Traveling Igloo

03/02/2025

There are several easily accessible glaciers from Anchorage. Here's a roundup of 7 of my favorites you can drive to from Anchorage.

Pictured: Matanuska Glacier - can you spot the climbers?

https://www.travelingigloo.com/7-glaciers-you-can-drive-to-from-anchorage/

03/02/2025

🏔 Here are 5 of my favorite hikes near Anchorage 🏔
1️⃣ Mt Baldy - Eagle River
2️⃣ Reed Lakes - Hatcher Pass
3️⃣ Albert Loop - Eagle River Nature Center
4️⃣ Flattop - Anchorage
5️⃣ Hatch Peak - Hatcher Pass

Pictured: Reed Lakes in Hatcher Pass

03/01/2025

It's still winter and the northern lights aren't over yet. They're visible through March and even early April. And they're typically strongest around equinox (March 20th).

Here is a complete guide on how to see the northern lights in Anchorage, Alaska

https://www.travelingigloo.com/northern-lights-from-anchorage-alaska/

02/27/2025

Agree?

10/23/2024

Just contemplating life

10/02/2024

It's hard to believe that fall lasts just a few weeks here in Alaska. All the leaves have now fallen around my house and the mornings are starting to freeze. And in just a few short weeks it'll start to snow. I'm never ready for the long winter and short days. Growing up it never affected me but as an adult, the lack of sunlight is a struggle!

Pictured: Matanuska Glacier

07/15/2024

I never thought I was too interested in bears until I went to Katmai National Park. They are obviously very impressive animals, but I've never had an affinity toward them. That all changed when we stayed for three nights at Brooks Camp last year.

Being less than 50 yards from these powerful bears is simply incredible. The most surprising thing for me was that the park rangers were more interested in protecting the bears from the humans and providing space for them to roam (versus protecting us).

If you want to book this once in a lifetime trip, see how I did it (and saved a TON of money) - https://www.travelingigloo.com/katmai-national-park-everything-you-need-to-know/

07/14/2024

Anytime someone asks me for the BEST excursion in Alaska, my answer is always the same - a day cruise in Kenai Fjords National Park. Starting from Seward, you'll head out of the mountainous fjord to explore wildlife and glaciers.

We've been going for 6 years straight and always spot whales, sea lions, and sea otters, but it's not uncommon to see porpoises, mountain goats, and puffins too. My favorite tour is the 6-hour tour with Major Marine Tours, and seeing the powerful ice calving at Aialik Glacier up close is incredible.

07/13/2024

Hatcher Pass is my go-to recommendation for a day trip from Anchorage. The area is a nature lover's paradise. Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the summer with plenty of options for both beginners and advanced hikers. And many hikes are above the treeline, providing 360-degree views.

It's about 90 minutes north of Anchorage and off the main tourist route. See my favorite day hikes in this stunning area, and why it's worth a visit! https://www.travelingigloo.com/best-day-hikes-at-hatcher-pass-shortest-to-longest/

07/01/2024

Denali travelers, a fire was discovered at the entrance to Denali today and has been growing. Be sure to watch the news and make adjustments to your travel plans if necessary.

News Release

Fire Discovered near the Park Entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, Some Trails and Facilities Closed

Denali Park, AK – At 12:30pm on Sunday, June 30, a fire was reported about one mile north of the entrance to Denali National Park and Preserve, west of milepost 239 Parks Highway. At this time, no structures are immediately threatened. Name the Riley Fire, it is burning in black spruce in steep terrain near the Alaska Railroad.

A load of 12 smokejumpers were deployed to the fire via airplane and an additional load of 10 smokejumpers are traveling to the fire via ground transport. Four Fire Bosses, which are water-scooping aircraft, are
on scene, two water scoopers and one retardant air tanker are enroute.

As of 3:00pm, the fire is estimated to have grown to 300 acres.

Tour and transit bus services have been discontinued westbound. Public front-country facilities and trails have been closed, including the Denali Visitor Center. Day use visitors currently west of the park entrance area are being shuttled eastward.

This is an emerging situation. Additional details will be released as the incident progresses. Stay informed about Alaska’s current wildfires, red flag warnings, and more by visiting https://akfireinfo.com.

Alt Text: A member of the fire crew makes their way to the front lines.

NPS Photo/Ollig

05/31/2024

If you’re planning to drive through Hatcher Pass to Willow, there’s still too much snow!

05/15/2024

Driving to Homer this summer? Use this guide for the best places to stop and top things to do.

About Homer I’ve driven to Homer many times over the years. To get there, you leave Anchorage, drive along Turnagain Arm and make your way through the Kenai Peninsula. Homer is at the end of the road on Highway 1,...