Alaska's pristine air, vast landscapes, mountains, valleys, forests and tundra combine to create a hiking paradise. Whether you are a first-time hiker or someone who regularly pushes the limits of your physical capabilities, Alaska has a variety of trails for all levels of hikers, and the only way to explore them is to take a hiking trip.
Time of Year
Time of year will dictate the type of hiking trip you have in Alaska. The winter months are bitterly cold, and snowstorms are a daily occurrence. The summer months are far more temperate. Different types of weather lead to entirely different types of hiking trips because sections of the mountains will be completely inaccessible as a result of winter weather, whereas in the summer the mountain passes are readily available. If you are an extreme athlete, you can go when you see fit, but if you are an average hiker, plan around the weather depending on the type of trip you are looking for.
Geography
Alaska is a vast landscape of varying terrain, including grasslands, tundra plains, mountain valleys, snow-capped peaks, craggy passes, glacier trails and forests. Hiking the foothills outside some of the major cities allows you to experience the beauty of Alaska without pushing yourself too far, but if you are someone who truly enjoys taking your hiking to the next level and pushing your body to extremes, the backcountry of the state is full of the roughest types of terrain.
Gear
Gear can affect the type of hiking trip you take. Day trips might require only a good pair of boots, a hiking staff and a day-pack, but multiday treks into the wilderness will require tents, backpacks, provisions, clothing and many pounds of equipment. You must be in peak physical condition to handle the gear required for multiday treks, and how much gear you take will absolutely determine the type of trip you have.
Accommodations
Whether you choose to go camping out in the wild with a tent and a sleeping bag or rent a cabin for an extended series of day hikes, the types of accommodations you choose will also affect your hiking trip. A base camp such as a cabin or a hotel can give you access to warm showers and a comfortable bed every day after your hikes, but if you really want to experience the backcountry of Alaska, the ultimate hiking adventure is a tent and a sleeping bag while you spend a week in the woods.
Group or Solo
Hiking alone can be an entirely different experience from hiking with a group, and the kind of Alaskan hike you want will change the type of trip you have. While hiking with a group of people can add a sense of camaraderie and fun, hiking alone can also be therapeutic. However, while hiking alone close to civilization is generally safe, if you plan on heading into the backcountry of Alaska, it is recommended that you take along some friends just in case.
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