Chugach State Park Nature Walk
Offered by Go Hike Alaska In Anchorage, Alaska
: $
About us
Our experienced guides are certified in wilderness first aid, CPR, and EPI-pen use. We are also trained in avalanche safety and large animal encounter. Your well-being and safety is our #1 priority.
What we'll do
• An easy, brief, and compelling experience designed for all to enjoy.
• Perfect for families with children!
• Learn about boreal forests and glaciated valleys through the voice of a naturalist.
• Opportunity for wildlife sightings, including moose, bear, and birds.
• Provisions include a granola bar.
This is the perfect tour if you are looking to go on an easy hike, learn about Alaska’s vegetation and animal populations, and see the Chugach State Park’s most photogenic locations. Depending on the season, we'll either visit the best waterfall in the Chugach State Park, Barbara Falls, or we'll head up high to the Glen Alps where alpine paradise awaits.
Wild geraniums, bluebells, and forget-me-nots pop up in June and blissful blueberries, funky fungi, and changing colors tell us when summer is ending. Moose and bear birth their young in spring and mate during the fall months. They travel through the mountains and valleys in search of their favorite browse, providing ample opportunity for wildlife viewing and photography.
The flora and fauna of the Chugach State Park tell us a story of various ecosystems living in harmony just outside of Anchorage. Experience in-depth education about the salmon life cycle and impacts to our environment by rapidly changing climate and societal challenges. It's a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive tour awaiting your intrigue. If you’re ready to see the natural wonders lying just outside of Anchorage, then join us today!
What to expect / what's provided
• Dates: May 1 - September 30
• Tour #1: 10 am - 1 pm
• Tour #2: 2 pm - 5 pm
• Travel Time: 1 Hour (30 minutes one-way)
• Hiking Time: 2 Hours
• Distance & Elevation Gain: ~2 miles and 200 feet (or 20 flights of stairs)
• Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ "Easy for most & moderate for few"
• Recommended for ages 4 & up
TRANSPORTATION & MEETUP LOCATION:
Guests have the option of using our transportation or providing it for themselves. We encourage our guests to drive to the trailhead if they have the ability in order to mitigate the spread of COVID. However, if you need transportation we are more than happy to provide it for you. We will confirm your preference after you book.
If you DO need transportation, we will meetup, depart, and return at the William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center, located at 555 W. 5th Ave. in downtown Anchorage. Please arrive no later than 10 minutes prior to your tour. There are parking garages in the area if you need one.
If you need DO NOT need transportation, you will meet us at the trailhead or follow us from the meetup location. We will coordinate the location prior to your tour via text, phone, or email.
If you choose to ride with us, please anticipate being within close proximity to one another. We ask you kindly please sanitize your hands before entering the vehicle as well as wear a cloth/other type of face covering in accordance with local COVID-19 rules. We'll have a sanitizer available for all guests. We also ventilate the vehicle in an effort to reduce transmission of COVID.
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT:
All participants are required to complete a participation agreement. You will receive a link in your confirmation email to complete it once you finish booking.
WEATHER:
All of our hikes are rain or shine. However, if the weather is too severe (i.e. thunder, lightning, hail, blizzard, etc.) we'll issue you a full refund.
WILD ANIMALS:
Seeing wild animals is probably part of why you booked a hike in the first place, but we need to give animals the proper respect they deserve. We will provide you a safety briefing before your hike. Please listen to your guide during any encounter situation. We are happy to help you get some quality photos, but only if it is safe. While bears are commonly referred to as the aggressors, moose attacks are far more common in Alaska. Every guide is trained in large animal safety, and the use of bear spray.
EXPERIENCE SUGGESTIONS:
You should have a small amount of hiking experience before attempting this hike, or be in good physical condition. At a minimum, you should be able to walk at least 8 miles on flat pavement, or 5 miles of uneven rolling terrain over the course of 4 hours. You should also be able to easily climb many flights of stairs over the duration of the hike. Many parts of trail are steep and hilly, placing additional stress on areas of the body not impacted by level terrain. Not recommended for those with cardiac or respiratory issues/illness. May be difficult for those with severe joint issues.
WHAT'S PROVIDED:
Provisions include a granola bar. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. We also have trekking poles and daypacks available.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be received in writing at [email protected]
If you cancel any time before 2 weeks prior to your scheduled hike, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 48 hours to 2 weeks prior to your scheduled hike, you will receive 75% of your total service fee.
No refunds will be given for cancellations between 0 and 48 hours prior your hiking start time, or for any no shows.
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