There are only a handful of other places in the world where the coastal mountains are so high, and the views so striking.
Valdez occupies a prime position along the deep water fjord of Prince William Sound. The town is less than thirty miles east of the renowned Columbia Glacier, and situated in the midst of some of Alaska’s most scenic wilderness.
Guests at the Mountain Sky can follow the Mineral Creek Trail from town through the foothills to mining ruins buried in the mountains. Hikers who head out of Valdez on the Shoup Bay Trail are rewarded with dramatic views of the glaciers. It’s also a convenient walk from the hotel down to the harbor.
Visitors to Valdez can experience unique sights, attractions, and activities.
America’s greatest heli-skiing adventures take place on the outskirts of Valdez, where deep powder, long runs, and seasoned guides add up to a remarkable outdoor experience. Runs can descend up to 3,500 feet and last more than a mile.
Valdez outfitters offer kayakersboth in- town rent boats and water taxi drop-offs. Enthusiasts can also head out on a guided expedition that explores the Columbia Glacier.
Whitewater rafting adventures at Keystone Canyon, along the Tsaina River, and on the Tonsina River are three nearby favorites.
Prince William Sound rewards fishermen with rich catches of silver salmon, salmon shark, halibut, and ling cod. Day trips and longer excursions are available.
North America’s second-largest tide-water glacier emerges from the Chugach Mountains and climaxes with a 300-foot high face. Visitors can also explore Mears Glacier and icebergs in the Unakwik Inlet.
Visitors to the state recreation site 29 miles north of Valdez enjoy dramatic views of the Glacier, and can hike along the mile-long Worthington Glacier Ridge Trail which skirts the glacier’s edge.
North of Valdez, where the Richardson Highway slices through Keystone Canyon, two waterfalls pour down across rock walls: Bridal Veil Falls andHorsetail Falls.
On the campus of Prince William Sound Community College, the museum houses impressive collections of native artifacts and wildlife. Exhibits feature ivory and baleen artwork, moose-antler furniture and mounts of bears.
From the ceremonial first barrel of oil to flow through the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to a restored saloon bar from the Klondike Gold Rush era, the Valdez Museum captures the region’s rich history.
