Top Anchorage Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

No need to bundle up in the snow to experience dog sledding—on this private tour, you’ll zip through the Alaskan forest on a two-person dog sled, exploring private trails the pups use for their Iditarod training. Afterward, interact with the champion dogs, ask questions, enjoy a complimentary snack, take in the view of Denali, and learn all about this timeless Alaskan tradition. (It’s the official Alaska state sport!)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Door to Door Service and Experience with our guided tour pick up in Anchorage. All gear needed is supplied, as well as snacks and water. You will experience a Dog Sledding Experience with Professional Mushers Guests work directly with experienced mushers and energetic sled dogs, with opportunities to ride or drive the sled themselves — depending on comfort level — for a truly immersive experience. Designed for Comfort, Ease, and Access Hotel pickup and drop-off, all necessary gear, and expert local guides are included. The logistics are handled so guests can fully focus on the experience.

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.

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.

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.

If you've never been on a hike during the winter, you need to give it a shot. Winter hiking is a blast, and it's great for the mind and body during long periods of dark & cold. This tour holds plenty of opportunity for photos, and a comprehensive variety of the natural elements found in the boreal forests of Alaska, as well as a stop at a local waterfall. Sound like your style? • Hike along Chugach State Park's Eagle River and see ice-covered Barbara Falls! • Perfect for solo travelers and couples. • Enjoy breathtaking views of towering vistas. Amazing landscapes await your camera! • Learn about Alaska's glaciated valleys and boreal forests from an experienced gude. • Opportunity for wildlife sightings, including moose, hare, voles, and porcupine! Join us on a classic Alaskan adventure today!

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.

Transform your Seward-Anchorage transfer into yet another unforgettable Alaskan adventure. This intimate VIP tour—via luxury Mercedes Sprinter—showcases Alaska's finest: meet rescued wildlife at the Conservation Center, explore the majestic Byron Glacier, and spot Dall sheep at Beluga Point. Enjoy personalized guidance, optional lunch in Girdwood, and flexible drop-off, all while traveling in executive comfort.

The Anchorage area has countless sights to see—many that tourists don’t know about. Turn exploring the city and its surroundings into a day of mystery adventure with this tour, where a local guide will take you from hidden glacier views to wild waterfalls and more. You’ll simply need to be dressed for exploration, and you’re in for a guaranteed day of beauty and surprise.

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.

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.

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.

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.