The 5 Best Hikes in Alaska
Alaska has long been a bucket-list location for many. Its remote and uninhabited wilderness has an almost magnetic draw for hikers around the globe. Between the tallest mountains in North America, the pristine lakes, arctic ecosystems, and glaciers flowing straight into the sea, there’s something for everyone. In this post, I will outline my picks for the five best places or trails to hike in beautiful Alaska!
1. Savage Alpine Trail (Denali National Park)
Denali National Park is home to the tallest mountain in North America, but that’s far the only thing that makes this Park special. The towering Alaska Range is so big it creates its own weather patterns, meaning the Denali National Park ecosystems are actually more similar to those of the arctic than many places even further north. Enjoy hundreds of miles of untouched tundra, teeming with moose, caribou, and of course the mighty grizzly bear.
While there are many options for hiking in Denali, one I recommend is the Savage Alpine Trail. Starting at milepost 15 (the furthest a passenger vehicle can travel into the Park), it climbs steeply up the Healy ridgeline, affording views of the beautiful Savage River winding through the alpine tundra. On a clear day, the monumental Mt. Denali dominates the landscape as you ascend the ridgeline. The trail itself is just over 4 miles in length, and is worth every inch!
2. Harding Icefield Trail (Kenai Fjords National Park)
The stunning glaciers of Kenai Fjords National Park are hard to ignore. Their massive size combined with their storied history will leave you spellbound as you stare at the expanse. The Harding Icefield Trail itself climbs high above the treeline to overlook the Exit Glacier. The trail is 8.2 miles round-trip, and is very difficult, gaining approximately 1,000 feet per mile! Make sure to plan at least 6-8 hours for your hike.
Despite its steepness, the view of the Harding Icefield at the top is very rewarding. The Harding Icefield is massive, flowing into 40 different glaciers! As you look out across the expanse, think about the fact that this is the largest icefield located entirely within the United States.
3. Chilkoot Trail (Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park)
The Chilkoot Trail follows an old trade-route-turned-human-highway between Dyea, Alaska and Lake Bennett, British Columbia. During the Klondike Gold Rush, this route was used extensively by thousands of prospectors, and as you travel the trail today you will find many of their relics left behind. Besides wild historical artifacts, the scenic beauty of the trail is sure to blow you away. The entire trail is 33 miles, and is usually done by backpackers or trail runners.
The Chilkoot Trail has been closed since 2022 due to massive flooding, but is expected to reopen in 2024. Make sure to get a permit if you’re thinking about hiking this scenic ribbon of trail.
4. Crow Pass Trail (Chugach State Park)
The Crow Pass Trail was part of the original Itidarod, and is viewed by many as one of the best hikes in the Chugach Mountains. As you follow this historic stretch of trail, expect to encounter waterfalls, wild berries, glaciers, and more beautiful scenery than your eyes feel right taking in. Do your research before you start, as there are a few different options for where to go depending on which views or experiences you’re after.
Like the Chilkoot Trail, this 21 mile trek is usually done by backpackers over the course of two days. This is also a through-hike, so make sure to have a car waiting for you at the other end. The huge Crystal Lake awaits you at the pass, and feeds the multitude of waterfalls below!
5. Flattop Mountain Trail (Anchorage)
This one goes to the most scenic viewpoint in all of Anchorage (in my opinion) with views ranging from Mt. Denali in the north to the Aleutian Islands stretching to the west. The easy accessibility of Flattop Mountain makes it the most frequently visited peak in all of Alaska, so if crowds freak you out this one might not be for you. If you still want to go, you have a few options depending on the level of activity you want! The usual hike goes 1.5 miles up a steep trail to the rocky summit. If you want a bit more exercise, you can go for the 5 mile out and back to Williwaw Lakes. If you really don’t want crowds, you can also do the 5.5 mile hike to Wolverine Peak.
