Who needs sleep? With 19 hours of daylight in summer months, Anchorage’s unique geographical position allows visitors to maximize their vacation time in Alaska. The city truly doesn’t sleep from early May until late August, so scratch an early bedtime off your Anchorage itinerary and get into the great outdoors.
Scenic Strides
Not too many cities can say they’re ranked among the top walking, running and hiking towns in America. Anchorage can lay claim to all three titles! Mild summer temperatures, low humidity and distracting views are a great combination for avid runners who want to maintain their stride during a trip to Alaska. Running is BIG in Anchorage! Find local favorite trails.
Life Cycle
Finding adventure in Anchorage is as easy as riding a bike! Power up on Powerline Pass, screech down the steep grades of the Chugach Mountains, twist around the spiral bridge of the Ship Creek Trail, pave your way from Bird to Gird, coast along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or take a ride at Eklutna Lake. Serious riders might want to test their quads on the 6.4-mile climb up Arctic Valley Road or the lift-accessed, Alyeska Resort Mountain Bike Park while families with little ones can gear down with a tour around Westchester Lagoon’s paved trail.
Peak Thrills
There are 155 peaks within Chugach’s park boundaries. Some of the more popular ascents include Flattop Mountain, O’Malley Peak, Bird Ridge, Mount Baldy and Rendezvous Peak – an easy to moderate trail that begins at the end of Arctic Valley Road. Lined with berries in late August, it is also a favorite local berry-picking spot.
Back to Nature
Connecting with nature keeps young children entertained and inspired, and there are plenty of opportunities in Anchorage to do just that. Check out special programs for tots at the Alaska Zoo, Alaska Botanical Garden, Eagle River Nature Center and enjoy some family time in Anchorage.
Aquatic Elation
Finding wilderness by way of water is no problem near Anchorage. Whitewater rafting is rip-roaring fun on the relatively easy-going Matanuska River or the guaranteed-to-get-you-wet Sixmile Creek. If a relaxing float is more your style, enjoy a gentle float on an area lake or kayak across glacier-fed Eklutna Lake. Make a splash in Anchorage.
The Ultimate Hide-N-Seek
Equipped with a GPS device, geocachers become high-tech pirates on a quest for hidden treasure. In Anchorage, the journey itself becomes the treasure. With epic views of mountains and sky to spectacular caches in unique places, Anchorage is an incredible place for a geocache journey.
