Posted in Alaska Hiking, Nature November 06, 2019 by

Enjoy An Easy Family Friendly Hike To The Gorgeous Byron Glacier In Alaska

Many families are constantly on the lookout for great hikes to do with kids of all ages. The Byron Glacier Trail in Portage, Alaska is an uncomplicated trail with fabulous views that the whole family can easily hike. A short drive from Anchorage will bring you to the trailhead to this fabulous hike.

Byron Glacier is a stunning blue beauty spilling off of Byron Peak in the Portage Valley.
Holly Martin / AllTrails
It's one of Alaska's few glaciers that you can get up and close to, and truly immerse yourself in the geology of the area. It's also relatively easy, as the trail is flat all the way up to the glacier.
Many people love this trail as it is such a short drive from Anchorage.
Kevin Duke / AllTrails
It's about 40 miles from Anchorage to the parking lot of the trailhead and there are many things to do in the Portage Valley area all year round. This makes it a heavily trafficked trail.
There is approximately 777 feet of elevation gain over the entire trail.
Bryan Painter / AllTrails
The trail itself is only 3.2 miles out and back and the first half of the trail is well-maintained, with wide gravel paths and nice boardwalks when needed.
You'll follow Byron Creek through the forest up to the glacier.
Jeff Huit / AllTrails
Byron Creek is a glacial creek, originating from Byron Glacier. It's ice-cold and crystal clear.
When you reach the end of the trail, the trail peters out and you can pick your path.
Holly Novack / AllTrails
You may have to scramble up and over rock piles to get closer to the glacier. It isn't recommended to get too close, though, as the glacier is constantly changing and can be dangerous. The colors of the ice and the cool air coming out of the caves are beautiful to experience from the riverbank.
There are many snowfields from avalanches in the area year-round, regardless of the temperatures.
Anne Hergott / AllTrails
If you climb on the snow, be mindful that the creek runs under it and the snow can be thin. The views of the glacier can actually be prettier on cloudy days — it makes the blues pop.
This magnificent trail is available to hike summer, spring, and fall.
Michael Meyer / AllTrails
Due to the extreme weather that can happen in Portage Valley, it's not recommended for winter hiking. If you do head out into Alaska's backcountry in the winter, make sure you have all the cold weather kit you'll need, and be aware of any avalanche warnings for the area!

Have you had the chance to hike the Byron Glacier Trail? What did you think? Did you hike it with your family? Let us know in the comments below!

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Address: Byron Glacier Trail Head, 1500 Byron Glacier Rd, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA