Alaska’s Most Popular Hikes and Hiking Trails

While there are many exhilarating ways to experience Alaska’s wild and untamed beauty, arguably the most authentic, accessible and intimate pathway to getting out in nature and discovering Alaska’s finest vistas is by hitting its hiking trails. Breathe in cool alpine air, roam across landscapes of beautiful tundra and taiga, feel immersed in dense wilderness and forests, and soak in unforgettable views of soaring mountains, pristine lakes, and glorious glaciers all while getting active in Alaska. Alaska’s hiking trails take travelers off the beaten path to see the state’s special and rare adventures and hidden gems.

Hikes in South Central Alaska

Southcentral Alaska is the state’s travel hub, so it’s no surprise that it’s also home to some of the state’s most popular hikes: Flattop in Anchorage, Exit Glacier/Harding Ice Field in Seward, Winner Creek in Girdwood, Reed Lakes in Hatcher Pass/Palmer, and Mineral Creek Trail in Valdez.

But an equally impressive lineup of incredible hikes await travelers whose itineraries take them beyond Southcentral. From roaming the rugged Interior Region in Alaska to exploring the state’s far-reaching coastal regions to retracing the steps of Gold Rush dreamers, Alaska’s biologically and geologically-diverse, history-rich, and scenic trails offer exciting experiences for all levels of hikers.

Here are some of the most popular Alaska hikes outside of those in Southcentral Alaska, each offering its own unique outdoor experience in the Last Frontier.

Denali National Park Hikes: Alaska’s Interior Region

Denali is a must-visit destination for most Alaska travelers, and the park is packed with hikes that are short and sweet, and others that are long and epic. Horseshoe Lake Trail is perfect for all visitors, including families and beginners, and is often hailed as Alaska’s best easy hike. This 2.1-mile loop allows hikers to meander through dense forest to descend to the picturesque and peaceful, namesake horseshoe-shaped lake. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like beavers among this serene setting. You won’t see the mountain of Denali on this trail, but the walk does provide a preview of the park’s magical wilderness, and the trailhead is easily accessible from the main entrance, making it a convenient and rewarding hike.

Denali National Park is teeming with many other “not to be missed” hiking trails. Some of these are “cruisers”, some more challenging, but all offer differing payoffs, including views of the Great One. Eielson Alpine Trail might only be over a mile, but it’s deep in the park, steep, and has views of Denali and the Alaska Range; the 9.5-mile Triple Lakes Trail is just inside the park and perfect for peaceful lake views and abundant wildlife; also just inside the park is Mt. Healy Overlook Trail, a steep, 5.4-mile round-trip trail with sweeping views of the Nenana River and surrounding mountains; and Kesugi Ridge Trail is a big one, 27.4 miles of backcountry that is famous for offering a little of everything and lots Denali and the Alaska Range views — you can always look into shorter day hikes of this trail, too.

Juneau Hikes: West Glacier Trail and Mount Roberts Trail

These two hikes in Alaska’s Southeast are both Capital City classics, each offering different delights while reminding travelers that in Alaska, outdoor adventures aren’t that far from urban life. The moderate 4-mile West Glacier Trail takes hikers, on guided trips or on your own, through temperate rainforest, over ridges, to stunning overlooks of the Mendenhall Glacier and ultimately to the glacier’s edge to view its towering blue ice. The Mount Roberts Trail provides a more intense leg-and-lung testing alpine ascent through lush temperate rainforest to breathtaking views of the Gastineau Channel and surrounding mountains. At Mount Robert’s peak, hikers are further rewarded with stunning vistas, wildflower meadows, and the Mount Roberts Tramway, which offers a convenient ride back down if you don’t want to hike down the 3-mile descent.

