8 of the best places to go in Alaska

21.07.2023 - 21:03 / lonelyplanet.com

Alaska: the name is a symbol of wild, untamed, natural beauty and expansive, seemingly never-ending landscapes yearning to be explored.

"The last frontier" isn’t simply a license plate motto but a way of life in North America’s crown jewel of wilderness. For those seeking to find their spirit through exploration, epic hikes and outdoorsy fun, there are few comparisons. Even the campfires are going to be big and go late under the midnight sun – one of the best times to visit. Given the scope of how big Alaska is, a few trips by land and sea are part of the experience in this most mighty of wild places.

With so much ground to cover, here are the best places to visit in Alaska.

Best place for big scenery and hikes

The High One is North America’s highest peak, grandest of grand and tallest of tall. The name Denali refers to the peak itself, the region and one of the grandest set of parks in the world. There's good reason the peak itself is the stuff of legend, most notably its height. At 20,310ft (6194 m), starting at almost sea level, Denali is the tallest mountain in the world, measured from its base to summit. On a clear day – or even a foggy one – the backdrop of this peak and the surrounding wildlife-filled Taiga northern boreal forest through the Alaska Range makes for an explorer’s paradise with countless hikes and journeys awaiting the well-equipped traveler. The park’s bus system is a great family option, making for an interpretive wildlife safari in the shadow of the park’s namesake mountain.

Local tip: Give yourself multiple days to ensure mountain views; it can be elusive due to the weather. For backpackers, check out the backcountry office and plan out an unforgettable trip in the national park. Another less crowded option is to utilize the trail system of Denali State Park next door, which has more easy-access campgrounds for those using vehicles.

Best place for a wilderness experience

Grand and expansive, Wrangell St Elias is the continent’s second-highest peak and largest wilderness preserve. Far less developed or visited than other iconic wilderness parks, it's home to the funky mountain folk town of McCarthy. Remnants of the bygone century’s homesteading and copper mining history, this wild park provides countless opportunities for exploration.

Local tip: Bring a tire kit and honor rental car policies, which state you cannot drive there, as the road is full of nails from its days as a railroad track.

Best place for big ice

Accessible on land by small expedition ships and independent boats, Glacier Bay provides mysterious and wondrous views of the frosty forested world of ice. Explorer and writer John Muir said it best in his 1915 book Travels in Alaska: "To the lover of pure wildness Alaska