Alaska

Alaska has been called "America's Last Frontier." Far north of the lower 48 states, it's filled with miles of unspoiled wilderness, including sweeping tundra, rainforests, deep fjords, enormous ice fields and volcanoes. Its fifteen national parks cover an area the size of England and Ireland combined, and wildlife is far more abundant here than anywhere else in the United States.

Anchorage, which holds forty percent of Alaska's population, is an urban center in the midst of the state's vast wilderness. It may be derided by rural Alaskans for not being part of the authentic landscape of the region, but it's the perfect place to stay while visiting surrounding areas such as Earthquake Park and Flattop Mountain. Juneau, the state capital, is accessible only by air and sea. The second-busiest cruise ship port in the U.S., this beautiful city is filled with tourists visiting the Mendenhall Glacier, the numerous local hiking trails and nearby Glacier Bay National Park.

Ketchikan, the southernmost major city in Alaska, has been dubbed the state's 'first city' because it's where many cruise ships make their initial landing in the region. Here you'll find a charming historic downtown area with many Native American attractions. There are plenty of beautiful sites outside the city as well. Misty Fjords National Monument is 2.3 million acres of great camping, hiking, and kayaking, while Deer Mountain offers a spectacular ascent.

The most popular outdoor destination in Alaska is Denali National Park. This six-million-acre wildlife reserve is visited by more than a million visitors each year, and for good reason. Its centerpiece, Mt. McKinley, is North America's tallest mountain, at over 20,000 feet high. Of course, most visitors aren't up to the task of scaling its peak, and the park offers numerous other wonders. From tundra walks to moose trail excursions, there are many different ways to explore the area and many different types of scenery. All travelers must check in at the Denali Visitors Center for an orientation, where they can learn about their many options.