best mountains to hike in alaska

To learn more about the hike, check out our detailed guide to Root Glacier Trail, which includes some guides you can hire if you dont want to walk on the glacier by yourself. Flattop (Anchorage) Mileage: 3.3 miles (5.3km) Elevation: 1,430 feet (436m) Difficulty: Moderate/Hard. Hiking poles would be helpful here! But had the conditions been right, we would have and we know it wouldve been epic!The day we did this hike started out super foggy. Its very common for hikes in Alaska to have zero cell phone service and sometimes the trails can be confusing. All that said, the hard work pays off. We even went on a midnight hike once! Chilkoot Trail, Skagway TOP CHOICE FOR MULTI-DAY BACKPACKING TRIPS A chance to hike through history Opportunity to meet other hikers from around the world Diverse terrain will challenge and inspire you A limited number of permits per day Weather can be challenging and unpredictable Youll be able to see the Kennecott area of the park from above, mining ruins tucked into the mountainside, a waterfall, and so many uniquely shaped peaks.And the Bonanza Mine at the end is the cherry on top! This mellow 11-mile hike begins at Potter Trailhead (Mile 115). The trail that the runners use is open to hikers all year round and provides fantastic views of the town of Seward and the Kenai Fjords beyond. If you plan to hike in the cold, hot hands are so helpful! Along the way you can see signs, which tell you the year that the Exit Glacier terminated that point. It is an understatement to say that Alaska has good hiking trails! Im sorry to break it to you, but the trails near the entrance are too far from Denali to give you good views of it. : NoReviews & Current ConditionsWant to feel like youre on another planet? Youll be able to see waterfalls and other glaciers tucked into the mountains.After a short hike, youll make it to a beach along Portage Lake, with Portage Glacier right in front of you! We have the Bushnell H20 Roof Prism binoculars and we love them! : YesReviews & Current ConditionsThe Palmer Creek Lakes Trail is a hidden gem! Located at the front of the park, its super easy to get to!And while it is one of the longer options and a bit steep, the stats on AllTrails are a bit deceiving, as those numbers go to the actual Mount Healy summit, which is past the Mount Healy Overlook. Hungry Point Trail. And at the top there is an American flag, which was whipping in the crazy wind for us. Venture up north to the last frontier, and itll reward you with picturesque panoramic views, wildlife sightings, and unforgettable hiking adventures. Small or large, you cant help but stare in awe at the creatures and Ready to celebrate your 50th birthday in style? We are breaking down the hikes by area and you can use the map above to get a better idea of where they are located in comparison to each other. The city also boasts more than 200 municipal parks and 120-plus . More recently, the US military ran communications lines from Unalaska all the way to Seattle, and youll see remnants of them in eroded spots. Distance: 21 miles Elevation gain: 3500 ft. These are what I consider to be the best hikes in Alaska for first-timers visiting my home state, and will show off the beauty of this special place. But this hike is proof that you dont always have to hike many miles for an amazing payoff! Susan R. Serna / Shutterstock. Near mile 14 of Hatcher Pass Rd, a road to Archangel Valley splits off from FishhookWillow Rd and leads to the Reed Lakes trailhead, a wide road. But this hike is also incredible! The hike doesnt have a ton of views along the way (we did see lots of fireweed and wildflowers though! It felt like we were in Iceland at some points!The trail is overall easy to follow and has a mix of dirty and rocky terrain. Your email address will not be published. It is an incredibly scenic drive, with a handful of viewpoints and sights along the way. After a quick elevation drop near the trailhead, youll find yourself submerged in the water-side tranquility. But for others, we only documented our experience on YouTube, so we will go a bit more in depth on those ones in this post.Disclaimer: We are writing about our experience on these trails from the summer of 2022. This means youll go uphill back to the overlook and then have a steep downhill hike back to the trailhead. Plan on seven to 10 hours for the round-trip to Lost Lake, and bring a camp stove, as wood is hard to come by. And when the sun hits it, it gets even bluer (if that was even possible). Byron Glacier Trail, Anchorage. Image credit Jacob Boomsma via Shutterstock. