Location: Anchorage
Top Things to do in Anchorage
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Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska (AK): The Best Hiking Trails
Set amid the coastal Chugach Mountains, Anchorage defies popular visions of polar ice caps and frozen tundra. It’s also warmer than you think (averaging 65 degrees in summer), making conditions ideal for sight-seeing or taking on uniquely Alaskan opportunities like arctic biking or touring the fjords of Prince William Sound. In the winter, you can ski, dogsled or do both simultaneously by "skijoring," which is cross-country skiing while being towed by a dog. Hey, it's no crazier a winter sport than the biathlon.
Restaurants in Anchorage
1. Willawaw Nature Trail
2. North Fork Eagle River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
3. Near Point Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
4. Crow Pass National Historic Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Ferg42995 - Texas, United States
We are not hikers. We live in very flat Houston where our driveways aren't even on an incline. Flat. Flat. Flat. So this trail is considered moderate by most, but was difficult for us. That said, it was the most beautiful trail ever and was worth all of the effort to hike and the soreness the next several days! Absolutely stunning views. We started from Girdwood and hiked about 5.5 miles in to the glacier and then back. After you come out of the trees the first mile or 2, you end up with beautiful sweeping views of the mountains and valleys, lakes, waterfalls, old mining equipment, boulders, a creek, and of course, the glacier. Using the word "stunning" seems to be an understatement. Some of the trail is a bit rocky and we even had to hike through snow several times, but I can't state enough how beautiful this trail is! We even saw a mountain goat during our hike! Also, for us who are slow and inexperienced and stopped often for rest and photos, the entire 11 mile roundtrip took about 8 hours.
5. Eagle River Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 277 reviews
This nature center offers hiking trails and guided walking tours.
Reviewed By TLS4243 - Marinette, United States
Although the Nature Center is closed due to COVID-19, we went here to do a self guided hike. We planned on doing the Albert Loop, but it was closed because the salmon spawning brought a large influx of bear. We chose to do another trail, the Dew Mound trail and spent an enjoyable 4 hours hiking. We liked that there were multiple trails that entwined and allowed us to add on to our journey, but cut back when we became fatigued. Beautiful setting nestled amongst the mountains.
6. Kincaid Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
This park offers 20 miles of cross-country skiing, hiking and bike trails.
Reviewed By GetLostinNature
We saw moose. There are TONS of great bike trails here. A paved one and tons of unpaved mountain bike trails.
7. Arctic Valley Ski Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Arctic Valley is a popular destination for wilderness lovers in all seasons! During the winter, the ski area and snow tubing park is only open on weekends, and provides a fun, friendly, laid-back, and affordable experience. In the summer, the trailhead is open 7 days/week, and provides a variety of hiking options close to Anchorage. From short, easy trails overlooking the South Fork of Eagle River Valley or Ship Creek Valley, to climbing up Rendezvous Peak or Mount Gordon Lyon, there are plenty of options. Lodge rentals are also available during the summer for weddings or other events.
8. Flattop Mountain Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
9. Far North Bicentennial Park
10. Flattop Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 916 reviews
Reviewed By 454christinac - Nashville, United States
We did the short hike to overlook anchorage. Well worth the drive and hike! There are fantastic views of anchorage and you can even see Denali in the distance on a clear day. Well worth finding and going to see.
