Location: Turnagain Arm, south of Anchorage
Distance: 2.5 miles uphill one way
Difficulty: Difficult due to constant incline
One of my favorites! TOUGH 2.5 miles uphill and lots of false peaks. Awesome hike on a beautiful day as it gives you a phenomenal view of Cook Inlet. You can also follow the ridge if you wish to continue further. Bring food, water, and layers--you will be hungry, thirsty and sweaty by the time you make it to the top! Two thumbs up!
Picture below is from August 2015
Bird Valley Loop Plus Penguin Creek
Location: Turnagain Arm, south of Anchorage
Distance: 3 miles for loop; can add up to 4 miles along creek
Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat
Location: Turnagain Arm, south of Anchorage
Distance: 3 miles for loop; can add up to 4 miles along creek
Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat
It's not often we come across new hikes these days, so we were excited to explore a new area. Our focus this summer is flatter, longer hikes, rather than peaks, especially because our doggo is much older now and maxes out at about 5 miles.
For this hike, you can complete the loop and add on distance along Penguin Creek. The last mile along the creek has more incline. We did not go that far because of our dog (stuck to 5 miles RT).
The trail is shaded and obviously there is water access for most of the trail. Wear boots as some areas can flood. Bring bug spray and watch for ATVs. Two thumbs up.
Photo from June 2025
Location: In town, at end of Basher Road (unmarked dirt lot on north side)
Distance: 3.5ish miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Some steep sections but overall a nice hike, especially since it is close to town. We didn't see any people on the way up, but we spotted a black bear sitting next to the trail on our way down. Had to wait it out, but thankfully the view is nice. You can continue on to further peaks (Kanchee and Knoya) or enjoy their majesty from below. Two thumbs up!
Pic of Kanchee and Knoya Peak from the Dome, May 2017
Flat Top & Backside Trail
Location: Glen Alps Trailhead (Backside TH is from Rabbit Lake)
Distance: 1.5 miles uphill one way
Difficulty: Moderate due to rock scramble at the top (Backside is somewhat easier)
This is probably the most popular hike in Anchorage for many reasons. It's close to town, easy to get to, and rewards hikers with an amazing view of Anchorage Bowl. Since it is so popular, it is often very busy, which is comforting to some people but not ideal to others. I can't count how many times I've done this hike, which is partly why I created this blog--to share alternatives and encourage myself and others to venture out. I've actually made it a goal to NOT do this hike this summer, and I already almost failed. It's any easy hike to fall back on if you want to get out but don't have a pre-determined hike picked out. Two thumbs up, for the first few hikes at least...
If you are tired of this route and want to try a new way up, the Backside Trail starts from the Rabbit Lake Trailhead. It is shorter (starts at higher elevation) but steeper, depending on which route you take. The trail on the left is more direct and steeper. The middle trail has switch backs and is therefore easier but longer. This trail also connects to Peaks 2 and 3, which you can easily do in one trip if you have time. If you only want to go up the Backside of Flattop, plan on 2-2.5 hours, depending on how long you like to stay at the top.
This pic is from June 2011 (on or around solstice).
Gordon Lyons
Location: Arctic Valley
Distance: 3 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
Some steep and muddy sections on the way up, but overall it is pretty simple and can be done comfortably within a few hours, including a nice lunch break. Once you get to the saddle, go left to GL or right to Rendezvous. Would be fun to do both in a loop peaks (and not much longer). Two thumbs up!
The weather often changes on me when I'm up in Arctic Valley. One minute, sunny and hot; the next, foggy and freezing. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst by wearing/bringing layers. These two photos were shot within minutes of each other (August 2018).
Location: Glen Alps Trailhead
Distance: 4.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
Slight incline along a creek to a lake. Unfortunately for us, the further we went, the more the weather deteriorated. Although this hike was highly recommended (and maybe because I had high expectations), I would suggest it only if you can't make it out to Reed Lakes or Eagle/Symphony Lakes. One thumb up.
This pic was taken in June 2016.
Little O'Malley
Location: Glen Alps Trailhead
Distance: 2 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate due to incline
This is a good alternative to Flat Top, as it is similar and right across the valley to the north. Great view of Anchorage and generally not as busy as FT. You can also follow the ridge east, as long as there is not too much snow (which was the case for us in spring). Two thumbs up!
This photo was taken in May 2015.
McHugh Peak
Location: Small secret lot named after bears
Distance: 3 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Small secret lot named after bears
Distance: 3 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Step one is to get there early and know where the lot is. There are literally a handful of parking spaces at the trailhead, but most of it is coned off due to crowding the neighborhood. There is now an overflow parking area down the road but it's pretty far. Needless to say, if you start too late, you'll be adding some length and time to your hike.
The first mile is the steepest but then it levels out as you follow the ridge. Bring lots of water, especially if you have a dog and it's sunny. There isn't any shade until you get to the peak and can rest in the shade of the finger-like peak.
The nice thing about starting early (besides getting a close parking spot) is that you can do this hike in a few hours and still have the rest of your day. Two thumbs up!
This photo is from July 2020 (view from the top)
Location: Prospect Heights Trailhead
Distance: 4 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy/mostly flat first half; moderate climb second half
Third time is the charm! The first two times I tried this hike, I did not have enough time to complete...which means I missed the best part (the view from the top).
This hike is great because it is close to town and not as busy as the Glen Alps trailhead area. The beginning has a slight incline before you pass the tree-line. It was a little windy at the top, but we enjoyed the sun and warmed up jogging down.
Two thumbs up!
A few side notes:
You can also get on this trail from the Baxter area, but I haven't taken that route, so I'm not sure how it compares.
When you get about halfway up, the trail forks...take the right one (southern side of mountain). It was less muddy and more direct.
