3 days in and around Anchorage
 

Hi the wife and I are going to be in Anchorage over the 4th of July Holiday. We are getting in late Thursday and must be back in anchorage about noon on Sun. So we have all day Friday and Saturday to explore. We are nature enthusiasts and usually enjoy moderate/intermediate hiking and trekking. We are looking for some suggestions on what we should do during our short time in the Anchorage area.

Thanks.

Will you have a car? If so, you might want to hike at Eagle River, about 20 minutes northeast of Anchorage. Otherwise, the Tony Knowles Trail runs for miles around Anchorage, mostly along the water. Be sure to ask what part is the best and safest to hike as several sections have a lot of moose in the area and you need to know what to do if you encounter them. (The best tool is making a lot of noise so they avoid you!)

I would head up to Talkeetna for an overnight, excellent hiking adventures along the way. You may want to consider getting a car rental that will allow driving on the Hatcher Pass. Wonderful area for hiking and great scenery. Also consider a glacier trek off the Glen Highway on the Matanuska glacier.

I agree that a guided glacier trek on the Matanuska Glacier is a great day trip. You can get some unusual photos you wouldn't otherwise get on your visit.

The Matanuska glacier is 2 hours from Anchorage and the drive there is scenic, too.

Another suggestion is hiking and exploring in the Girdwood valley, 40 miles south of Anchorage. Wonderful hikes, and good guide service in the area..

If you want to travel south about an hour out of Anchorage can visit Portage Glacier. Most years have iceburgs floating quite close to shore. There are nearby hikes where you can walk up to ice fields. On the way down will be passing Turnigan Arm. If you time it right can watch the bore come in. Also watch for dall sheep which come right down to the highway at a salt lick.