Best Day Trips From Anchorage, AK

Alaska is located in the far northwest of the North American continent and is home to acres of unexplored natural beauty. This is why you chose Anchorage as your vacation destination. After exploring the city, you're looking for some day trips from Anchorage, AK, where you can do something truly special. There are many great day trips for you to choose from. Here's a look at our three favorites:

Exploring Matanuska Glacier: Ice Adventure

Matanuska Glacier is the largest glacier in the United States that you can reach by car, and it is the easiest glacier to reach in Alaska, making it a day trip from Anchorage, AK, that you shouldn't miss. It is a stable 27-mile-long river of ice and has a four-mile-wide terminus that you can see from the highways as you approach Mile Marker 102. 

To start your adventure, you will need to book a guided-tour with one of the many great tour operators as self-guided tours and hikes are no longer prohibited. You'll be outfitted with helmets, crampons, and poles for your safety. Most guided tours last between one and two hours, and they're available throughout the year. A little past Glacier Park is the Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area. This 229-acre park has outstanding views of the glacier and the headwaters of the Matanuska River from the hiking trails. 

Chugach State Park: Hidden Natural Wonders

A trip to Chugach State Park gives you quick access to the natural wonders of this pristine ecosystem. The top things to do in this park include:

• Turnagain Arm: You can enjoy panoramic views from Turnagain Arm. If you're quiet and keep a close eye out, you might get to see Dall sheep, bears, and mountain goats. Depending on the time of year, you might see a beluga whale and a bore tide. 

• Eklutna Lake: In the summer months, you can rent bikes to ride around the lake or kayaks to explore the water. Cross-country skiing and fat-tire bikes are popular during the winter months. 

• Crow Pass Trail: Hike along an ever-changing terrain that includes glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine vistas, as you navigate this 25-mile trail. This hike is not for the feint of heart as the 25 miles is one-way and you will need to have arranged transportation at either the trailhead in Girdwood or at the Eagle River Nature Center, depending on which direction you hike the trail.

• Thunderbird Falls: For families and beginners, this trail is ideal, and you can enjoy a snack at the viewing deck for the 200-foot waterfall. 

• Eagle River Nature Center: Learn more about the park, natural history, and wildlife. The center offers guided tours and other educational programs. 

• Wildlife Viewing: Bring binoculars and a keen eye, so you might see bald eagles, moose, bears, and Dall sheep. 

Wildlife Adventures at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

Are you an animal lover? The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is the best day trip from Anchorage, AK, for you. You can see moose, grizzly bears, eagles, reindeer, wolves, deer, muskox, wood bison, foxes, and more in their natural habitat. This 200-acre conservation center has habitats for the animals with viewing platforms for your safety. There are guided tours of the park, where you can feed the animals, and specialized tours that are based on the season, such as the Moose Encounter. While you're there, don't forget to check out Hugo, an orphaned grizzly in their 20-acre habitat. 

Book a Room at The Historic Anchorage Hotel Today 

When you begin planning which of the best day trips you're going to take, you need to start by booking a room. The Historic Anchorage Hotel is centrally located in the downtown area. You'll feel like you're stepping back in time when you enter the hotel and see all of the historic touches. Our team wants to ensure your stay is special. Contact us to book a room today. 

Featured Image: EB Adventure Photography / Shutterstock