Alaska is the United States’ 49th admission into the union, which occurred just after the new year of 1959 in January, but has long been a destination for those seeking an alpine adventure without having to go to Europe and the Alps. Alaska is host to the Alps of North America, and offers one’s travel and vacation imagination a wide variety of alpine adventures to choose from.
Beginning with Mt. McKinley, the largest mountain in North America standing at just over 20,000 feet, Alaska’s alpine adventures takes off. The true kingpin of all mountains in Alaska, Mt. McKinley was known for years by its indigenous name, Denali, which means “Great One.” Now, it sits as the centerpiece of Denali National Park that has an estimated 400,000 visitors each year. But do not worry, that may seem like a lot of people, but in an area the size of Massachusetts, it really isn’t, especially since they are coming and going short term.
Wrangell-St. Elias is another exceptional mountain for those seeking an alpine experience here in the states. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is an UNESCO world heritage site and is protected by international law. Besides a spectacular mountain to climb, hiking trips to, around, and on Wrangell-St. Elias are equally rewarding and amazing.
Alaska’s Alaska Range extends over 600 miles and includes mountains from Lake Clark National Park through Denali National Park on to the White River in Canada’s Yukon. Its arc is east to west with its northern most part centralized in the state. Because of heavy snowfall, these mountains are dappled with glaciers that feed the thousands of rivers and streams that lace Alaska. This range is also a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is also found along the Denali fault line, which provides Alaskans with hundred of earthquakes each year.
Other alpine adventure tours may include a visit to the Gates of Arctic National Park and Preserve. Located not far from Arctic National Wildlife Reserve, valleys in the Gates of Arctic were carved out by glaciers and give way to soaring mountains just begging to be hiked. Here in the Gates of Arctic there are many areas, mountains, and ridges that have yet to be explored by a human, making this an extraordinary Alaska alpine adventure.
And for those who are seeking something a little more extreme, Alaska has become quickly known as the heli-skiing capital of the world. There are so many great locations for skiing in Alaska that are difficult, if not impossible, to reach by land vehicle or foot. Helicopters are now used to ferry people to their skiing destinations and drop them off on the side of a mountain for a ride down untouched snow.
There are many more great alpine adventure experiences awaiting thrill and fun seekers. Explore Alaska!