Alaska is the most sparsely populated state in the United States of America with climate that ranges from 23 degrees Celcius during summer down to -33 degrees Celcius during winter.
It is famous for its open spaces, mountains, forests, abundant wildlife and quaint little towns. Many tourists flock to Alaska to carry out activities such as skiing, mountain biking and kayaking in places with breathtaking backdrops like below.
Glacier bay national park
Located in southeast Alaska’s Inside Passage, this national park is a popular stop for cruise ships and feature the high peaks of Mount Fairweather and massive glaciers like the Grand Pacific Glacier. Bartlett Cove is the only developed area in the national park and it’s best to join a Ranger Naturalist guided hike or talk. Visit the Xunaa Shukâ Hít (Huna Tribal House) with its carved totems and house screen.
Denali national park and preserve
With just one road going through six million acres of wilderness, this is the place to be if you’re a shutterbug and want to snap the pictures of a lifetime. With wildlife that includes grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep, hop on the bus during the summer months and discover the wonder of Alaskan wildlife. During summer, Denali National Park is usually abuzz with adventurers biking, backpacking, hiking and mountaineering. If you’re one for camping, Denali has six campgrounds and can accommodate tents, cars and RV campers.
Juneau
The capital of Alaska sits at the base of Mount Roberts and is also a popular stop for cruise ships. Juneau is reachable only via boat or seaplane. A tram brings visitors up Mount Roberts where they can explore the hiking trails, enjoy the wildflowers and also take in the view of Gastineau Channel. Across the Gastineau Channel is Eaglecrest Ski Area which is a public ski area located on Douglas Island and is usually open from the first weekend of December to the end of April. It is a family oriented place with programs available for skiers of all ages.
Nearby is a fjord called Tracy Arm which offers boat tours that feature floating ice, glaciers and wildlife. Pack a spare battery for your camera because this picturesque area is bound to produce pictures as perfect as a postcard.
Anchorage
Alaska’s largest city is known for its cultural sites such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where visitors will be able to see traditional crafts, dances and replicas of dwellings of the indigenous groups in the area. In addition to providing a glimpse into the indigenous tribes of
Since you’re in Alaska, why not try your hand at dog sledding? Pulled by a pack of huskies, either get on a dogsled with a seasoned musher along a snowy trail or stand on the sled runners and be the musher!
References: Anchorage.net; National Park Service (Alaska)
