Hiking Trails in Alaska: Alaska is a hiker’s paradise, with an abundance of stunning trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice, there’s something for everyone in Alaska’s hiking trails. From short day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures, the state has it all. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 20 best hiking trails in Alaska.
20 Best Hiking Trails in Alaska
- Harding Icefield Trail:
The Harding Icefield Trail is a challenging 8.2-mile hike located in Kenai Fjords National Park. The trail leads to the Harding Icefield, a massive ice sheet that covers over 700 square miles. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, offering stunning views of the surrounding glaciers, mountains, and wildlife.
- Mount Marathon Trail:
The Mount Marathon Trail is a challenging 3.5-mile hike located in Seward. The trail leads to the summit of Mount Marathon, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Resurrection Bay. The hike is steep and rocky, with a total elevation gain of over 3,000 feet, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers.
- Crow Pass Trail:
The Crow Pass Trail is a 23-mile hike located in Chugach State Park. The trail leads from the Girdwood Valley to Eagle River, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for backpackers and experienced hikers.
- Flattop Mountain Trail:
The Flattop Mountain Trail is a 3-mile hike located in Anchorage. The trail leads to the summit of Flattop Mountain, offering stunning views of the city, Cook Inlet, and the surrounding mountains. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Lost Lake Trail:
The Lost Lake Trail is a 15-mile hike located in the Chugach Mountains. The trail leads to Lost Lake, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for backpackers and experienced hikers.
- Kesugi Ridge Trail:
The Kesugi Ridge Trail is a 27-mile hike located in Denali State Park. The trail leads from Little Coal Creek to Byers Lake, offering stunning views of Denali and the surrounding mountains. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for backpackers and experienced hikers.
- Root Glacier Trail:
The Root Glacier Trail is a 5-mile hike located in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The trail leads to Root Glacier, offering stunning views of the glacier, mountains, and wildlife. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for backpackers and experienced hikers.
- Exit Glacier Trail:
The Exit Glacier Trail is a 1.8-mile hike located in Kenai Fjords National Park. The trail leads to Exit Glacier, offering stunning views of the glacier and surrounding mountains. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Savage River Loop Trail:
The Savage River Loop Trail is a 2-mile hike located in Denali National Park. The trail leads through the Savage River Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Pioneer Ridge Trail:
The Pioneer Ridge Trail is a 7.6-mile hike located in Hatcher Pass. The trail leads through the Talkeetna Mountains, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers.
- Kesugi Mountain Trail:
The Kesugi Mountain Trail is a 30-mile hike located in Denali State Park. The trail leads from the Little Coal Creek Trailhead to the Ermine Hill Trailhead, offering stunning views of the Denali and the surrounding mountains. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for backpackers and experienced hikers.
- Eagle River Nature Center Trail:
The Eagle River Nature Center Trail is a 3.5-mile hike located in Eagle River. The trail leads through the Eagle River Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Kesugi Ridge South Trail:
The Kesugi Ridge South Trail is a 12-mile hike located in Denali State Park. The trail leads from Little Coal Creek Trailhead to the Ermine Hill Trailhead, offering stunning views of the Denali and the surrounding mountains. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for backpackers and experienced hikers.
- Resurrection Pass Trail:
The Resurrection Pass Trail is a 38-mile hike located in Chugach National Forest. The trail leads from Hope to Cooper Landing, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for backpackers and experienced hikers.
- Wolverine Peak Trail:
The Wolverine Peak Trail is a 6.6-mile hike located in Anchorage. The trail leads to the summit of Wolverine Peak, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Thunderbird Falls Trail:
The Thunderbird Falls Trail is a 1-mile hike located in Chugach State Park. The trail leads to Thunderbird Falls, offering stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding mountains. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Russian Lakes Trail:
The Russian Lakes Trail is a 21-mile hike located in Chugach National Forest. The trail leads from Cooper Landing to the Russian River Campground, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for backpackers and experienced hikers.
- Twin Peaks Trail:
The Twin Peaks Trail is a 3.8-mile hike located in Chugach State Park. The trail leads to the summit of the Twin Peaks, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Cook Inlet. The hike is relatively easy and suitable for hikers of all levels.
- Hatcher Pass Trail:
The Hatcher Pass Trail is a 6.6-mile hike located in Hatcher Pass. The trail leads through the Talkeetna Mountains, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers.
- Winner Creek Trail:
The Winner Creek Trail is a 5-mile hike located in Girdwood. The trail leads through the Chugach Mountains, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife. The hike takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges, making it a popular destination for experienced hikers.
Conclusion:
Alaska’s hiking trails offer some of the most beautiful and challenging hikes in the world. With stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and wildlife, hiking in Alaska is an unforgettable experience that every hiker should add to their bucket list.
When planning your trip to Alaska, it is important to research the best time to visit, as some trails are only accessible during certain seasons. It is also important to bring proper gear, including hiking boots, warm clothing, and a reliable backpack.
Remember to always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the natural environment by not disturbing wildlife or leaving trash on the trails. With these tips in mind, you are ready to explore the 20 best hiking trails in Alaska and experience the beauty of the Last Frontier.
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