Anchorage’s peaks, ridges and waterfalls sure are amazing to look at, aren’t they? Well, they’re also pretty amazing to climb! Anchorage is climbing crazy year-round, with locals scaling rock in the summer, ascending ice in the winter, and using carabiners as fashion accessories and key chains.
A drive south along the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood is packed with possibilities. A drive north to Eagle River and Eklutna areas is bursting with boulders and valleys. Where there are waterfalls, there are potential ice climbs. Even urban and nearby Anchorage destinations have prospective bouldering adventures.
Just getting started? Try some mellow urban bouldering. Want to get technical? Take your pick of the Seward Highway selection. Stop by the local climbing walls, rock gym and gear shops to learn about local favorites and to rent the necessary gear, including crampons, ice axes and helmets. You can also hire a number of certified Alaska climbing guides who lead ascents on beginner slopes or scale completely vertical technical routes. Typically the guided tours include gear, transportation and instruction.
The Anchorage-area winter ice climbing season hits its celebratory peak with the annual Alaska Ice Climbing Festival. The mult-iday event includes competitions, clinics, parties, gear demos, and tons of climbing, naturally.