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. With leafy forests, icy glaciers and dry deserts, its a delight, Summer is here and we all want to get out and explore, but time and money can put a damper on all those holiday dream plans. : YesReviews & Current ConditionsDont underestimate this hike. Incredible!! To reach Perseverance Trail, head north out of town on Basin Rd, a dirt road that curves away from the city into the mountains as it follows Gold Creek. We started at 6am and no one else was on the trail the entire time until we were on our way back & even then, we were only 2 miles from finishing. Unconventional Paths: Stories of Stanford Medicine faculty, researchers and physicians whose journeys into medicine followed nontraditional routes. : Yes, but with the mud, wed suggest leaving them behind.Reviews & Current ConditionsThe Emerald Cove Trail is a very different hike than anything we did in Alaska. Weve narrowed the list down to the top seven best hiking trails in Alaska that you wont want to miss. The trailhead is at the roads end, at the parking lot forLast Chance Mining Museum. Although it starts in the trees, you quickly emerge from them and for the rest of the hike have sweeping views. On the southeast side of Unalaska, this pleasant hike is 2.2 miles one-way along an ancient portage route. But for hikes in Alaska, we have a few items we really want to stress bringing with you. Visitors have reported it is moderate in difficulty to the second saddle, after which becomes more difficult due to a series scrambles to the summit. Learn more about what to expect on the Horseshoe Lake Trail in this detailed trail guide. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Alaska is. Mount Tammany is the #1 hike in New Jersey on @All, The Pine Barrens encompass about 1.1 million acres, We hopped onto a ferry from Delaware to our 46th s, When one of your brothers books a birthday trip to, Next up on our final states road trip: Delaware! So we are including it anyway!We wouldnt say put this one at the top of your list, but wanted to include it as an option to consider. To learn more about this hike and what to expect along the way, check out our guide to hiking the Reed Lakes Trail. Teton Range Getty Images Picturesque Grand Teton National Park protects the stunning Teton Range, part of the larger Rocky Mountains, which cover 3,000 miles across North America, from British. ), or an accessible trail, we have rounded up a few of the best hiking adventures that do not take much time or effort, but hold nothing back when it comes to scenic vistas. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! And the lakes at the end are amazing! Leki Black Series FX Carbon. Moderate to challenging in difficulty, there are many steep climbs throughout. The path traverses the cottonwood forest to the Glacier View, a viewpoint where sprawling views of Exit Glacier and the valley open up before your eyes. Whittier is a small town located about 1 hour and 15 minutes southeast of Anchorage, Alaska, along the Passage Canal. The amount of wildlife youll see is unbelievable. : NoReviews & Current ConditionsThe Savage Alpine Trail was our favorite hike in Denali National Park! Going to the overlook is a great ending point though! For some hikes, we have detailed guides that we will link to which provides a lot more information on the hike. High cliffs flank the trail on both sides and even a chance to spot Dall sheep on the slopes; theres a picturesque stream and gorgeous wildflowers to enjoy, too. And we agree!There are so many trails you could hike on the Kenai Peninsula and we were lucky to experience a handful! The views are incredible! To read more about our experience and how to do this hike as both a day hike and backpacking trip, check out our detailed guide! The path is well marked, and has interpretive signs along the way. Once you reach the exit you will either cross the Eklutna River bridge (southbound) or pass Thunderbird Heights subdivision (northbound). Quite the opposite. Start here. Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. Directions Mountain Biking Difficulty Length Suitability More filters Top trails ( 104) Easy 4.6 (842) #1 - Tony Knowles Coastal Path With over 1,000 feet of elevation gain per mile, your legs will be burning, but at the top, youll get an unreal view of Seward and Resurrection Bay. Perfect. Karen is our Operations Manager. We cannot speak to how these trails are outside of that timeframe or what their current conditions are, so make sure to read current reviews. Exit Glacier Trail. AllTrails has 860 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, backpacking trips and more. The beginning may seem scary it starts off on a pretty decent incline, but youll be walking uphill for the first tenth of a mile only. But whats the deal with this chilly destination? Youll be climbing over 1,000 feet to a view of the largest existing icefield that is completely located in the United States. If you want to go for the longer hike make sure to bring enough water and snacks. The trail was very rocky, slick, and narrow, with some drop offs. The historic Chilkoot Trail traces a former trade route from Alaska to Lake Bennett, British Columbia, used during the Klondike Gold Rush. It's not my favorite because of how busy the trail can be but it's definitely one of the easiest ways to get amazing views of the city of Anchorage. Shuttles leave at 8am. Miles (roundtrip): 3.8Elevation gain: 479 feetDog friendly? But for us, we had some good laughs as we got stuck in mud (Adam even had his Chaco ripped off!). These mainly summer months will offer the longest days, the clearest weather, the safest trail conditions, and the most opportunities to view Alaskas diverse and unique wildlife. We're sharing 24 hikes in Alaska, which have epic mountain views, glaciers, gorgeous lakes, and more! Before starting the trail, all hikers must call in at theTrail Centerin Skagway to obtain backpacking permits (adult/child $55/27.45), check out trail conditions and watch a bear safety video. Well marked, generally smooth, and with only a gradual elevation gain and loss, this is a fantastic option for those looking to make their first Alaskan backpacking trip. Travel Stories USA Alaska Find your footing in the Last Frontier with these top hikes in Alaska Save Lonely Planet Editors Sep 24, 2021 11 min read If you are craving a hike in Alaska and aren't sure where to start, here are our fourteen favorites Getty Images/Mint Images RF All thats left is to grab your hiking boots and decide which trail will be your first adventure. Ascend the 1. Only experienced glacier-travelers should head onto the ice-field proper. Chilkoot Trail gives hikers several reasons to get excited. On clear days, even Denali (formerly Mt. Below are the 24 epic hikes to consider for your next trip to Alaska! Local officials and private landowners work in partnership to provide public access to this area. We have been lucky enough to hike some epic trails all across North America. Many say its their favorite spot in this area of Alaska. Anchorage's breathtaking natural beauty, with majestic mountains and icy coastal views, provides a unique backdrop for learning and exploration.The bustling city's thriving arts scene, diverse cultural events, and numerous recreational opportunities are sure to provide a well-rounded college experience. And of course, you need a backpack to put all of these items in! You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. This hike takes you to various viewpoints of the Exit Glacier, which is rapidly shrinking, receding more than 2,300 feet since 2004. The first leg of the journey goes through the forests, making you feel like youre in the jungle, but it isnt long before you emerge above the tree line and get fantastic views of the valley and mountains behind you. To see everything we take hiking, check out our hiking gear as well as our guide about how to make a 10 essentials kit. . The route follows the path of the Indian River, which carves its way through a lush Alaskan rainforest, which is as wild and untamed as you can imagine. Together the routes can be combined into a rugged 10-hour walk for hardy hikers or an overnight excursion into the mountains surrounding Alaskas capital city. My Alaska ebook bundle will help you plan an unforgettable Alaska trip, with tips on what to do in Alaska (including on a cruise), where to go, and the best Alaska itineraries. The alpine sections of the ridge are serene, and on a clear summer day, youll have outstanding views. | AllTrails. If you get in an emergency youll need a satellite communicator. According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Alaska is Resurrection Pass Trail. Located near the tiny, authentic Alaskan town of Hope, it features a small pond, two beautiful blue lakes, a waterfall, river, and of course, many mountains.Getting to this hike requires going down the unpaved Palmer Creek Road, which would be fine for any vehicle. Distance: 9 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 3800 ft. Usually fairly well maintained for trails around