Anchorage is a hiker’s paradise, where wild Alaska wilderness meets the edge of the city. Whether you want a quick nature walk or a full-on mountain climb, there’s a trail for every level—with moose, mountain views, glaciers, and even the chance to see Denali on a clear day.
Here’s a guide to the best hiking trails in and around Anchorage:
🥾 1. Flattop Mountain Trail
- 📍 Glen Alps Trailhead (15 mins from downtown)
- 🏞️ Anchorage’s most popular hike
- Distance: 3.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: ~1,500 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (final scramble to summit)
Why go?
Epic views of Anchorage, Cook Inlet, and even Denali on a clear day. Perfect for sunrise or sunset hikes.
🌲 2. Powerline Pass Trail
- 📍 Glen Alps Trailhead
- Distance: Up to 10 miles (out and back)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- A scenic valley trail through alpine tundra, often with moose and bear sightings.
Why go?
A peaceful, wide trail with big sky and mountain views—great for a longer day hike or biking.
🐾 3. Kincaid Park Trails
- 📍 West Anchorage
- Distance: Choose-your-own-adventure (lots of loop options)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Why go?
Urban wilderness with forest trails, moose, and views of Turnagain Arm. Great for families, runners, and winter snowshoeing.
🐻 4. Winner Creek Trail (Girdwood – 45 mins from Anchorage)
- 📍 Alyeska Resort area
- Distance: ~3 miles one way (to the hand tram)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Hand tram currently closed (check status), but still a lovely out-and-back hike.
Why go?
Lush rainforest trail, waterfalls, and a historic tram crossing (when open). Great in summer and fall.
🧊 5. Portage Pass Trail (Whittier – 1.5 hrs from Anchorage)
- Distance: 4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Stunning views of Portage Glacier after a steady uphill climb.
Why go?
A must-do glacier hike with sweeping alpine views—perfect for a day trip from Anchorage.
🦅 6. Bird Ridge Trail
- 📍 Turnagain Arm (30 mins south of Anchorage)
- Distance: 4.6 miles round trip (to the ridge), longer if continuing
- Elevation gain: Over 3,000 ft
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Why go?
Challenging climb with incredible views of the Turnagain Arm and Chugach Mountains. Bring water and take your time.
🦫 7. Campbell Creek Trail
- 📍 Midtown to Anchorage Bowl
- Distance: ~7 miles paved trail
- Difficulty: Easy (urban greenbelt)
Why go?
Ideal for a peaceful walk or cycle through birch forests, with chances to spot moose, foxes, and beavers—all inside city limits!
🐿️ 8. Rabbit Lake Trail
- 📍 McHugh Creek or Canyon Road
- Distance: 8.6 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Long, scenic valley hike to a high alpine lake framed by mountains.
Why go?
Peaceful, photogenic, and perfect in late summer when the fireweed is blooming.
🏞️ 9. Thunderbird Falls Trail
- 📍 Eklutna (30 mins north of Anchorage)
- Distance: 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Family-friendly forest hike to a dramatic waterfall.
📸 10. Arctic Valley / Rendezvous Ridge Trail
- 📍 Just 20 mins from Anchorage
- Distance: Varies (can be short or all-day)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Alpine hiking with wildflowers, blueberries, and sweeping mountain views.
🧭 Bonus Tips for Hiking in Anchorage:
- Always carry bear spray, especially on remote trails
- Watch for moose—they’re common and can be aggressive when surprised
- Layer up—weather can change fast, even in summer
- Bring water and snacks, and leave no trace