7 Great Hiking Trails Near Anchorage!

We’re ready for hiking season! Alaska has such a beautiful assortment of hikes ranging from slow and easy to moderate and challenging. Whatever your hiking level or preference you’ll be able to find a great hike close by. 

Spring brings a few hiking challenges you need to keep in mind before heading out to the trail. All the snow melting can make the trails unpredictable and often dangerous. Even the easy more casual trails can have thick muddy areas or even a few icy spots still remaining. So make sure you’re prepared for whatever could happen! Also, BEARS! It's spring after all and those furry animals are waking up and having babies. BE BEAR AWARE! Take bear bells with you, attach them to yourself, dogs and your kids. Bears will be hungry but also very protective of their offspring. Never approach a bear or cubs! This goes for the moose too! Keep your distance from the wildlife! 

Many trails will be opening that have been closed for winter! Download the app AllTrails or visit their website. Trust us this is an amazing resource to find the perfect hike for you. Search your area and your level of difficulty. Be prepared for state park fees. Many trails will have a $5 daily parking fee but you can also purchase an annual parking pass to avoid those days where you forgot cash! 

Let's talk some of our favorites! 

If you’re in the Anchorage area Kincaid Trails is a great variety hike. It's a loop and just over 4 miles. It can be considered a moderate hike so if you’re just starting out maybe add this one to your list for later. Kincaid Trails is a dog friendly hike as long as they’re leashed. Theres a little bit of everything in this adventure. Wide trails, narrow trails, forest, wildlife, and views. Plan on being out there for a couple of hours.

Conner’s Lake Dog Park Trail, this is just shy of 3 miles and is a great hike for all skill levels. Some of the trails can be a little boggy so remember to watch where you're walking. Great trail for our four legged fur babies! The lake is an added bonus that most of the dogs love to get to! A quick loop in the heart of town so you don’t have to worry about it taking up an entire day. Great for an impromptu hike.

Flattop is a moderate hike open all year round! Definitely a more challenging hike but the views are incredible. If you have kids you’ll want to wait until the beginning of June or until most of the snow has melted and the trails have dried out. It can be dangerous especially during breakup season. Many steep areas both up and down the loop. Roughly 1.5 miles to the plateau and the views of Cook Inlet. Add this one to the list because its well worth the intense hike.

Heading up to the valley, Palmer has quite the list of hiking trails. Let's just give you a few so you’re not too overwhelmed in options. W Butte Trail is a very popular hike with some of the best views of all the mountains as well as the valley. It can be challenging especially during winter and spring. Save this one for a summer hike. If you do hike it early in the season be sure to take some ice cleats with you. You’ll see the beautiful farm lands and feel like you’re on top of the world.

If you’re looking for something super simple and leisurely then Reflections Lake is a great stroll. An easy little loop with a lookout tower. Perfect for an early morning or after dinner walk around. This is one of those trails that’s just off the road and can be a social meetup or a good kids day out. Pack a snack or lunch and have a great walk! You’ll be right near the hay flats, the lookout tower is a great spot to see the wildlife that lives around the area.

The last two on our list is Blueberry Knoll and Government Peak both in the Palmer area (left is gov’t peak and right is bbk) and each a different skill level so something for everyone. Gov Peak is a fantastic trail for all levels and is a great setting for nature trips. Well groomed and maintained and perfect for a quick trip outdoors. This is open all year and loved by the cross country skiing community. Blueberry Knoll is going to be a longer trail approximately 4 miles out and back and can be considerate a moderate hike. This one is not a loop. It well marked and even has a picnic table to rest at. A great spring/summer hike. If you’re considering this during the winter make sure your take some hiking poles. There’s some small waterfalls along the way and and beautiful views at the top! So you can pick which direction you want to go and which level of difficulty you’re feeling up to. 

Get out there and enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of Alaska. We can’t wait to see what hike you’ll be taking!