here, a good place to run dogs or get a peek at the muskeg. To the point where most people would not enjoy it. While things can vary year to year, if a hike is still too snowy in mid June one year, it likely will be another year as well. Take caution, don't get too close to the animals, and give them a wide berth when hiking. The trail is only 1.5 miles in length one-way, so it isn't exceptionally long. Its better, however, to walk the gently climbing old road up a valley and past several abandoned mining operations to the head of the creek. The uphill climb is pretty steep until you get completely out of the woods. If you are hiking a trail that is fully exposed, requires a river crossing, or has sketchy drop offs, you may not want to do this on a rainy day.We did all of these hikes in Alaska between June-August 2022 and the weather varied a lot for us. (Dam puns highly recommended: DAMN, wood you look at that beaver dam! ), Distance: 2 miles Elevation gain: 308 ft. For instance, not only is it an excellent option for day hikers looking to access some of Alaska's best backcountry, but its 33-mile length makes it an excellent choice for backpackers too. Its a two- to three-day hike through superb mountain scenery to Girdwood (where it's known as the Crow Pass Trail) and is the regions best backpack adventure. A relatively easy hike along most of its length, the trail gets a bit more challenging along the upper sections, which require some climbing to reach the top of the Kenai River Canyon. There are a couple of lookouts before you get to the waterfall, so, if you have binoculars, bring them. Unlike other hiking trails in Alaska, pups arent allowed on Mount Healy Overlook (or any other hiking trails in Denali). The continuous trail is broken only by the Sterling Hwy and provides a wonderful wilderness adventure through streams, rivers, lakes, wooded lowlands and alpine areas. Before jumping into the list, I wanted to spend just a moment on a few tips I have for hiking in Alaska. February: Mount Healy Overlook, Denali National Park, Alaska In the darkness, he thought he was on Long's Peak in the Rockies, a familiar climb for the 20 . Of course, hiking in Alaska doesnt stop once the winter snows come; youll just have to navigate the Exit Glacier road closures without cars. Looking for the best hikes in Alaska? But you bet well be conquering it next time!If you cant tell by the stats, this may be the hardest hike on this entire list. August: Angel Rocks Trail, Fairbanks, Alaska But with so much choice, where are you even supposed to begin? Trail starts straight off with a hill. There are meadows filled with wildflowers in the spring and summer, vibrant green hills and valleys, and dense forests of cottonwood, alder, and willow trees. We use AllTrails+ for all of our hikes and it has helped us not get lost many times! While we only saw one bear on a trail during our time in Alaska, it gave us great peace of mind to know we had some sort of protection. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Rangers will turn away unprepared hikers. Instead, youre able to explore freely and choose your own adventure!This may seem daunting, so we suggest viewing this AllTrails route, which is an area with a matted down path that is easy to explore. We went into this hike thinking it would be kind of lame compared to others, since its right by the city. Similar to Kenai Fjords, it is free to visit, but unlike the other national parks, this one DOES allow dogs! Bring water and snacks for the humans in your party - not the wildlife. While on the higher trail youll get to cross two different waterfalls! Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. A good family outing with a variety of things to do for the whole family. From a simple, short hike on the wheelchair-accessible Mountain Vista Trail in Denali National Park to the most-climbed Alaskan peak, the Glen Alps Trailhead at the base of Flattop Mountain, beginners and experts alike fall in love with Alaskan treks. Extending a short and sweet 2.1 miles, this trail is easily completed in an hour and feels more like a casual walk along the river. Once getting through the gate, the first part will take you along a service road, before hitting the actual trail. To learn more about the Portage Pass Trail, including how to get to the trail, the different sections, and more, check out our Portage Pass Trail guide. And one of the most popular hikes to do in the park is the hike to the Grewingk Glacier!To get to Kachemak Bay State Park, youll have to take a water taxi from Homer. The southern