It’s no wonder people often refer to Alaska as the trip of a lifetime; it’s a wild and wonderful place with eight national parks, North America’s tallest peak, and rare wildlife sightings. Expect to see orcas, muskoxen (which have been around since the Ice Age), and wolverines.
Make Anchorage your launching pad for exploration. From here, you can access a variety of adventures, including heli-biking down an active volcano, scaling a mountain, and landing on a massive glacier. All these activities provide sweeping views from above, enhancing your appreciation for the 49th state.
Heli-bike down an active volcano
For adventurers, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, a luxury retreat about 60 miles west of Anchorage, is the ultimate playground. To get to this remote area, make your way to Lake Hood Seaplane Base, where Sportsman’s Air Service will shuttle you over in a floatplane.
Here, you can sign up for heli-biking, which involves hopping into a helicopter outfitted with bike racks. Then you’ll swoop across wide-open spaces and be dropped off in a remote location.
After aerial views of south-central Alaska, it’s time for a quick test ride on your fat-tire bike. Your next stop is Crater Ridge, an active volcano surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the presence of Capps Glacier at the base of Mount Spurr and a thrilling 5,000-foot drop-off.
The incredible surroundings make it challenging to focus entirely on riding, as open alpine tundra stretches as far as the eye can see. Each valley you race down on your mountain bike presents a unique experience.
The best part is that very few people have biked this stunning, brushless terrain. This exclusivity is due to the fact that it’s accessible only by helicopter, and heli-biking is a relatively new endeavor; Tordrillo Mountain Lodge became the first resort in the nation to offer heli-biking in 2017. With access to 70 miles by 40 miles of potential biking space, opportunities abound. Moreover, this adventurous excursion caters to all skill levels, from children to seniors, thanks to customized heli-biking experiences led by lodge guides.
Climb a mountain via-ferrata style
Alaska’s first via ferrata is a 1,200-foot iron path that leads you up and down challenging rock faces in the Tordrillo Mountains, putting a smile on every climber’s face. Not only does the route offer picturesque views of the Triumvirate Glacier, but you’ll also encounter Windex-colored glacial lagoons and deep crevasses.
Begin your ascent from 4,000 feet above sea level and climb 900 vertical feet, crossing two suspension bridges along the way. Expect dizzying views down to the ice as you make your way across.
This climbing route, completed in June, is strategically located 80 miles from the nearest road, ensuring that only a few adventurers have had the opportunity to walk or climb here. Access is exclusive to chopper rides.
Although via ferratas are enjoying growing popularity around the world, they are still relatively rare in the U.S., with fewer than ten existing nationwide. This particular route is the most remote.
At the Lodge, take time to relax in the hot tub or spa before preparing for more adventure the next day. The Lodge’s excursions include ice climbing, wake surfing, and heli-fishing in the summer. In the winter, options expand to heli-skiing, hiking, and sky trekking.
Hike up Rainbow Peak
For the next leg of your trip, check in at Lakefront Anchorage and meet up with your Hike Alaska guide who will lead you up Rainbow Peak, an epic trail located in Chugach State Park. The 4.5-mile trail begins with a stroll among paper birch trees before transitioning to boulder scrambles.
Pro tip: Grabbing onto the Cottonwood trunks can help you navigate the steep sections. The effort pays off with stunning views of Turnagain Arm, Cook Inlet, and the town of Hope. Additionally, Beluga Point provides excellent whale-watching opportunities from mid-July through August.
Trek the North Face Trail
On the following day, drive to Girdwood, a charming ski town located about 50 minutes from Anchorage. For a more straightforward hike without significant scrambling, try the North Face trail at Alyeska Resort. In addition to the spectacular views of Mount Alyeska and the hanging glaciers, you’ll also enjoy a meal at Bore Tide Deli. From this perspective, you can see the Bore Tide, a wave that adventurous surfers chase for miles.
The 2.2-mile trail, starting at the hotel, is easy to follow. As you ascend 2,000 vertical feet through switchbacks, keep your eyes peeled for moose and bears. Remember to bring bear spray, as it’s essential. The good news? You can enjoy a complimentary aerial tram ride back down.
Afterward, head back to Anchorage for a meal at The Lakefront Anchorage, where seaplanes fly overhead throughout the day. If you haven’t had luck spotting wildlife yet, consider visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This facility provides a safe haven for rescued animals including moose, brown and black bears, musk ox, caribou, wood bison, and porcupines.
Once back in Anchorage, don’t miss the chance to rent a bike at The Trek Store Anchorage and ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This trail offers moose-filled forests with breathtaking views of Denali, which stands at an impressive 20,310 feet.
Land on one of Alaska’s most active glaciers
Conclude your adventure at Knik River Lodge, located just outside of Anchorage in Palmer, Alaska. Spend a few nights in one of 22 cabins overlooking the Knik River Valley and book a glacier tour. With over 300 named glaciers in Alaska, 60 of them are easily accessible from Anchorage. This glacier is particularly noteworthy, as it is one of the state’s oldest and most active glaciers, reachable only via helicopter or plane.
The experience unfolds as follows: 1) Board a helicopter and enjoy breathtaking views within moments of departure, surrounded by stunning glacial landscapes and ancient ice fields flowing from the Chugach Mountains. 2) Fly over the Knik Glacier’s expansive crevasses and glacial lagoons. 3) Land on the glacier. 4) Revel in the experience, as you and your small group have the glacier to yourselves, exploring the uniquely beautiful ice formations and sampling water from the glacial lagoon.
When hunger strikes, dine at Raven’s Perch Restaurant, where you can savor wild berry salmon caught locally or enjoy a fresh vegan mixed bowl. All this while taking in the stunning views of the Knik River Valley. Other thrilling activities available from the lodge include dog sledding, Aurora-viewing tours, and ATV excursions.
Ultimately, you could spend an entire lifetime exploring Alaska and still not experience all it has to offer. The 49th state is more than twice the size of Texas, ensuring that there will always be amazing things to do in the Last Frontier.
