Alaska Guided Hiking Trips & Lodges
Hiking is one of the best ways to discover what makes the Alaskan wilderness unique: fragrant forests, amazing wildlife, the sounds of nature, sublime mountain light, and a real sense of peace. And while you shouldn’t be afraid to go hiking on your own, going in a group with a guide can add a lot to the experience. Because they’re experts in their local areas, they know the best trails and the most scenic spots. And they’ll share fascinating insights about the trees, tundra, wildlife, native history, and natural history of the places you visit. You’ll come away with a much deeper understanding of how plants and animals have adapted to survive in our hostile climate.
Small Group Land Tours
Go with a small-group escorted tour company like Alaska Wildland Adventures and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to hike. AWA offers multi-day trips with seasoned naturalist guides, nice lodging, and great food. All-inclusive packages start at about $1000 per person and are an excellent value.
Alaska Wilderness Lodges
Alaska’s full-service lodges aren’t inexpensive, but their guided hikes, personalized tours, and great access to otherwise untouched wilderness are well worth the cost. The best lodges for guided hiking: Kenai Backcountry Lodge, where you'll hike through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; Kenai Riverside Lodge, which offers hikes in Chugach National Forest; Camp Denali / North Face Lodge in the heart of Denali. And Kennicott Glacier Lodge is great for self-guided hikes.
Show Map
Guided Hiking & Hiking Lodges
Denali View All
Hike near the Denali National Park entrance for wildlife-spotting opportunities and walks along the Nenana River. You can also hike a frontier-era trail back to an old hunting cabin. Or stay in a Kantishna wilderness lodge and take advantage of their trained naturalists offer multiple hikes per day, from easy to challenging. You’ll get close-up views of Denali (Mt. McKinley) from secluded trails where you usually won’t see any other groups.
Forget the trailhead on your next hike. Instead, take a short but very scenic helicopter ride to a special wilderness area just outside Denali National Park and start your trek from there. Your guide will lead your small group on a soft-adventure hike above the tree line, with sweeping views. You’ll learn about identifying animal tracks and the local flora and fauna, and of course have the opportunity to spot wildlife like bears, moose, and Dall ...more
New Wave Adventures provides experienced guides who go beyond guiding your way — they enrich your journey with insights into the area’s history, flora, fauna, and geology. Choose from 3 hikes in the Denali area: Oxbow, Triple Lakes, or Rock Creek.
Traverse Alaska can craft fully-guided custom adventures, or set you up on a trip into the Alaska wilderness arming you with some know-how — and providing you with the independence to freely explore. Excursions include private day hikes, rafting and packrafting, and multi-day backpacking.
Homer View All
Kachemak Bay State Park • Mountain & Glacier views
Enjoy remote Alaska at its best. Go with this small, family-owned company in Homer for a magical kayaking experience and a gorgeous hike to an iceberg-studded glacier lake!
Ketchikan View All
Experience kayaking in Alaska the way it should be — away from the crowds — with these unique Ketchikan paddling tours that make you feel like a true explorer. Your small group (usually just 4 people) will board the company’s comfortable boat and set off from the Ketchikan cruise-ship dock, leaving the big ships and the crowds behind. Choose from a 3‑hour tour, or 5‑hour kayak and hike tour.
Board a rigid-hull inflatable boat for a 20-minute ride out to a secluded island. Weave through a series of small islands with massive cliffs that rise hundreds of feet out of the ocean, check out active bald eagle nests and look for sea lions and seabird rookeries along the way. Once at the island, you’ll climb out on the beach, break out into smaller groups, and set off on a stunning hike on a boardwalk that snakes through the rainforest. ...more
Southeast Alaska is home to the Tongass National Forest, where nearly 17 million acres of glaciers, mountains, rivers, and fjords complement old-growth forests of spruce, cedar, and hemlock. Walk among these giant sentinels, some well over 500 years old, and breathe in the pristine air that they provide in one of North America’s largest carbon sinks. Experience this world-renowned gem of a rainforest on a guided hike or an SUV tour when you stop ...more
Fairbanks View All
Connect with the amazing sled dogs and go on a 2- to 3-mile hike geared for all ages!
