Looking for the best hikes on the Kenai Peninsula? The Kenai Peninsula is a huge area south of Anchorage that encompasses all the land from Hope to Homer.
Since this area is so large it really gives you plenty of incredible hiking trails with big mountains, insane glaciers, and stunning alpine lakes.
In this post, I’m going to share the best Kenai Peninsula hiking trails and directions on how to get to each one.
5 Best Hikes on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
Traditional Land: Dena’ina; (Visit Native-Land.ca to identify whose land you live, work, and play on.)
1. Hope Point
Location: Hope
Distance: 8.44 miles roundtrip
Time: 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 3,450 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Located in Hope, Hope Point hiking trail will reward you with amazing views of Turnagain Arm, the Chugach Mountains, and Anchorage. This hike is difficult because of the steep elevation gain but the views are absolutely worth it!
How to get to Hope Point Trail From Anchorage
From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway. Follow for 70 miles and turn right onto Hope Highway. In 17.7 miles turn left where there is a trailhead sign. Drive to the end of the road to find the parking lot.
2. Crescent Lake
Location: Moose Pass
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Time: 3 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Crescent Lake is located in Moose Pass. This Kenai Peninsula hiking trail starts from the Carter Lake Trail. I love hiking to lakes nestled in the mountains, especially on a beautiful day. Crescent Lake is a large lake and there are some great areas to enjoy lunch or camp overnight. You can also thru-hike the traverse that takes you along the Primitive Trail between Crescent Creek Trail and Carter Lake Trail.
Related: Crescent Saddle Cabin Review
How to get to Crescent Lake Trail From Anchorage
From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway. Continue to Mile 34 on the Seward Highway. A parking lot for Carter Lake Trail can be found on the right side of the highway.
3. Resurrection Pass
Location: Cooper Landing, Hope
Distance: 39 miles one-way
Time: Multi-day
Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
One of the most popular multi-day hiking trails in Alaska is Resurrection Pass Trail. This 39-mile long trail is well maintained and has several designated campsites and public use cabins to stay in along the way. You’ll hike through the Kenai Mountains between the communities of Cooper Landing to Hope.
How to get to Resurrection Pass Trail From Anchorage
From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway. Continue for 87 miles, then take a slight right onto the Sterling Highway. Continue for 16 miles through Cooper Landing. Resurrection Pass Trail South parking lot will be on your right.
Related: 9 Best Alaska Backpacking Trails to Thru-Hike
4. Harding Icefield
Location: Seward
Distance: 8.2 miles roundtrip
Time: 8 hours
Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
The Harding Icefield Trail is the best glacier hike in Seward. You’ll climb a valley through cottonwood and alder forests until you make it well above treeline to a breath-taking view of a 700-square-mile Icefield. This is actually the only land access into Kenai Fjords National Park, and the main reason the national park exists today.
How to get to Harding Icefield Trail From Anchorage
From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway. Follow the Seward Highway to Seward. Turn right onto Herman Leirer Road and continue onto Exit Glacier Road. Follow the road to the end and you will see the trailhead parking.
5. Slaughter Gulch
Location: Cooper Landing
Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
Time: 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,600 feet
Difficulty: Difficult
Slaughter Gulch is a steep hike in Cooper Landing, which is a small community on the Kenai Peninsula. From the summit, you’ll get some incredible views of Kenai Lake, Kenai River, Cooper Landing, and the surrounding Kenai Mountains.
How to get to Slaughter Gulch Trail From Anchorage
From Anchorage, head south on the Seward Highway. Stay right at “The Y” and continue on the Sterling Highway. In around 10.6 miles, turn right onto Stetson Circle in Cooper Landing. Drive to the end of the road to find the parking lot.
Happy hiking!
More Hiking Trails on the Kenai Peninsula
Other popular Kenai Peninsula hiking trails include Gull Rock, Devils Pass, Skilak Lookout, Johnson Pass, Russian Lakes, Ptarmigan Lake, Mt. Alice, Caines Head, Exit Glacier, Lost Lake, Mt. Marathon, Grace Ridge, and Grewingk Glacier.
Watch YouTube Video: Hike Grace Ridge near Homer
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Do you have any questions about the best hikes in Kenai Peninsula, Alaska? Leave them in comments.
