Alaska is the largest US state, covering over 1,500,000 square miles, and for many who have never explored it, the mention of this state brings visions of only igloos, snow, and endless ice. However, this isolated state, known as “the last frontier,” is a wildly diverse natural environment. Yes, there is a lot of ice; in fact, it has approximately 664 named glaciers, 40 of which flow from the immense Harding Ice Field.

But it also has the largest temperate rainforest in North America, Tongass National Forest. And then there is the arid tundra, sometimes referred to as the “cold desert.” There are meadows filled with wildflowers in the spring and summer, vibrant green hills and valleys, and dense forests of cottonwood, alder, and willow trees.

With 23 national parks, 34 state parks, over 12,000 rivers, at least three million natural lakes, and incredible wildlife, this largely wild and untamed state is full of natural beauty and wonder. It is no surprise, then, that Alaska is a hiker’s paradise.

Best Hikes in Alaska

When it comes to the absolute best hiking trails in Alaska, there are some bucket list-worthy destinations that stand out and are popular for their unique features and jaw-dropping views. Whether you are a beginner hiker, a true mountaineer, or somewhere in between, you can enjoy one of these outstanding trails.

1. Flattop Mountain Trail

• Location: Anchorage
• Mileage: 3.3-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Chugach State Park requires a day use parking pass which costs $5 and must be affixed to the windshield of your car. Annual state park passes can also be purchased for $60. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are welcome to hike, but must be on a leash.

Chugach State Park is a hiker’s paradise with almost 500,000 acres of wildlife-rich wilderness and over 280 miles of maintained trails in the Chugach Mountains. One of the most popular hikes in the entire state, the Flattop Mountain Trail begins at the Glen Alps parking area. It is relatively short, just 3.3 miles round trip, and starts out fairly easy before a rugged and steep elevation gain of 1,430 feet. The last segment of the trail requires a technical scramble through a boulder field, but the effort is well worth it. Hikers enjoy spectacular views from beginning to end, often spot a variety of wildlife, and are rewarded at the summit with expansive views of Anchorage and Cook Inlet. On a clear day, the breathtaking views seem to go on forever.

2. Harding Icefield Trail

• Location: Seward
• Mileage: 9.2-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: The best time to visit is from May through October. Temperature and conditions can change quickly, even in the summer; always check for weather, trail conditions and safety warnings before heading out. Stay on the marked trail to avoid severe damage to alpine vegetation. This is bear country and furry friends will have to stay home for this one.

This incredible day hike in Kenai Fjords National Park is a quintessential Alaskan experience and should be on every serious hiker’s bucket list. The trail is well-maintained and gains 1,000 feet of elevation with every mile, so bring plenty of water. You will access the Harding Icefield Trail at the Exit Glacier Nature Center. The views are unbelievable from the valley floor to your first breathtaking view of the largest ice field that exists entirely within the United States. The trail leads through stunning meadows up far beyond the tree line. From the top of the trail, the panoramic views are nothing short of awe-inspiring, with ice and snow as far as you can see. This unforgettable hike is strenuous, subject to storms, strong winds, sudden temperature shifts, and intense sun. Be aware that bears frequent the area, so it is important to follow bear safety protocols, including carrying bear spray. As late as July, the highest part of the trail is often snow-covered with the possibility of avalanches. The park is open year-round, however from November to May, the trail is considered a mountaineering route and should only be attempted by those with the proper equipment, skills, and experience to safely travel the terrain.

3. Thunderbird Falls Trail

• Location: Chugiak
• Mileage: 1.8-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Chugach State Park requires a day use parking pass which costs $5 and must be affixed to the windshield of your car. Annual state park passes can also be purchased for $60. The trail is open year-round. You can bring your dog along for the fun, but make sure they are leashed.

Hiking in Alaska does not have to be a challenge. The easy, family-friendly Thunderbird Falls Trail is easy to locate about 30 minutes from Anchorage, just off the Glenn Highway between Mirror Lake and Eklutna exits, where there is a convenient parking lot at the trailhead. The trail itself is less than two miles round trip, well maintained, and easy to follow with packed dirt, wooden boardwalks, and handrails along the Eklutna River. Part of the way up the trail, the path splits. Continuing straight along the trail will bring you to a platform that overlooks the gorgeous falls. If you prefer to see the falls up close, you can choose the split-off which leads down to the creek and on to the base of the falls. The thundering 200-foot tiered waterfall is beautiful and something that hikers of all skill levels can (and will!) enjoy.

Best Short & Easy Hikes in Alaska

Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll, a hike that the whole family will enjoy (even the littles!), or an accessible trail, we have rounded up a few of the best hiking adventures that do not take much time or effort, but hold nothing back when it comes to scenic vistas.

