Hiking in Alaska is like nothing I have ever experienced. Vast and diverse terrains spanning great glaciers, stunning fjords, lush green forests, and majestic mountains. It is a paradise for hikers.
Some of my favorites are:
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Anchorage: This 11-mile trail is popular among locals and tourists for its stunning ocean and mountain views. Easy level, perfect for beginners.
- Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau: For a moderate hike closer to Juneau, check out East Glacier Loop Trail. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking sights of Mendenhall Glacier.
- Exit Glacier, Seward: With options varying from easy to moderate hikes, Exit Glacier not only offers glacier views but the chance to experience the raw beauty of Alaska.
Whether you’re seeking a casual stroll, a moderate trek, or a strenuous climb, these top hikes in Alaska offer something for everyone. So pack your gear and let’s unleash your inner explorer!
Hiking in Alaska: 15 Scenic Trails For Your Bucket List
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Anchorage
I ran this trail and it is one of Anchorage’s easiest and most accessible rights-of-way. This 11-mile track is in the heart of Anchorage and offers views of downtown and the scenic Chugach Mountains
The trail originates at the downtown end of West 2nd Avenue and weaves around the coast to Kincaid Park.
The highlights for me were the stunning views of Mount Susitna (or ‘Sleeping Lady’) and the distant view of Denali.
Several panoramic viewpoints and rest areas are scattered along the trail, providing ample opportunities to soak in these scenic Alaska trails.
This is one of the best hikes in Anchorage, I enjoyed it.
Look Here: From Anchorage: Chugach State Park Guided Alpine Trek
Stay At Aviator Hotel Anchorage
Perseverance Trail, Juneau
Hiking in Alaska doesn’t get better than this. I love Perseverance Trail it gives you the feeling of remote Alaskan wilderness while being just minutes from downtown.
With waterfalls, historical mining sites, and the potential to see wildlife, this trail is a must-visit destination.
A moderate hike, it can get muddy particularly when the snow melts. In winter there could be an avalanche risk here.
My favorite part of this hike is when you emerge from the historic Alaska forest mining district and walk alongside the river.
It is beautiful with the backdrop of sharp cliffs and greenery. Very fairytale-like.
The Perseverance Trail starts at the Basin Road Bridge in Juneau and ends in Silverbow Basin. It is approximately 3 miles long one-way, making it a 6-mile roundtrip hike.
This is one of the best Juneau hikes.
For something special how about a Juneau: Rainforest and Waterfalls Trek
Stay At Alaska’s Capital Inn Bed and Breakfast
Mount Roberts Trail, Juneau
Starting literally from downtown Juneau, this is one of the best hiking locations and is a little strenuous. You will also want to do this on a clear day as the view is incredible
It’s a bit of a steep climb. However, you are rewarded with a breathtaking birds-eye view of the Gastineau Channel, Juneau, and Douglas.
Beginning in the heart of downtown Juneau, the trail originates right by the lower terminal of Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tramway.
It stretches for about 5 miles upward, ending at a point known as Father Brown’s Cross. A round-trip on this trail should take approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Look Here: Juneau: Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise with Local Guide.
Look Here: Whale Watching and Mendenhall Glacier Tour
Exit Glacier Trail, Seward
Located in Kenai Fjords National Park, this easy trail provides a close-up encounter with a glacier.
It’s a wonderful pretty easy walk taking you through the forest, rocky terrain, and eventually to the glacier.
Along the paved path are markers indicating the glacier’s recession over the years. It’s a glaring reminder of global warming.
The glacier is one of the best things I have ever seen. If you go in Summer you might even witness the glacier calving, an awe-inspiring sight as huge blocks of ice break off and crash into the valley below.
There’s an optional loop trail that takes you to the edge of the Harding Ice Field, It’s a strenuous hike but one that rewards you with a panorama of endless snow and ice.
The Exit Glacier trail begins at the Exit Glacier Nature Center in Kenai Fjords National Park, near Seward, Alaska.
This is one of the best hikes in Alaska and the best hiking is Seward.
Here are some tips for visiting Exit Glacier.
How about an Exit Glacier Ice Hiking Adventure from Seward
Reid Falls Trail, Skagway
An easy hike takes you to the beautiful and picturesque Reid Falls. This short hike is perfect for families with kids and perfect in any season.