These photos are from June 2018. I usually only pick/post one photo, but I couldn't resist the pic of my friend carrying her dog on her back and her epic summit expression :)
Peaks 2 & 3
Location: Rabbit Lake Trailhead (behind Flat Top)
Distance: 1.6 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate; short but constant incline (option for switchbacks and peak add on)
This is a great after work trail! It takes about two hours, and you can easily add on a peak once you get to the top. The view from the ridge is amazing, so I would definitely recommend either doing both peaks or bringing layers/snacks so you can enjoy the view at whatever peak you decide to climb. The trail is exposed so be prepared for sun and wind!
This photo is from August 2018.
Powerline Pass
Location: Prospect Heights Trailhead to Indian
Distance: 14 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
What's nice about this hike is that you can do any distance. I hiked from Glen Alps to the bridge (2.5 miles) alone and then again with a friend. The trail is busy and wide enough that I didn't feel too paranoid about running into wildlife alone, but I would still proceed with caution, especially in the spring. The trail is very flat, making it easy to run, bike, hike, bring the kids, etc. There are tons of nearby trails and mountains to explore. I can't wait to complete all 14 miles of this hike! I've heard the Seward Highway end is much less busy but also has snow into June. From what I've hiked so far, two thumbs up!
This pic is from May 2016 (actually taken slightly north on Hidden Lake trail).
Rabbit Lake
Location: Off DeArmoun Road
Distance: 4.4 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
This is great hike for people looking for a close day hike. Plan for 4-6 hours depending on how fast you plan to hike and how long you want to enjoy the lake. You can also bike, run, backpack, etc. This route to the lake has a small incline (1200 feet over the 4.4 miles), but other than that, the hike is easy. If you are looking for a longer or more challenging hike, you can start from McGugh Creek Trailhead. Two thumbs up!
This picture is from July 2016.
Rainbow Peak
Location: Turnagain Arm, south of Anchorage
Distance: 2+ miles uphill one way
Difficulty: Somewhat difficult due to incline
Two thumbs ups! Great hike because it is close to town and can be as short or long as you'd like. We made it to one of the false peaks and decided to enjoy the view rather than continue higher. There are some steep spots with loose rock, but there are plenty of nearby trees and rocks to grab on to. I would also recommend going up the route pictured below rather than the more obvious rocky section. The easier route comes second if you start from the Rainbow parking lot.
Update: Made it to the peak which was awesome but the excitement left quickly when my dog started to overheat and I realized her paws were pretty beat up (we had hiked to Hidden Lake the previous day, so I'm thinking she was already tired). Thankfully this hike is close enough to town and we had service, so my friend's boyfriend and my husband came to our rescue. Long story short, my friend and I had no choice but to carry my dog down to shade and wait for the boys!
Make sure you bring plenty of water and consider leaving pup at home if he/she is not a bad ass!
Photos from June 2019
Rendezvous Peak
Location: Arctic ValleyDistance: 1.5 miles uphill one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Short but uphill the whole way. Also connects to Mt. Gordon Lyons. A nice escape but a short hike after a long-ish drive. One thumb up.
This pic was taken in July 2015.
South Fork Rim Trail
Location: Prospect Heights Trailhead
Distance: Two mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
We were looking for a close, short hike. This fit the criteria but was not super exciting. Family and bike friendly, and there are many nearby trails to explore (we took Powerline back). In isolation though, I would only give this hike one thumb up.
This pic is from April 2016.
Location: Downtown to Kincaid Park
Distance: 11 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy, some hills near Kincaid
This is a mostly flat hike along the coast. There are many places to start and stop, such as Westchester Lagoon and Earthquake Park. Since it is paved, there are many bikers, joggers, strollers, etc. I enjoy running various parts of this trail (the northern section is more flat) or renting a bike downtown and biking to Kincaid and back. Skateboarding and roller skates/skis would be fun too! Two thumbs up!
This pic is from August 2013.
Turnagain Arm Trail
Location: Along Seward Highway/Turnagain Arm
Distance: 9.5 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat easy
Two thumbs up! Creativity is your friend with this hike! You can start and end in four different spots, go out and back, or go one way as long as you plan ahead and park a car at your ending location. My favorite part is the middle section, but if I want to add on a few miles, I'd include another section. These are the access points and distances between them, starting on the north end:
Potter Marsh to McHugh - 3.4 miles
McHugh to Rainbow - 4.2 miles
Rainbow to Windy - 1.9
This pic is from July 2015.
Location: Glen Alps or Prospect Heights Trailhead
Distance: 5-7 miles one way, depending on route
Difficulty: Easy via Middle Fork Loop Trail; moderate via Football Field
This is a great beginner hike/backpacking trip! We started from the Glen Alps trailhead and took the Football Field route over from O'Malley Saddle. From there, we went down the scree slope and found a place to camp near one of the lakes.
We took the Middle Fork Loop Trail back, which is a little longer but mostly flat and easy.
Two thumbs up, especially since you can vary your route, level of difficulty and start/end point.
This pic is from September 2017.
Location: Prospect Heights Trailhead (you can also access from Baxter)
Distance: 5ish+ uphill one way (meaning somewhere between 5.25 and 5.5)
Difficulty: Moderate; not super steep but long
This one was on my bucket list for a while, but I was always a little hesitant. I wish I would've done it sooner because it really wasn't as hard as I had expected it to be.
The first few miles are slightly uphill but not bad. Once you get about halfway though, it can be pretty exposed and windy, so plan accordingly with extra layers. Make sure to also bring plenty of hearty snack and lots of water--and plan for at least 5-6 hours. We took a few short breaks and hung out at the top for about 15 minutes before the clouds rolled in. From start to finish, it took us a little over 5 hours. Two thumbs up!
This pic is from June 2018.
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