How to Find a Moose in Anchorage in Less than an Hour

Anchorage is one of the best places to see a moose. Wildlife officials estimate around 1,500 of them live wild in and around the city, and you're much more likely to find one munching through a flowerbed or nibbling backyard birch than in a remote location.

If a moose is a must, you can see one within the hour. Snap a photo that shows everyone you’ve made it to Alaska just after arriving in Anchorage. Just remember: It's important to give any wild animal plenty of space. Don’t get too close, and watch for changes in behavior that might signal you’re bugging them. It’s best to snap photos from the car.

Where Can I See a Moose?

Best Places to see a Moose in Anchorage

Moose prefer areas along rivers and streams, marshy clearings, and stands of willow, aspen, or birch. Anchorage's varied terrain includes some prime moose habitat. Try one of these spots to find moose:

Best Time of Day to See Moose

Moose tend to be more active in the morning and evening hours. In summer they bed down midday to keep cool during the warmest hours.

Best Guaranteed Moose Viewing

Moose are tall, so they are easy to spot. But if the biggest member of the deer family eludes you, there are a number of nearby spots for guaranteed viewing. Several moose call the Alaska Zoo and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center home.

See Moose in a Hurry

The odds of spotting a moose are good, but for those who want to brag about seeing one on the first day, check out this guide on how to spot a moose in the first hour:

Grab your bags

You made it to Anchorage! Look up as you head down to baggage claim; the big windows look east to the Chugach Mountains.
Rent a car or hire a cab

There will be time for tours tomorrow, but head straight for moose country first. Rental vehicles are available on-site at the airport, and cabs pick up just outside the terminal.
Set your destination as Point Woronzof Park in maps

Moose love this coastal retreat at the western edge of Anchorage. Plug in Point Woronzof Park on your preferred map app, then keep your camera ready. The park features fantastic views of Cook Inlet and a good chance you'll encounter a four-legged visitor along the way.
Keep your eyes peeled

Ungulates are everywhere in Anchorage. With so many moose in the city, they pop up everywhere, but especially relish the type of terrain along the road to Point Woronzof. As soon as you are in the car, start looking for moose. The moose crossing road signs make a nice photo op too. From the airport, travel time is 8 minutes, about 3.5 miles.
Go a little farther

Nothing yet? Woronzof is a nice spot for views, and the Alaska Range mountains are right before your eyes. Continue down the road farther. You're on the far side of the airport on Point Woronzof Road. Watch both sides of the road. Moose love the forest on the passenger side, but sometimes browse on the driver's side too. You won't get lost. When the road ends, it's time to turn around. Travel time is another 10 minutes, about 3 miles more.
Snap Away!

You're in prime moose-land! Don't stop looking when you make the turn to head to the hotel. Moose come and go as they please. One could emerge on the way back too. Can't get enough? There are more spots to see moose.

There's always more to explore: Many day tours focus on wildlife viewing, and the Alaska Zoo and Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center are excellent places to learn more about moose and other Alaska animals. The biologists at each are full of moose-facts, and both places have many other species to boot.