Take These 12 Incredible Alaska Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
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Megan McDonald
Author
If you’re looking for the best hikes in Alaska, look no further than these fantastic 12 hikes. Located all across the state, there’s bound to be one close to where you live. Or make a goal this year to hit all 12, completing one each month of the year. This is one to-do list filled with the best hikes in Alaska you’ll be proud to check off. Ready to get started? Lack up those hiking boots — adventure awaits!
Deer Mountain Trail, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA
Our list of some of the best hikes in Alaska starts in Ketchikan. This trail combines all types of hiking into one fabulous day. Travel over boardwalks, through gravel and rock sections, and past steep rock cliffs. If there’s snow, the trail is still doable. Bring your snowshoes and your cross country skis and get to hiking, but be careful! The trail is rated difficult, so approach with respect. It’s a 6.7 mile out and back trail, with 2,801 feet of elevation gain. But the views are worth every single minute of climbing this amazing trail. After your hike, be sure to check out Ketchikan, one of the best small towns in Alaska for outdoor lovers.
Mount Healy Overlook Trailhead, Healy, AK 99743, USA
Mount Healy Overlook Trail is so well kept up that it’s perfect for a winter hike. February offers stunning views of the Alaska Range, and the valley beneath you. It’s gorgeous all year long, but in the winter it’s something truly special. The trail is 6.1 miles, out and back, and 2,417 ft of elevation gain. It’s $15.00 per person, and kids and under are free. Make sure you bring crampons or ice cleats to keep your footing in case the path proves icy. But it's worth the effort; the frozen views of Mount Healy Overlook in Alaska are remarkable!
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Mount Roberts Street, Mt Roberts St, Juneau, AK 99801, USA
Get a bird’s eye view of the capital when you hike up Mount Roberts on the Mount Roberts Trail. Rated difficult for its steep ascent, it’s technically easy but does require a bit of exertion. The 7.6-mile out and back trail climbs 3,733 ft during its ascent. But the views from the top make up for everything! If you’re too tired to continue, consider taking the tram back down to the bottom and skip the steep trek, and cut your hike in half! Learn more about why this underrated trail in Alaska is sure to impress.
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O'Malley Peak Trail, Anchorage, AK, USA
O’Malley Peak Trail is a fantastic one to complete any time of year. April brings a little more warmth and sunshine to your hike, although there may still be snow and ice along the trail. Bring crampons, and plenty of layers, in case you run into bad weather. The 7.7-mile out and back trail covers 3,293 feet of elevation gain. It will also showcase stellar views, including Denali if the weather is clear. This is a great hike for getting that blood pumping! Learn more about why hiking this Alaska trail in the winter is especially rewarding.
Point Hope, AK 99766, USA
Greet the summer with this amazing hike on the Turnagain Arm! Starting in the small town of Hope, this gorgeous trail winds its way up 3,441 feet of elevation, to give you some of the prettiest views on the Arm. On a clear day you’ll see well past Anchorage, and may be greeted with the likes of Denali, Redoubt, and Foraker! It's a gorgeous 7.5-mile, out-and-back trail for those who want some spectacular views. After your hiking adventure, be sure to spend some time in the unique town of Hope, Alaska.
Chugach State Park, 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
Since this trail is the second-longest one on our list, we recommend completing it during peak hiking season, and recommend June as its travel month. 26 miles long, one way, this gorgeous trail links Girdwood to Eagle River and travels over Crow Pass. The trail is challenging, and if you’re a slower hiker, make sure to rent the two cabins along the way to break up the hike into two or three days. Or, if you’re very experienced, shoot for the moon and run the trail as a single hike. Race winners have finished in just less than three hours, but two days allows for a genuine enjoyment of this trail that climbs 3,290 feet along the 26-mile track. When it comes to the most beautiful trails in Alaska, Crow Pass may just take the cake.