The path is meticulously maintained surrounded by moss-covered rocks, lush greenery, and twisted old-growth forest.
There is also a 300-foot-high waterfall cascading down the mountain so you might get wet.
I can only imagine how beautiful this hike is in the fall. Hiking in Skagway doesn’t get better than this.
Look Here: Skagway City Highlights E-bike Tour with Gold Panning
Look Here: White Pass and Suspension Bridge Tour
Sty At Historic Skagway Inn
Deer Mountain Trail, Ketchikan
This strenuous hike provides panoramic views of Ketchikan and the surrounding wilderness.
Starting in downtown Ketchikan, the Deer Mountain Trail is a must for your Alaska hiking list.
This 5-mile round-trip trail involves a strenuous climb, with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet that culminates with amazing vistas of Ketchikan, neighboring islands, and the vast Alaska wilderness.
There are several overlooks on the way if you need to stop for a rest. The view from the top is spectacular though with the town of Ketchikan, the Inside Passage, and nearby islands visible.
This trail is best for experienced hikers and is best completed in summer.
This is one of the best hikes in Ketchikan.
Look Here: Ketchikan: Totem Pole, Wildlife & City Trolley Tour
Flattop Mountain Trail, Anchorage
This trail is only 3 miles long but it’s no walk in the park.
The trail starts at the Glen Alps Trailhead, just a short 20-minute drive away from downtown Anchorage.
It’s quite a busy trail and when you see the view you understand why.
The panoramic views span from the city of Anchorage to the stunning Cook Inlet. On clearer days, when the weather gods are in your favor you even get a distant glimpse of the majestic Denali.
This is one of the scenic hikes in Alaska if you want a little bit of everything. It is one of the best Anchorage hikes.
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Look Here: Alaska Wildlife Center and Turnagain Arm Guided Tour
Stay At The Hotel Captain Cook
One Of The Best Hikes In Alaska Is Lost Lake Trail, Seward
Located outside of Seward this hike is a combination of rainforest and tundra. The trail ends at Lost Lake nestled beneath the stunning Chugach Mountains.
This is one of the top hikes in Alaska. It’s a beautiful Seward hike for spring as you are taken through wildflower meadows.
Lost Lake eventually comes into view, surrounded by the towering mountains and the wilderness and it is breathtaking.
Some people even camp at the lake before returning home.
If you are looking for hiking in Seward, Alaska, the Lost Lake Trail should be marked as a go-to hike.
Here are some things to do in Seward while you are there.
Look Here: Kenai Fjords 6-hour Wildlife Cruise
Stay At Harbor 360 Hotel Seward
One Of The Top Hikes In Alaska Is Mount Healy Overlook Trail, Denali
The Mount Healy Overlook Trail is a must-go hiking trail for an Alaskan adventure.
Located in Denali National Park this trail rewards you with beautiful views of the Alaskan Range and Nenana River.
As with any great view, there is a climb and the trail is moderately strenuous, so a decent level of fitness will help you climb with ease.
The path is well maintained and it’s a perfect summer hike.
This is one of the top hikes in Alaska.
Stay At McKinley Creekside Cabins
Winner Creek Trail, Anchorage
Just outside of Anchorage, this easy walk through the forest leads to a hand tram you can use to pull yourself across a chasm.
Starting at the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, this Alaska hiking staple stretches approximately three miles, ending at the picturesque Winner Creek Gorge.
Winner Creek Gorge is an incredible sight and one of the top hikes in Alaska. This is also one of the best hikes near Anchorage.
Here are some things to do in Anchorage while you are there.
Look Here: Anchorage: Deluxe Trolley City Tour.
Look Here: One-Hour Anchorage Trolley Tour
Stay At Hyatt Place Anchorage-Midtown
Horseshoe Lake Trail, Denali
If you’re looking for the most beautiful places in Alaska to experience abundant nature, Horseshoe Lake Trail is a ‘go to hike’.
This trail is located in Denali National Park, one of the top hiking locations in Alaska.
It begins at the Denali Visitor Center and ends by looping back to the same point, making it a perfect circuit for those with less experience.
