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5 Stunning Day Hikes in Alaska

I heard mixed reviews about Alaska, but it was one of the most beautiful destinations I’ve been to. I don’t usually think about returning somewhere because there are SO many places to see…but I’d go back to Alaska in a heart-beat. It hosts some of the most beautiful hiking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife. Here are 5 great trails, perfect for a day hike!

1. Flat top Mountain

1. Flattop Mountain: 3.3 mile loop trail, Anchorage
 The most popular trail amongst locals and tourists due to it’s close proximity to downtown Anchorage. The loop is both family and dog friendly. AllTrails website has it listed as difficult, but it was one of the easier hikes on our trip. There’s a couple hills, but as someone moderately fit, it’s really nothing. You don’t need to be a trained hiker for this one. There were children on the trail so…

Denali National Park Trails

One does not simply go to Alaska and skip Denali… This national park is an adventure junkie’s playground. For more information about all the activities Denali has to offer you can check out my guide to Alaska here (coming soon). Here are 2 gorgeous hikes the park offers:

2. Rock Creek Trail

Rock creek trail: 2.4 miles one way, but if you combine it with the roadside trail you can hike them as a loop.

This hike is accessible for all skill levels and winds through the forests to a nice viewpoint of the mountains. Keep in mind this is bear country! Bears can be found all throughout the park, but you’re more likely to encounter them deeper in the backcountry of Denali. Some people swear not to go anywhere without bear spray…we survived without it after both workers at REI and Denali Visitors Centre told us it shouldn’t be an issue on the marked trails, but again that’s a risk up to you.

3. Horseshoe Bend (Horseshoe lake)

Horseshoe bend: 2 miles roundtrip

The shortest/ easiest hike on our Alaskan adventure, but equally as beautiful as the rest. There is one set of stairs at the beginning/end, but other then that it’s pretty flat. This is a relaxing hike that takes you around the lake and down to Nenana river. Right off the back you’re greeted to this view:

cc kaileegiorgi/dontlookback

4. Twin Peaks (Eklutna Lake)

Twin Peaks, Chugach State Park: 6 miles
The phrase “Hard work pays off” has never been more relevant than during the gruelling trek of Twin Peaks. It’s only 3 miles one way, but entirely uphill (3000ft elevation). It’s a head game more than anything…there will definitely be points where you wanna say “fuck it” and turn around, but each mile you get a taste of what can only be described as the most stunning views I’ve ever encountered. It took us 3 hours to get up and 2 hours going down. Here’s an idea of what you see:

MILE 1

MILE 2

MILE 3

5. Harding Icetrail

Harding Ice trail: 8.9 mile, roundtrip, Kenai Fjords
HIC is categorized as moderate-difficult, but is also considered one of the most beautiful hikes in Alaska… but it really depends on the time of year.

The perks to travelling in the shoulder season are abundant: less tourists, not too hot/cold, cheaper flights/accommodations etc…but unfortunately there’s also the chance that trails may not be open yet. The Harding Ice trail was open in May, but only to a certain point due to Avalanche warnings. We were advised to take a 2 mile hike through part of the trail to Marmount Meadows for a lovely view, but further than that you’d need snowshoes. The trail is pretty slippery throughout and we had several wipe-outs. Within the first 2 miles there is nothing really remarkable compared to the previous mentioned hikes. I’d say skip it if the full trail isn’t open.

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