Backpacking Near Anchorage

Best National Parks for Backpacking Near Anchorage, AK

National parks near Anchorage, AK ranked by backpacking quality, with drive times and distances.

Updated

Day Trip (Under 2.5 hours)

kayakers in front of a tidewater glacier

Kenai Fjords

AK

Moderate CrowdsHidden Gem

126 mi -- about 2.3 hr drive

Weekend Getaway (2.5 to 5 hours)

snowy mountains reflected in a pond

Denali & Preserve

AK

ComfortableHidden Gem

193 mi -- about 3.5 hr drive

Waterfall surrounded by forest in fall foiliage and mountains in the background.

Lake Clark & Preserve

AK

Room to BreatheHidden Gem

170 mi -- about 3.1 hr drive

Extended Drive (5+ hours)

Bear standing at the edge of a waterfall while a salmon is leaping towards it.

Katmai & Preserve

AK

Room to BreatheHidden Gem

327 mi -- about 6 hr drive

Two backpackers sitting in an alpine meadow with snowy mountains in the background

Wrangell - St Elias & Preserve

AK

ComfortableHidden Gem

315 mi -- about 5.7 hr drive