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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fishing in Alaska should be a relaxing experience so get away from the crowds with this shared tour from Anchorage. Travel in comfort, past mountains and rivers, to a serene river setting, looking out for wildlife along the way. Upon arrival, whether you have experience or not, your guide will ensure that you get on the fish.

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).

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.

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!)

Punchbowl Glacier is only accessible by helicopter—and combining an aerial approach with a dog sledding session on the snowfield below, plus the chance to drive the sled yourself, is an experience that can't be replicated independently. This tour covers the helicopter flight to the glacier, a sled dog run across the alpine snowfield, and a guide who covers the history of the Iditarod Trail throughout.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience the natural wonder of Alaska's Matanuska Glacier with our full-day guided tour. Beginning with a convenient pickup from downtown Anchorage, you'll embark on a scenic two-hour journey, driving through landscapes of towering mountains. Along the way, we'll stop at local eateries, offering you the chance to purchase lunch. Upon reaching the glacier, a seasoned guide will equip you with crampons, making glacier navigation safe and manageable. Then, an all-terrain vehicle will transport you to the glacier's base. Here, you'll set off on foot to explore the glacier's icy expanse, discovering fascinating ice formations and gaining insight into the glacier's natural history from your knowledgeable guide. After this unforgettable experience, we'll journey back to Anchorage, ensuring a comfortable drop-off in downtown. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, education, and scenic beauty, offering an in-depth encounter with one of Alaska's most impressive glaciers.

Willow, Alaska, is famed for its association with the Iditarod. This small-group tour gives you a taste of life on the trail, without the hard work. At a family-owned and operated kennel, meet the huskies, help harness the team, and enjoy views of Denali as a musher leads your pack along private trails.

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.

Get out of the city and discover the stunning scenery that surrounds Anchorage. This small-group tour takes you south along the Seward Highway to soak up ocean and mountain views on the way to Alyeska Ski Area where an an aerial tram takes you 2,300 feet (700 meters) above sea level. Afterward, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to learn how sanctuary cares for the Last Frontier’s injured and orphaned animals and see resident wildlife including grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and musk ox.

This unique Alaskan experience is the only one of its kind 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 small frozen lake in the Anchorage area.  Using the latest electric ice auger, guests can help drill through anywhere between 6 inches to 3 feet thick ice.  At times we'll see fish swimming below, either while looking through an 8-inch hole in the ice, or using technology to watch fish move below on sonar images on a depth finder.  At times we may fish with jigs or spoons, at other times, hooks, bait and a bobber.  We'll often see moose in the woods around town or at the edge of the lake.  Bald eagles often watch from the trees nearby, looking for a free meal.  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 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.

We make it easy to see it all in one day! Relax on the coach as you enjoy the beauty of Turnagain Arm. On the cruise get ready to view one of the largest concentration of glaciers in Alaska. Weather, ice conditions and wildlife activity changes daily and our captains may adjust the route to provide the best cruise experience while keeping your safety and comfort a top priority. We take pride in ensuring that your time with us is an enjoyable memory that becomes a favorite highlight of your Alaska vacation. We operate first-class catamarans. Due to their dual hull design, these powerful high-speed catamarans are extremely stable and able to smoothly navigate through the narrow fjords and passages that lead us to the face of massive glaciers. By operating safely and efficiently, Phillips Cruises & Tours provides a comfortable cruise and our No Seasickness Guarantee assures nervous cruisers the confidence that they will enjoy our cruise without any unpleasant effects.

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.