trailhead is at Mile 8 of Exit Glacier Rd. But I also hear that Get notified of our events by subscribing to our Facebook Events! Kraig Becker is a writer based out of Roanoke, Virgina who has covered adventure travel and product reviews for TripSavvy since 2013. Of course, on a clear day you can also spot Denali too. But its not all about conquering glaciers and high elevations. So there is a little something for everyone. The Chilkoot even crosses the border into Canada, providing an international wilderness experience that includes camping on both sides of the border. Get ready to camp with your fellow hikers on this multi-day trail. If heaven exists on earth, its here. Walk Or Ride Alongside The Ocean On The 20-Mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail In Alaska, The Blueberry Loop Trail Might Be One Of The Most Beautiful Short-And-Sweet Hikes To Take In Alaska, Hike Past Old Alaska Mining Camps To Visit These Two Beautiful Alpine Lakes, There Are More Waterfalls Than There Are Miles Along This Beautiful Hiking Trail In Alaska, 20 Things Everyone In Alaska Should Avoid At All Costs, Take This Peak Trail In Alaska For An Incredible Birds Eye View, The Absurdly Beautiful Winter Hike In Alaska That Will Make You Feel At One With Nature, Take This Gorgeous Alpine Trail To Crystal Lakes In Alaska, Beach Lake Green, Red, and Blue Ski Trails, Junkyard to Bridge Loop to Agony Hill to Rock Hill To Swamp Trail, Take These 12 Incredible Alaska Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year, Exit Glacier Trail to Harding Icefield, Seward. McKinley) can be seen from sections of the trail, bringing an added element of surprise to this hike. You start to get some really beautiful views about 3/4 of the way up and the overlook at top gives sweeping views of the the surrounding landscape and Denali Park Valley. Whether you are a beginner hiker, a true mountaineer, or somewhere in between, you can enjoy one of these outstanding trails. There are hundreds of picturesque trails in renowned national parks thatll take you high above the treeline, soaring through alpine meadows, and traversing glacial ice caves. While this is especially important for any trail, its even more important in Alaska. It allows a close-up view of a glacier with rugged, mountains in all directions. ), but at the end youll have a phenomenal view of Skilak Lake. But even with some clouds, we could grasp the sheer magnitude of the Harding Icefield. Thankfully this has never been needed for day hikes, just backpacking trips. You start in the forest, but in less than 2 miles, youll emerge from the trees and have views for the rest of the hike. Along the route, hikers will find signs explaining flora and fauna of the region and the impact of the retreating glacier over the past 120 years. It is wise to reserve your permits ($11.70 per reservation) in advance through Parks Canada if you intend to walk mid-July to mid-August. You can continue and go about 15-20 minutes past the Portage Pass Elevation 800 sign to the overlook, where you can see Portage Glacier reaching toward Portage Lake. Please do this. For some reason, going up was scarier than going down.But we made it to the top! And if you catch it on a clear day, youll have an insane view of Denali! You operate the tram yourself, which is a blast! We got to experience endless sheets of ice, bright blue glacial lakes, jagged peaks, old mine ruins, and rushing rivers. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Sturdy hiking shoes are a must all year long, but even beginner hikers can march this route without fear. ! This lake is a bright blue color and huge! Of course, the best view is saved for last and those who make it to the top are rewarded with panoramic views of Cook Inlet, Turnagain Arm, Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains, and even the Alaska Range and Denali on a clear day. Trekking poles may be helpful, especially for the hike down. Learn more about the Savage Alpine Trail and how to combine it with the Savage River Trail (which we highly recommend doing!) No matter what time of the year you visit, however, you're sure to be captivated by the scenic Alaskan backcountry. These hikes are going to be best from June- early September, with some not being snow free until July. Lower Winner Creek Trail, Girdwood. As we mentioned above, make sure to read recent reviews. We personally didnt find the mosquitoes to be too bad during our trip to Alaska. The following trails are not for inexperienced trekkers, but they are what we believe to be the best places to hike in Alaska for the truly adventurous. