Top Anchorage Outdoor Activities

Experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes without planning a complex route from Anchorage on your own. This group tour combines glacier views, mountain scenery, wildlife encounters, and historic stops into one well-rounded day through Chugach National Forest and beyond. Along the way, your guide shares local insight and photography tips to help you get more out of the experience and your photos.

Go on an outdoor adventure in Alaska with this small-group helicopter tour with a glacier landing. Take off on a scenic flight and admire views of the Knik River on the way to the Knik Glacier. In the summer, land right on the glacier beside a sparkling melt pool and explore the nearby area with your pilot who serves as your guide. In the winter, land in front of the glacier beside its towering ice walls.

Nature lovers can spend the day exploring the Matanuska Glacier on a hiking tour that traverses the glacier’s picturesque terrain. Along the way, your guide teaches you about the dynamic glacial features including seracs, moulons, and crevasses. While it is easy to get views of the glacier on your own, a guided hike on the glacier itself provides a completely different perspective of the otherworldly landscape.

Escape the cruise crowds and experience authentic Alaska in one incredible day. On this small-group tour, you’ll journey from Anchorage—in luxury—to witness Byron Glacier's majesty with an easy, guided walk along the river. Then, you’ll get guaranteed wildlife encounters with bears, moose, and wolves at the Conservation Center. Local guides, hotel pickup, and thoughtful touches make this adventure effortless (and effortlessly unforgettable).

A thrilling ATV ride awaits you in Eklutna, where the stunning Alaskan landscapes come alive. This four-hour adventure begins at Eklutna Lake, taking you through a scenic 28-mile trail surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests. Guided by an experienced leader, you’ll splash through water and navigate exciting terrain while keeping an eye out for local wildlife and breathtaking views of glaciers. The tour includes safety gear and a brief snack, making it accessible for all skill levels. Capture unforgettable moments as you immerse yourself in the true essence of Alaska's wild side.

Increase your chances of seeing the northern lights by joining this small-group northern lights tour from Anchorage over the summer. Follow your guide, using resources such as weather tracking tools, Kp index, and local knowledge, and travel around in comfort in a private vehicle in search of the northern lights.

Discover the beautiful scenery of Alaska's North Anchorage area during this helicopter and dogsled tour. Soar over the Chugach Range and Knik Glacier in a helicopter as you make your way to the snow-covered Cataract Glacier. Here, a team of sled dogs is waiting to transport you across the snow for a true Alaskan experience. Keep an eye out for native animals such as moose and mountain goats throughout the aerial portion of the tour.

Explore the thrilling world of dog sledding with a guided tour at the nearest Iditarod kennel to Anchorage. Engage with champion sled dogs, learn about the life of a musher, and hear captivating stories from an Iditarod veteran in a cozy, heated yurt. This interactive experience is perfect for all ages and offers insight into the famed Iditarod race, making it an unforgettable adventure for families and groups alike. - 1.5-hour guided kennel tour suitable for all ages - Meet and interact with champion sled dogs and learn about mushing - Engage in a Q&A session with a seasoned Iditarod participant - Private group bookings available for a personalized experience

See the Chugach Range from the air as your helicopter flight takes you over snow capped mountain peaks and braided river valleys to land on over 300 feet of glacial ice thousands of years old! Experience majestic blue pools, stunning, swirling moulins, deep crevasses and dramatic ice formations that continue to fascinate and attract the explorer in all of us when you step foot and trek around the surface of the Knik Glacier. The mighty Knik, one of the largest glaciers left in Southcentral Alaska, is 26 miles in length and 6 miles across at its toe and is just one of several glaciers in the ancient river valley. In addition to spotting wildlife from the air (moose, dall sheep, spawning salmon, and bears), you’ll have an eagle’s eye view of towering waterfalls, glacial iceberg-filled lakes, and the untouched wilderness of the Alaska backcountry. Enjoy a once in a lifetime Glacier Plunge in the summer months at no additional cost! Approx. 40 mins flight time w/ 45 mins on glacier.

This unique Alaskan experience is the only one like it offered in the Anchorage area. Get out and enjoy the beauty of Alaska! On a clear day we'll see as many as four mountain ranges in Southcentral Alaska. We'll spend our time on a beautiful small stream within about an hour's drive of Anchorage. We'll provide hip waders so you can get your feet wet without getting your feet wet. We'll provide quality Orvis fly rods, and "normal gear" as an alternative. All you'll need is clothing appropriate to spend the day in the Alaska wilderness. Relax and enjoy the fishing, we'll take care of all the messy work and heavy lifting - except perhaps lifting the heaviest fish of the day from the water!

A stroll along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a great Anchorage outdoors activity, but you can cover much more ground on a bicycle. This small-group guided bicycle tour begins at Kincaid Park and shows you the beauty of the Cook Inlet, with views of Denali and, possibly, moose along the way.

If you don't have the time or the expertise required to go on a glacier expedition on foot, a helicopter tour is a great way to see the glaciers surrounding Anchorage. This tour takes you over spectacular scenery and makes three landings where you can get out and explore with your guide. You also have the possibility of seeing mountain goats, Dall sheep, moose, and, in the summer months, bears and wolves. Note: in winter, the helicopter lands next to the glacier.

Increase your chances of viewing the magical aurora borealis on this guided tour in Anchorage. Enjoy expert photo instruction, portraits under the northern lights, and warm drinks while learning about the science behind the aurora. With snacks, hotel pickup, and forecasting services included, this unforgettable experience lets you witness nature’s most stunning light show.

