The Best Day Hikes in Alaska: By Region- Here is the list of the best day hikes in Alaska, this list is organized by area and regions. It will highlight long hikes to short hikes, all hitting the best scenic views. Some of these hikes are the best family friendly hikes and many of them are dog friendly. These hikes will be in Denali, Wrangell St. Elias, and Kenai Fjord National Parks, along with State Parks, and day trips from Anchorage. This list of my favorite day hikes in Alaska will vary in distance and difficulty, ranging from easy, moderate and difficult. Check out all the information below on the hikes, miles, time, where to stay and more!
Overview
Wrangell St. Elias National Park
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When To Go
Some of these hikes are open year round. But it is best to go during the summer months.
If you want a clear trail (minimal snow coverings) I would plan for June to September. Even some of these shoulder ‘summer months’ could have snow leftover on the trail or roads.
Hikes By Area
Denali National Park
Savage Alpine Trail
Distance: 4.1 miles
Time: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The Savage Alpine Trail is one of my favorite hikes in the area, it is 4.1 miles long. It is best to use the bus transportation to make this hike one way. The best way to do this hike is to start at the Mountain Vista Picnic Area, leaving a car or using the bus. This hike is one way, then use the bus to get back to the start if needed.
Mt. Healy Overlook
Distance: 4.9 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The Mt. Healy Overlook Trail is a 4.9 mile out and back hike. With an elevation change of 1,500 feet expect for this hike to take 3-4 hours. Located from the Visitors Center this hike will take you to a grand overlook of the Denali Park area.
Thorofare Ridge Trail
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
We first took off for the longer, more difficult hike in this area, the Thorofare Ridge Trail. This hike is 2 miles round trip. It is short but steep, with a 1,000 foot elevation gain. Expect 1 to 2 hours to complete this hike. But on a clear day I think this hike gives you the best views of Denali.
Check out our 3 Day Itinerary in Denali National Park
Where To Stay in The Denali Area
Kenai Fjords National Park
Lost Lake
Distance: 10-13 miles round trip
Time: 6-10 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The Lost Lake hike is by far my favorite hike in Alaska, and one of my top favorite hikes ever. I am a sucker for a bright blue lake and lush green hills, and the Lost Lake hike gives you just this. This hike is long, but with a slow and steady pace anyone with some endurance can complete this hike. Give yourself all day and start early. That way you can take your time and really enjoy the incredible views at the end.
Harding IceField
Distance: 9 miles round trip
Time: 6-8 hours
Difficulty: Hard
The biggest attraction from land at the Kenai Fjords National Park is the Harding IceField Hike. This hike can be difficult not only because it is long but it has a serious incline at the beginning. If you can get through that tough incline the rest is scenic and a breeze, well maybe not completely. But the scenery around you will be sooo worth it.
Slaughter Ridge Trail
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
The Slaughter Ridge Trail Hike is considered difficult, it has a high elevation and it is fast! Read about the difficulty of this hike before going and also wait until a nice day, we had a rainy day so we passed on this hike. The foggy views might not have been worth the effort. But I was bummed, this really looks like an amazing hike on a clear day.
Where To Stay in the Kenai Fjords Area
Wrangell St. Elias National Park
Root Glacier
Distance: 2-4 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Have you ever wanted to get really close to a glacier, or even walk on one?? The short hike to the Root Glacier may be your chance. While visiting the Wrangell St. Elias National Park the quaint town of McCarthy might be on your list. It is definitely off the beaten path but the trek it worth it. Plus you get to hike the incredible Root Glacier hike and more!
*You will need to drive the famous McCarthy Road to get to these hikes, read more information about it and decide if it is something you are willing to do (I believe it is worth it, if in the correct vehicle!).
Where To Stay the Wrangell Area
Day Hikes From Anchorage
Reed Lakes
Distance: 8.7 miles round tip
Time: 8.7 miles round tip
Difficulty: moderate-hard
Another one of my favorites in Alaska was the Reed Lakes Hike, besides a quick scramble over some boulder rocks this hike is considered moderate. During this hike you will see two gorgeous blue lakes. We wished we had a sunnier day to really take in the sweeping beauty but it was still worth it on a rainy and doggy day.