4. Horseshoe Lake Trail

• Location: Denali National Park
• Mileage: 2.1-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: There is a $15 fee to enter Denali National Park, with no charge for children 15 and under. You can purchase an annual pass for the park for $45. Best times to visit are from April through September. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the trail.

The scenic Horseshoe Lake Trail takes most people only about an hour to complete - leaving plenty of time to linger along the way - and loops around a serene lake in Denali National Park. Hikers often see lots of wildlife including moose, beavers (or at least their handiwork), and bears. The hike is easy for almost anyone to complete, has level boardwalks over areas that tend to get muddy, and offers beautiful views at every turn, from tall pines to wildflowers to mountains, and of course, the still lake that reflects the surroundings on its surface.

5. Exit Glacier Overlook Trail

• Location: Seward
• Mileage: 2.2-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Exit Glacier is open year-round, but the road leading to it is closed to cars starting around mid-November. The most accessible part of the trail is the first segment - Glacier View Loop Trail. No dogs allowed on this trail.

Exit Glacier Overlook Trail takes you on a classic Alaskan escapade on the Kenai Peninsula, leading to an up-close encounter with a massive glacier. The first part of the trail connects to Glacier View Loop which is wide, flat, and accessible, and offers a lovely view of the glacier. Just over a half-mile up the next loop brings you to the glacier. The last part of the trail requires ascending up some stone steps along the rock face, but is not too difficult, and the payoff is stunning. There is free parking at the visitor center and in summer months, you can opt for a guided walk with a ranger to learn even more about the area.

6. Reflections Lake Trail

• Location: Palmer
• Mileage: 1.1-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Accessible trail best visited from May through September. Dogs are welcome on this hike, but must be on a leash.

For a short, easy hike with some of the most beautiful scenery in Alaska, you cannot beat the Reflections Lake Trail in Eklutna Historical Park. The one-mile trail winds its way around a beautiful lake with fantastic views of the Knik River, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, and several gorgeous mountain peaks. There are benches to stop and soak up the tranquil scenery and an observation tower that can be climbed for a different perspective. At just over one mile long and with almost no elevation gain, this trail is perfect for all ages and abilities. Note that for hikers using wheelchairs or strollers, it may be good to make sure you have all-terrain tires or adaptive equipment to suit the gravel surface and slight grade.

Hardest Hikes in Alaska

For serious hikers, there is nothing like the thrill of a new challenge, an opportunity to use, stretch, and develop their skills, and of course, to discover places and views that only the most intrepid are able to experience. The following trails are not for inexperienced trekkers, but they are what we believe to be the best places to hike in Alaska for the truly adventurous.

7. Glen Alps from Rainbow Valley

• Location: Indian
• Mileage: 16.2-mile point-to-point trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Chugach State Park requires a day use parking pass which costs $5 and must be affixed to the windshield of your car. Annual state park passes can also be purchased for $60. The trail is open year-round. If your dog is up for a serious hike, they can come, but must be on a leash.

The hike from Glen Alps from Rainbow Valley is not for the inexperienced or those uninitiated in Chugash hiking. This epic trail starts at the Rainbow Trailhead and immediately climbs 3,000 feet above Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm. As you make your way along the mountain ridge trail, you will encounter South Suicide, North Suicide, and Powerline Peak before crossing the ridge between Rabbit Creek and Powerline Valleys where the views on both sides are extraordinary. There are sections of the trail that require acute technical, route finding, and scrambling skills, but for those who can tackle this challenging journey to Glen Alps, it is an accomplishment you will never forget.

8. Bold Peak Valley

• Location: Palmer
• Mileage: 12.6-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Chugach State Park requires a day use parking pass which costs $5 and must be affixed to the windshield of your car. Annual state park passes can also be purchased for $60. Best times to visit are June through October. Leashed pups are welcome on this trail, but note that trail is steep and it is bear country.

Hiking Bold Peak Valley is more of a route than a defined trail and requires a great deal of boulder scrambling as well as rope skills. Hikers will find themselves ascending a steep, rocky grade after the first mile until reaching the peak, and there is snow on the higher sections, so cleats and trekking sticks or poles are recommended. Water flows plentifully along the trail, so it is not necessary to haul much water with you. There are a couple of small, flat meadows after the halfway point which make good spots to camp since this hike is said to take anywhere from 11 to 20 hours to complete, depending on pace and rest stops. Check the weather for the mountain before heading out as it can change quickly at the summit. Choose a good, clear day to trek and the incredible views over the mountain ranges and Eklutna Lake will make all the effort well worth it.

9. Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Peak Trail

• Location: Palmer
• Mileage: 13.2-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Trail is open year-round but the best times to visit are from April through September. Pups are welcome but should be leashed.

This challenging 13.2-mile loop takes you up and over both Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Peak. The hike begins with the Lazy Mountain Trail which winds through a dense forest to the first peak at about 3,000 feet, where the views are already stunning. This is a steep hike with areas of loose rocks and boulders that require scrambling, so only experienced hikers should attempt this trail. Even in summer, there are usually patches of snow or ice, and hikers may experience rain (which can result in slippery and muddy areas) or strong winds at the summit of Matanuska. However, the rewards for reaching the top - about 6,000 feet - are great in terms of sights. Drink in breathtaking 360-degree views of Southcentral Alaska, including the Chugach mountain range, Cook Inlet and the Knik River, ravines dotted with wildflowers, the Matanuska Valley, and on a clear day even the tips of the Talkeetnas in the distance.

Best Waterfront Hikes in Alaska

There is something about water that draws us in, grounds us, and inspires us, from our bays and inlets to our lakes and rivers. There are numerous waterfront trails throughout the state to choose from, no matter what type of hike you are looking for. These hiking adventures have a little something for everyone, each offering something completely different, but all on the water.

10. Portage Pass Trail

• Location: Whittier
• Mileage: 4.4-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: If coming from Anchorage, it costs $13 to pass through the Whittier Tunnel. Best times to visit are March through October. You can bring your dog, and even let them off leash in some areas.

Alaska’s massive glaciers are one thing that makes hiking in this state truly unique and there is nothing quite like seeing them up close. Portage Pass Trail, a moderately challenging 4.4-mile backcountry loop, gives visitors unforgettable views of the impressive Portage Glacier and Portage Lake below it. Along the way, the colorful scenery leading to the glacier is marked by wildflowers, native plants, and wildlife, and you may even be fortunate enough to see large pieces of shimmering blue ice floating in the lake.

11. Tony Knowles Coastal Path

• Location: Anchorage
• Mileage: 19.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Easy
• FYI: Multi-use trail open and enjoyable year-round. Accessible parking at either end. Leashed dogs are welcome.

At almost 20 miles, the Tony Knowles Coastal Path in Anchorage may sound intimidating but it is actually a paved urban trail that everyone can (and should!) visit. The trail runs along the coast of the Cook Inlet from downtown to Kincaid park where Knik and Turnagain Arms meet, ducking in and out of forest areas along the way. It is a multi-use trail that is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists during warmer months, and cross-country skiers in the winter. Enjoy panoramic views of Anchorage, stunning mountain ranges, beautiful Westchester Lagoon, lovely woods, and frequent wildlife sightings, especially moose. The smooth, paved trail is completely accessible, with the possible exception of a few relatively steep sections (between 4.5 and 9 miles if you start in the north). There are several access points, as well as picnic tables and benches, along the route, so the hike can be started at various points and covered in sections of varying length.

12. Lost Lake Trail

• Location: Seward
• Mileage: 13.8-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Best times to visit are from May through September, but can be enjoyed year-round. Bring your fur-baby along, but keep them leashed.

Lost Lake Trail on the Kenai Peninsula is a dreamy hike in the amazing Chugach National Forest. The pristine backcountry lake is just a fraction of the unbelievable beauty to be seen along this trek which includes rolling hills, green meadows, steep valleys, vibrant fireweed and wildflowers, and the striking Resurrection Peaks. This is a challenging trail that is nearly seven miles one way, so many hikers choose to camp overnight and enjoy the serene landscape over a couple of days.

Best Winter Hikes in Alaska

Cold temperatures, snow, and ice turn this state into one epic winter wonderland, and while winter hikes in Alaska may be a bit more challenging, it is also a spectacular way to experience Alaska and to take in some truly out-of-this-world scenery. These hikes are the best trails we know of to enjoy in the winter months.

13. Beach Lake Green, Red, and Blue Ski Trails

• Location: Eagle River
• Mileage: 2.4-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Winter-only cross-country trails. Beach Lake Chalet parking lot is open 7 days a week and has restrooms. A portion of the trails have lights for night skiing. No dogs allowed on these trails.

The Beach Lake Green, Red, and Blue Ski Trails make up a beautifully-maintained, moderately challenging loop that leads through a lovely forest. The loop has varying terrain from smooth, flat areas to hills, loops, and sharp turns. Complete the entire loop to enjoy it all or use the color designations for a specific experience. The green is the easiest, blue is considered moderate, and the red is more difficult. Parking can be found at either the Beach Lake Chalet (then follow the short park road to join the trails) or at the Chugiak High School across the highway and access the park via a tunnel.

