Kirsten Swann

Anchorage Trail Maps

Anchorage trails beckon for exploration. From casual strolls to more adventurous multiday hikes, find a trail to meet your interests and abilities.

Urban Trails

Explore this local favorite 19.7-mile-long paved trail along the coast of Anchorage. The trail runs from Second Avenue in downtown Anchorage (near the railroad depot) and finishes in Kincaid Park. The trail has two-way traffic and is open to cross-country skiers, bikers, and...

This 7.4-mile trail winds through the city and is perfect for biking and walking. The route runs along Campbell Creek past dense greenbelts, community parks, sprawling neighborhoods, and busy commercial areas. Close to several eateries, the trail offers a fun day...

Discover this 6.3-mile city trail. This easy route runs along Chester Creek past dense greenbelts, community parks, sprawling neighborhoods, and busy commercial areas. Great for children, or those with disabilities as most of it is paved and there are several access...

Knit together all of Anchorage's favorite paved, multi-use trails in a single 32-mile route that circumnavigates the community - and just happens to resemble the shape of a moose's head, sticking out to the west. Taken together, the Lanie Fleischer Chester Creek Trail,...

This 4.3-mile loop trail is just one of several trails in Kincaid Park, along the coast of Anchorage. Kincaid Park is a year-round, family-friendly area popular for cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and running. The park has Olympic level cross-country ski trails,...

Enjoy this 5.8-mile paved trail near downtown Anchorage. This is an easy route with views of downtown, Government Hill, and Cook Inlet. This trail is popular for road biking, running, and walking and has beautiful colors in the fall. In the winter the trail is...

Discover this 3.2-mile loop trail near Hillside neighborhood in Anchorage. This moderately challenging trail is popular for mountain biking, bird-watching, and cross-country skiing. When looping back around on this trail and parallel to Abbott Road, there are breaks in the trees...

Mountain Trails

Hike one of Anchorage's most popular trails, just above Hillside. Flattop Mountain Trail is accessible at the Glen Alps trailhead. This 1.5-mile well-maintained trail has an elevation gain of 1280 feet with a moderately difficult climb to the peak. The location has...

Discover this Chugach State Park loop trail. This 1.5-mile  trail can be accessed from the Glen Alps Trailhead, just above Hillside in Anchorage. The loop starts out easy with a bit of a steep incline for about a half mile. It can take about...

Experience this multiday trek, the 23.1-mile trail climbs and winds through Chugach State Park, between Girdwood and Eagle River. The trail features panoramic views of Raven Glacier, a river crossing, and several challenging sections, Hikers should be experienced, come...

Discover this 8.7-mile out-and-back trail just 20 minutes by car from Anchorage. Rabbit Lake Trail is considered a moderately challenging route and is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking. At the end of the trek hikers are rewarded with stunning mountain peaks...

Discover this 9.3-mile out-and-back hiking trail on the edge of the Chugach Mountain Range outlining Anchorage. This trail can be a challenging route, with a 3,500-foot elevation gain, it can take a little over 6 hours to finish. The hike is worth the view alone, plus, you may...

Traverse this 11-mile point-to-point trail in Chugach State Park, near Anchorage. This slightly challenging route can take a full day to complete, however, hikers can also hike a few miles out and back for a shorter trek. Great for year-round multisport activities (walking,...

Discover this 3.2-mile loop trail near Hillside neighborhood in Anchorage. This moderately challenging trail is popular for mountain biking, bird-watching, and cross-country skiing. When looping back around on this trail and parallel to Abbott Road, there are breaks in the trees...

Hike this moderately challenging trail in the Chugach National Forest near Anchorage. The 16.4-mile hike to Williwaw Lake takes about 8 hours to complete, or travel a little further about 19.8 miles to Long Lake. Bring a backpack with supplies for an all day trip. On...

Experience this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail on the hillside in Anchorage. Locals and visitors consider it a moderately challenging route that takes an average of 3 hours to complete. A favorite hiking trail broken up with occasional boardwalks. The trail has...

Discover this moderately challenging route, a 8.7-mile loop trail close to Anchorage that takes around 4 hours to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking and walking and skiing during winter months.. This trail can be accessed via Prospect Heights Trailhead. South...

