi Jim,
      This is the best time of year to see many gators since they come out of the cool “winter” waters to sun themselves. Glad I was of help.

      Reply
  21. Pauline says

    March 9, 2019 at 12:12 pm

    We went down alligator alley years ago and did see many alligators laying about the water beside the road. We also saw different birds all sitting in the moss covered branches or on the ground or on the waterline. Egrets, spoonbills, heron and vultures. It was very incredible. I love photography and got some great photos. We usually went in February or March. Would not recommend coming or going at night. It began to rain on the way back and was dark and that part of the trip was not fun. Also saw a sign warning of black panthers if you were to break down to stay in your vehicle. During the day, with caution and respect for the wildlife and luck on your side you may be able to see all we saw. It was great.

    Reply
  22. Dave says

    July 27, 2019 at 7:59 am

    You will ALWAYS see gators on the alley. If you’re lucky at dusk or dawn you can see a Florida panther too.

    Reply
  23. Robyn says

    August 2, 2019 at 11:39 pm

    Thanks , this is great , we will be visiting from Australia next year and would love to do this drive.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      August 6, 2019 at 11:21 am

      Just don’t get too close to the gators Robyn!

      Reply
  24. youjizz says

    November 6, 2019 at 2:00 pm

    Shark Valley, the northern entrance to Everglades national park, is on the Tamiami Trail. The visitor centre offers exhibits and programmes and a 15-mile loop road leads to a t observation tower. The tower offers the park’s best panorama of the Everglades, as well as excellent opportunities to watch alligators, turtles, wading birds and possibly snail kites. The loop itself is a leisurely two-hour bike ride, best in early morning when deer are grazing in the marsh and otters are playing in the water.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      November 6, 2019 at 3:45 pm

      Thanks for this info. I’ve passed Shark Valley several times but never took the road. This is something I’d like to see.

      Reply
  25. David Evans says

    September 6, 2020 at 10:10 am

    Jim, this was an amazing read. I’m younger and don’t read stuff like this often let alone comment. Thank you for your time and experience.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      September 7, 2020 at 8:18 am

      I’m glad you enjoyed it David!
      Jim

      Reply
  26. Cecilia Gonzalez says

    October 4, 2020 at 6:38 pm

    We’ve been taking the Alley for years and every trip we see gators. They are always out and about sunning, swimming, or jsut floating. As for other wildlife, you see deer and hawks a lot. Kingfishers tend to hang out on the phone wires. Also Eagles and Ospreys. It can be a boring ride but there are animals there. We also tend to travel the Alley year round, usually on weekends and there are always gators. I’ve seen a crocodile every so often and once I even got the pleasure of seeing a black bear (but that’s rare). Also, I saw you mention in another comment, the road to Cape Canaveral, I agree its a nice gator spot. But if your in the area definetly do the Black Point Wildlife Drive, no rails and you will see gators (and otters, you can see them play around sometimes). Its a slow event but worth it. I hope you see a gator on the Alley one day or atl east a deer!

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      October 5, 2020 at 7:29 am

      Thank you Cecilia. One day I will try to take the Black Point Wildlife Drive.

      Reply
  27. Anita Feltz says

    December 3, 2020 at 10:22 pm

    When I was a teenager, alligator alley was 2 lanes , you’d have to stop as gators would cross the road , or lay sleeping on it. Wasnt overly safe esp if road was flooded over ,
    Then many many years later as a truck driver I had to go across alligator alley and it was 4 lanes, built up and a toll road .
    Still seen gators .absolutely Beautiful

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      December 4, 2020 at 6:54 am

      That must have been wild with gators on a two-lane road. Truck drivers can see so many things the rest of us can’t.

      Reply
  28. Ruth Kealey says

    December 7, 2020 at 11:58 pm

    Hi Jim
    The first time we crossed the alley I didn’t see not even one gator I wanted to so bad. Went to Fort Meyer’s. Now on the way back I couldn’t believe my eyes I saw millions sun bathing it was unbelievable. Like you said all in the time of Day and time of year I think it was in December. Thanks for all your Info. 🐊

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      December 8, 2020 at 9:04 am

      When the water cools down in the winter they come out to warm themselves. Glad you got to see them!

      Reply
  29. Blanca says

    March 30, 2021 at 6:02 pm

    I was there with my nieces and nephew. I took the Tamiami Trail all the way til the end. I figured I live close by so I took advantage. There you will see the square houses in the Miscosukee area and mostly all high vehicles either pick up or Jeep. They’re alots of alligators as you describe. My purpose of going there was to see in Indian Tribes. After seeing the alligators we went by a school and there was one gentlemen dress with his attire. It was a beautiful scenery all the way. So you will know they also have a nice Hotel and Gambling Area. In the Gambling Area the dinner is very affordable and delicious. The only bad thing and thats is if you dont smoke you will smell cigarettes all the time in the casino. They also have and area further out with craft works by the Indians.