Lion’s Head
Distance: 2.1 miles
Time: 1.3-2 hours
Difficulty: hard
The Lion’s Head Hike will give you the best view of the Matanuska Glacier. It is a short hike, but is considered difficult due to the steep incline. Be prepared for some scrambles and some but scooting. I atleast did. But man, look at these views! You could spend a day trip exploring the glacier and surroundings.
Portage Pass
Distance: 4.2 miles
Time: 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Portage Pass is a great hike, we went on a very foggy and misty day. I would love to go back and see the area on a clear sunny day, but you can’t win them all. The path is well marked up a rocky gravel path, you will eventually crest the hill and if it’s clear you will have a wonderful view of the valley and glacier. You can stop here for a shorter walk. We did not so we kept hiking down along the trail, through the bushes until we came out to a peaceful beach where we could see the Portage Glacier and Portage Lake.
Byron Glacier Hike
Distance: 3.2 miles
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
The Byron Glacier Hike is an easy day hike from Anchorage. It is only about an 1 hour drive from the city and could be paired with the Portage Pass Hike from above to fill your day. The path is well marked and paved, it is a perfect family hike to see a glacier up close and personal. We saw lots of dogs as well. But as always in Alaska be Bear Aware, we saw a bear from across the creek while on this path.
Eklutna Lake
Less than an hour drive from Anchorage to Eklutna Lake this is a great area to explore. I didn’t link a specific hike here because we mostly just wandered the beach and walked along the lake as far as we wanted to. And if you want to be super adventurous you could walk along the entire lake!
Thunderbird Falls
Distance: 1.8 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
The Thunderbird Falls Trail is a great family hike. It is short, the path is well paved and easy to follow. There are a few ups and downs. It is only about 30 minutes of Anchorage making it a great day trip from the city..
Other Hikes in the Area
We did not do these hikes but they were high on our list if we had the time and good weather.
Distance: 5.8 miles
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Where To Stay in Anchorage
Tips For Hiking in Alaska
Leave No Trace
Make sure you practice Leave No Trace 7 principles to leave minimal impact on the trails.
Be Bear Aware
Make sure you are Bear Aware while in any part of Alaska. We carried bear spray while on any hike in Alaska. We did not see any moose or bear along these hikes. Stay alert, make noise, and seal food in containers. I also used a bear bell since we are usually pretty quiet hikers.
Watch For Weather
There is not much storm coverage at the top of this trail. Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on any of these hikes.
Go Early
Going early will help you beat the crowds and the heat. And maybe even give you a better chance at seeing some wildlife if you are interested in that.
What To Bring Hiking
Water– we each carried 2 liters of water in our hydration bladders with an additional collapsible water bottle on most longer hikes.
Hiking Poles– my husband never used hiking poles but I find them very valuable to me knees for those uphills and downhills at the beginning of the high elevation hikes.
Layers– You never know what Alaska weather and high elevation hikes may bring you. Dress in thin layers and make sure you bring a raincoat as well.
Sunscreen– Sunscreen is essential. We got burnt on this hike because we didn’t reapply our sunscreen often enough.
Bear Spray– we each had our own, and I also attached a bear bell on to my backpack.
Bug Spray– Alaska summers are known for their bugs. Although we didn’t seem to get bitten by bugs much, we did see lots of mosquitos near the lake when we stopped for lunch.
Hiking Shoes– Good sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I love my Ahnu’s.
Snacks/Food– This is a long hike, we packed many snacks such as granola bars, jerky sticks, fruits strips and more. We also packed a sandwich to eat at the top.
Sunglasses/Hat– Again it is very bright at the top of some wide open areas. I would pack sunglasses and maybe even a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.
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3 Days In Denali National Park Itinerary
Renting A Campervan in Alaska: Million Mile Adventures
Driving the McCarthy Road, Is It Worth It?
Where To Eat and Drink in Talkeetna, Alaska
The Best Plane Tour in Alaska: Land on a Glacier
A Guide to the Denali Bus Tour