Don’t let Alaska’s best scenery pass you by from your car window. On this small-group tour, follow your guide on an e-bike, traveling the ultra-scenic Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, one of the most beautiful coastal trails in the nation. Taking it easy on your pedal-assisted cruiser, nab views of Cook Inlet, the Alaska Mountains, downtown Anchorage, and so much more—including all the wildlife Alaska is known for.

Explore the wild beauty of Alaska on an unforgettable guided adventure to Knik Glacier. This tour combines thrilling off-road exploration through the scenic Knik River valley with an exhilarating kayaking experience on glacier-fed waters. Marvel at stunning mountain views and encounter wildlife while capturing incredible photos of the spectacular landscapes. Kayak among floating icebergs, all while receiving expert guidance to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a small-group adventure near Anchorage, this tour offers a unique way to connect with Alaska's pristine wilderness. - Guided off-road journey through the stunning Knik River valley - Kayak in serene glacier-fed waters near Knik Glacier - Capture breathtaking views of floating ice and the wilderness - Enjoy a small-group experience with knowledgeable local guides

The Turnagain Arm in the Gulf of Alaska boasts abundant Alaskan wildlife within easy access of Anchorage. Learn about the local ecosystem from a guide with extensive knowledge of the area as you drive down the peninsula, with opportunities to spot wild animals in their natural environment as you go. Includes a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a drive past the glaciers on Portage Glacier Road.

Six hours, one unforgettable road. This small-group tour (14 guests max) trades the big motorcoach for a Mercedes Sprinter and a born-and-raised Alaskan guide who's driven Turnagain Arm his whole life. Heading south from Anchorage, the Seward Highway squeezes between the Chugach Mountains and the sea. At Beluga Point we glass the water for belugas and the cliffs for Dall sheep and eagles. At the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, rescued bears, moose, bison, caribou, and muskox roam big natural enclosures — your best shot at photographing Alaska's icons in one visit. Then Portage Valley: Explorer and Byron Glaciers and a short walk through mossy rainforest. Lunch happens like a local on the way home: Girdwood Brewing Company, in a mountain ski town, with rotating Alaska food trucks (lunch is at your expense). A lifelong local behind the wheel, 14 seats instead of 50, and no rush when the wildlife shows up. See Alaska between the postcards.

See the best of Anchorage's highlights in one efficient morning or afternoon tour. Learn more about the city's culture, history, and wildlife, without missing the surrounding viewpoints and scenic photo ops. Your guide knows all the best places to visit and all the most interesting things to see, leading your small-group on a concise route around the local area. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and other native wildlife species.

Step into the heart of the Alaskan wilderness this summer on our tour to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. With stunning views of the Turnagain Arm, known for its mesmerizing tidal bore and breathtaking landscapes, you'll be awestruck by the natural beauty of this land. The journey from Anchorage is made easy and comfortable, as we'll take care of the driving so you can sit back and soak in the scenery. At the Conservation Center, you'll be up close and personal with Alaska's indigenous wildlife, getting to know the fascinating creatures that call this place home. Your guide will bring the history and legends of the area to life, making the experience even more enriching. Whether you're a solo adventurer (this tour has no guest minimum and will run with just one passenger) or traveling with a group, this boutique tour is sure to delight! So come join us and let Alaska's stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife leave you breathless!

Explore the rugged wilderness around Anchorage, Alaska with the help of your expert guide on this private tour. Sit back and relax as you go straight from your hotel to a short tour of Anchorage then onto the scenic Glenn Highway. Visit a reindeer farm before heading up into the mountains to the stunning Hatcher Pass. Your day includes a stop in Palmer and a scenic nature stroll before returning to your hotel.

Immerse yourself in Alaska's icy beauty—without the hassle of organizing logistics—with this small-group guided hike on Matanuska Glacier. Departing from Anchorage, enjoy the views en route to the glacier where your guide leads you across the frozen expanse, unraveling the glacier's secrets and geological marvels while you marvel at towering ice formations and navigate crevasses. Essential gear including Yaktrax, jacket, hat, and mitten is provided for your comfort and safety.

Join us for an unforgettable journey to the breathtaking Matanuska Glacier! Your adventure starts in downtown Anchorage, where you’ll board our comfortable van for a scenic two-hour drive north. Enjoy stunning Alaskan views and insightful commentary from your guide along the way. At the glacier, we will meet our expert guides who will lead you on approximately a two-hour trek across ancient ice, showcasing its incredible features. Learn about the glacier’s history and impact on the landscape. The moderate hike requires good balance, sturdy knees, and proper footwear. We provide all necessary glacier gear, including helmets and microspikes. After the trek, warm up with a hearty lunch at a nearby lodge with stunning glacier views. Snacks and water will be available throughout the trip. Conclude the day with a comfortable ride back to Anchorage, with drop-off at major downtown hotels. Our passionate glacier guides rely on tips to continue providing these exceptional experiences.

Alaskans have been snowshoeing for millennia—try the sport when you’re here, and you’ll be a part of tradition. Your naturalist guide will meet you in Chugach State Park, showing you just how easy and rewarding snowshoeing can be. With unbelievable views of Cook Inlet, Anchorage Bowl, and likely wildlife sightings along the way, you’ll float above the snow in the park’s Glen Alps, a snowshoe lover in the making.