    Reply
    • Carolyn Mobley says

      April 11, 2021 at 12:57 pm

      Immokalee. Seminole Casino and Hotel…about 30 min from Naples. What a great weekend getaway, we used to do this every couple of months when we lived in Golden Gate Estates, Naples.
      LOTS of gators, too…basking, piling on top of one another, crossing the road without a care in the world!

      It’s very cool the first time you see them…like when we first moved to Fla from Baltimore.

      Reply
      • Jim Ferri says

        April 12, 2021 at 7:53 am

        Hi Carolyn, Yes it is very cool the first time you see gators in their natural habitat. I remember almost being mesmerized by them.

        Reply
  30. David worthy says

    October 10, 2021 at 1:13 am

    Want to see alligators. Go to Myakka River State Park. You won’t be disappointed

    Reply
  31. DERRELL Reagan says

    October 10, 2021 at 1:57 pm

    Hi jim , My name is Derrell Reagan and im 86 years old and born and raised in Miami. Although i dont live in Fla. Anymore , i could tell you a good story about loop road. Back in the early 70’s there was a man that was probaby the most famous man that posched gatars for years and the law could never catch him.Its real and i road with him one night and its an experience that i will never forget . If your interested let me know.

    Reply
  32. Cynthia Asher says

    December 14, 2021 at 7:39 pm

    Don’t need to go to Alligator Alley, we have some right off the golf course. One we have named Tripod, he only has 3 feet, thanks to a fight he got into years ago. We try to keep safe distances from these animals, and alert anyone in the area that there are gators near by.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      December 17, 2021 at 9:02 am

      Thank you Cynthia!
      Jim

      Reply
  33. Edward Lender says

    December 15, 2021 at 8:44 am

    The man must have been SLEEPING in the back seat. Because they are everywhere. Open you eyes.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      December 17, 2021 at 9:00 am

      Hi Edward,
      There are some there, of course, but nothing like you’ll see in the cooler months on Loop Road.
      Jim

      Reply
      • Susie says

        December 20, 2021 at 6:17 pm

        Great story, Jim. I was born and raised in Miami. There is so much more wildlife than people imagine, not just the gators although they are quite the dinosaurs of our time. The combo of flamingos and American crocodiles in the Redland mangroves of Homestead near the Florida Power & Light Plant will make you wonder how they get along. Just don’t travel in canoes like my sister does. It can make you a little nervous.

        Reply
        • Jim Ferri says

          December 21, 2021 at 8:40 am

          Thanks Susie,
          Yes, I’ve seen some crocodiles out in that area also. No way would I do it in a canoe, however.
          Jim

          Reply
  34. James Bobo says

    January 9, 2022 at 8:58 am

    I am a Miami native and I am bit confused. In the sixties, long before I-75 was built, we travelled Alligator Alley to loop road occasionally. “Old Alligator Alley” was always SR-41. Tamiami trail, aka Calle Ocho (5th st.) after 1980.

    Many come to Miami now on 75, but that is not the same road as Tamiami Trail that connects Naples and Miami. Loop road IS directly off Alligator Alley, the only Alligator Alley I’VE ever heard of until I read your article.

    Another great place to see alligators is “Shark valley” a park with an observation tower that goes deep into the open everglades. Besides this road thing, I found your article very informative.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      January 10, 2022 at 12:57 pm

      Hi James,
      Thanks for your comment. Yes, the roads there can be a bit confusing , which is why I added the map (I was getting a lot of inquiries asking how to get there). And I’m glad you mentioned Shark Valley, which I’ve wanted to explore for some time.
      Jim

      Reply
  35. Gary Stinnett says

    April 19, 2022 at 4:19 pm

    Back in the early seventies Alligator Alley was just a two-lane Road ( before Interstate 75 was built) at night you could not see the alligators in the road and would hit them. I have crossed Alligator Alley the two-lane road many times and Gators would be all over the road and on sides of the road. Today you might see a few here and there but that’s about it.

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      April 25, 2022 at 6:31 pm

      Gary, Thanks for your input.
      Jim

      Reply
  36. MaxS says

    May 25, 2022 at 9:42 pm

    This sounds like a great adventure! Is there a way to verify when Loop Road has been re-leveled after hurricane season?

    Reply
    • Jim Ferri says

      May 29, 2022 at 3:55 pm

      Hi Max,
      It is quite an adventure. I’d think, however, that the date for leveling the road differs every year since some storms come late. Best thing to do is check with the National Park Service at Everglades National Park.
      Jim

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Motorcycles Ride Through Florida's "Alligator Alley" says:
    March 15, 2017 at 1:22 pm

    […] that runs parallel to Route 75, off Tamiami Trail.  According to this article, it is the “real alligator alley.” Apparently, it is the road to the south, that connected Miami Florida with Florida’s Gulf […]

    Reply

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