Heading into a new year can feel overwhelming and chaotic. You may be making new year’s resolutions, or cleaning up after all the winter holidays. When you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, try one of these calming hikes in Alaska, where you can have some much needed space and and soak in beautiful views before jumping right back into work.
- Reflections Lake Trail, Palmer, Alaska
Megan McDonald / Facebook This stunning, easy hike loops around Reflections Lake in Palmer. Open and accessible 365 days a year, it’s an easy drive and right off the Glenn Highway, although the views can make it seem much more remote. The trail is a mostly flat, 1.1 mile loop, and a quick way to get a much-needed breather when you don’t have a lot of time. You can find it at right off the exit next to the Knik River on the Glenn Highway, Palmer, AK 99645.
- Farm Road Trail & Chickadee Loop, Fairbanks, Alaska
Connie Plumley / AllTrails This beautiful little loop is part of the Creamer’s Field trail system. This trail is only about 2.2 miles long, and very well maintained and easy to hike, even in the winter. The sunlight streaming through the beautiful tree lined trail is beautiful, and it’s not a busy trail, so you’ll be able to have some quiet moments. You can find the trailhead for this great spot at 1300 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
- Nugget Falls, Juneau, Alaska
Jenny Langmann / AllTrails Nugget Falls Trail is usually a very busy trail, but in the winter it’s blessedly empty. You can hike this flat, easy, 2 mile trail in relative emptiness during the winter months. Even if the falls are frozen you can still hear the trickle of water behind the ice. Peaceful moments abound for you on this stunning trail, and you can find the trailhead located at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center at 6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801.
- Homer Beach Walk, Homer, Alaska
Wonderlane / Flickr The Homer Beach Walk is located on the stunning Homer Spit. It’s a very flat, 6.4 mile out and back trail, but you can turn around whenever you’d like. The views from this paved walkway are absolutely breathtaking. Watch wildlife, the sun set over the glaciers across the bay, or the boats come in from a day of fishing. Winter offers its own kind of beauty out here, and you can expect to be stunned by the views surrounding you. The waves lapping on the shore nearby can lull you into a tranquil mindset; just what you need to start the new year! You can park anywhere you find a spot along the Homer Spit to start your trail.
- Winner Creek Trail, Girdwood, Alaska
Sheldon K / TripAdvisor Immerse yourself in Alaska’s official winter wonderland, the northern most temperate rainforest in Girdwood, Alaska. Averaging over 120 inches of annual snowfall, you can hike through powdery puffs on this easy trail. Boardwalks cover parts of the trail on this 6.4 mile out and back hike. Soak in the complete silence on a hike that feels a million miles away from civilization, but in reality starts right at the base of the Alyeska Tram. You can park in the Alyeska Resort overflow parking area and walk to the trailhead.
- Bear Lake Trail, Seward, Alaska
Ems N / AllTrails This well maintained 4.3 mile trail right outside Seward, Alaska hikes along the edge of the stunning Bear Lake. You’ll stroll over beautiful bridges atop frozen creeks, and amble up and down little hills while you follow the shoreline. This is an easy, quiet trail that rewards you with stunning views. You can find the trailhead right off of mile 6.5 on Seward Highway, down Bear Lake Road.
- Campbell Tract Loop National Recreation Trail, Anchorage, Alaska
Jenny Lou / AllTrails This fabulous 4.5 mile loop in the heart of the city of Anchorage is quiet even though it’s right off of some of the biggest roads in the city. Filled with many locals taking advantage of the giant park, you won’t hear anyone else until they’re right next to you. A walk (or ski, or dogsled) through these woods in Far North Bicentennial Park brings the kind of peace and quiet you don’t expect to find in the city. You can find parking at the trailhead at this address: 4700 BLM Road Anchorage, AK 99507.
Have you had the chance to check out any of these calming hikes in Alaska? Which one is your favorite? Will you be trying any new ones this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Megan McDonald / Facebook
This stunning, easy hike loops around Reflections Lake in Palmer. Open and accessible 365 days a year, it’s an easy drive and right off the Glenn Highway, although the views can make it seem much more remote. The trail is a mostly flat, 1.1 mile loop, and a quick way to get a much-needed breather when you don’t have a lot of time. You can find it at right off the exit next to the Knik River on the Glenn Highway, Palmer, AK 99645.
Connie Plumley / AllTrails
This beautiful little loop is part of the Creamer’s Field trail system. This trail is only about 2.2 miles long, and very well maintained and easy to hike, even in the winter. The sunlight streaming through the beautiful tree lined trail is beautiful, and it’s not a busy trail, so you’ll be able to have some quiet moments. You can find the trailhead for this great spot at 1300 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99701.
Jenny Langmann / AllTrails
Nugget Falls Trail is usually a very busy trail, but in the winter it’s blessedly empty. You can hike this flat, easy, 2 mile trail in relative emptiness during the winter months. Even if the falls are frozen you can still hear the trickle of water behind the ice. Peaceful moments abound for you on this stunning trail, and you can find the trailhead located at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor’s Center at 6000 Glacier Spur Rd, Juneau, AK 99801.
Wonderlane / Flickr
The Homer Beach Walk is located on the stunning Homer Spit. It’s a very flat, 6.4 mile out and back trail, but you can turn around whenever you’d like. The views from this paved walkway are absolutely breathtaking. Watch wildlife, the sun set over the glaciers across the bay, or the boats come in from a day of fishing. Winter offers its own kind of beauty out here, and you can expect to be stunned by the views surrounding you. The waves lapping on the shore nearby can lull you into a tranquil mindset; just what you need to start the new year! You can park anywhere you find a spot along the Homer Spit to start your trail.
Sheldon K / TripAdvisor
Immerse yourself in Alaska’s official winter wonderland, the northern most temperate rainforest in Girdwood, Alaska. Averaging over 120 inches of annual snowfall, you can hike through powdery puffs on this easy trail. Boardwalks cover parts of the trail on this 6.4 mile out and back hike. Soak in the complete silence on a hike that feels a million miles away from civilization, but in reality starts right at the base of the Alyeska Tram. You can park in the Alyeska Resort overflow parking area and walk to the trailhead.
Ems N / AllTrails
This well maintained 4.3 mile trail right outside Seward, Alaska hikes along the edge of the stunning Bear Lake. You’ll stroll over beautiful bridges atop frozen creeks, and amble up and down little hills while you follow the shoreline. This is an easy, quiet trail that rewards you with stunning views. You can find the trailhead right off of mile 6.5 on Seward Highway, down Bear Lake Road.
Jenny Lou / AllTrails
This fabulous 4.5 mile loop in the heart of the city of Anchorage is quiet even though it’s right off of some of the biggest roads in the city. Filled with many locals taking advantage of the giant park, you won’t hear anyone else until they’re right next to you. A walk (or ski, or dogsled) through these woods in Far North Bicentennial Park brings the kind of peace and quiet you don’t expect to find in the city. You can find parking at the trailhead at this address: 4700 BLM Road Anchorage, AK 99507.
If you’re looking for more ways to de-stress, here are 10 Ways People In Alaska Can Relax And Take It Easy.
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Address: Alaska, USA
