Some of the most beautiful and strange rock shapes in the world can be found in Alaska, which is known for its wild nature. These natural sights are sure to amaze you whether you’re hiking through woods, cruising past glaciers, or driving along its beautiful highways. You won’t want to miss these 12 interesting rock shapes in Alaska:
1. The Beluga Point
Place: Anchorage’s Turnagain Arm
Features: A beautiful rocky point where you can see beluga whales in the water below.
Hike: There is a short, easy-to-reach walk with stunning views of the mountains and ocean.
2. The ice caves on Mendenhall Glacier
Place: Juneau is where
About: These bright blue caves were cut out of ice and rock below the famous glacier.
Take a hike: The West Glacier Trail takes you close to this strange place on a 3.5-mile round-trip hike that is fairly difficult.
3. The Pioneer Peak
Place: Palmer is the place
Features: tall, rocky hills with lush valleys and snow-capped peaks in the background.
Hike: Adventurers who like to walk will enjoy the 12-mile round-trip Pioneer Ridge Trail.
4. Old Totem Bight State Park
Place: Ketchikan is the place.
Features: One-of-a-kind totems cut out of rocks show off Alaska’s native history and art.
Hike: The park has easy walking paths where you can see art and see views of the coast.
5. Shark Fin Rock
Place: Near Seward, in Resurrection Bay
Features: A dramatic, jagged rock that looks like a shark’s fin sticking out of the water.
Hike: You don’t have to hike to see this one; a boat tour is the best way to see it.
6. Ice Fields in Wrangell-St. Elias
Place: The place is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
Features: A strange environment is made up of old volcanic rock formations.
Hike: You can see these lava fields from the Skookum Volcano Trail, which is a 5-mile loop.
7. The Stones of Thumb Cove
Place: Kenai Peninsula is where it is.
Features: Huge rock spires sticking out of the water, great for sailing or just taking in the view.
Hike: You can rent a kayak to get close to the wildlife or walk along the beach trails nearby to enjoy the views.
8. The Polychrome Pass in Denali
Place: Denali National Park is the place.
Features: Layers of brightly colored rocks make a beautiful nature mosaic.
Hike: The Polychrome Overlook is a short walk that leads to stunning views.
9, Rock Forms on Reid Glacier
Place: Glacier Bay National Park is the place.
Features: Smooth, wave-like rocks that were formed by ice over thousands of years.
Walk: The best way to see these rocks is on a boat tour with short walks on land.
10. Ten Thousand Smokes Valley in Katmai
Place: Katmai National Park is the place.
Features: Volcanic ash and rock patterns from a big eruption in 1912 can be seen.
Hike: The Overlook Trail is a 2-mile hike that is pretty easy and has great views of the valley.
11. The Painful Valley
Place: Near Skagway
Features: A barren, otherworldly environment made up of large granite boulders spread out in the tundra.
Hike: You can see more of this area by taking the White Pass and Yukon Route or short trails nearby.
12. Sand Dunes in Kobuk Valley
Place: Kobuk Valley National Park is where it is.
Features: There are huge sand dunes bordered by rough rocks and Arctic wilderness.
Hike: There are no signed trails here, so you can hike through the dunes at your own pace and have a truly unique experience.
Each of these rock shapes shows how wild and varied Alaska’s geology is. These nature wonders should be on your travel bucket list, whether you love hiking or just want to see beautiful views.
