Top 7 Summer Adventures Around Anchorage

The Best Adventures Around Anchorage

1. ATV to the Knik Glacier

The Knik Glacier is the closest glacier to Anchorage. This impressive river of ice spans 25 miles from up into the Chugach Mountains and into the Knik River. ATVing to this glacier is the best way to get up close to the glacier lake, see icebergs float past, and try a polar plunge! Plus we are only 45 minutes from Anchorage.

Your Knik Glacier ATV Ride will take you through forest, across rivers, and to epic viewpoints of the glacier and the surrounding mountains. Once you reach the glacier you’ll have time to explore and enjoy a well deserved hot lunch. Take plenty of photos before we hop back in our side by sides for some more fun riding as we ride back to the parking lot. You’ll leave this tour with incredible glacier photos and videos to remember your adventure by.

Don’t have the full day to ride but still want to experience off roading? Book our 90 minute tour while on your way to or from Anchorage to visit places like Hatcher Pass, Glacier View, or Talkeetna. Think of it as a much more exciting way to take a break and stretch your legs!

2. Flightseeing Around Denali from Talkeetna

Denali is what first comes to mind when you think of Alaska. This impressive peak towers at 20,308 feet and can be seen from Anchorage on a clear day. Make the scenic drive up to Talkeetna for a chance to view “The Great One” from the window of a plane.

Fly with K2 Aviation to see the Alaska Range from the air. You’ll soar around epic peaks and through mountain passes. If you’re lucky you’ll get to see Denali! Land on a glacier to add to your experience and take in the grandeur of these mountains.

Talkeetna is about 2 hours from Anchorage. Make the most of your trip and explore the downtown area for local history, local art and souvenirs, and delicious meals.

3. Hike on the Matanuska Glacier

The Matanuska Glacier is the most accessible glacier in all of Alaska. After a scenic drive 2 hours from Anchorage, you’ll reach NOVA and begin your adventure. Get geared up with your guide before heading to the trailhead. The views of the glacier from the parking lot are beautiful – just wait till you get to walk on the ice!

Choose between a scenic tour, a sporty trek, or an ice climbing adventure. See the iconic ice falls or explore the backcountry of the glacier for a new experience.

4. Go Dog Sledding in Girdwood

Head to Girdwood for an unforgettable adventure in the mountains. Just 45 minutes from Anchorage you can get in a helicopter and be whisked away to Ididaride dog camp on a glacier. Here you’ll meet your mushing team, play with puppies, and experience an exhilarating Alaskan tradition.

Landing up on a glacier allows you to see what mushing on snow is like even in the summertime. Learn about what it is like to compete in the Iditarod and take a selfie with a sled dog!

5. Hike in Hatcher Pass

Drive a little over an hour up into Hatcher Pass for beautiful mountain views and plenty of adventure. Once the snow has melted, typically on July 1st, Summit Road opens so that you can drive up into the mountains to easier access hikes like April Bowl or walk around Summit Lake. You can also take this gravel road all the way to Willow as a more scenic way of travelling to Talkeetna.

Look for wildflowers and wildlife on popular hikes like Reed Lakes, learn about gold mining history up at Independence Mine, and grab a drink and slice of pie from the Hatcher Pass Lodge. Towards the end of Summer you might be lucky enough to pick some blueberries in the foothills.

6. Sail from Whittier

Set sail to explore the best of the Prince William Sound by boat. On the 26 Glacier Cruise you’ll stare up at magnificent tidal glaciers, visit glacier lagoons, and look for wildlife while spending the day out at sea. Enjoy a hot lunch and learn about the surrounding landscape from a National Forest Ranger.

Your narrated tour will have you exploring some of the prettiest coastline of Alaska. As you visit so many tidal glaciers in one day you may be lucky enough to witness ice calving off into the ocean! Whittier is just an hour and a half from Anchorage, but plan ahead to pass through the train tunnel when it’s open.

7. Take the Train to Spencer Glacier

Hop on the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop for a unique adventure. From the train you’ll see beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and glaciers. Enjoy a meal as you pass through Girdwood and Whittier before making it to your destination. A short hike will lead you to the Spencer Glacier and its stunning glacier lake.

Explore around the lake, play with icebergs, and go on another hike to see the glacier up close. You can also add on a kayaking or rafting adventure with Chugach Adventures to bring some more excitement to your train ride!