Anchorage makes it possible to experience plenty of Alaska without having to go far. Paved trails, accessible parks, public transportation, and accommodations throughout town give visitors with mobility needs options for getting around and enjoying the scenery. We recommend checking directly with businesses, attractions and tour operators about current conditions and specific accommodations before you arrive.
Getting Around Anchorage
Anchorage has several transportation options for visitors who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. AnchorRIDES provides ADA paratransit service for eligible riders, while accessible taxis and nonemergency medical transportation are also available.
You do not have to leave Anchorage to find Alaska scenery. Several paved and relatively flat trails offer views of the Chugach Mountains, Cook Inlet and the city's parks and green spaces.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is one of Anchorage's best known paved trails, following the coast from downtown toward Kincaid Park. Other paved routes along the city's 250 miles trail system offer opportunities to get outside without tackling a backcountry trail.
Trail conditions can change with construction, weather and the seasons, so check current information before heading out.
Many Anchorage attractions are accessible, but the details can vary. Some have accessible entrances, parking, restrooms or viewing areas, while tour operators may be able to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility needs with advance notice.
If you have a particular experience in mind, we recommend contacting the business or tour operator before booking. Ask about surfaces, steps, transportation, restroom access and whether mobility devices can be accommodated throughout the experience.
Looking for a slower-paced way to experience Anchorage? Our three-day, low-impact itinerary brings together accessible ways to explore the city, from scenic stops to local attractions.
Alaska's terrain, weather and older buildings can present challenges that are not always obvious from a website listing. If something is important to your trip, such as an accessible hotel room, a step-free entrance or space for a mobility device, it is worth confirming the details directly with the business before you arrive.
We are happy to help you get oriented once you are here, too. Visit Anchorage's visitor information centers can help with maps, local information and ideas for exploring Anchorage at your own pace.
Hear From an Adventurer
Wondering what an accessible Alaska experience can look like? In an episode of "Visit Anchorage Stories," Brittany Dvorak shares her experience exploring Anchorage and how adaptable experiences can help make adventure possible for visitors with different abilities.
Getting to Anchorage is a snap. More than 240 flights arrive daily at the Anchorage airport, and direct flights on a variety of carriers connect Anchorage with many major U.S. cities.