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Difficulty level: Hard Key Features: Historic sites, backpacking, lake views. Read our full guide to hiking the Harding Icefield to learn more about the different sections of the trail, what to expect, and see more photos of this EPIC hike! Miles (roundtrip): 1Elevation gain: 127 feetDog friendly? This hike will have you oohing and ahhing over the beauty of Denali from the moment you start. Seeing them side by side is a really unique experience! The trail is steep from the beginning, with some wooden steps about midway through. Flattop is bursting with people no matter the time you visit, and youre likely to encounter fellow travelers and furry friends as dogs are allowed on this trail (on-leash). There is an A-frame cabin here that you can rent, overlooking the lake, which would be such a fun experience. Nearest town: Seward Difficulty: Easy to moderate Distance: 2 miles Elevation gain: 308 feet Sands, who starred in several Oscar-nominated films in the late 1980s and 90s including "A Room With a View" and "Leaving Las Vegas," was found dead on a Southern California mountain five . Hiking boots are a must; hiking poles are recommended. Just watch out for the puddles and slick spots when its rained or snowed. Channel that 90s energy were talkin ice, ice, baby! Miles (roundtrip): 2.7Elevation gain: 921 feetDog friendly? Not only does it navigate on the trail and provide condition information before you head out, but you can download offline maps, find trails by distance from you, enjoy 3D maps, and more to make hiking easier and more enjoyable than ever. Kathryn wears the Patagonia Torrentshell jacket and Adam wears The North Face Alta Vista jacket. : YesReviews & Current ConditionsThe Skilak Lookout Trail wasnt our first choice hike for the day we hiked it. Thunderbird Falls is one of the best hikes in Alaska for beginners. Hopefully following these suggestions will help you have a fun and safe time on any of these Alaska hikes. There are literally hundreds of hiking adventures you could take in this northern state. Many visitors who come to Denali National Park want to hike, and are surprised to learn that the majority of structured trails are in the front country, along the first 15 miles of the Denali Park Road. While only MCA members can stay in it, anyone can go inside and check it out! Its worth noting that the route on AllTrails is a loop and the way down is a lot steeper than the way up. Byron Creek is a cascading, whitewater, glacial creek. Your email address will not be published. Just dont forget the bear spray the nearby Eagle River Valley may lend itself to a bear encounter! Located near Seward, this park features glaciers, the largest icefield in the US, coastal scenery, tons of wildlife, and more! They range in distance, difficulty, and types of scenery. It has low mileage (its steep though! It's migration season for gray whales and the Pacific coast is ripe for wildlife-spotting opportunities right now, as themajestic creaturesmake their. Megan Wray is a queer, mixed-race Japanese-Canadian freelance writer based on Treaty 1 Territory. Trail running has been growing in popularity for years, with a boom during the pandemic seen on trails all over the world . Be prepared for mosquitoes. When we visited it was a bit foggy and rainy, but despite that, it was still beautiful. This hike is one of the ones where they wouldve come in handy! What are the best hiking trails to explore each month in Alaska? If youre visiting Valdez, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, or driving to/from Alaska, you will likely take this road. Denali National Park has 27 hiking trails with an average 4.4 star rating from 7,313 community reviews. Xtratuf boots are SUPER popular in Alaska and we can see why! December: Winner Creek Trail, Girdwood, Alaska, To learn more check out: Take These 12 Incredible Alaska Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year. 5. This part of the hike is relatively easy from an elevation gain perspective. Check out our guide to Hatcher Pass to find out more! More than 80 years ago, caribou numbers in Canadas Northwest Territories started to decline a serious threat to the Inuit people who called the region, Forget lions, leopards, elephants and the rest the natural world is full of less famous but no less charismatic creatures, should you care to seek them, There are few countries that manage to be a geographically diverse as the United States.

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