This Scenic Alaska Hike Is Even Better in the Winter

Alaska is a treasure trove of natural wonders and diverse landscapes, from bucket list summits to stunning "Only in Alaska" sights that dwarf even the most impressive destinations found in the Lower 48. Yet, somehow, Alaska's fjords, forests, and sweeping foothills of green manage to get even more spectacular in winter. Dusted with snow (or buried under it, depending on the year), the Last Frontier takes on frosty new life in the off-season—whether glittering under a cool bluebird sky, or immersed in misty, moody beauty. Hiking is undoubtedly the best way to get out and experience it all! Many trails around the state ramp up the challenge in winter, and are best suited for experienced hikers with ample backcountry and emergency know-how. Others offer fun, family-friendly snowshoe treks. The Angel Rocks Trail in Chena River State Recreation Area finds the perfect sweet spot between the two and makes for a spectacular winter climb.

Clocking in at around 3.7 miles, the Angel Rocks Trail is a gorgeous loop that starts along the Chena River as it winds north, crisscrossing through spectacular evergreen forests, their branches laden with puffy dollops of snow, around spectacular rock formations, and up, up, up above the river valley floor. If you prefer, you can also make this an out-and-back hike, or even take the longer side trip to Chena Hot Springs if you feel like adding a soothing soak to your climb.

Because of its proximity to Chena Hot Springs Resort, Angel Rocks is a pretty popular spot. Fall in particular is an absolute dream, and countless locals make the journey to enjoy the brilliant colors. However, it's much quieter in winter when the trail gets slippery, and hikers start searching for more easily accessible winter drama. Trekking poles are definitely recommended here, especially on the way down.

Tucked away in the recreation area about 45 minutes from Fairbanks, the main Angel Rocks Trail begins with a steep grade, climbing over 900 feet among a half dozen granite outcrops that jut from the hillside. These tors are stunning regardless of season, but snow really enhances the beauty. Like most of Alaska's volcanic underpinnings, the tors formed millions of years ago when boiling liquid rock surged upward and cooled before reaching the surface. Over time, the surrounding landscape eroded, leaving these stunning rock towers and formations behind for modern-day hikers to ogle.

The landscape gradually evolves along the trail as you climb. You'll get to admire colorful button mushrooms and frozen berries enveloped with snow lining the trail. You'll find rocky nooks and crannies to hole up in if the weather turns sour, boardwalks to tiptoe across, and gentle creeks still flowing in between hard freezes as they run off the Chena. You'll even traverse both evergreen and deciduous forests. Glazed with frost, these already gorgeous sights are even better than they are in the throes of spring! Keep an eye on your GPS, though—not every curve in the trail is well marked.

If you enjoy scrambling and the rocks aren't too wet, you can climb around on the various outcroppings for even more spectacular views of the valley below, layered with snow. As you hike, you might see rock climbers making attempts to scale the various rock faces. In the distance, the blue ridges of the distant White and Hayes Ranges shimmer like a mirage, and a sea of evergreens stretches out in a backcountry winter wonderland panorama. The entire way up, and especially from the Angel Rocks summit, the views can't be overstated. They're absolutely breathtaking.

Once you’re at the top of the trail (around 1,750 feet), you can continue to wrap around the loop, return via the same trail you climbed, or carefully make your way to the edge of the ridge to try and glimpse the multicolored Alaska Range en route to the hot springs. If you stick to the main trail, you'll have this section mostly to yourself as your fellow hikers branch off toward Chena Hot Springs, where you'll find an upper and lower trail and equally impressive vistas. Head this way, and you'll be rewarded with clear views of the Alaska Range, Chena Dome, Far Mountain, and much more. In fact, you might even spot a few ptarmigans! This is a choose-your-own-adventure hike, and fully flexible based on your time limit and endurance.

The Angel Rocks descent can be a little tricky, so take it slow. The loose gravel and the steep decline require careful foot placement and good traction. But back at the trailhead, safe and accomplished, you'll want to make plans to return to this trail in every season. It's a beaut.

If you happen to attempt this trail in the awkward pre- or post-snow shoulder, don't worry about missing out on the views. They're still just as colorful in between seasons—just a little less marshmallowy! In fact, these stark "in between snows" views might just be my personal favorite, although they're most common toward the end of the season.

When you're looking for scenic winter hiking options in Alaska, the Angel Rocks Trail might not be the first one that comes to mind in comparison to spots like Eklutna Lake or Byron Glacier, but it's definitely worth the effort. It's also a great seasonal warm-up before tackling the more challenging (and lofty) hikes found in Alaska's most remote areas. Before you head out, though, it's important to note that there's a small fee to park at the Angel Rocks trailhead, and that this area is known for frequent bear activity. Stay aware as you hike!

While you're here, the resort isn't the only spot to visit. The Chena River State Recreation Area and its surroundings are packed with trails, lakes, and sights to explore, from the easy Chena River Nature Trail and Chena Lake, to the epic Granite Tors Trail. Better yet, plan your entire adventure with Only In Your State's AI Travel Planner!