First to Complete Alaska Long Trail | Anchorage News

Marine veteran Bradford Bartels just became the first person to conquer the proposed Alaska Long Trail—a 500-mile odyssey from Seward to Fairbanks—completing it in 47 days. While still under development by nonprofit Alaska Trails, the route already offers stunning solitude and unexpected encounters, thanks to existing paths and new infrastructure like bridges over Ptarmigan Creek. With over $28 million in funding and a digital map tracking progress, the trail is rapidly evolving into a premier adventure destination for locals and tourists alike. Key challenges lie ahead, especially in the Talkeetna Mountains and near Denali, but the vision is clear: to weave together Alaska’s wild landscapes into one epic, accessible trail system.

Listen in comfort:
Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
[email protected]

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.adn.com/outdoors-adventure/2026/09/13/the-alaska-long-trail-is-years-from-completion-that-hasnt-stopped-outdoor-adventurers-from-using-it/

More coverage & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/71332425bee70cdf

Report issues to [email protected].