14. Moose Meadow

• Location: Girdwood
• Mileage: 1.7-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Winter route only, with the best times to visit being October through April. Be mindful of set ski tracks and groomed areas. Dogs are allowed and may even be off-leash in some places.

Moose Meadow is a beautiful trail that is popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Just about 40 minutes from Anchorage and surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, this beautiful loop is a great half-day trip (or full day if you pack a picnic and stay awhile!) that features spectacular views of snowy mountains, glaciers, trees, and the wide meadow. This trail is connected to a system of Nordic ski trails so take note of groomed tracks and signs indicating permitted activities in various areas as you enjoy your trek. A good portion of the trails are lighted for a completely different experience skiing at night.

15. Junkyard to Bridge Loop to Agony Hill to Rock Hill To Swamp Trail

• Location: Eagle River
• Mileage: 3.8-mile loop trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Access the trailhead by parking at the Beach Park Chalet, open 7 days per week. Sorry, no dogs permitted.

The names of the trail segments that connect to form this exciting loop are a hint as to the terrain cross-country skiers can expect when they set out to ski the Junkyard to Bridge Loop to Agony Hill to Rock Hill To Swamp Trail. Start with the steep climbs and descents of Junkyard before following about two miles parallel to the Alaska Railroad tracks which is especially *exhilarating* when a train thunders by. Enjoy twists and turns, hills, and forest scenery on this great winter adventure.

Best Hikes near Juneau

The state capital of Juneau is the second-largest city in the US by area and has a lovely walkable downtown area, which is the only part of the city that many people see. However, Juneau has incredible hiking trails that highlight the vast natural beauty of the capital and offer some unparalleled views.

16. West Glacier Trail

• Location: Juneau
• Mileage: 4-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Moderate
• FYI: Trail is open year-round, however best times to visit are June through October. This trail is dog-friendly and pups can be off-leash in some areas. Leaving the trail to reach the glacier requires backcountry skills and is not recommended without a guide.

The West Glacier Trail is popular for hiking and bird-watching. The trail leads around the west side of Mendenhall Glacier in Tongass National Forest and offers hikers diverse terrain and fantastic views throughout. It begins with a walk through willow, cottonwood, and alder trees, then beyond the trim line to areas of bare rock and newly established plants where the glacier has not reached in recent years. The trail gains just over 550 feet in elevation before it ends at a rocky outcropping that overlooks the glacier.

17. Mount Roberts Trail

• Location: Juneau
• Mileage: 7.6-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: Access via Basin Road trailhead. Tram can be taken almost halfway to or from the bottom. Best times to visit are March through October. A trail map or GPS is recommended to avoid getting sidetracked as numerous trails cross the area. You can bring your furry friend and even let them off-leash in some places.

The Mount Roberts Trail begins in downtown Juneau and gains just over 3,700 feet in elevation, offering wonderful views, particularly from about halfway up the trail. The trail is very steep up to Father Brown’s Cross, an excellent place to pause and enjoy unique views of downtown Juneau down below. Above the cross, the trail is marked by switchbacks, rocky terrain, wildlife, and expansive views up to the peak. Hikers can save their time and energy for the higher elevation or cut time out of their return by taking the Goldbelt Tram which travels 1,800 feet up the mountain from downtown and back. The upper tram station also makes a great stopover if hiking the whole way - there is even a restaurant to grab a bite or a drink before continuing your journey.

18. Ice Cave Trail

• Location: Juneau
• Mileage: 6.1-mile out-and-back trail
• Difficulty: Hard
• FYI: A “technical” hike that requires climbing experience and taking proper precautions. Best times to visit are June through August. Leave the pets at home for this one.

When it comes to magical, only-in-Alaska experiences, the Mendenhall Ice Caves belong on the bucket list. You should know though, as you would expect with such an exceptional destination, hiking the Ice Cave Trail is no easy feat. The trail begins with a gentle hike through a pretty forest and becomes a very challenging climb involving scrambling, steep and dangerous drop-offs, and slippery and icy conditions. Only experienced climbers should attempt this trail. If you do make it to the glacial caves, you will be rewarded by a wonderland of massive otherworldly ice formations and dramatic domes with shimmering blue walls and a strange light. This breathtaking adventure just may ruin you for future hikes.

Hiking is clearly one of the best ways to explore and appreciate Alaska’s wild natural beauty, and there are so many trails to choose from. All that’s left is to grab your hiking boots and decide which trail will be your first adventure. For more amazing destination hikes in Alaska check out these hikes to ruins and hikes to footbridges.

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