20 Incredible Anchorage Hiking Trails Perfect for All Levels
Is there any better place to hike than in Alaska? One of the perks of living in or visiting the state’s largest city is that you can access Anchorage hiking trails within a short period of time. With Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest nearby, you’re never going to run out of options for hiking and getting outside in this area. Daniel and I fell in love with the mountain peaks and all that there was to explore in this region of Alaska–and I guarantee you will too.
Anchorage hiking trails you are going to want to check out
Here’s a list of Anchorage hiking trails you’re not going to want to miss on your Alaska road trip!
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Byron Glacier Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.1 miles
To kick things off, we have Byron Glacier Trail, categorized as a generally easy trail typically requiring about 1 hour 45 minutes of your time. The reason it’s so popular, however, isn’t its duration nor its difficulty level. Instead, the reason for its popularity is the location.
With amazing glacier views of the snow-capped mountains, you’ll be rewarded not only by the accomplishment of completing the hike but with the beautiful scenery that is Anchorage, Alaska.
If you’re looking for a starter hike that runs about three miles in length, you’ve found it in Byron Glacier Trail.
Rabbit Lake Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 8.6 miles
Next on the list is Rabbit Lake Train, nearly triple in length to that of Byron Glacier Trail and about double the difficulty level. If you’re up for a challenge, consider Rabbit Lake Trail as the challenge accepted.
Going at the average pace considered to be appropriate for most hikers, you can expect to spend about 4 hours on the trail itself, reaching the turnaround point at about 2 hours.
Because of its popularity, it’s a good idea to both arrive first thing in the morning and consider visiting during the off-season. If you don’t mind the crowds, hike it at your discretion; you’ll be sure to have fun either way!
Flattop Mountain Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 3.2 miles
For those seeking a hard challenge without the exhaustive and timely distance, Flattop Mountain Train is for you. This 3.2-mile Alaskan trail takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to complete and offers amazing views at the top!
As part of the Chugach State Park, you can expect to see hikers, trail runners, and dog walkers alike throughout your journey, so be cognizant of your surroundings at all times!
Thunderbird Falls
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.9 miles
Contrary to Flattop Mountain, Thunderbird Falls is both a quick and easy hike that provides some natural beauty immediately upon entering the trail; accompanied by waterfalls and views of snow-capped mountains.
Beware, however, for while it’s a quick and easy hike, the park that it’s located in requires a day pass to enter, so you might want to plan a day trip around the hike itself.
Seldom are crowds overwhelming this trail, so enjoy the serenity that this short but tranquil trail has to offer.
Bird Ridge
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 4.5 miles
The ideal trail for those looking for a hard and moderately distanced trail, Bird Ridge is competitive with some of the hardest Anchorage hiking trails available. Coming in at just under five miles, you’ll be sure to break a sweat on this one!
Common reviews of Bird Ridge include but are certainly not limited to stunning views, intimidating terrain, unrelenting elevation, and oftentimes suggested to be of the coolest trails in Anchorage.
So, while it might be challenging, and though you’re likely to question yourself throughout the hike itself, you’ll undoubtedly be glad you did it in the end…
O’Malley Peak Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 7.7 miles
So you thought Bird Ridge sounded intimidating, introducing O’Malley Peak Trail, a 7.7-mile hike that ranks hard in difficulty. In short, as far as Anchorage hiking trails go, O’Malley Peak is one of the most difficult of trails without a shadow of a doubt.
With that said, this shouldn’t sway you from taking on the challenge, for rewarding is an understatement upon completion of this behemoth. In any case, while you don’t need to be a mountaineer to complete the trail, you should have a reasonable capacity for fitness to be safe.
As a side note, if you had planned to hike the trail with your dog, you’ll have to rethink your trail of choice, as no dogs are allowed on O’Malley Peak…
Tony Knowles Coastal Path
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 19.6 miles
This nearly 20-mile hike spans across the coast of Anchorage, Alaska, running from downtown all the way to Kincaid Park. While the distance might sound daunting, however, it happens to be considered easy with respect to the relative difficulty level.
With beautiful coastline views and limited elevation, not only will you be able to enjoy your walk but complete it without challenge. FYI, not all hikes need to be challenging! In fact, many of the best hikes in Alaska are also the most leisurely!
So, if you’re looking for a day hike that’s both timely and easy, you’ve found it in Tony Knowles Coastal Path…
Rendezvous Peak
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.1 miles
Somewhat comparable to Byron Glacier Trail and Flattop Mountain, Rendezvous Peak is a moderately easy (or difficult depending on how you look at it) trail peak located in Chugach State Park in Anchorage, AK.
The best part, however, is that it’s not as crowded! Which makes zero sense, by the way, because the views are way better!
The way it seems to have separated itself from the rest is that it’s just as amazing a trail in the winter than it is in the summer. In other words, whether it’s hiking boots, trail running shoes, or snowshoes, you’ll be certain to enjoy the journey.
Williwaw Lakes
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 16.1 miles
Many hikes near Anchorage begin in the mountains just above Anchorage itself, and Williwaw Lakes is one of them. With several lakes across this 16-mile trail, and boasting the highest peak in the Front Range, Williwaw is one of the best hikes near Anchorage that Alaska has to offer.
Think chirping birds, scenic views, and smiling hikers–who wouldn’t want to pay an honest visit to Williwaw Lakes?