Trails North of Anchorage (Eagle River, Chugiak, Eklutna)

The Upper South Fork Eagle River Trailhead leads hikers into the South Fork Eagle River Valley. Follow the trail across alpine meadows and a rocky glacial moraine as you view the spectacular surrounding peaks. After a short hike, you’ll be ready to dip your feet...

Hike this one-mile, out-and-back forest trail, just north of Eagle River. The trail follows Eklutna River and winds through a birch forest ending at a viewing platform by a 200-foot waterfall. A popular area for hiking and walking. Dog: Welcome, on a leash. Parking: All Chugach...

Discover this 12.9-mile one-way trail, a level trail that follows the shore of Eklutna Lake, eventually leading to the moraines of Eklutna Glacier. This trail is great for walking, biking, or ATV adventures in the summer, and cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter...

Explore this short and easy 1.3-mile trail near Eagle River, just outside of Anchorage. This in-and-out hike can be completed in less than an hour but you'll want to plan a few minutes to take in the breathtaking waterfall (icefall in the winter) at the end....

Explore this easy, 0.8-mile loop trail near Eagle River, just north of Anchorage. An all-season trail, the Rodak Nature Loop Trail is a family-friendly trail near the Eagle River Nature Center. See views of the Chugach Mountains and look for salmon and beavers on the...

Explore this  2.7-mile loop trail near Eagle River, just north of Anchorage. Mount Baldy Trail is considered a moderately challenging route and is a very popular area for hiking, snowshoeing, and running. Enjoy a more leisurely hike up Baldy by following the switchbacks...

A 10.7-mile out-and-back trail in Chugach State Park near Eagle River, Alaska. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4.5 hours to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and cross-country skiing. The trail also...

Explore this 8.4-mile out-and-back trail near Chugiak, Alaska. A challenging route, with an average of 7 hours to complete. A popular trail for hiking with amazing spring and fall views. Access: Pepper Peak is accessible via Twin Peaks Trailhead. Twin Peaks...

Discover this blue double-track trail near Arctic Valley, Alaska. This trail can be accessed from both directions. It can be traveled in the fall or winter. It is recommended to have the proper footwear in the colder months.

Trails South of Anchorage (Turnagain Arm, Girdwood, Portage)

Hike this 2.4-mile out-and-back trail just south of Anchorage. This moderately challenging trail is a local favorite and great for visitors that just have an hour or two to see some local scenery. Stunning ocean views with a picturesque waterfall near the parking lot. Dogs:...

A 4.6-mile trail near Bird Creek, just outside of Anchorage, along Turnagain Arm. This Chugach State Park trail is considered a challenging but popular trail for hiking and for those training for trail running. The start of the trail is steep through the trees and...

Just a short drive from Anchorage, stop in Girdwood to experience this lush rainforest trail that winds along mountain streams. Easily accessible, Winner Creek is a very popular hike for locals and visitors. The out-and-back route begins near the base of the aerial tram...

An easy, out-and-back, 3.2-mile trail just outside of Anchorage, in Portage Valley. A great day hike for families with children. The trail parallels a creek that is scenic and fun to explore along the way. Snowfields remaining from the winter offer a chance for a summer...

Hike this 7.1-mile out-and-back trail near Portage, a short drive from Anchorage. An easy, level route without a lot of elevation or difficult terrain. The trail is great for hiking, biking, camping, and breathtaking views of glaciers, waterfalls, and lakes. Dogs: Welcome on...

Experience a challenging 26-mile trail near Girdwood, about an hour outside of Anchorage. This popular route is a favorite for locals and those that like to backpack. Starting in Girdwood the route to the Eagle River Nature Center in Eagle River can take around 12 hours to...

Discover this 5.0-mile in and out trail near Indian, just south of Anchorage. A challenging route, this trail is great for camping and hiking. It can get a bit overgrown and it's unlikely that you'll encounter many other people. Dogs: Welcome, on a leash. Parking:...

This moderately challenging route is located near Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska. It takes a little over 3 hours to complete. The Alyeska Aerial Tram also provides the option to take the tram down (no charge going down) the mountain as there are some steep areas on the...