Hiking in the USA, we’re spoiled with options. With some of the most beautiful national parks and scenery in the world, from hiking in the mountains of Yosemite to the valleys of Nevada, there are so many different terrains, from hot to cold. However, no terrain is harder and more severe than the rugged terrain of Alaska.

This makes Alaska the perfect place to visit for those who have a passion for hiking and want to see the natural sites that Alaska has to offer, whether they are native to the US or over here on a UK spouse visa. However, with so much to see and harsh conditions that you may not be prepared for, hiking in Alaska is not like other places. It requires a lot more preparation and planning than you may think, as getting stuck or lost here would not be good. 

Where to go:

So you want to go hiking in Alaska, and you have no idea where to start. Well, after visiting many times, here are a few hikes that I loved and would recommend if you are visiting, what they were like, and how difficult they were.

Marmot Peak: Located in Hatcher Pass in the south of Alaska- is a 2.8-mile round hike that is around medium to hard in difficulty. Although the hike isn't that long, it definitely feels like it, as the slopes are very steep and the gravel path makes it very slippery, causing you to have to be careful and slow down. Once you have got the first few sections, which are quite difficult and steep and make it to the ridge, the hike becomes considerably easier with the terrain getting flatter.

Once you get to the top, the steep hike is definitely worth it with broad views across Hatcher Pass, the surrounding valleys and mountains and Independence Mine. I'd definitely wear proper hiking shoes or boots to ensure that you have good traction on the gravel, especially for descent, as it can be quite awkward if it has rained or if there is lingering snow. 

Exit Glacier: The Exit Glacier in the Kenai Fjords National Park provides many different hiking options depending on your hiking ability, a series of easy lower trails and icefall trails for tos emore experienced hikers.

The easy option, which we did on the first day, was the glacier loop, which is about 1.2 miles and accessible to those who are not experienced hikers. It involves a steady walk around with views towards the Exit Glacier, which is an impressive ice sheet. 

The harder option is the Harding, which is an 8-mile trip with nearly 4,000 meters of elevation gain. This strenuous hike is a steep uphill glacial hike starting in the alder forest, then moving through the meadows before hiking up the more icy section, which can be very challenging before getting to the tip, which overlooks the enormous Harding Ice Field. Around a 6- to 8-hour hike, this is for more advanced hikers who have all the correct gear, e.g., crampons and poles. It is also very important to look at the weather before this hike, as storms and avalanches can be dangerous and even fatal.