A city may not seem like the obvious place to begin adventure holidays, but Anchorage is no ordinary city.
It is surrounded by stunning natural attractions and provides the ideal base from which to explore the wilds of Alaska.
The state is one of the few genuine wilderness areas left in the world and Anchorage is a rare piece of civilisation within it.
The city is just about the only place in Alaska that you will feel like you are in the US, but you won't have to travel too far before you encounter terrain that could be in any country that borders the Arctic circle.
You can see some of Alaska's great natural sights from Anchorage, including Mount McKinley and the Mount Redoubt volcano.
The Chugach Mountains, Portage Glacier and the Alaskan fjords are all just a short journey from the city, meaning there are opportunities to enjoy hiking, mountain biking and sea kayaking while staying in the largest settlement in the state.
And if you are interested in wildlife, there are some extraordinary species to see in the area around Anchorage, including wolves, moose and bears.
If you are lucky - or perhaps unlucky - you may see a bear roaming around the streets on the outskirts of the city, but if not, it is possible to arrange a bear watching trip.
Of course, if you have chosen to take adventure holidays in Alaska, you are unlikely to want to spend too much time in an urban area.
Flying or sailing into Anchorage will also give you an ideal starting point from which to explore the state's natural attractions.
Among the places you are sure to want to visit are the port of Valdez and the national parks of Kenai Fjords, Denali and Wrangell-St Elias.
Trekking around these areas during Alaskan holidays will allow you to appreciate the full scale of the wilderness and the beauty of its mountains, forests, glaciers and coastline.
There are very few times when it is worth visiting a town during an adventure holiday, particularly if it is surrounded by such a stunning backdrop as the Alaskan wilderness.
However, you will find stopping off at Valdez is worthwhile - and not only because of the scenery you have to travel through to get there.
Valdez is the perfect base from which to enjoy some sea kayaking, as you will be able to paddle up to the base of the Columbia Glacier.
And if you are particularly keen on adventure, the port is a renowned centre for the extreme sport of heli-skiing.
Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most beautiful locations in North America, showcasing ice fields, glaciers and mountains close to the coastline.
You could choose to explore it by hiking across Exit Glacier or taking to the sea for a fishing trip or sightseeing and whale-watching tour.
The terrain in Denali National Park is very different, but no less spectacular.
The park is home to the snow covered Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America, which is surrounded by forests and alpine lakes.
It is also the perfect place for people looking for adventure and outdoor activities.
There are endless routes for hiking and you can try your hand at mountain climbing, rafting and dog sledding.
The park is also the natural habitat for lots of species and you may be fortunate enough to see golden eagles, caribou, wolves, marmots, lynx and wolverines, together with grizzly and black bears.
And before you leave Denali National Park, you will want to take a flight around the peak of Mount McKinley, complete with a glacier landing.
Wrangell-St Elias National Park is another of North America's most spectacular locations.
Its 13 million acres include mountains, volcanoes, rivers, lakes, glaciers and forests, giving you plenty of scope to find a secluded spot from which to enjoy the scenery.
You will also find lots of opportunities for enjoying pastimes such as hiking, kayaking, ice climbing, glacier walking, fishing and mountain biking.
The vast scale of Alaska's wilderness means you are certain to discover plenty to enjoy during your adventure holiday.
So whatever kind of outdoor pursuit or wildlife watching you enjoy, why not use your next break to head to Anchorage and explore the state's unique natural attractions?