Hike Through Miles Of Rock Formations On Alaska's Granite Tors Trail
By Megan McDonald|Published October 19, 2019
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
There are some very cool geological features here in the state of Alaska. From incredible glaciers, to towering volcanoes, we are blessed with an abundance of beautiful things to see here! These rock formations outside of Fairbanks, Alaska are stunning pinnacles of geographic beauty. Take a hike to get to these towers and see their magnificence up close!
The Granite Tors Trail is located an hour's drive outside of Fairbanks, Alaska.
It's situated inside Chena River State Recreation Area. To get to the rock formations you'll have to hike the trail all the way out from the parking lot and trailhead.
These granite tors were actually formed 70 to 90 million years ago when lava from beneath the earth's crust pushed up, although not through the surface of the crust.
The tors were exposed after millions of years of erosion. Now they are tall pillars visible from miles away, a stunning feature in the area around Fairbanks.
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These rock formations bring in photographers, hikers, and geologists from all around the world.
You may even see rock climbers hanging around the area and looking for the best spots to free climb! During the early fall there are many berry pickers in the area looking for the low brush blueberries that grow in abundance.
Many hikers camp at the formations before heading back to the car. If you hike it clockwise there is far less elevation gain and the trail is a little more accessible.
The trail offers incredible views beyond just the granite tors.
You'll hike along boardwalks, and over bridges. There's a stunning river that offers a beautiful sight, too! Once you ascend through the forests and up onto a barren ridge line, you'll begin to see the tors towering above the earth!
The total elevation gain throughout the whole hike is 3,336 feet.
You'll see your first tor about 7 miles into the hike. Even though this hike is a little more on the difficult side, it gets high ratings from everyone who sees these rock formations!
The Granite Tors Trail is a stunning trail to do spring, summer, and fall!
You can find the entrance to the trail inside the Granite Tors Campground. You can park at the campground for $5.00 a day before heading out on the trail!
Have you hiked the rock formations at the Granite Tors Trail? What did you think? Would you do it again? Let us know in the comments below!
