Category: Alaska Hiking Trails

Top Hiking Trails in Alaska: Conquer Them, But Don’t Underestimate Their Threat

On By The.Daily.ChristianIn alaska, Alaska Hiking Trails, ALASKA SURIVAL PREPPERLeave a comment

If you’re the kind of person who thinks a good day starts with a full pack, a topo map, and boots laced tight, then you already know: Alaska is the crown jewel of American wilderness. It’s raw, unforgiving, and more beautiful than any postcard could ever show. But don’t let the splendor fool you. These trails are not for the complacent. They’ll test your gear, your grit, and your ability to adapt when plans go sideways—which they will in The Last Frontier.

I’m not just some guy with a CamelBak and a GoPro. I’m a survival prepper. I hike with purpose, and I live by one rule: hope for the best, prepare for hell. Alaska doesn’t coddle the unprepared, and every trail up here is a reminder that Mother Nature doesn’t care about your cell signal.

Let’s talk about the top 20 hiking trails in Alaska—routes every serious hiker should aspire to conquer. But heed my words: these aren’t scenic strolls. They’re battles between you and the wild. You might win, but only if you respect the terrain, the weather, and your own limitations.

1. Crow Pass Trail (Girdwood to Eagle River)

Distance: 21 miles (point to point)
This is no walk in the park. You’ll cross icy rivers, traverse avalanche chutes, and spot bears if you’re lucky—or unlucky, depending on your prep. Don’t skimp on waterproofing your gear. Weather flips fast here.

2. Harding Icefield Trail (Kenai Fjords National Park)

Distance: 8.2 miles (round trip)
If you’re not in shape, this trail will chew you up. It’s a relentless climb with glacial views that’ll steal your breath—literally and figuratively. Bring traction devices, and know how to use them.

3. Kesugi Ridge Trail (Denali State Park)

Distance: 27.4 miles (one-way, multiple access points)
This ridgeline trek offers views of Denali, assuming the clouds give you a break. The exposure is real. Bring layers, an emergency bivy, and always know where your next water source is.

4. Mount Marathon Trail (Seward)

Distance: 3.1 miles (round trip)
This short trail is brutal. A vertical grind followed by a sketchy descent. It’s famous for a reason. People have been lost, hurt, and worse. Don’t let its size fool you—it’s one of the deadliest races in America.

5. Flattop Mountain Trail (Anchorage)

Distance: 3.3 miles (round trip)
Flattop is popular, but overconfidence here can get you in trouble. Ice, high winds, and sheer drops make this a fine training ground for tougher climbs. Watch the weather like a hawk.

6. Resurrection Pass Trail (Hope to Cooper Landing)

Distance: 39 miles (point to point)
Perfect for a multi-day trek if you want solitude and scenery. Moose, bears, and even wolves prowl this route. Bring a bear can, a good map, and boots that won’t quit on mile 25.

7. Savage Alpine Trail (Denali National Park)

Distance: 4 miles (one way)
A high-elevation hike with killer views. The switchbacks will punish you if you come unfit. Stay alert—wildlife is everywhere, and there’s no cell coverage for miles.

8. Chilkoot Trail (Skagway)

Distance: 33 miles (one way, permit required)
This historic Gold Rush trail is a beast. It’s rugged, remote, and crosses into Canada. Bring ID, your passport, and the mental fortitude to carry a 40-pound pack over the pass.

9. Winner Creek Trail (Girdwood)

Distance: 5–9 miles (depending on route)
More beginner-friendly, but don’t relax too much. The hand tram over the gorge is intense, and rain can make the trail slicker than oiled granite.

10. Mount Healy Overlook Trail (Denali NP)

Distance: 5.4 miles (round trip)
A steep climb, but the views at the top are a big reward. Weather can shift rapidly, and the trail turns icy in shoulder seasons. Carry microspikes—always.

11. Exit Glacier Overlook (Kenai Fjords)

Distance: 2.2 miles (round trip)
Short but spectacular. Glacial terrain changes yearly, so don’t trust old maps. Glaciers can collapse or calve without warning. Stay behind the ropes.

12. Deer Mountain Trail (Ketchikan)

Distance: 6.8 miles (round trip)
This trail goes straight up and into clouds more often than not. Slick rocks and deep fog make route-finding tricky. Don’t rely on your phone’s GPS—it can and will fail you.

13. Granite Tors Trail (Chena River State Rec Area)

Distance: 15 miles (loop)
Hot springs nearby lull people into a false sense of ease. The tors are alien and brutal in bad weather. Insects here bite like they’re paid to.

14. Portage Pass Trail (Whittier)

Distance: 4 miles (round trip)
Quick access to Portage Glacier, but even in summer, the wind here cuts like a knife. Rain gear isn’t optional—it’s survival.

15. Bonanza Mine Trail (Wrangell-St. Elias)

Distance: 9 miles (round trip)
You’ll be climbing an old mining road into pure wilderness. Bring extra water, and don’t trust the structures near the mine—collapse risk is real.

16. Russian Lakes Trail (Cooper Landing)

Distance: 21 miles (point to point)
Bears love this trail—especially in salmon season. Make noise, carry spray, and never hike alone unless you’ve got a death wish or a grizzly-sized ego.

17. Mount Baldy (Eagle River)

Distance: 2.5 miles (round trip)
Popular with locals, but high winds and exposure mean this little peak can still surprise you. Great training hike, but don’t skip the layers.

18. Slaughter Gulch Trail (Cooper Landing)

Distance: 4 miles (round trip)
Don’t let the name scare you—unless you’re unprepared. This one goes straight up with little reprieve. Trekking poles are your best friends here.

19. Lost Lake Trail (Seward to Primrose)

Distance: 15 miles (point to point)
Alpine meadows and panoramic views make this a favorite. Mosquitoes are relentless in summer—bring DEET, and pack for overnight even if you plan a day hike.

20. Twin Peaks Trail (Eklutna Lake)

Distance: 5 miles (round trip)
Steep switchbacks and epic views over the lake. If the clouds roll in, you’re blind. Bring GPS, a whistle, and let someone know where you’re headed.

Final Words from the Trail

You don’t conquer Alaska. You earn every mile, every summit, every view. The price? Preparation. Knowledge. Discipline. And a healthy dose of fear.

Before you lace up, check the forecast, tell someone your route, and carry the ten essentials. Add a couple extras too—because in Alaska, redundancy isn’t paranoia. It’s wisdom.

These trails will give you memories that last a lifetime, if you respect them. If not? Well, let’s just say the wilderness doesn’t care about your intentions—it cares about your execution.

Happy trails, and keep your knife sharp.

– Stay ready out there.