"Hike Alaska's Wilderness With a Peace of Mind"
Seward is renowned for its stunning landscapes, boasting abundant wildlife, towering mountains and stunning glaciers that inspire those who visit.
Local resident Dylan Gillespie, founder of Seward Guided Hikes, has turned his lifelong passion for the area into a business dedicated to sharing its natural wonders with others.
Meet Your Guide
Dylan is a born and raised year-round Sewardite, whose family first moved to Seward in the 1940’s.
He has spent time on Alaska’s trails since he was an infant, strapped to a pack on his parent’s backs. With a passion for history, nature and human connection, Dylan looks forward to showing you his home from a local’s perspective. On your trip, he will provide you with any of the gear necessary to have a safe and comfortable hike such as:
Bear Spray
Bug Spray
Hiking Poles
Snacks
First Aid
Dylan’s deep connection to Seward, shaped by his childhood experiences, has led him to create a business that highlights Seward’s stunning landscapes while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
His love for the outdoors was nurtured during his youth in Seward, where he spent many hours camping in the mountains with his father, Tom, an experienced mountaineer. Reflecting on his formative years, Dylan recalls,
"My Dad was as Alaskan as it gets. His appreciation for our mountains and trails was infectious. He wasn’t motivated to be in the mountains by anything other than a love for the outdoors".
A pivotal moment came during a two-month trip spent hiking all around South America in 2023, where Dylan rediscovered his love for the wilderness. "That trip made me realize how unique my upbringing in Seward was," he explains. "Few people get to experience growing up in such a remarkable place, and I wanted to share that with others."
Thus, Seward Guided Hikes was born, with the hope to empower both locals and visitors to explore the landscapes he grew up on.
"Few people get to experience growing up in such a remarkable place, and I wanted to share that with others."
Elevate your hike to the Mount Marathon Bowl by exploring the Mount Marathon Race Trail. Learn the history of the infamous race.
Navigating Alaska's rugged terrain can be daunting, with its unpredictable conditions, wildlife encounters and challenging paths. Dylan's expertise is pivotal here; alongside his knowledge of the trails, he holds certifications in Wilderness First Aid, CPR and in Bear Safety. Equipped with top-notch gear, he ensures a safe experience for all adventurers.
Seward Guided Hikes currently offers four distinct hiking options, although Seward Guided Hikes can be very flexible in both tailoring a hike that fits your needs and in scheduling.
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Mount Marathon Bowl: “Emerge into a mountain bowl surrounded by flowering wilderness and steep peaks. You will earn an outstanding view of Seward and Resurrection bay.”
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Tonsina Trail: “Enjoy a popular hike amongst locals that will take you through luscious forests where you will end at a beautiful beach. Your guide will cover the history of the Tonsina & Caines Head area as well as general Seward and Alaska History.”
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Mt. Marathon Race Summit: “The Mt. Marathon Race is the stuff of legend, and your local Seward guide began training for the race when he was just 9 years old! Explore the different routes that you can take on race day, or challenge yourself on one of Alaska’s most infamous mountains.”
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(Future Prospect): Bear Mountain Trail: For more adventurous souls, inquire about this challenging hike with Seward Guided Hikes.
Tonsina Hike Trail is a popular hike amongst locals that will take you through luscious forests where you will end at a beautiful beach.
Looking ahead, Dylan hopes to expand his offerings if permits allow, including excursions like the Lost Lake Trail, Mt. Alice and Harding Icefield.
For now, his trips give a variety of options while he can still maintain quality tours.
Don't see a time or hike that works for you? Give Dylan a call at (907) 362-7723 and he can work something out for you! Book now here: https://www.sewardguidedhikes.com/
Seward offers an exceptional canvas of natural beauty, and Seward Guided Hikes provides a wonderful way to explore it.
From the scenic views of the Mount Marathon Bowl to the history-rich Tonsina Trail, Dylan’s guided hikes caters to any level of adventurer.
Seward Guided Hikes is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to experience Seward’s outdoors with a peace of mind.