Fairbanks Hikes: Granite Tors Trail

The Granite Tors Trail is a challenging but unique hike that takes trekkers through fascinating rock formations known as tors — massive granite pillars that rise from the ground. The 15-mile loop is not for the inexperienced or unfit, but those who decide to tackle it will find stunning panoramic views of the Tanana Valley and lush surrounding wilderness. It’s especially radiant in the peak of summer, when the long daylight hours of the Interior’s Midnight Sun and colorful wildflowers make this experience on foot – even more magical.

Chilkoot Trail in Skagway

History buffs and adventure seekers alike love this historic Chilkoot Trail which follows the route of the 1897-1899 Klondike Gold Rush and borders the Yukon Territory. Starting in Skagway and ending at Bennett Lake in British Columbia, the 33-mile trail proceeds along the path of gold-seeking pioneers making their arduous trek to the Yukon. Shorter day hikes in this area also offer equally cool history, natural beauty, and a glimpse into Alaska’s wild Gold Rush past. Depending on your hiking ambitions, hikers can pass remnants of old camps, cross rivers, and witness stunning evergreen, alpine vistas that make the journey feel like stepping back in time.

Anvil Mountain Trail in Nome: Western/Far North Alaska

While the Alaskan city of Nome is best-known as the termination point of the iconic Iditarod Sled Dog Race, summer visitors to Nome also love taking a trek up its Anvil Mountain Trail. Named for its amazing anvil-shaped rock formation, this hike provides sensational sights of the Seward Peninsula, including the Bering Sea, tundra landscapes, and historic relics of World War II structures. An easy hike and easily accessible from Nome, this is a perfect day trip to explore the Far North Region’s rich wilderness, landscapes, and history.

Honorable Mentions: More Great Hikes Across Alaska

It’s arguable if Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is in Southcentral Alaska, the Interior, or is really a region all to itself (it is America’s largest national park, after all), but it’s undoubtably home to many remote trails that pack incredible adventures. Starting from the historic mining town of Kennecott, the Bonanza Mine Trail is a challenging 9.2-mile round-trip hike takes adventurers up to an old copper mine with incredible mountain views along the way and glimpses into Alaska’s rich mining history at the ruins of the old Bonanza Copper Mine. Also starting out of Kennecott, the stunning Root Glacier Trail takes hikers along the famous glacier and its ancient ice while surrounded by mountains and glacier-carved landscapes. There are full-day and half-day guided glacier hikes; and even a guided tour of Root Glacier and Kennecott’s mining past that’s an amazing Alaska adventure.

Deer Mountain Trail near Ketchikan is another popular Alaska hike. This 6.7-mile jaunt is filled with rugged wilderness views, giving a sense of isolation and a perspective on some of the Southeast Region’s most spectacular scenery from nearby islands, and, on clear days, to the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.

Before You Go: Tips for Hiking in Alaska

Hiking in Alaska can be unforgettable but without the proper planning, it might be a day you’ll want to forget! Here are some ways to ensure you maximize your Alaska hiking adventure:

• The best time to hike in Alaska is between late May and early September, when the trails are dry and clear, the weather is mild, and the sunlight hours are long and bright.
• Safety is always key consideration, especially in wildlife country — carry bear spray, make noise while hiking, and always be aware of your surroundings; out here, even moose can hurt you. Most importantly, if you aren’t with a group or on a guided hike, let someone know your plans and expected return time.
• Make sure to wear and pack appropriate clothing for quickly-changing conditions: layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy hiking boots or comfy running shoes are essential.
• Also pack snacks and plenty of water.
• Before you head out, take time to research your trail options and understand trail length, access and exit points, and route difficulty using the tools available – online and off.
• Finally, be sure to check whether your chosen trail has parking fees, restroom facilities and specific trail rules regarding trail hygiene.

Alaska’s trails offer access to some of the world’s most untouched wilderness and exciting adventures. To ensure you make the most of your Alaska hiking adventure, reach out to us. We’re happy to weave hikes into any of our itineraries and we’ll provide insights and insider tips about your specific journey into the heart of Alaska’s wilderness