I found it an easy-to-moderate trek that I feel is suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
True to its name, this hike features a stunning lake shaped like a horseshoe.
It might be one of the shorter hikes in Alaska, but it is one of my favorites.
Look Here: Denali National Park Walking Tour
Stay At McKinley Chalet Resort
Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail, Homer Offers Scenic Hiking In Alaska
Located in Kachemak Bay State Park, accessible only by water taxi from Homer, this trail offers stunning views of an ice-filled lake at the glacier’s base.
The Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail is an opportunity to explore one of the most beautiful places in Alaska.
This 3.2-mile route ends at a mesmerizing ice-filled lake at the base of the Grewingk Glacier.
It’s a perfect hike for spring as you will see so many wildflowers.
During late summer, particularly in August, you’ll see the trail adorned with ripe blueberries, ready to be picked.
The hike for all skill levels is best walked from May until October.
This is one of the most scenic hikes in Alaska.
Here are some great things to do in Homer while you are visiting.
Stay At Pioneer Inn Downtown.
West Glacier Trail, Juneau
This is a challenging hike in Juneau taking you to a rock outcrop.
It’s beautiful though with breathtaking views of waterfalls and verdant forests.
Starting from the Mendenhall Campground at Skater’s Cabin, the trail is roughly seven miles roundtrip taking about 5-6 hours.
The trail is a mixture of dense forest and rocky expanses and you may need to scramble in a few places.
This is Juneau hiking at its best
Look Here: Juneau: Whale Watching Cruise with Snacks.
Stay At Silverbow Inn & Suites
Alaska Rainforest Sanctuary, Ketchikan, For Hiking In Alaska Beauty
Located in Ketchikan, this easy walk contains all the beauty of the Alaskan rainforest in one place – eagles, waterfalls, streams filled with salmon, and the world’s largest collection of totem poles.
This 40-acre reserve trail begins in an authentic Alaska lumber mill.
The trail winds through emerald forests, crossing a scenic boardwalk, salmon-spawning streams, and saltwater estuaries.
It is approximately 1 mile and is an easy stroll accessible even for kids and older hikers
There’s a wonderfully curated collection of indigenous totem poles, carved by Tlingit and Haida artisans.
The trail concludes at the beautiful Eagle Creek, where there is a chance to view various birds and wildlife from a viewing deck.
This is a perfect Alaskan hike for families.
Stay At The Inn At Creek Street
Mount Edgecumbe Trail, Sitka, Is The Best Hiking In Alaska For Experienced Hikers
This is a challenging hike on the volcanic island of Kruzof near Sitka. The reward at the summit of Mt. Edgecumbe is a stunning panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding islands.
This hike is on my bucket list and I’m hoping one day I will do it.
The trail starts 10 miles west of Sitka and is about 13.5 miles roundtrip. It is defined as a moderate to challenging climb.
It can only be accessed by boat charter.
This trail is best hiked from June through September when the weather is mostly favorable for hiking.
The trail can get muddy and slippery so keep that in mind.
Alaska mountain hiking at its finest.
Look Here: Totem Poles, Raptors, and Bear Tour in Sitka
Stay At Longliner Lodge and Suites
Packing Tips for Hiking in Alaska
Here are my tips for packing everything in a carry-on.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring with you on your Alaska journey. This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use.
I was never a fan of packing cubes until I tried them out! Now I am sold. These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel.
I never leave for any trip without bringing my Bobble filtered water bottle. I find it is a great size to fit into a backpack or tuck into my pocket.
The replaceable carbon filter ensures clean water when you want it.
This Columbia Unisex backpack is affordable and comes in several colors to select from.
This packable durable travel backpack is another great option when traveling to Alaska because it folds into a little pouch which would help when packing.
You will be walking more than usual while in Alaska. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must-have. These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.
Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable.
I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals. I have several pairs of these exact Vionic sandals in several colors that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel.
They are very comfortable. I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.
If you are in need of new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.
Both sets come with TSA approved zippers locks and 8 wheels per piece.
As you can see when it comes to Hiking in Alaska there are so many options. I’ve included what I think are the most scenic hikes in Alaska but there are so many more.
I hope you enjoy your hiking and please come back and tell us all about it.
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