Travel2Alaska

Alaska is full of outdoor adventures; Alaska hiking offers breathtaking views, and a chance to see Alaska in its natural form. From the towering peaks of central Alaska to the glaciers along the Gulf of Alaska. With over 1400 miles from north to south to over 2300 miles from west to east, Alaska hiking has some of the most incredible scenery to be found in the United States. In order to enjoy all Alaska has to offer, visitors should get out and experience it for themselves. Alaska has amazing trail systems for all abilities – from accessible nature paths to mountain hikes that are physically challenging. There are plenty of trails for hikers of all skill levels. Alaska hiking can vary from short, guided hikes to rugged, backcountry treks - catering to both novices and experts.

Anchorage hiking
The Anchorage area offers over a 100 miles of paved, multi-use trails and over a 150 miles of wilderness trails, perfect for mountain biking, hiking and skiing. South-central Alaska has the most developed hiking trails in Alaska, with Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park the most popular hiking areas. With wonderful views right from the Chugach Mountains in Anchorage, getting out and experiencing Alaska’s backcountry with a day hike is easy and highly recommended. We offer a great day hike from Anchorage where you will experience the awe-inspiring backcountry trails of the Chugach Range. This is an easy hike up to nine miles roundtrip with a maximum altitude gain of 1200 feet.

Seward hiking
Glaciers are the high point of many Alaskan hikers. Exit Glacier, the only road-accessible area in Kenai Fjords National Park, is one of the 35 glaciers that flow off the 500-square mile Harding Icefield. The glacier is approximately three miles long. Exit Glacier offers a wonderful Alaska hike, with three shorter trails for day hiking near the face of Exit Glacier. Ranging from 0.5-1 mile long, with interpretive displays along the trail. There is a seasonal ranger station near the trail head for additional information on the area. Harding icefield offers the more experienced hiker a four mile one-way trip, with great views and wonderful wildlife.

Denali National Park hiking
Famous for wildlife viewing, Denali National Park offers ample Alaska hiking experiences. We are pleased to offer a popular Denali Park Hiking trip just outside the Park entrance, and many people visiting Denali National Park sample the backcountry. Try Heli Hiking, where you are dropped off after a 50 minute helicopter flight in the Alaska wilderness. There you and your guide will spend a few hours interpreting the flora and fauna of the area and possibly view wildlife in its natural habitat. Or try Alaska hiking unguided were you can explore alpine mountains, swift rivers, wildflowers, and wildlife. There are literally hundreds of cross-country hiking possibilities in the park’s backcountry. A few shorter trails exist in the front country near the park entrance. Horseshoe Lake is a day hike to an oxbow lake, a beaver dam and lodge near the Nenana River, an easy hike of 0.7 mile one-way. For a more challenging Alaska hike try the Rock Creek Trail, 2.3 miles one way. Maps and other information on hiking in the Denali backcountry is available at the Denali Visitors Center located right inside the park entrance. For a great hike to the south in Denali State Park be sure to check out our Denali Wilderness Hike.

For additional information on hiking trails, please refer to the following website http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/aktrails/atstrans.htm which offers a wide variety of options from unguided to guided tours.