In 1970 this magnificent area was declared a state park. Located within the municipality of Anchorage, Chugach State Park includes roughly 500,000 acres (202,343 hectares) of the Chugach Range and the surrounding landscape. The Eklutna Lake is the park's most unique proposition that beautifully mirrors the surrounding environs over its glassy surface. With a 5,000 foot (1,524 meters) vertical rise and three major campgrounds to the north of Anchorage, this wilderness area is filled with wildlife including moose, wolves, brown and black bears and more. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts offering a plethora of activities that allow one to get up, close and personal with nature.
This coastal trail offers 11 miles (18 kilometers) of paved walking, skiing, biking and in-line skating heaven. It also provides unbelievable sunset views. Tony Knowles Coastal trail, built in honor of one of the city's former mayors and the former governor, is joined by many side trails that come from the midtown and south Anchorage districts. Along the way are mile and trail markers and, at Westchester Lagoon (one mile south of downtown), built-in fitness centers with pull-up bars, sit-up benches and general fitness information.
Kincaid Park is home to the city's largest moose population, but bipeds also enjoy the beauty of this former glacial area. With more than 1,400 acres (6.1 square kilometers), this wooded park has trails that wind throughout. Many interpretive sites and frequent postings allow for navigation through its beautiful, hilly expanse. You may access the park either from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or by Raspberry Road. There is a large interpretive visitor's center available and many wide open areas where festivals are held. These trails are home to local and national skiing competitions and have also hosted Olympic tryouts.
Spanning 110-acre (44.5 hectares), the Alaska Botanical Garden includes native perennials, an enclosed herb garden and an outdoor rock garden. Created in 1991 by volunteers, the garden has become an educational resource as well as a stunning showcase of Alaskan plants and wildflowers. Paths throughout allow for easy travel and a 1.2-mile (1.9 kilometer) hike provides views of the Chugach Mountains. One unusual feature is a still-used dog-mushing trail that travels through the garden.
View 85 species of wildlife from the Arctic, including glacier bears, grizzly bears, and black bears, on this 25-acre (103 hectare) wooded area. Other creatures that can be found here include caribou, moose, Dall sheep, wolves, Musk-ox and many others. Some non-Alaskan species such as elephants, Bactrian camels and even a Siberian tiger are housed in the zoo as well. A gift shop and a refreshment stand are on the premises for anyone who needs a little pick-me-up.
This grassy, garden strip (11 blocks long and one block wide) was designed as a fire protection strip for the downtown district. Later, it acted as a landing strip for the city. Now, it is a recreational area with eight tennis courts, space for flying kites, ball fields, basketball courts, volleyball courts, a skating rink, a steam engine and a Veteran's Memorial. Named after the 1929 Anchorage mayor, James Delaney, it hosts several festivals each year.
Set along Eagle River Road in Chugach State Park, Eagle River Nature Center is an interesting place to visit for nature lovers. Before it was transformed into a nature center, this building was used to house the Paradise Haven Lodge. Visitors can hike along the three-miles (4.8 kilometers) long Albert Loop trail and revel in the surrounding mountains, cliffs and waterfalls. They also host guided tours and programs that allow visitors of all ages to experience the wilderness. This visitor centre is equipped with an information desk, a souvenir store and clean restrooms.
Salmon Berry allows adventurers to go dog sledding through snowy regions north of Anchorage, search for northern lights, explore glaciers on foot, and venture out to a frozen lake for ice fishing. Locally-owned and operated, the adventure tour company is one of the best organized and comprehensive in the area, and offers hospitable, customized trips based on a small tour philosophy throughout the year.
In 1970 this magnificent area was declared a state park. Located within the municipality of Anchorage, Chugach State Park includes roughly 500,000 acres (202,343 hectares) of the Chugach Range and the surrounding landscape. The Eklutna Lake is the park's most unique proposition that beautifully mirrors the surrounding environs over its glassy surface. With a 5,000 foot (1,524 meters) vertical rise and three major campgrounds to the north of Anchorage, this wilderness area is filled with wildlife including moose, wolves, brown and black bears and more. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts offering a plethora of activities that allow one to get up, close and personal with nature.
This coastal trail offers 11 miles (18 kilometers) of paved walking, skiing, biking and in-line skating heaven. It also provides unbelievable sunset views. Tony Knowles Coastal trail, built in honor of one of the city's former mayors and the former governor, is joined by many side trails that come from the midtown and south Anchorage districts. Along the way are mile and trail markers and, at Westchester Lagoon (one mile south of downtown), built-in fitness centers with pull-up bars, sit-up benches and general fitness information.
Kincaid Park is home to the city's largest moose population, but bipeds also enjoy the beauty of this former glacial area. With more than 1,400 acres (6.1 square kilometers), this wooded park has trails that wind throughout. Many interpretive sites and frequent postings allow for navigation through its beautiful, hilly expanse. You may access the park either from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or by Raspberry Road. There is a large interpretive visitor's center available and many wide open areas where festivals are held. These trails are home to local and national skiing competitions and have also hosted Olympic tryouts.
The Phillips Cruises and Tours in the city of Anchorage is a cruise and tour company that offers the 26-Glacier tour to Prince William Sound. The sound is located off the Gulf of Alaska on the southern coast and the cruise takes off from the port of Whittier, located 60 miles to the south-east. The four and a half hour tour on the three-deck catamaran would take you through approximately 135 mile into the sound covering all the glaciers on the route. The company also arranges for round-trip between Anchorage and Whittier, in case you don't want to travel in your own car.