Glacier Climbing, Kayaking and Hiking in Alaska

If you’re looking to get a taste of Alaska on limited time and budget, experience it with some great day trips.  Head just two hours north of Anchorage along the Chugach Mountains and do a morning hike through the wild maze of the Matanuska Glacier.  Intimidating at first when you hear to watch out for crevasses or that the glacier moves a foot a day, but once you’re into the playground of ice and hear the rushing water just inches below your feet you’ll be sure to leave with that same exhilarating rush.

Then spend the afternoon on Long Lake, paddling through crystal clear water and crisp clean air, awestruck over the surrounding peaks and that one ridge you keep eyeing, wondering how the climbing might be.

You will leave not only with memories of this great wilderness, but also with a better understanding of the culture and history of the area as the guides are extremely knowledgeable in both the sport as well as the land and people.

On your next day head south of Anchorage down the Seward Highway and hit up the local crags for some rock climbing while overlooking the Turnagain Arm of the Chickaloon Bay.  Try not to get distracted while you’re climbing as you look for beluga whales!  Whether you’re looking for some 5.5s or 5.10s and beyond, there’s something for everyone.

You can’t leave Alaska without heading up to Denali National Park.  If you happen to catch a peak of Mt. McKinley you’re one in a few, as it doesn’t show its face often.  But it’s said that if you don’t catch McKinley, then you’ll be sure to see plenty of wildlife through your backcountry tour including grizzlies, moose, wolves, and plenty of dall sheep.  If you head up to Denali you have to stay at the Denali Mountain Morning Hostel & Lodge, a cozy mountain retreat where you’re guaranteed to have fun and great conversation amongst travelers from around the world.

For more information about glacier hiking and kayaking through Alaska’s great wilderness contact Jim Gonski with the Alaska Kayak Academy at 877-215-6600 or info@kayakcenterak.com. Learn more about their one day or multi-day trips, including sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking, glacier hiking, and ducky trips at www.alaskakayakacademy.com.

For rock and ice climbing trips, hiking, and skiing contact Matt Szundy of The Ascending Path at 877-783-0505 or info@theascendingpath.com.  To learn more about their trips go to www.theascendingpath.com.

- Jessica Haynie