About this tour
When Ben from our team laced up snowshoes at Glen Alps, just east of Anchorage, we got a proper taste of winter hiking without needing years of experience. The 3-hour loop takes you through alpine spruce forest with views across the Anchorage Bowl and Cook Inlet — the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people move to Alaska. It's accessible for couples, solo travellers, and families with older kids, though the terrain does climb steeply in patches. Guides know the area well and keep an eye out for moose, lynx, and hares.
Highlights
- Steep climb rewards with unobstructed views of Anchorage and Cook Inlet
- Guides narrate the alpine spruce forest and point out wildlife tracks
- Snowshoes and poles provided; no prior experience needed
- Trail mix real enough to fuel the elevation gain
- Service animals welcome alongside regular hikers
- Public transport option nearby if you're not hiring a car
- Glen Alps car park is the meeting point — straightforward logistics
What to expect
You'll start at the Glen Alps car park, get fitted with snowshoes (gaiters available if you ask), and head into the forest with your guide. The first section is gentle, letting you find your rhythm with the shoes. Then the trail steepens — there's genuine elevation to climb over the next couple of kilometres, and this is where cardiovascular fitness matters. Your quads and lungs will know they've worked. The views open up as you climb: the Anchorage Bowl spreads below, Cook Inlet glints in the distance, and the guide will stop to talk through the forest ecosystem and point out animal signs in the snow.
The pace feels measured rather than rushed. Ben found the granola bar came at a logical rest point, not shoehorned in. Descending takes a different rhythm — snowshoes are clunky on downhill, but the guide talks you through technique. Total time is three hours, which covers the climb, views, and descent without feeling hurried or dragged out. Weather in Alaskan winter is what it is — brilliant and clear one day, whiteout the next — so dress in layers and expect wind.
Good to know
This is a genuine entry point into snowshoeing. The guides are knowledgeable naturalists, not just logistics people. The views justify the effort, and the trail is well-maintained. Perfect if you want to test whether winter hiking in Alaska is for you before committing to longer expeditions. Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, but the guides know where to look.
The climb is legit — it's not a flat walk. Not suitable if you have cardiac or respiratory issues, or severe joint problems; the steeper sections place real stress on knees and hips. You're bringing your own winter boots and clothing, which means an extra layer of packing and cost if you haven't got them. No hotel pickups, so you'll need a car or public transport to Glen Alps. Families with small kids will find this tough. Winter weather is unpredictable — be prepared for cold, wind, and potentially limited visibility.
Bring insulated hiking boots (non-negotiable) and proper winter layers. Snowshoes, poles, and gaiters (on request) are provided. You'll need to sign a waiver beforehand. Group sizes aren't specified, so check when booking. Peak season is winter months (December–February). A granola bar is included; mention dietary needs upfront. The walk demands you're comfortable on at least 2.5 miles of rolling, uneven ground over 2 hours.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.