Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska (AK): The Best Outdoor Activities

May 12, 2022 Milan Banda

Set amid the coastal Chugach Mountains, Anchorage defies popular visions of polar ice caps and frozen tundra. It’s also warmer than you think (averaging 65 degrees in summer), making conditions ideal for sight-seeing or taking on uniquely Alaskan opportunities like arctic biking or touring the fjords of Prince William Sound. In the winter, you can ski, dogsled or do both simultaneously by "skijoring," which is cross-country skiing while being towed by a dog. Hey, it's no crazier a winter sport than the biathlon.
Restaurants in Anchorage

1. Alpine Air Alaska

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5.0 based on 889 reviews

Alpine Air Alaska

Alpine Air Alaska is a helicopter tour company in Girdwood, Alaska. We offer scenic flightseeing, glacier landings, and glacier dog sledding in the Summer!

2. North Fork Eagle River

Eagle River Road Mile 7.2, Eagle River, Anchorage, AK http://www.alaska.org/detail/north-fork-eagle-river
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

North Fork Eagle River

3. Near Point Trail

Chugach State Park, Anchorage, AK
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Near Point Trail

4. Hillside Park

Mile 2.2 Campbell Airstrip Road, Anchorage, AK 99508
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Hillside Park

5. Ascending Path

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5.0 based on 307 reviews

Ascending Path

Visit and experience a unique Alaskan wilderness on our authentic glacier adventures. Within an hour of Anchorage we can have you on a glacier, and enjoying real Alaska on a spectacular guided hike. An amazing train ride gets us to the Spencer Whistle Stop which offers excellent Iceberg viewing and Glacier hiking. Your family can even paddle a Tandem Sea Kayak past icebergs and ride a Heli to climb on the Spencer Glacier itself.

6. Willawaw Nature Trail

Mile 4.3 Portage Glacier Access Road, Anchorage, AK +1 907-783-2326
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

Willawaw Nature Trail

7. Crow Pass National Historic Trail

Mile 115, Seward Highway Chugach State Park, Anchorage, AK http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/maps/crowpasstrailguide.pdf
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

Crow Pass National Historic Trail

Reviewed By Ferg42995 - Texas, United States

We are not hikers. We live in very flat Houston where our driveways aren't even on an incline. Flat. Flat. Flat. So this trail is considered moderate by most, but was difficult for us. That said, it was the most beautiful trail ever and was worth all of the effort to hike and the soreness the next several days! Absolutely stunning views. We started from Girdwood and hiked about 5.5 miles in to the glacier and then back. After you come out of the trees the first mile or 2, you end up with beautiful sweeping views of the mountains and valleys, lakes, waterfalls, old mining equipment, boulders, a creek, and of course, the glacier. Using the word "stunning" seems to be an understatement. Some of the trail is a bit rocky and we even had to hike through snow several times, but I can't state enough how beautiful this trail is! We even saw a mountain goat during our hike! Also, for us who are slow and inexperienced and stopped often for rest and photos, the entire 11 mile roundtrip took about 8 hours.

8. Alaska Sled Dog Tours

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5.0 based on 97 reviews

Alaska Sled Dog Tours

Meet authentic Alaskan Huskies and their puppies at the kennel of 4-time Iditarod Champion, Dallas Seavey! Take a tour of Dallas's homestead for a once in a life time opportunity of mushing with real Iditarod Champion athletes for a drive your own dog sled ride in Talkeetna, Alaska! Our musher tour guides work side-by-side with Dallas to help him train his racing team, and will take you on an Alaskan wilderness experience unlike any other! Lots of breathtaking video and photo opportunities during the tour!

9. Big Swig Tours

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5.0 based on 159 reviews

Big Swig Tours

Exploring the Last Frontier, one craft brewery at a time. Join your knowledgeable "hop"erator for an off-the-beaten path tour full of sudsy fun. Guests are introduced to some of Alaska's finest breweries, brewers, beers, and Alaskan characters on this behind the scenes look at the booming craft beer industry. Our tours are as much about the history of Alaskan beers, the masters who brew them, and the locals who drink them, as they are about tasting the beers themselves. We want our guests to leave their time with us feeling like they have connected with Alaska and, most importantly, with the people who call this breathtaking state home. These small group tours ensure a personalized experience. We look forward to raising our glass with you.

10. 49th State Motor Tours

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5.0 based on 274 reviews

49th State Motor Tours

49th State Motor Tours is a family of Alaskan outdoor enthusiasts who believe in the responsible and safe enjoyment of Alaska’s beautiful wilderness. We provide exciting and personalized adventures for people of all ages, abilities and skill levels. We feel you don’t truly start to experience what Alaska has to offer until you’re out of cell phone range, surrounded by towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and monstrous rivers. We are very passionate about the 49th State. It is more than a location. It's a state of mind. Looking for a “once in a lifetime” day trip, camping excursion, team building or party event? Want a uniquely Alaskan experience? Contact us today to make your reservation.

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