• Travel to Alaska is soaring; Alaska's 15 national parks set a record for visits in 2004, with just under 2.3 million
• Tourism in Alaska overall was up an estimated 11 percent in 2004
• Alaskan cruises are increasingly popular; in 2004, there were 876,000 passengers from May to September
• Unlike traditional guides, this book focuses on outdoor adventures for the general traveler who wants to explore and perhaps even venture off the beaten path
• The book is organized not by destination but by interests (driving tours, wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, etc.)

The Most Complete Guide to Planning Your Outdoor Adventure

• Hiking
• Cycling
• Skiing
• Canoeing
• Fishing
• Dog Mushing
• Birding
• Climbing
• Kayaking
• Mountaineering
• River Running
• Off-roading

• Lodging and dining rated for quality and value
• Great ideas for family travel
• An insider's guide to the top outfitters for every activity
• Complete planning information for escorted tours or travel on your own

Sample Rating

Kesugi Ridge Trail

Regional location Southcentral Inland. Distance 27.4 miles. Trail configuration Out and back or end to end. Difficulty 1111. Suitable for kids? 10 and older. Time to walk 2–4 days. Best time of year to hike Mid-June–late September. Traffic level Light to moderate. Facilities Marked trailheads on either end and a campground at the south-end trailhead.

Trail Summary The majority of the Kesugi Ridge hike lies amid alpine meadows offering open vistas and stunning views of the Alaska Range and Mount McKinley. Accessing the high ridges is a strenuous climb but well worth the effort, and once you're above tree line, the ridges climb and drop frequently. Although the trail is marked, be confident in your route-finding abilities, as foul weather can sock the entire alpine trail in a shroud of fog and mist.