Take These 12 Incredible Alaska Hikes, One for Each Month of the Year

If you’re looking for the best hikes in Alaska, these 12 trails have you covered. Spread across the state, you’re bound to find one near you—or challenge yourself to tackle all 12, completing one each month. This is a to-do list of Alaska’s best hikes that you’ll be proud to check off. Ready to get started? Lace up your hiking boots—adventure awaits.

1. January: Deer Mountain Trail, Ketchikan, Alaska

We’re starting our list featuring some of the best trails in Alaska (and some of our favorites!) in Ketchikan. The Deer Mountain Trail combines all types of hiking into one fabulous day. Travel over boardwalks, through gravel and rock sections, and past steep rock cliffs. Even if there’s snow, the trail is still doable—just bring proper gear and take it slow. Rated difficult, it climbs more than 2,500 feet over a round trip of less than six miles, but the views are worth every single minute of the climb. After your hike, be sure to check out Ketchikan, one of the best small towns in Alaska for outdoor lovers.

2. February: Mount Healy Overlook, Denali National Park, Alaska

Mount Healy Overlook Trail is so well kept up that it’s manageable for a winter hike if you’re prepared. February offers stunning vistas of the Alaska Range and the valley beneath you. It’s gorgeous all year long, but in the winter it’s something truly special. The trail is also quite challenging and steep, so make sure you are ready both mentally and physically for winter conditions. But, it's worth the effort; the frozen views of Mount Healy Overlook in Alaska are remarkable.

3. March: Mount Roberts Trail, Juneau, Alaska

Get a bird’s‑eye view of the capital when you hike up Mount Roberts on the Mount Roberts Trail. Rated difficult for its steep ascent, the trail is physically demanding with many switchbacks. The nearly nine‑mile round‑trip trail climbs about 4,200 feet, but the panoramas from the top make up for everything. If you’re too tired to continue, consider taking the tram back down to the bottom. You can skip the steep trek and cut your hike in half.

4. April: O’Malley Peak Trail, Chugach State Park, Alaska

O’Malley Peak Trail is a fantastic one to complete any time of year if you’re prepared for snow and icy sections. April brings a little more warmth and sunshine to your hike, although there may still be snow and ice along the trail. Bring crampons and plenty of layers in case you run into bad weather. The nine‑mile out‑and‑back trail covers about 3,290 feet of elevation gain. It will also showcase stellar views—and on very clear days you may even see Denali in the distance. This is a great hike for getting that blood pumping.

5. May: Hope Point, Hope, Alaska

Greet the summer with this amazing hike on the Turnagain Arm. Starting in the small town of Hope, this gorgeous Alaska trail is a must-do adventure. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy sweeping views well past Anchorage, and may even catch sight of some of the surrounding Alaska Range peaks. After your hiking excursion, be sure to spend some time in the unique town of Hope, Alaska.

6. June: Crow Pass, Chugach State Park

Since the Crow Pass Trail is one of the longest on our list, we recommend tackling it during peak hiking season, with late June marking the start of the window when this route is typically accessible (early June can still have snow, high river crossings, and avalanche risk). This incredible hike is approximately 22 miles long, making it a serious challenge. It’s a terrific backpacking trail—but one that beginners may want to save for later.

7. July: Mount Marathon, Seward, Alaska

This mountain is so epic that they made a world-famous race out of it. In fact, it’s known as the toughest 5K on the planet. Every July 4, racers run up and down this mountain as fast as they can. July is the best month for hiking the Mount Marathon Trail, but we recommend heading up after the racers have finished training and running so you’ll have a bit more peace and quiet. The about 4.2-mile, out-and-back hiking route is challenging, especially with 2,923 feet of elevation gain, but it’s achievable and totally worth the views of Seward and Resurrection Bay.

8. August: Angel Rocks Trail, Fairbanks, Alaska

Angel Rocks Trail is a popular trail year-round in Fairbanks, but there’s something about the extra-long summer days and warm weather that makes hiking this trail a treat. This moderate 3.6-mile loop is a favorite and the elevation gain is more gradual than other trails on our list. Bring layers and mosquito repellent, and take in the wildlife, wildflowers, and gorgeous views you’ll see along the way as you explore the Angel Rocks Trail in Alaska.

9. September: Kesugi Ridge Trail, Denali State Park

The longest trail on our list is certainly a doozy and earns a “hard” rating due to its length and elevation gain. Known as one of the most beautiful trails in all of America, it stretches approximately 30 miles and climbs more than 5,990 feet. Situated just outside Denali National Park, the trail rewards hikers with awe-inspiring views of Denali, the Alaska Range, and the Talkeetna Range. This is not a hike for the faint of heart, but it absolutely deserves a spot on your Alaska hiking bucket list.

10. October: Slaughter Gulch via Juneau Trail, Cooper Landing, Alaska

Talk about a stunning backdrop! This nearly five-mile, out-and-back hike takes you up and over Kenai Lake. The trail is accessible throughout the year, but October colors really make the turquoise glacier-fed lake pop. With 2,700 feet of elevation gain, it’s challenging, though some travelers even run it. There are three false summits—keep going until you see the cairn. If you want to experience some of the best views in the area, make sure to head on up, and don’t forget water and snacks. This difficult hike in Alaska is one you’ll feel accomplished for completing.

11. November: Gold Mint Trail, Palmer, Alaska

Gold Mint Trail is an iconic trail out in Hatcher’s Pass. This gorgeous hike will showcase November’s scenery, and you’ll see reds, oranges, and yellows as far as the eye can see. The majority of the Gold Mint Trail follows the Little Susitna River. Pick good weather if you can, because this long hike gets steep at the end.

12. December: Winner Creek Trail, Girdwood, Alaska

Last on our list of best hikes in Alaska is a legendary one: Winner Creek Trail. There’s not much prettier in Alaska than Girdwood during the winter season, when this temperate rainforest turns into a snowy wonderland. Winner Creek is the perfect easy trail for everyone to get out and enjoy the winter landscape, though hikers should be mindful that the Glacier Creek crossing can be tricky in snowy conditions. On your journey, you’ll catch glimpses of a frozen waterfall, making it a great trail to end the year on.

Have you had the chance to complete all of the best hikes in Alaska? What do you consider to be the best trails in Alaska? Is there a hike you'd add to this list? Send it through our nomination form—we'd love to hear from you.