Sample a variety of Alaskan activities year-round through this organization that’s all about showcasing the community of Two Rivers. The signature Taste of Two Rivers Tour includes a dog sled demonstration, gold panning, and an opportunity to meet & pet reindeer. Other summer tours include hikes with reindeer and visiting a peony farm. In winter, go dog sledding (day or multi-day expedition) and view the northern lights.
Visit the world’s oldest Siberian Husky kennel any time of the year with tour options ranging from a couple of hours in the summer to multi-day winter adventures exploring Fairbanks.
Moose Pass View All
Explore the iconic Iditarod National Historic Trail
Embrace Winter on an epic cold-weather snowshoe trek out of Moose Pass, a small town on the Kenai Peninsula, in the heart of the Chugach Mountains. Extend the experience with an overnight or 2‑night stay in a handmade, Mongolian-style yurt on the shores of remote Grant Lake.
Scenic vistas, glacial lakes, and Gold Rush history come together in the Moose Pass area, just north of Seward, making it an ideal spot to kayak, packraft, and hike. Travel with the experts of Moose Pass Adventures and you’ll experience this magical area on a day tour or overnight getaway to a backcountry yurt with an intimate group with experienced, passionate guides.
Juneau View All
Located in a lush temperate rainforest, there are plenty of opportunities to get on the trails. Adventure Flow offers a hike with an emphasis on photography and a more challenging hike with views of Mendenhall Glacier. Or, you can hike across a glacier with TEMSCO Air or Northstar Trekking.
A tour aboard a TEMSCO helicopter offers beautiful views of Alaska’s Capital City, and up-close exploration of Mendenhall, one of the state’s most accessible glaciers. Look out on alpine lakes, moraines, and crevasses before you land and check out the Juneau Icefield for yourself.
Experience the ultimate Alaskan adventure with Above & Beyond Alaska’s Fly-In Glacier Hike & Packraft tour! Explore glaciers in a 5‑hour journey, including flightseeing, hiking, and packrafting. Maximum 6 people per tour.
Feel the truly unique thrill of walking on an ancient glacier. This unforgettable experience begins with a canoe trip to the glacier, where you’ll don crampons and explore the gorgeous blue ice…no experience required!
Northstar Helicopters operates out of Juneau and caters to all styles of exploration. The curious glacier observer can simply fly to the glacier and snap photographs from flat or rolling terrain. You can also choose to hike on the glacier itself. If you’re very adventurous, you can even learn how to climb on the ice walls. No matter which option you choose, NorthStar Helicopters will guide you all the way, making sure you get the most out of this ...more
Canoe across a lake to Mendenhall Glacier glacier, Keeping an eye out for arctic terns, mountain goats, and icebergs floating in the water. Then, land on the glacier beach and walk about a mile alongside the glacier, exploring as you go — there may even be ice caves to check out.
Fairbanks View All
Connect with the amazing sled dogs and go on a 2- to 3-mile hike geared for all ages!
Sample a variety of Alaskan activities year-round through this organization that’s all about showcasing the community of Two Rivers. The signature Taste of Two Rivers Tour includes a dog sled demonstration, gold panning, and an opportunity to meet & pet reindeer. Other summer tours include hikes with reindeer and visiting a peony farm. In winter, go dog sledding (day or multi-day expedition) and view the northern lights.
Visit the world’s oldest Siberian Husky kennel any time of the year with tour options ranging from a couple of hours in the summer to multi-day winter adventures exploring Fairbanks.
Anchorage & Girdwood
Guided hikes and walks in Chugach State Park beyond Anchorage, as well as Girdwood, 45-minutes south of Anchorage.
Glacier trekking, kayaking, ice climbing, and other activities are even more special when combined with a spectacular helicopter ride through Alaska’s dramatic scenery. Thanks to key partnerships with other experienced Alaskan tour operators, Palmer based Outbound Heli Adventures is able to coordinate seamless outings of a lifetime! And, they pride themselves on offering the most amount of flight time with their excursions.
Get out there on one or more of these super-accessible trips, which range from easy nature walks to strenuous alpine multi-day treks. You’ll not only get a healthy dose of scenery, you’ll also exercise your body, mind, and soul. In winter, marvel at frozen waterfalls, snowshoe treks and even heli-snowshoeing!
Experience the wilderness of the Chugach National Forest from several different perspectives. Combine a helicopter ride, alpine hike, glacial lake tour, and train ride all in 9 – 10 hours! It’s one big and bold Alaska tour de force with Chugach Adventures.
Drive your own Jeep equipped with a rooftop tent while guides leading the way in a separate vehicle take care of the details as you go. Along the way you’ll enjoy some of the most iconic spots and experiences that the 49th state has to offer.
Discover Alaska’s scenic gem, Portage Valley — just an hour from Anchorage with Glacier City Rafting & Hiking. Offering small-group tours guided by knowledgeable locals, and explore glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, and wildlife.
Explore Anchorage’s best kept secrets with a local guide. Traverse Alaska’s private, custom adventures are designed to take visitors off the beaten path and away from the crowds. Adventures can incorporate a full day of hiking or a combination of scenic driving and outdoor activities. Each trip is custom designed to meet your interests and desired activity level.
Walking out across the ice of Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier is an unforgettable experience that you can take advantage of year-round — and it’s just a two-hour drive from Anchorage.
McCarthy-Kennicott View All
The Root Glacier near this famous ghost town is a good place to take a guided glacier hike. Kennicott Wilderness Guides offers great guided hiking excursions, from single to multi-day.
If you’ve never walked on a glacier, this is your chance. Going with experienced guides, you’ll leave from Kennicott, hike two miles, and spend the next several hours on the Root Glacier, safely exploring the blue ice, blue pool, canyons, and moulins of this extraordinary natural phenomenon. Choose a half- or full-day tour and learn all about natural and human history from your expert guides along the way. Or ramp up the excitement by going ice ...more
A third of Wrangell — St. Elias National Park is covered in glacial ice, making it one of the easiest places to access a glacier in Alaska. Strap on the provided crampons and explore the stunning features of the glacier with expert guidance — rivers and waterfalls, crevasses and blue pools wait to be discovered. Or, take on the challenge of scaling the dramatic icy walls of a glacier on an ice climbing trip.
Experience the thrill of trying out a new sport: packrafting. Led by expert guides, you’ll leave from the town of Kennicott out to the Alaskan backcountry, then strap a raft to your back (it’s under 9 pounds) and set off on an interpretive walk down to a lake. Then unpack the raft and put in the water. You’ll learn how to use and maneuver these unique boats in Class I‑II water, and even have the possibility of taking on some Class III rapids. ...more
Fly in and out of remote locations in the gorgeous Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and experience the true wilderness of the Alaskan backcountry. Keeping it minimal and unplugging completely, you’ll sleep in a tent and wake up refreshed and exhilarated by the sights and sounds of these raw wilds. Moderate mini-Backpacking excursions for beginners, or point-to-point hikes for experienced backpackers that match your abilities.
Explore the Alaskan wilderness while carrying your pack and camping out — it’s a way to truly get in touch with nature. Choose a 1‑night or 2‑night trek leaving from the town of Kennicott — your expedition will be led by expert guides, who will take you on hikes that can wind past gorgeous lakes and stunning waterfalls. Work with your guide to personalize your adventure — they know the must-see highlights of this area and can fill you in on the human ...more
Talkeetna View All
Alaska Nature Guides offers guided hikes in Denali State Park. Enjoy nature walks, wilderness treks, and even a heli-hike! Or, fly in to a remote lodge to use as your base camp for a day of hiking with Caribou Lodge Alaska, located in the Talkeetna Mountains.
Get out there on one or more of these super-accessible trips, which range from easy nature walks to strenuous alpine multi-day treks. You’ll not only get a healthy dose of scenery, you’ll also exercise your body, mind, and soul. In winter, marvel at frozen waterfalls, snowshoe treks and even heli-snowshoeing!
Explore Alaska on foot — take a scenic day hike into the South Denali area. Choose one of 3 great hikes; from an easy, 2‑mile stroll to a moderately strenuous 5½-hour hike. You’ll get spectacular views and see plenty of wildlife as you trek with your experienced naturalist guide. Depending on the hike you may pass pristine lakes, see an old pioneer’s cabin, catch a glimpse of Mt. McKinley, and even have the chance to spot foraging bears. These ...more
Get a unique view of the Alaskan wilderness on a four- or seven-day backpacking trip through the backcountry. You’ll be trekking on Kesugi Ridge in Denali State Park, with magnificent views of Mt. McKinley and of course plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. Your experienced naturalist guide will be with you the whole way, cooking up great meals at your campsites. You should be fit enough to carry a pack up moderate hills, though you’ll ...more
This fly-in lodge on a private lake in the Talkeetna Mountains is a great place to unplug. It is also an ideal destination to escape the crowds as the lodge only accommodates small groups of 10 or less. Take guided hikes to look for wildlife and enjoy nature, kayak, go fishing, pick wild berries, or just relax and enjoy the peace and blissful views.
