Rabbit Lake Trail

Discover this 8.7-mile out-and-back trail just 20 minutes by car from Anchorage. Rabbit Lake Trail is considered a moderately challenging route and is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking. At the end of the trek hikers are rewarded with stunning mountain peaks and a pristine lake. Hikers will find a saddle in the trail about two-thirds of the way up, it's a great spot to enjoy lunch and check out views of the city. Once at the top of the peak, views of several mountain lakes and the Anchorage skyline provide amazing photo opportunities.  

Rabbit Lake is nestled between two recently renamed peaks to Indigenous names: North Yuyanq' Ch'ex and South Yuyanq' Ch'ex' from the Dena’ina language means “heaven’s breath” or “breath from above.

Condition of trail: Once an old road, the trail can be busy at certain times of the year. The trail can get a bit muddy on rainy spring and summer days.

Route: Take Upper Canyon Road to Rabbit Lakes Trailhead. The trail can also be accessed at McHugh Creek just south of Anchorage. The trail can be hiked as either an out-and-back or a one-way trail.

Access and Parking:
From Canyon Road: side of the road, free - can get crowded in the summer.
From McHugh Creek: Parking lot, requires day-use parking pass, can be paid at the gate.

Parking: All Chugach State Park trails require a day-use parking pass or parking decal. 

Dogs: Welcome, but must be on a leash.

As with all trails in Alaska, hikers should be prepared, dress in layers, and bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, a map of the area, bear spray, and a well-charged cell phone.