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Mount Marathon Trail, Mt Marathon Trail, Seward, AK 99664, USA
This mountain is so epic, they made a world famous race out of it. Every July 4th, tons of racers run up and down this mountain as fast as they can. July is the perfect month for it, but we recommend heading up after the racers have finished training and running, so you’ll have a bit more peace and quiet on your hike. The 4.1-mile out and back trail is challenging, especially over 2,923 feet, but it’s doable and totally worth the views of Seward and Resurrection Bay. Learn more about the one-of-a-kind Mount Marathon in Alaska.
Angel Rocks Trailhead, 15450 Chena Hot Springs Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99712, USA
Angel Rocks Trail is a popular trail all year long in Fairbanks, but there’s something about those extra long summer days and warm weather that make hiking this trail a treat. This moderately easy 3.6-mile loop is a must do, and the elevation gain is a more gradual 1,204 feet throughout the trail. Bring layers, and mosquito repellant, and take in the wildlife, wildflowers, and gorgeous views you’ll see along the way.
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Denali State Park, Trapper Creek, AK 99683, USA
The longest trail on our list is certainty a doozy, and earns a "hard" rating due to its length and elevation gain. This trail is known as one of the most beautiful trails in all of America, and comes in at 29.2 miles long, traveling over 5,990 ft in elevation gain, one way. Situated just outside of Denali National Park, you’ll be in awe of the views of Denali, the Alaska Range, and Talkeetna Range. This trail is not for the faint of heart, but definitely deserves a spot on your Alaska hiking bucket list.
Juneau Creek Falls Campground, N 60° 30’ 42” W 149° 54’ 08”, Cooper Landing, AK 99572, USA
Talk about your stunning views! This trail will take you up and over Kenai Lake on a five-mile, out and back trail. The trail is accessible year round, but October colors really make the turquoise glacier-fed lake pop. The trail is 2,598 feet in elevation gain, but some travelers even run it. There are three false summits, keep going until you see the cairn. If you want to experience some of the best views of the area, make sure to head on up, but bring water and snacks! This difficult hike in Alaska is one that you'll feel quite accomplished for completing.
Gold Mint Trailhead, Fishhook-Willow Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
Gold Mint Trail is an iconic trail out in Hatcher’s Pass. Make this trail an overnighter and stay at the cabin in the pass at the finish line. This gorgeous hike will showcase all of November’s glory, and you’ll see reds, oranges, and yellows, as far as the eye can see. The majority of the trail follows the Little Susitna River. Pick good weather if you can, because this 18-mile hike gets steep at the end. Altogether you’ll ascend 3,937 feet, and be greeted with views that will knock the breath right out of you!
Winner Creek Trail, Anchorage, AK 99587, USA
Last on our list of best hikes in Alaska is an iconic one: Winner Creek Trail. There’s not much prettier in Alaska than Girdwood during the winter season. This temperate rainforest turns into a winter wonderland once the snow starts flying. Winner Creek is the perfect easy trail for everyone to get out and enjoy the snowy weather. It’s 6.4 miles long, out and back, and you’ll catch glimpses of a frozen waterfall at your destination. It’s a great trail to end the year on!
Have you had the chance to complete all of the best hikes in Alaska? Is there any that you would put on the list that we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments below!
After you work up an appetite on these great outings, you need to make your way through these 10 bucket-list-worthy restaurants in Alaska.
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best hikes in Alaska
What are some easy trails in Alaska?
Alaska is known for its rugged terrain, and that means that many of its hikes are difficult, treacherous, and in some cases, dangerous. Fortunately, that's simply not the case with every trail in Alaska. If you're looking for some easy, family-friendly trails in Alaska, you're in luck! The Last Frontier has its fair share of these, and we've scouted them out for you. The following is a list of some of the best hikes in Alaska that are under three miles: Perseverance Lake Trail, Creamers Field Nature Trail, Russian River Falls, Alyseksa North Face Trail, Flattop Mountain at Glen Alps, Carter Lake Trail, Horseshoe Lake Trail in Denali Park, Tonsina Point Trail, Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail, and Homestead Trail at Rogers Loop Road.
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Alaska, USA
Deer Mountain Trail, Ketchikan, AK 99901, USA