Go hiking in the Alaskan wilderness, but bookend your hike with a spectacular helicopter ride. Lift off from Talkeetna for a short, scenic flight into the boreal forest around town. Then get ready to start hiking with your experienced naturalist guide. You’ll get great views of Denali, the Alaska Range, and countless mountain peaks as you walk through the alpine tundra of the South Denali area — it’s a hiker’s paradise only accessible by chopper. ...more
Escape to the Talkeetna Mountains for a luxurious getaway at Stephan Lake Lodge, a remote 6‑bedroom full-service lodge located on a private lake. With access to 40,000 acres of private land, guests can experience breathtaking Alaskan scenery while kayaking, fishing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the fireplace.
Palmer / Wasilla View All
Set off with a small group and an experienced guide for an unforgettable exploration of the Mat-Su Valley area on foot. Nestled between the Chugach Mountains to the south and the Talkeetna Mountains to the north, there are craggy, snow-capped peaks and rushing rivers everywhere you turn: a classic Alaskan setting that comes packed with a rich history. Opt for a half-day or full day hike, or choose a hike & brew or a town tour to learn the ...more
Glacier trekking, kayaking, ice climbing, and other activities are even more special when combined with a spectacular helicopter ride through Alaska’s dramatic scenery. Thanks to key partnerships with other experienced Alaskan tour operators, Palmer based Outbound Heli Adventures is able to coordinate seamless outings of a lifetime! And, they pride themselves on offering the most amount of flight time with their excursions.
Seward View All
Exit Glacier Guides offers guided hikes on and near Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park, as well as heli-hikes to more remote locations. Seward Wilderness Collective also offers hikes in the national park, in addition to more remote locations accessible via water taxi.
Take a spectacular private guided hiking tour in Seward — where the mountains meet the ocean — to explore glaciers and alpine ridges. When you go with Seward Wilderness Collective, you get a great tour plus a dialogue with their knowledgeable guides about the impacts of climate change, with living examples right in front of your eyes.
Start with a dramatic flightseeing trip in either a helicopter or ski plane and then get out onto an ancient river of ice for a thrilling glacier exploration either hiking or climbing.
Traverse the majesty of Exit Glacier by ice hiking or ice climbing, or opt for a nature hike in the gorgeous terrain around Seward, Alaska. Never ice climbed or hiked on a glacier? Not a problem. All trips include instruction to get you started.
Embrace Winter on an epic cold-weather snowshoe trek out of Moose Pass, a small town on the Kenai Peninsula, in the heart of the Chugach Mountains. Extend the experience with an overnight or 2‑night stay in a handmade, Mongolian-style yurt on the shores of remote Grant Lake.
Skagway View All
Guided heli-hike on a glacier
Taking a TEMSCO helicopter tour shows off the Gold Rush lands around Skagway in a new light, revealing gorgeous, glacier-filled valleys, tumbling waterfalls and peak after icy peak at the north end of the Juneau Icefield. Then land on a remote glacier for an exciting guided journey on ice that was formed thousands of years ago!
Glacier View View All
Glacier walks & hikes • Ice climbing • 2 hr drive from Anchorage
Experience the thrill of walking or climbing on a glacier. The Matanuska is Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier, and it’s just 90 minutes from Anchorage, so it’s an easy way to get up close and personal with these amazing natural wonders. You don’t need to be experienced in either activity — just be in good shape and up for adventure. You’ll either walk around on the glacier with crampons or learn how to use an ice axe and safely work your ...more
Walking out across the ice of Alaska’s largest road-accessible glacier is an unforgettable experience that you can take advantage of year-round — and it’s just a two-hour drive from Anchorage.
There’s climbing a mountain – and then there’s climbing an ICE mountain. Regardless of your climbing ability or experience, you’ll end the day feeling fulfilled and inspired. MICA also offers short, guided hikes and longer treks if you prefer a more leisurely explore of the glacier and its grandeur.