Anchorage – Alaska

Your adventure begins as you arrive in Alaska, where transport will be arranged to collect you from the airport. It’s well connected to Europe and the US, making your journey smooth and hassle-free. If you’re arriving a day early, we can suggest excellent accommodation options to ensure a relaxed start to your journey. 

For the duration of the trip, you’ll be based in Anchorage, surrounded by mountains and national parks. This means you won’t have to carry all your belongings from place to place, and after each day of hiking, you’ll return to the comfort of a warm shower and a cosy bed. Get ready for an unforgettable week exploring one of the US’ most spectacular mountain landscapes.

Click for Route Map : 10 km  5 h  ~300 m  ●●●○○ — Easy-Moderate

The Dew Mound Loop offers a peaceful and varied hike through forest, wetlands, and open meadows in Chugach State Park, about 40 minutes from Anchorage. Starting from the Eagle River Nature Center, the trail begins gently through spruce and birch woods before branching off from the Crow Pass Trail and entering a quieter section of valley.

The path winds through mossy forest and along small creeks, with occasional views of the surrounding peaks. Midway around the loop, the landscape opens up at Dew Mound, where glacial features and low ridges give a sense of the valley’s shape and history. Wildlife is often seen here, including moose, beavers, and a variety of birds.

The return section follows rolling terrain through woodland and meadow before rejoining the main trail near the Nature Center. It’s a beautiful half-day outing with classic Alaskan scenery, rewarding solitude, and a true sense of wilderness close to the city.

Click for Route Map :  17 km  6–7 h  ~800 m  ●●●●○ — Challenging

This route combines the best of Anchorage’s backyard wilderness, linking the Williwaw Lakes basin with the airy summit of Little O’Malley Peak for a full day of alpine scenery and solitude.

Starting from the Glen Alps trailhead, the hike follows the Powerline Pass Trail before branching onto the Middle Fork Trail. After a steady climb through tundra slopes, a spur leads up to Little O’Malley Peak, where broad views open across the Front Range toward Anchorage and Cook Inlet. From here, the route drops into the Williwaw Lakes basin, a chain of clear, blue alpine lakes nestled beneath steep, rocky walls.

The trail then loops through open tundra and willow flats before rejoining the main valley path for the return to Glen Alps. It’s a long, rewarding day that captures the full range of Chugach landscapes — from mountain summits and glacial valleys to tranquil alpine meadows — all within sight of the city.

Click for Route Map :  12 km  5–6 h  ~600 m  ●●●○○ — Moderate / Challenging

The Muk Tuk Marston Trail is a beautiful, less-traveled route that climbs from the Eagle River Nature Center into the forested foothills of the Chugach Mountains, offering wide views and a strong sense of wilderness.

Named after Charles “Muk Tuk” Marston, a local outdoorsman and conservationist, the trail begins along the Crow Pass corridor before turning onto a narrower, quieter path that gradually climbs above the valley. The route winds through dense spruce forest and open meadows, crossing small creeks and patches of wildflowers in summer.

As you gain elevation, the trees thin to reveal sweeping views of the Eagle River Valley and the surrounding peaks. The trail eventually reaches a high point on a broad ridge, a perfect spot for a rest or picnic before retracing your steps back down.

It’s a rewarding day hike that feels remote and peaceful, offering classic Alaskan mountain scenery without the crowds found on the park’s more popular routes.

A free day in Anchorage is the perfect chance to rest and explore at an easier pace. Start with a walk or bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where moose often wander through the trees and the mountains rise across Cook Inlet. For a deeper look into Alaska’s culture and history, visit the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center, both offering great exhibits and performances that bring the state’s heritage to life.

If you’d like to see more of Alaska’s wildlife up close, join a guided trip to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, where rescued bears, moose, and bison roam spacious enclosures in a stunning mountain setting. Back in town, spend the afternoon browsing local art galleries, cafés, and outdoor shops before ending the day with dinner at one of Anchorage’s seafood restaurants or brewpubs. It’s a relaxed and rewarding way to experience the city between adventures.

Click for Route Map :  19 km  7–9 h  ~1,500 m  ●●●●● — Very Challenging

This demanding but spectacular route connects two of the most prominent summits near Palmer, offering a full day of steep climbing, rugged terrain, and far-reaching views across the Matanuska Valley.

The trail begins at the Lazy Mountain trailhead, climbing steeply through forest to open tundra slopes. After reaching the summit of Lazy Mountain (1,097 m), the route continues along a high, rolling ridge toward the more imposing Matanuska Peak (1,980 m). The section between the peaks is rough and exposed in places, requiring good fitness, stable footing, and confidence on uneven ground.

The final ascent of Matanuska Peak is steep but rewarding, with a rocky summit that overlooks Knik Glacier, the Chugach Mountains, and the farmlands of the valley below. After taking in the view, most hikers return the same way, retracing their steps over Lazy Mountain for a long and satisfying descent.

It’s one of Southcentral Alaska’s classic endurance hikes — challenging, remote-feeling, and unforgettable for its big climbs and huge panoramas.

Click for Route Map :  16 km  6-7 h  ~650 m  ●●●●○ — Moderate

This beautiful point-to-point hike links two of the most scenic valleys in the front range of Chugach State Park, combining alpine tundra, rugged ridgelines, and one of Anchorage’s most photogenic lakes.

Starting from the Rabbit Lake trailhead, the route follows an easy-grade trail to Rabbit Lake, a stunning turquoise basin surrounded by the peaks of North and South Suicide. From the lake, the path climbs steeply onto the ridge between the valleys, offering wide views over Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains. The traverse continues along rolling tundra before dropping into the McHugh Creek drainage, descending through alpine meadows and forest to finish near the Seward Highway.

The trail is well marked but demanding, especially in wet or windy conditions, and most hikers arrange a pickup at the McHugh trailhead to avoid backtracking. With its balance of challenge and variety, the Rabbit Lake to McHugh Creek traverse is one of the finest long day hikes near Anchorage.

After an incredible week exploring the wild beauty of Alaska, it’s time to pack your bags and begin your journey onwards. Transport will be arranged to take you to the airport.

If you’re extending your stay, there are plenty of incredible places to explore beyond the mountains. We’d be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your time.

As you leave Anchorage behind, you’ll take with you memories of dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, and unforgettable adventures in one of the US’ most breathtaking landscapes. Until next time!