Advanced Snowshoeing in Anchorage: Glen Alps alpine terrain

Miles of steep alpine terrain on snowshoes, not a groomed trail walk

An advanced snowshoeing adventure in Glen Alps near Anchorage takes you across snow-packed terrain through Chugach State Park for 4 hours on foot, plus transportation. You'll cross South Fork Campbell Creek, move between hemlock forests and alpine meadows, and watch for moose, snowshoe hare, lynx and birds while peaks frame the Anchorage Bowl and Cook Inlet. A guide leads the way and provides instruction on snowshoeing technique.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snowshoeing in Glen Alps valley

• Travel to Glen Alps near Anchorage
• Introduction to snowshoeing basics
• Snowshoe along South Fork Campbell Creek
• Cross the creek and explore hemlock forests
• Walk through snow-covered alpine meadows
• Observe wildlife tracks and seek animals
• Enjoy views of peaks and take photos

The experience

This is a backcountry snowshoe, not a beginner's outing. You'll cover miles across steep and hilly terrain that demands real fitness. The kind where you can walk 8 miles on flat ground or 5 miles of rolling hills over 4 hours, and climb many flights of stairs without strain. The Glen Alps valley east of Anchorage opens up in winter to areas you can't reach on foot any other season. After a quick refresher on snowshoeing technique, you head to South Fork Campbell Creek at the valley's heart, cross it, and move through hemlock forests and snow-covered alpine meadows, stopping to photograph peaks and track wildlife.

The guide is a naturalist who reads the landscape: pointing out animal tracks, explaining the alpine spruce forest, and timing stops so you can actually see the Anchorage Bowl, Cook Inlet and glacial valley instead of just passing through. Moose, snowshoe hare, lynx and birds move through this country, and you're there in winter when the snow makes their presence visible. A prepacked snack from Kat's Epic Trail Bites breaks the day. Snowshoes, day packs and trekking poles are provided. Snow gaiters are available if you want them.

Transportation to Glen Alps is included in the 5-hour total, so you don't need a car or arrange your own way up the mountain. Bring winter clothing and footwear that work for you. The operator will adjust the snack if you have dietary needs, but the rest is on you to prepare for a high-altitude, high-effort day.

What’s included

• Private transportation to Glen Alps.
• snowshoes.
• a prepacked snack including a granola bar, apple and cheese stick.
• day packs and trekking poles available upon request.
• snow gaiters available upon request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Demanding physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Go Hike Alaska

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're staying in Anchorage without a vehicle. We provide round-trip pickup and drive you directly to Glen Alps trailhead, so you can snowshoe the backcountry in a single morning or afternoon.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

6 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Under 15: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What kind of fitness do I need for this snowshoeing adventure?

You should be able to walk at least 8 miles on flat pavement or 5 miles of uneven rolling terrain over 4 hours, and easily climb many flights of stairs. The Glen Alps terrain is steep and hilly, placing stress on your legs and cardiovascular system. The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, cardiac issues, or severe respiratory illness.

Will I see wildlife on the snowshoe tour?

Moose, snowshoe hare, lynx and birds live in the Glen Alps and Chugach State Park. Winter snow makes their tracks visible, and your guide will help you spot them and read the signs they leave behind.

What's included in the snowshoeing tour price?

Private transportation to Glen Alps and back, snowshoes, a prepacked snack (granola bar, apple and cheese stick), and day packs or trekking poles available upon request. Snow gaiters are also available if you want them. You provide your own winter clothing and footwear.

How long is the actual snowshoeing part of the day?

You'll spend 4 hours on the snow-packed trail in Glen Alps, crossing South Fork Campbell Creek and moving through hemlock forests and alpine meadows. The remaining hour of the 5-hour total is transportation to and from Anchorage.

What's the landscape like at Glen Alps in winter?

Glen Alps sits in a glaciated valley east of Anchorage, where hemlock forests and snow-covered alpine meadows surround you. Several peaks dominate the landscape, and on clear days you can see the Anchorage Bowl, Cook Inlet and a glacial valley from the high points.