Outdoor Recreation

Within Anchorage boundaries lies Chugach State Park, the third-largest state park in the nation. Listed as one of America's Best Top 10 State Parks, the Chugach boasts 200 miles of year-round trails, more than 50 glaciers and great wildlife viewing. The half-million-acre park is rich in recreational opportunities, with some of Alaska's most accessible hiking, biking, camping, trail running, climbing, skiing and snowmobiling.

It's not uncommon to see moose along trails, in parks and in neighborhoods across Anchorage. ©Wade Carroll

Outdoor Recreation Features

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Anchorage Glaciers Galore!

Alaska has the nation’s greatest concentration of glaciers; approximately 100,000 of these frozen marvels cover nearly 30,000 square miles. Glaciers in Southcentral Alaska are the most accessible.

Alaska State Parks & Alaska National Parks

"State Park" may sound mundane, but don't be fooled; Alaska parks are real wilderness - home to Dall sheep, mountain goats, brown bears and several packs of wolves residing on the edge of Anchorage....

Anchorage and Alaska Fishing Hotspots

The dream of landing a trophy fish lures people from around the globe to Anchorage, where urban angling is just a stone’s throw from downtown and remote fly in fishing in the Alaska wilderness is an...

Alaska Wildlife

Grab a pair of binoculars and go WILD in Anchorage. Anchorage wildlife viewing is a year-round attraction, with guaranteed wildlife viewing at close proximity.

Summer Dog Sledding: Hot Dogs, Cool rides

It doesn’t have to be winter to drive a dog sled in Alaska. Get a taste of the one of the north’s greatest adventures in summer too!

Four-wheeling Around Anchorage

Getting to the unexplored wilderness surrounding Anchorage is easy. Start your engines to enjoy the sights and surroundings of backcountry Alaska.

Alaska Bear Viewing Trips

Journey deep into bear territory on an Alaska bear viewing tour to Kodiak Island or Katmai National Park. One-day fly-in adventures begin right in Anchorage.

Alpine Skiing

Alpine skiing in Alaska is outrageous; high mountaintops situated at sea level create some of the best snow conditions Mother Nature can offer.

Kenai Fjords National Park

One of the most amazing natural places in Southcentral Alaska, Kenai Fjords National Park is the perfect place to explore marine life, fish for salmon and halibut and watch glacier ice tumble into...

Nordic Skiing in Anchorage

With so many groomed, lighted trails, a dedicated Nordic ski association and a big wild backcountry to explore, there's a trail for skiers of all ages and abilities.

Skijoring: A Cross-Country Ski and Dog Combo

Like to cross-country ski? Love your dog? Join the two together for a whole new winter experience.

Snowboarding in Anchorage

Top of the mountain – you made it! Even the most action-packed Anchorage adventures require an occasional break. So you plop into a powdery seat, breathe deep and cool, and take it all in: Blankets...

Snowmobiling in Southcentral Alaska

Some call them snowmobiles and others call them snowmachines, but whatever the name, skimming across the snow is a favorite Alaska winter pastime.

Winter Dog Sledding in Alaska

Amazing tales revolve around the relationship between mushers and their dogs, and together they have saved cities, inspired untold millions and carved out a permanent niche in Alaska’s history.

Ice Fishing in Southcentral Alaska

Those fish you missed in summer? They’re still there in winter in the many lakes of Southcentral Alaska. Drill for your dinner with an Alaska ice-fishing outing.

Anchorage Marathons and Running Events

A pair of marathons, fun runs and youth events, triathlons, mountain races and more – Anchorage is a natural fit if you like to lace ‘em up and take off.

Anchorage Hiking Trails and Wilderness Trails

Folding into the foothills of East Anchorage, the Chugach Mountains provide some of the most accessible hiking, camping, wildlife viewing and climbing areas in Alaska.

Hunting Big Game in Alaska

A means of survival, a rite of passage and an unforgettable experience, hunting in Alaska is a world-class sport.

Mushroom Picking near Anchorage

Southcentral Alaska is great mushroom picking territory. Spring to fall, mushroom enthusiasts gather several delicious species from forests, hillsides, fields and trails.

Bear Viewing near Anchorage

Visitors looking for guaranteed and authentic bear viewing experience have some options while visiting Anchorage.

Anchorage Geocaching Journeys

Explore Anchorage on a high-tech treasure hunt! Geocaching combines riddles, puzzles, geography and sleuthing skills in a seek-and-find game, perfect for an individual, family or group.

Bird Watchers Flock to Anchorage

Surrounded by wilderness, Anchorage offers a world of opportunity for Alaska bird watching in an ecological setting.

Bicycling: It’s How Anchorage Rolls

Mountain or tandem, city slicker or rim runner, cycling in Anchorage leads to great (and inexpensive) adventure on the city’s nationally-recognized trail system.

Horsin' Around Anchorage

Sled dog teams may be more iconic in Alaska, but horses played their own role in Gold Rush Alaska. Saddle up in Anchorage for the ride of your life.

Sledding & Skating in Anchorage

The air is crisp, frost sparkles on the trees. Anchorage’s ponds are dotted by skaters, and sled hills blend gravity and snow into pure fun.

Snowshoeing

If you can put one foot in front of the other, you can snowshoe. Leave your footprint on Alaska’s winter wonderland – Anchorage is the perfect place to step into winter adventure.

Berry Picking Near Anchorage

Cranberries, salmon berries, and mountains of blueberries! Anchorage trails truly represent the bounties of nature – spectacular views, wildlife and giant trailside patches of sweet, juicy berries....

Anchorage Kayaking, Rafting and Canoeing

Finding wilderness by way of water can be a refreshing and exhilarating way to enjoy summer days in Anchorage. Choose from relaxing and scenic floats, longer and wilder rides, or multi-day wilderness...

Golf Under the Midnight Sun

The arctic phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun is what makes golfing in Anchorage truly distinctive. The Alaska golf season usually runs May through September and with the midnight sun, tee times...

New Year’s Eve Events in Anchorage

Ring in the New Year in Anchorage; sing “Auld Lang Syne” in Alaska! From fireworks extravaganzas to intimate dinners, Anchorage, Alaska, is the place to be to welcome 2013!