Alaska (Regional Guide)

Alaska’s vast natural beauty is unparalleled. Spectacular Mt McKinley and Prince William Sound are only the tip of the iceberg. With quirky villages and a few cities dotted across boundless acres of national parks and reserves, sheer adventure is outside every door. Whether you’re hiking or paddling, whale watching or glacier gawking, follow this definitive guide into the USA’s last great wilderness.

Into The Wild – in-depth chapters dedicated to outdoor activities and adventures.

Bear Essentials – special chapter on Alaska’s abundant wildlife and diverse flora.

Native Alaskans, New Urbanites – extensive coverage of local culture, lifestyle, arts and history.

Road More And Less Traveled – custom itineraries, thorough directory and 84 detailed maps.

Where To Hibernate – rustic campsites, backcountry cabins, secluded B&Bs, elegant suites…opinionated sleeping listings for various budgets.

Lonely Planet is at its guidebook best when it's covering isolated regions where those little details of shelter, food, and transportation are of more than passing concern. Just the section on Denali National Park alone makes Jim DuFresne's guide worthwhile, illuminating the complex new rules governing access to that sensational wildlife reserve, plus giving information on dogsled demonstrations, hiking, rafting, backpacking, and so on. The sections on climate, geography, and ecology are very well done, as are the chapters on the Alaskan people and society. The transportation chapters are vital and comprehensive, and the rest of the guide follows suit, covering all of Alaska (no little task) with reliable acumen, information, and savvy. --Stephanie Gold