Alaska
The untamed last frontier. While visiting Denali National Park is on many traveler's bucket list, and while it's well worth the trip there's no reason to stop there. Alaska is chock full of hiking, backpacking, packrafting, kayaking, rafting and more. It's truly difficult to put into words the scale and magnificence of an untamed Alaskan landscape -- you'll just have to see for yourself.
Top Spots in and near Alaska
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Anchorage, Alaska
Hike the Crow Pass National Historic Trail
4.022.6 mi / 3100 ft gainStarting at an elevation of 600 feet from the Eagle River Nature Center, the trail runs through the Eagle River Valley and climbs over Crow Pass to Girdwood.The trail follows the river for almost 12 miles before requiring a ford. Fords can be very dangerous and it is very important to understand ...Read more -
Healy, Alaska
Climb Divide Mountain
6 mi / 2600 ft gainThe best time of year to do this is when the weather is cold and the river is low. I have had the best luck in late spring and early fall. If it's raining or really hot this hike won't be doable because the river will be impassable without a pack raft or a high skill level of river crossings. Sta...Read more -
Anchorage, Alaska
Hike to Rabbit Lake & McHugh Peak
4.55 mi / 200 ft gainRabbit lake and McHugh peak easy way in trail starts at Canyon Road off DeArmoun. This road is still not completely paved and I recommend you drive slow. You must arrived early to obtain parking spots on the weekends otherwise you'll be fine. Parking is free. The change of elevation is minimum ye...Read more -
Healy, Alaska
Climb Sheep Ridge in Denali
3 mi / 1500 ft gainFrom the Toklat contact station walk east back across the bridge (crossing the river) and drop down onto the river bar heading north. Walk for about 75 yards north hugging the cliffs on the right. Eventually you will reach an area where the tundra comes all the way down to the river bar. This is ...Read more -
Anchorage, Alaska
Hike the Twin Peaks Trail
5.02.6 mi / 1800 ft gainThe lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains that host a variety of interesting wildlife. If you look closely, it is not uncommon to see a Dall's sheep or two on the mountain side. At the western edge of the lake, you will find the parking lot and trailhead. There are picnic tables and a bathh...Read more -
Seward, Alaska
Climb Mount Alice
5.03 mi / 5265 ft gainThis hike starts at 0 feet elevation on the side of Resurrection Bay opposite of Seward. Travelling south from Anchorage, take a left turn onto Nash Road a couple of miles before getting into Seward itself. Follow Nash Road for a few miles, past campgrounds, etc. About a mile before reaching the ...Read more -
Healy, Alaska
Camp at Wonder Lake
Sitting at mile 85 of the 92 mile park road through Denali National Park, Wonder Lake Campground is an oasis in the wilderness. Wonder Lake is also the the closest you can get to Denali. (Note: You may see the big mountain called Mt. McKinley on maps, but everyone in Alaska calls it Denali.) Pr...Read more -
Palmer, Alaska
Hike to Alaska's Mint Hut
5.09 mi / 2500 ft gainStart your adventure by driving 1.5 hours north of Anchorage to the Gold Mint Trailhead about 20 mins away from the town of Palmer. Pay for parking, there is a day fee and a camping (choose either depending on your ambitions). This trail can be broken down in four (unequal) sections. The easy s...Read more -
Anchorage, Alaska
Watch the Sunset at Point Woronzof Park
5.0If you are visiting Anchorage, and you don't have time to get away from the city, the Point Woronzof Park offers some excellent views of Mt. Susitna, the Cook Inlet, and the Anchorage skyline in the distance. The park is located just outside the north end of the Ted Stevens airport. Not only can ...Read more -
Anchorage, Alaska
Hike Mt. Baldy in Chugach State Park
4.83 mi / 550 ft gainNestled in the mountains behind Eagle River, AK is Mt. Baldy. The hike to the top is an excellent choice if your time in Alaska is limited. The trailhead begins at the end of a spacious parking lot, which also offers some impressive views if any members of you party cannot make the climb. The tra...Read more -
Whittier, Alaska
Kayak Across Alaska's Prince William Sound
5.0The hundred mile paddle across PWS is a right of passage for Alaska kayakers. Like most big adventures in AK, it’s a daunting proposition to launch into what locals refer to as both beautiful and terrifying. Sometimes in the same sentence. At it’s best, you can paddle in a t-shirt and shorts, sto...Read more -
Palmer, Alaska
Hike the Gold Mint Trail
16 miHiking through this valley really shows off the amazing landscape of Alaska.The trailhead starts at mile 13.7 on Hatcher Pass Rd. There is a big parking lot ($5 for a day pass). The trail has mile markers for the first 5 miles and is fairly well groomed, although you do have to do a little bushwh...Read more -
Anchorage, Alaska
Explore the Knik Arm's Ice Fields
3.50.5 miAlaska's Knik Arm has an impressive tide. When out, the mudflats appear, and in the winter, massive, beautiful pieces of ice are left behind. The ice fields provide a great place for an easily accessible adventure. The ice chunks, coupled with the amazing views of the mountains to the east and th...Read more -
Chitina, Alaska
Hike to Kennecott's Ice Caves
4.04 mi / 500 ft gainDisclaimer: We do not recommend entering the caves as the ice can become unstable, especially in the warmer months.If you are in Kennicott and have the physical ability to get to these caves, make this the top of your priority list.You'll walk down the path heading north out of the town towards t...Read more -
Anchorage, Alaska
Camp at Chugach State Park
3 miAll trails start from the Eagle River Nature Center, located in the Chugach Forest. There are many different trails and loops (from less than a mile to 25 miles), so no matter your experience, there is a good trail for you. A trail map of the area is available here.There are cabins located about ...Read more -
Healy, Alaska
Hike the Eielson Alpine Trail, Denali NP
2 mi / 1000 ft gainTo get to this trailhead, you are going to have to take the Denali Park shuttle bus to the Eielson Visitor Center. The shuttle system is great, but it's also the only way you're going into the park in the summer months. Once you're on the bus, you can get out at any point, go for a hike, and catc...Read more