Wolverine Peak
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 8.5 miles
A nearly 16,404-foot mountain summit located in Chugach State Park, Wolverine Peak is a generally challenging journey with elevation throughout. As such, you can expect it to take you over six hours to complete without rest.
With that said, depending on what time of the year you plan to hike it, the challenging aspects of the trail may increase or decrease. In other words, if you visit during early spring, you’re likely to encounter muddy terrain, making it that much more treacherous of a journey. Visit in the thick of summer, however, and you might just find it to be the smoothest of any trail you’ve ever hiked!
Winner Creek
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.9 miles
Properly named, Winner Creek is truly a winner when it comes to quality trails, and it just so happens to be just south of Anchorage, AK. Thanks, in part, to its gradual elevation, and, in part, to the beautiful scenery that accompanies it, Winner Creek is surely a destination to check off your list.
Arguably the coolest part of the entire trail, however, is the thundering bridge that crosses atop the blue-water gorge.
Finally, if the easy trail isn’t enough for you, you can peer off to the upper trail that leads you another 9 miles through the backcountry. While not many seek this level of challenge, it’s worth considering if you’re up for it!
Crow Pass
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 25.9 miles
Often considered to be one of the best hikes in Anchorage, Crow Pass is a near marathon-distance trail boating a difficulty level only suitable for the most seasoned of hikers. As such, it’s recommended to avoid the trail during the winter months.
Nevertheless, apart from the trail itself, Crow Pass requires a scenic drive to initially arrive at the start, making for a full-day event comprising incredible Alaskan spectacles.
If you’re lucky, you may even come across a pack of wild mountain goats! If so, be sure to have your camera ready!
Hidden Lake via Powerline Pass Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.3 miles
While some may consider this to be a moderately difficult trail, for the average folk, Hidden Lake is more on the difficult side. Not only is it over 9.3 miles in distance, but it runs you through some fairly rugged terrain.
Note that this trail is not to be confused with Hidden Lake and Powerline Pass Loop, which happens to run you over 16.1 miles through even more rugged terrain; a definitively difficult course.
Campbell Tract Loop National Recreational Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.4 miles
Moving away from Chugach State Park where many of the aforementioned trails are located, Campbell Tract Loop is located far north in Bicentennial Park on the National Recreational Trail.
Unique from the rest, Campbell Tract Loop isn’t only a popular trail for trail runners and hikers alike but also happens to be a common destination for birdwatchers, cross-country skiers, and even recreational ice skaters.
Evidently, this loop is open year-round, so whatever time of year you end up going, you’ll be sure to enjoy your time.
Near Point via Stuckagain Heights
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles
A popular route for its versatility, hikers are recommended to beware, for it’s likely to be crowded with trail runners and mountain bikers, as well. Nevertheless, Near Point is a moderately easy (or difficult) trail: only three miles in distance.
The reason many prefer this trail over others likely comes down to the fact that it has many trails that branch off from its main course. Depending on which one you take, you’re likely to happen upon some pretty amazing views of the city and peak points of the park itself.
Kincaid Trails
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.2 miles
Comprising a whopping 1500+ acres, Kincaid Park is a popular municipal park located in Anchorage, Alaska. Amidst its abundant landmass resides Kincaid Trails, 4.2-mile trail ranking moderately difficult for those less adept to the conditions.
If you’re one for wildlife, Kincaid Trails is a likely destination to come across moose, bear, deer, and other wild animals along the hike. It goes without saying, come prepared!
The park itself is huge, so if the shorter hike isn’t enough, there are another 40 miles of trails to seek out and explore…
Earthquake Park
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 5 miles
Earthquake Park is a 134-acre park set amidst the depths of Alaska and is notably known for its historical earthquake that took place in 1964. If you’re a history buff of any kind, you’ll love this five-mile hike that encompasses several memorials that commemorate last century’s event.
Today, it happens to be quite the quant trail, boasting several relaxing rest spots, surrounding wooded areas, creeks, and other notable destinations. Similar to many of the trails mentioned in this article, be on the lookout for moose during the hike! Otherwise, take in the sites and sounds and enjoy all that this Alaskan park has to offer!
Near Point from Basher
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.2 miles
For the avid hikers of the group, Near Point from Basher might turn into your favorite Alaskan hike. Why? Not too short and not too long; not too easy, not too challenging…
Even better is the fact that it’s an out-and-back styled trail, meaning you start and finish in the same place; no need for logistical planning or concerns of getting lost. In short, if you don’t have time to do one of the other longer trails nearby, Near Point from Basher is a great alternative option.
Ptarmigan Peak
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 7 miles
As far as Anchorage hiking trails go, it doesn’t get much better than Ptarmigan Peak. Coming in at a whopping 4,839 feet, the mountain itself is a daunting task. Luckily, there are several shorter trails that can be hiked so as to avoid hiking the mountain in its entirety.
Because of its sheer steepness, Ptarmigan Peak, in particular, ranks atop the difficulty scale, scaring off any amateur hikers previously interested. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a hard day of hiking, tasked with several obstacles likely to show themselves along the way, this is the Anchorage hiking opportunity for you!
Blueberry Hill
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 1.9 miles
As a mere two-mile hill, you might be curious as to why or how Blueberry Hill is ranked as a moderately difficult hiking trail. Simply put, the hill boasts quite the elevation for such a short trail.
In addition, depending on what time of year you visit, the trail is often reported as quite slippery as well. No wonder those hiking it in the winter bring their snowshoes!
Have you ever taken on any of these Anchorage hiking trails? Let me know in the comments!
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