Difficulty

Connects With

Miles One Way

Miles from
Anchorage

General Vicinity

Season

Description

However, for residents of Anchorage, it's a great place.

In summer it's a great place to mountain bike and makes a great after work place to exercise your dog.  

In winter it's even better, especially when you're feeling shut in.  Many of the trails are groomed for cross country skiing.  But if you just want to walk around, there's plenty of trails to get lost in.  Many people up here use the park to skijor which is cross country skiing with your dog leashed to your belt.  There is also a dog mushers trail that rambles around the park.  

Walking to the the end of the airstrip in the middle of the park and back under the moonlight is a surreal experience.

On the south side of the park is a small ski resort area known as Hilltop. I don't really ski, so I can't tell you that much about it.

*****

The following route description for Campbell Gorge is a contribution from Nic:

It's a good season opener or an alternative to hiking a mountain top. From the South Bivouac Trailhead, follow the only trail down a hill, ignoring the side trail on the right that leads down a good size hill. After the hill you will come to a bridge. Cross it and come to an intersection. Bear left on Spencer Loop Trail, follow it for about a mile. As it approaches a sharp turn with the main trail heading south, there is a small path leading east up a hill through some brush. I dropped my bike here and put it in the brush on the Spencer Loop Trail. Following the small trail through the trees you will see a small trail coming out on your left - go on it. Continue on this small trail until you see another small trail on your left, do not turn, instead continue on the trail that you are on until a second trail on the left comes into view, turn left on this trail. This trail ends shortly with a viewpoint of Campbell Gorge. I believe there are some more viewpoints along the trail before you turn -- but I am not entirely sure. Go back the way you came, and make a mental note of where and where not to turn. This hike gives you a good view of the gorge, the city, and the vegetation around the trail.

*****

I urge you to get one of the maps online or at the science center and explore different trails.  I live very close by and have created different hikes based on how long they take me.  My favorite 90 minute walk is Viewpoint to Rover's Run to Moose Track, back on Viewpoint to Coyote, to Moose Track.

A great loop hike in the upper section is Spencer Loop which gives you great views of Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains and Sleeping Lady.  

Important Information

Anchorage owes its uniqueness as a city for blurring the line between urban and wilderness.  Bears are spotted frequently in this park.  I myself have seen 2 coyotes.  Moose are ubiquitous.  Even in the City, please practice wildlife safety. 

Stay off the dog mushers trail when snow is on the ground. Those sleds can move mighty fast.

Etc.