Inspiration Ridge Preserve Guided Tours
Traverse rolling trails and summer wildflower meadows with stunning views of Kachemak Bay on our guided tours of the Preserve.
About the Preserve
Inspiration Ridge Preserve is an expansive mosaic of forests, bogs, meadows, ponds, and creeks. The Preserve encompasses 693 acres of critical wildlife habitat, and is known for its visiting summer population of sandhill cranes. The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies manages the Preserve, continuing a legacy of stewardship and care provided by Nina Faust and the late Ed Bailey. Together, Faust and Bailey worked for decades to ensure this gem of an ecosystem remains intact for both wildlife and people, and Coastal Studies is proud to carry that legacy forward.
Photos by Nina Faust
About the Guided Tours
Take in the views of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, explore ten miles of trails, and discover the wildlife who call this vast landscape home.
Our trained naturalists will lead you on a hike through well-maintained trails where you will search for wildlife, learn about the history of the Preserve, and experience first-hand what makes this ecosystem so unique.
We offer a 1.5-hour tour covering less than two miles, as well as a longer 3-hour option covering less than three miles. Both options provide stunning views of Kachemak bay, and an opportunity to explore summer wildflower meadows.
Price
1.5-Hour Tours:
Adults (age 12+): $15
Children: $5
Senior (65+): $10
Family (3-6): $35
3 Hour Tours:
Adults (age 12+): $30
Children: $10
Senior (65+): $20
Family (3-6): $70
Dates
1.5-Hour Tour:
June 12 - September 2, 2024; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Departing: 11:00am
3-Hour Tour:
June 12 - September 2, 2024; Wednesdays and Saturdays
Departing: 2:30pm
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These are guided hikes of Inspiration Ridge Preserve, a nearly 700-acre wildlife preserve. It highlights local wildlife, ecosystems, and natural history. The 1.5-hour tour requires about 1.5 miles of hiking through uneven terrain, and the 3-hour tour requires about 3 miles of hiking through uneven terrain.
This tour will meet at and depart from Inspiration Ridge Preserve. Directions and arrival instructions will be in your confirmation email upon booking. For additional directions and clarification, please visit the Carl E. Wynn Visitor Center at least 30 minutes before your tour, or call the Visitor Center at 907-756-3877.
Dogs are not permitted at Inspiration Ridge Preserve.
We suggest bringing a snack, water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing, waterproof boots, and binoculars and/or a camera.
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies has a two-person minimum for all guided tours. If you are the only person booked on a tour, we will reach out to you the day before your booking to inform you. You will have the option to rebook your tour or receive a refund. If multiple people are booked for the same tour, and you are the only person that shows up, the tour will not run. You will have the option to rebook your tour or receive a refund.
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Where is the Preserve?
Inspiration Ridge Preserve is located on the ridgeline that sits above Homer, Alaska. It protects critical parts of the Fritz Creek and Anchor River watershed, and overlooks the Kenai Mountains and Kachemak Bay. As Inspiration Ridge is currently only accessible by appointment only, we do not make public directions to the entrance. Upon booking a tour, directions and instructions for arrival will be in your confirmation email. For any additional questions, please visit or call the Carl E. Wynn Nature Center.
Can I go hiking by myself?
No. Currently the Preserve is only open for guided hikes and special workshops. Inspiration Ridge Preserve has very strict limits built into its conservation structure. About 30 people per day are allowed to be on the Preserve. As such, we carefully monitor human presence on the Preserve.
If you’re looking for somewhere to hike alone, the Wynn Nature Center maintains almost 5 miles of hiking trails.
Is it a strenuous hike?
We will be hiking on maintained trails. While the terrain of Inspiration Ridge Preserve can be uneven, muddy, and/or slippery, there is no major elevation gain or loss associated with the guided hikes. Our naturalists are excellent at adapting hike routes and distance depending on a group’s needs or abilities–if you require accommodations, please indicate so in your booking.
Can I bring my dog on the guided hike?
Dogs are not permitted at the Preserve. Leave your furry friends at home please!
Will I see moose, bears, or cranes on the tour?
While we cannot guarantee any wildlife sightings during the tour, we will be traveling through wildlife hotspots. Our naturalists communicate about any major wildlife sightings on the trails for safety reasons. We might see major wildlife, but we will no go looking for bears or moose on this tour.
If you’re hoping for guaranteed Sandhill Crane sightings, you might consider our yearly Crane Walk events that happen in September.
Will we still hike if the weather is bad?
It is highly unlikely that Homer’s typical summer weather would prevent us from hiking. We likely will encounter some rain and mud, but we will still hike in the rain. As the old saying goes: there’s no such thing as bad weather, just ill-suited clothing! We recommend you bring rain gear and waterproof boots.