Top Activities on the Ground in Anchorage

Go on an outdoor adventure in Alaska with this small-group helicopter tour with glacier landing. Take off on a scenic flight and admire views of the Knik River on the way to the Knik Glacier. Land directly on or near the glacier (depending on the season) and set out on a guided glacier or ice formation hike before the return flight. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as moose, bears, and mountain goats.

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—one alpine, one on an ice wall, and one in the middle of Knik Glacier—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.

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.

Easily as beautiful as any national park, Chugach State Park is a must-see for any Alaskan visitor—and Barbara Falls is one of its crown jewels. In winter, the crowds dissipate and the cascade freezes up, making for an incredible winter-wonderland experience (and spectacular photos). Just minutes away from the trailhead, this experience is suitable for all hikers, children, and anyone who can bundle up and appreciate Alaska’s great outdoors.

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.

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

This is a combined local Anchorage history and ebike tour. The ebikes ensure a pleasant and relaxing ride covering a large swath of Anchorage city. You will be guided on a tour through Anchorage's history, from pre-colonization through the present era. Along the "way" we'll cover Anchorage's history as a tent city labor camp to the aviation hub to the military buildup in World War II and through the oil-boom of the 1980s. The bike tour will mostly be along Anchorage's scenic greenbelt trails, including the Coastal Trail. Our route also takes us through the Campbell Creek and Chester Creek bike paths, were moose sightings are common. Belugas and bear have also been sighted. All in all it's a fabulous way to spend a half-day in Anchorage, getting to know the city's history, enjoying a near-effortless ebike ride, and seeing the surrounding mountains and (with luck) seeing wildlife.

Discover the best of Anchorage with a self-guided scavenger hunt app or an out-of-the-box sightseeing experience. Discover the city's rich history and hidden treasures at your own pace—perfect for tourists, locals, and newcomers alike. Lace up your walking shoes, snap photos, race against the clock, and navigate the city in a unique and enjoyable way.

Learn about Anchorage’s history while cruising around town in a bus outfitted to look like a vintage trolley. Gain unique into the local history and culture of Alaska's most populous city from guides with generational ties to the region. You may even get to spot moose crossing the road and seaplanes descending on Lake Hood and Lake Spenard.

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.

Nowhere is more fun to play in the snow than in Alaska. With this guided tour, you’ll hop on a fat bike—wider tires make traveling through snow easy—hitting the 150-mile network of multi-use trails just outside Anchorage. Zooming (or meandering!) through the forest, you’ll get an adrenaline rush, time in nature, and fresh appreciation for winter in Alaska. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Explore the wilderness outside Anchorage with a local guide who knows where to spot wildlife and gain the best views throughout the year. Enter the Chugach National Forest to search for moose, bear, and other native wildlife. You’ll also visit Glacier Valley, home to several “hanging” glaciers and a lake of pure glacier water.

Some of Alaska's most beautiful landscapes lie right on Anchorage's doorstep, but many visitors miss out due to transportation concerns. This guided tour departs from downtown Anchorage and takes you to Chugach State Park for a walk in nature. You'll see Barbara Falls, cross South Fork Eagle River and learn about plants and animals along the way.

Embark on a 12-mile bike ride through Chugach State Park during this half-day small-group tour from Anchorage. Take in the beautiful views of the Alaskan scenery and keep an eye out for native wildlife such as moose, bald eagles, and bears. Learn about the natural history of the Chugach Mountains from your guide and refuel with a snack before descending the mountain to end your tour.

Discover the natural beauty of Chugach State Park on a day hike led by your own private guide. Your hike can range from four to 13 miles, with an elevation gain of 500 to 3,000 feet — how long and how far you’d like to soak up incredible mountain scenery and spot wildlife like eagles and moose is up to you. Pick up fascinating facts about the local geology and park history along the way. Lunch and hotel transport from Anchorage are included.

The Knik Glacier off-roading and hiking tour stands out because it combines two adventures in one—an exciting ride through true Alaskan wilderness in a specially modified Jeep, followed by an up-close hike to one of the state’s most dynamic and impressive glaciers. Unlike crowded trails elsewhere, the Knik area is remote, quiet, and constantly changing, with shifting icebergs, bright blue melt pools, and dramatic mountain views that make every visit unique. Guests get the thrill of rugged off-road travel, the beauty of glacier trekking, and unforgettable photo opportunities—all without needing technical skills—creating an authentic, immersive Alaska experience you won’t find on other tours.

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.

Explore Chugach State Park's Eagle River trail system without the risk of getting lost when you hike on a small-group guided tour. Lovers of the outdoors won't want to miss the opportunity to hike through boreal forests and glaciated valleys, to see where salmon spawn, and to spot wildlife like bears, moose, and birds. Meet your guide at a designated spot and enjoy a moderate five-hour hike.

The turquoise waters of Eklutna Lake, fed by Eklutna Glacier, are surrounded by towering peaks and a rich forest ecosystem. Make the most of your time at Eklutna Lake by choosing two of the following guided outdoor adventures: biking, hiking, or kayaking. We'll take you beyond the basics of the valley's flora and fauna. You'll get a history of the valley, it's use as Anchorage's water source, the Alaska natives that have called the valley home, and their fight to protect and restore their ancestral lands.

Discover the beauty of Alaska's wilderness during this half-day hiking tour in Chugach State Park. Meet your guide for a small-group hike to see Alaska's alpine forests and tundra. Learn about the local ecosystem from a naturalist guide and keep an eye out for local wildlife including bear, sheep, marmot, and birds. Experience of the thrill of 360-degree views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.

Explore the snow-covered wilderness of the Glen Alps in Chugach State Park on this private advanced snowshoe tour. Follow your naturalist guide through alpine meadows and hemlock forests, admire views of Anchorage Bowl, Cook Inlet, and glacial valleys, and watch for wildlife. Snowshoes provided, with gaiters, poles, and daypack available by request.

Experience an unforgettable adventure with our guided hikes up Flattop Mountain, Alaska’s most climbed peak! Just a short drive from downtown Anchorage in Chugach State Park, Flattop Mountain promises stunning scenery, a rewarding challenge, and memorable moments. For up to four people. Details: Provided: Hiking poles, emergency rain gear, snacks, water, and bear spray carried by your guide. Difficulty: Steep terrain, moderate to difficult. Possible snow near the peak. Weather: Full refund if cancelled due to inclement weather. Trail Overview: The Sunnyside Trail is 3 miles round trip with a 1,350-foot elevation gain, offering panoramic views and a well-marked path suitable for various skill levels. Why Choose Us? Our Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Certified guides ensure safety and enrich your experience with local knowledge. We follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve Flattop Mountain’s pristine beauty.

If you've already seen the sights, try this one-of-a-kind tour from Anchorage or Talkeetna, which is unlike any other. In the company of a skilled forager, you'll spend time hiking, foraging for wild greens, fungi and berries and cooking your freshly-foraged ingredients backcountry style. Enjoy an ancient activity while learning new skills.