The Anchorage Chapter of American Pilgrims covers greater Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska.

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The Anchorage Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino fosters the enduring tradition of the Camino de Santiago in Europe by gathering people together and providing information and encouragement to past and future pilgrims. Over 350 interested people in Alaska receive our monthly newsletters via email. Although the majority of us are in the Anchorage area, we have subscribers from across the Last Frontier, from villages hundreds of miles away from Anchorage, as far away as Nome, where the Iditarod Sled Dog Race ends, down to the Kenai Peninsula, noted for its world-class fishing, to Juneau in the southeast, where our state capital is located, and to beautiful islands like Sitka, one of the many favorite stopping places for cruise ships. No other chapter serves such a wide expanse of country! 

We try our best to plan events that help others understand the Camino, its history and various routes, the culture of Spain, and the many opportunities to plan and enjoy individual pilgrimages. We welcome all those interested in learning about the Camino to join us for various events. 

We routinely hold sessions at REI in Anchorage to help inform those interested in the Camino. Because many are located away, though, we leverage Zoom to share those presentations with everyone interested. We also hold periodic social events, occasional hikes, and cooking classes to bring people together. Many of our members have walked multiple Caminos. Others are planning to walk their first ones. We share our experiences, mentor future pilgrims, and never miss a chance to welcome home all pilgrims after their adventures!

To join the Anchorage Chapter and receive information about activities, presentations and events, scan the QR code or email Anchorage@americanpilgrims.org.

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Chapter Events

Monthly Chapter Activities

Events at REI Anchorage and on Zoom may include presentations on different Caminos routes; the history of the Camino; what to consider when preparing to walk and selecting gear; other pilgrim and long-distant hikes around the world, stories from recent pilgrims; coffee chats and online Q & A; local hikes and mentoring.  We have resources and experienced pilgrims to help answer questions and share ideas on planning your Camino such as packing lists, routes, training, guidebooks, apps, and other resources. 

To see what we’re doing, please visit the Local Chapter Events Calendar and select our chapter name, Anchorage, in the "All Events Category" pull-down menu. This will filter to display only our chapter's events.

Monthly E-Newsletter

Our monthly e-newsletter provides news and updates of chapter activities, national and international events, and highlights from returning pilgrims and their Camino experiences. We invite you to sign up for our chapter’s email list by using our QR code or emailing the coordinators.

Facebook Group

We also encourage you to join our chapter Facebook group and stay informed of activities and information. This is a good forum to get information, ask questions, share photos and posts with other pilgrims, or just to start learning more about the Camino. 

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Announcements

Chapter Stamp/Sello. 

The Anchorage Chapter has its own stamp, known as a “sello” in Spain. If you have received your pilgrim’s Credential, you can get your first stamp before you leave home. We bring the stamp to chapter events. If you aren’t local, email us and we can coordinate how to get your Credential stamped. This can be your first stamp on your Credential (although it is not needed for walking a Camino)! You can request a Credential from American Pilgrims. They are free, but donations are always accepted.

Chapter Patches 

The Anchorage Chapter has the perfect patch for your Camino pack. This 2’x3” patch is a great way to start a conversation on the trail whether it’s in Spain or on Flattop. They are available at all Chapter events or we can mail one (or more) to you, just email the coordinators.

Hospitalero Training

American Pilgrims is the only organization in the States authorized to train previous pilgrims to serve as hospitaleros in albergues on the Camino. These are the individuals who help operate the places where pilgrims often stay during their walk on the Camino. Annually, American Pilgrims provides such training. Being a member of American, Pilgrims and having completed a Camino are requirements to serve as a hospitalero. The opportunities are limited. So, if you are interested, watch for announcements! See the Hospitalero Training page for requirements and further information.

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Resources

Hiking in Alaska

 In addition to our annual chapter St James Day hike on July 25th, there are other opportunities for day hikes in the Anchorage area or around the state. It’s a great way to prepare for walking the Camino. Alaska has a wealth of trails from easy to difficult. GOOGLE your local area or search Facebook for local hiking groups. The AllTrails app is also a good resource for hikers in any state and most countries.

Here are several links to trails and organizations in Anchorage and around the state.

Hiking Groups

• Alaska-Outdoors Weekly Hikes
• Alaska Parks and Hiking Trails
• Hiking Clubs in Alaska
• Anchorage Trail Walkers
• MATSU Trails & Parks Org
• Nome Parks & Trails

Trails in Alaska

• Best Trails Alaska 
• Day Hikes in Far North Bicentennial Park - Anchorage
• Difficult Trails Near Anchorage
• Anchorage Parks and Trails
• Best Trails in Kincaid Park
• 10 Best Hikes in Eagle River
• State Dept of Natural Resources Alaska

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Mentor Program

The Anchorage chapter can pair individuals with an experienced pilgrim who has walked or biked a Camino to answer questions you might have and share insights. Alaska has lots of members who have walked many different Caminos.  Contact the Anchorage coordinators for details.

If you are an experienced Camino walker or cyclist and would like to serve as a mentor, please contact us to be added to our resource list. Potential mentors should provide us with your name, zip code and a brief summary of your experience walking or cycling, which route, and when.

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Become a Member of the American Pilgrims Organization

You don't need to be a member of American Pilgrims on the Camino to participate in chapter activities. However, memberships open up other opportunities to participate in events, including its popular Annual Gathering of pilgrims, at various places. The last one, in May 2025, was held in Vancouver, BC. Next year’s will be in Texas.  

Memberships also help the organization provide grants to albergues and pilgrim associations In Spain, France and Portugal to maintain the infrastructure on the Camino. Membership is a good way to stay connected and to help others. American Pilgrims is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization. Contact American Pilgrims to get more information. Join Now

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Keen to Learn More About the Camino?

Consider joining the American Pilgrims’ Facebook group for great dialogue, Q&A, photos and a running commentary about the Camino from like-minded pilgrims.

We also have a ton of pilgrimage planning resources like; a packing list, planning 101, what to expect while there, route overviews, and suggested apps and guidebooks.

And when you are preparing to go, you can even order your pilgrim credential from us. It's free, but we would appreciate a donation.

And for some inspiration, check out La Concha, our quarterly magazine. It includes updates from American Pilgrims, notes from field volunteers, pilgrim stories, poetry, art and book/film reviews.

Contact chapter coordinators Diane Moxness, Kathy Privratsky and Ken Privratsky at Anchorage@americanpilgrims.org for information about the chapter and its activities or about membership in American Pilgrims!

Figure 1 Anchorage Chapter Activities

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Figure 2 Special Camino tattoo, presentations- History of the Camino and Walk in the Dolomites and Chapter

Coordinators with members of the Los Amigos del Camino de Estella at the Gathering in Vancouver 2025