Many hiking enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and visitors to Alaska cannot get over the unmatchable scenery around every corner of this state. From Mt. McKinley to the ice-covered glaciers, some say Alaska has some of the best sights in the entire United States! And what better way to enjoy the great outdoors in Alaska than to get out into it on a hiking expedition?
From easy to moderate nature trails to backpacking in the wilderness, Alaska has hiking opportunities for everyone of all skill levels. So even if you aren’t Mr. Joe or Miss Jane Hiker, you can still get out and enjoy the Alaskan landscape. No matter where you go in Alaska, we do recommend that you travel during the summer months for prime hiking weather. Do to the summer solstice, the summer days in AK are actually quite long, giving you more time to explore the Alaskan outdoors.
For the hard-core hiker, you might want to look into backpacking in the Interior or the less-populated areas for a challenging and exciting hike that could take you several days. Many companies, like Too-loo-uk River Guides and Alaska Huts Association, offer backcountry trips you will remember a lifetime. Some trips even include rafting, canoeing, or even kayaking from trail to trail; you can find companies that will take you into the backcountry for as little or as long as you might like.
Glacier hiking is another unique Alaskan hiking experience you should consider. Many glacier-hiking trips are combined with mountain climbing due to the rough and difficult glacial terrain. You can easily find glacier-hiking experiences as close to the city as just two hours outside of Anchorage, AK—an easy drive in your Alaska van rental. Plus, you can find several camping opportunities in the Anchorage area.
However, you will want to do your glacier-hiking research before you go. While some glaciers are easy to hike, others require some training and experience. You may want to look into a glacier-hiking school or course to ensure your safety before heading out on the glacial trail.
A great thing about hiking in Alaska is that many of its trails connect from town to town, tying together AK’s unique communities. You can decide to hike for days on foot, or maybe you want to to travel from trail to trail in a motorhome rental in Alaska, an option that gives you a lot of flexibility and comfort as you travel across this rugged state. But no matter how you hike or where you decide to hit the trail, you can rest assure that you will not be disappointed by trekking Alaska’s trail system.