Incredibly awesome and ridiculously accessible. Chugach State Park, just east of Anchorage, is an outdoor adventure wonderland set in urban Southcentral Alaska’s backyard: endless peaks, countless waterways, and some seriously majestic glaciers. Terrific hiking trails and amazing Alaska animals. One of the most unbelievable aspects of visiting Alaska is that some of its most popular hiking, skiing, camping, fishing, and sightseeing are just a short drive, or even a short walk, from downtown Anchorage.
At nearly 500,000 acres, Chugach State Park is among the nation’s largest parks and is home to Alaska gems like the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm, and Eklutna Lake. There are trails galore, moose, bears, sheep, and an array of animals. The park also offers activities for every type of visitor: leisurely strolls, bike rides and drives with postcard-perfect views, lung-and-leg burning hikes, fantastic fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, drive-up campgrounds and miles of open backcountry ideal for pitching a tent. Whether you prefer a day trip close to town or crave a weekend hike off the grid, Chugach State Park has you covered.
You don’t have to leave your car to enjoy the Chugach charm. Drive south of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm on the Seward Highway, and within a few miles, you will see breathtaking alpine and water landscapes. On a good day, you’ll also see sheep, mountain goats, and bald eagles in the hills. On special days, you’ll see a ripping bore tide or some breaching beluga whales in the water.
