Best Trails in Alaska

Trying to find the best trails in Alaska? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Alaska, Anchorage

02 :16 hrs
1.6 mi
392.67383 ft
Moderate

Flattop Mountain is located in the Chugach State Park just east of the busy urban area of Anchorage. The 3500-foot mountain top is reached by hiking a section of the Blueberry Hill Trail to the saddle where a rugged trail leads up to the top. The trail is marked by painted rocks and requires some scrambling and route finding near the top. The scenery from the summit is excellent, offering 360-degree views of Anchorage and the surrounding mountain ranges. The top can get very windy and cold so come prepared for the elements. The area is very prone to avalanches so use extreme caution if attempting the hike during the winter.

2

Alaska, Anchorage

01 :59 hrs
10.3 mi
46.94342 ft
Moderate

Considered to be one of the most scenic coastal trails in the entire country, the Tony Knowles Trail is sure to deliver an enjoyable outdoor experience. Scenery from the trail includes views of downtown Anchorage, Mount McKinley, and beluga whales out in the bay. The trail travels through lots of heavily forested terrain in the southern portion where a wide variety of wildlife can be seen. The paved pathway also connects to other trails in the Anchorage area for more riding options. The bike path becomes a popular cross-country ski destination in the winter and is a portion of the Tour de Anchorage cross-country ski marathon.

3

Alaska, Skagway County

02 :42 hrs
2.5 mi
326.99017 ft
Moderate

Laughton Glacier is located just north of Skagway, flowing off the Sawtooth Range into the watershed of the Skagway River. The experience of hiking to the glacier is enjoyable not only because of the beautiful scenery along the trail but also because the trailhead can only be accessed by a train that travels through some breathtaking landscape between Skagway and the Laughton Glacier Flag Stop. The hike is fairly easy up to the cabin but continuing all the way to the glacier is slightly more challenging. Contact the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad for a current schedule and fares for the train ride. The trail is heavily used for guided hikes so expect to see others along the way.

4

Alaska, Anchorage County

00 :54 hrs
1 mi
47.398487 ft
Easy

The hike to Thunderbird Falls follows a short but scenic trail that leads to both an overlook of the falls as well as to the base of the falls. The hike is a great option for an easy family hike in the Anchorage area. The falls are also a popular destination in the winter when the water freezes and forms interesting ice sculptures.

5

Alaska, Anchorage County

03 :11 hrs
2.2 mi
582.58203 ft
Hard

Alyeska Ski Resort is home to many hiking trails once the ski season is over. Beginning just behind the hotel tram terminal, a well-defined trail leads up the north face of the mountain to the upper tram terminal. The are a lot of switchbacks on the way up making the hike up the steep terrain more manageable. From the top there are great views of the water below and nearby mountain peaks. If you are too tired to make the trek back to the trailhead, complimentary tram rides back down the mountain are available for hikers.

6

Alaska, Matanuska-Susitna County

06 :18 hrs
10 mi
1662.6384 ft
Expert

Mantanuska is a prominent rock spire that gains over 5,700ft. in 6 miles. There is no extensive rock-scrambling, just some boulder hopping involved. The trail follows along the creek and then becomes quite rocky. Bears and other wildlife are native to the area so take precaution.

7

Alaska, Anchorage

04 :47 hrs
2.5 mi
1027.5432 ft
Hard

A challenging and sustained hike up an exposed ridge overlooking the stunning Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm.

8

Alaska, Anchorage

00 :40 hrs
1.5 mi
106.40869 ft
Easy

Easy and very popular. Nice wild roses out and other flowers. Pouring rain does not stop most Anchoragians. And they don't do umbrellas either, that's for tourons.

9

Alaska, Anchorage County

03 :52 hrs
8.4 mi
690.0839 ft
Hard

Arctic Valley Road is a mountain road that travels up to an impressive viewpoint overlooking the Anchorage area and Ship Creek Valley. On a clear day you can also see Mt. McKinley off in the distance. The first few miles of the ride are on pavement but the roadway then turns to dirt with sections of rough washboard and steep switchbacks. The ride ends at a ski resort which also offers some nice hiking trails during the summer.

10

Alaska, Anchorage County

01 :28 hrs
1.6 mi
15.219955 ft
Moderate

Russian Jack Springs Park is a historic park located in a busy suburban area of Anchorage that offers a network of paved and unpaved trails for outdoor recreation. Many of the trails in the park are lit for nighttime cross-country skiing which is a popular activity here in the winter. The park also offers good hiking, frisbee golf, picnic areas, and a greenhouse for the warmer months.

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