Kudos to Joy G for snagging the FTR on this one! (and shame on my for missing it!)…read more This is one of two trails in Hope. Both are very well maintained. The other one, Gull Rock, is flat the entire time: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gull-rock-trail-hope This one, should you take it all the way to the top of Hope Point (3,708'), if you want to take it that far! Views from the top are incredible. You get views of the many peaks of the arm that you just can't get driving to Girdwood because, well, you're too close to the mountains to see their full profiles! This trail is also unique in that it melts out pretty early season (May) for how relatively high it is. More details on Joy G's review, check it out!

Hope Point trail has 2 access points. You can park at the free parking lot that shares the trail…read morehead will Gull Rock Trail for the first mile. Or, if you're lucky enough to be camping at Porcupine Campground, you can start your hike at the unmarked trailhead that starts at the entrance to the campground where the bridge crosses Porcupine Creek. It takes through a much prettier walk through the forest full if beautiful flora and the sounds if rushing water. We hiked both and agree this was much nicer. We didn't have time to hike the whole trail since we also did part of Gull Rock this day, but turned around due to overgrowth and a TON of bear scat on the trail. Hope Point is much rockier and steeper, and doesn't have the same pretty views as Gull, but I also don't want to be mauled by a brown bear. We'll definitely do this trail again.

A word of caution: this trail is BRUTAL in the winter…read more I think it's because the people of Hope rarely hike it then. The final 3 miles were pure misery, non-stop post-holing. It took us nearly 7 hours RT, this shocked my climbing partner and I both. In the summer, I imagine it can comfortably be done in half that time. The trail is mostly flat, and 5 miles, one-way. At the 5 mile mark, there are some places to camp. This would be a great trip for a beginning backpacker. Most of South-central was socked in when we hiked it, so the views at the end were just OK. Already dreaming of a warm, summery, Corona-free hike in the future. Will re-review it then. As it stands now, it's high-effort, low-reward. You'd be better served by a higher elevation, but more frequently used trail in the winter. (like Flattop, Powerline Pass, Rabbit Creek, etc)

Gull Rock Trail, located in the Chugach National Forest, is a really excellent, moderately easy…read moretrail that has a lot to see and explore. Able bodied adults, children and seniors will enjoy this trail as long as they go prepared for some terrain changes and the misty rain that enevitably descends on hikers in this part of Alaska. To access Gull Rock Trail, take Hope Highway to the end and the entrance and parking lot are on the left. If you are camping at Porcupine Campground, you can access the trail from a 2ndary trail head there as well (which carves .5 miles off the one way distance of the hike.) There is no public parking in the Porcupine Campground to access the trail, so hikers are best off parking at the main trailhead (or camping at Porcupine... make reservations online or you'll NEVER get spot !) Unfortunately I jacked up my knee right before my vacation (argh!) so I was only able to hike about half the trail but it was very enjoyable but not terribly challenging. There's some elevation changes, but not more than about 500 feet elevation gain total. The terrain, however changes a lot. There's rainforest, birch forest, pine forests, talus (rockslidy areas), views of the inlet and the mountains. It's a nice bit of everything. There's some minimal berry picking as well, but nothing particularly exciting. There are some water sources about, so if you bring a water purifier along with you you'll stay well hydrated. There's also, unfortunately ample mosquitos. It's DEFINITELY a trail you want to be prepared for wildlife encounters (bear spray/gun), injuries (first aid pack), and basic survival stuff (a way to purify water, start a fire and a space blanket). Most of the trail has cell service since across the inlet is Seward Highway (which you can see in some spots). But there are dead spots and if you get hurt, no one's gonna find you for a while, so be prepared to hunker down. We had a bear scare on the trail because in some places the brush and shrubbery is flush with the trail. That always makes me a little squirrley. Especially if you take kids with you, be prepared for large animal encounters. There's not a lot of traffic on this trail past mile 2, so it's pretty secluded for some nice quiet time with nature. Enjoy!

Beautiful park with access to the costal trail! Saw a moose not too far from the parking lot. Nice…read morepaved paths and large parking lot. Public restrooms and maps available.

This year I spend most of winter exploring Kincaid park via my cross country skis…read more Holy cow the park is HUGE! Previously I've only really explored the paved trail going down to the beach and connecting to Earthquake Park. If you are a beginner xc skier, I recommend starting at the stadium and slowly doing the smaller mize loop. This is where I built my confidence for 2-3 weeks before moving to the "blue rated" Jodphur loop. Kincaid has so much to offer and I am so glad I had the opportunity to explore it from the perspective of my skis!

This trail is easy to overlook if you're not paying attention…read more It starts about 1/2 a mile down Powerline Pass trail (from Glen Alps) It takes you down into the valley then up the steep hill on the other side. (yes, this trail is, truly, "up hill both ways") The views at the top of the ridge are pretty great. You'll realize what you thought was O'Malley from the parking lot is, in fact, just False Peak. You'll also see "The Ballfield" a relatively flat 1 mile by 1 mile patch of land right in front of O'Malley. The trail thins out a bit through The Ballfield. Eventually it takes you right up to O'Malley. Or you can descend past O'Malley (rough scree ahead!) and meet up with the Williwaw Lakes trail.

Most people don't even think about this trail while they're traversing all the way to the end of…read morethe Ballfield to reach Williwaw Lakes. Surprisingly, there's a few different ways to access the peak and even the easiest route may prove to be somewhat of a challenge as you face up against an imposing gulley that'll get your heart pumping. And that's after you've already trekked up the saddle. Ideally, you'll be comfortable with class 2-3 hiking before tackling this one. And I hope you ain't afraid of heights either once you reach the top and glance down towards Williwaw valley. Vertigo for sure. I take a little longer than most people while hiking, so our group got back to the parking lot in just under 6 hours. I recommend saving this one for a long, sunny day. And although some dogs might be able to tag along, I would imagine most cannot.

This trailhead will get you to: Powerline Pass trail: which…read moreheads over to the Flattop area and eventually all the way down to the Turnagain Arm. Wolverine Peak: peak with astounding views. It's a hike with a lot of gain that never gets technical (you won't have to use your hands) nor exposed (there aren't big drops to be mindful of). Beta: https://www.yelp.com/biz/wolverine-peak-anchorage Near Point: a smaller peak in front of Wolverine. Think of it as the "Flattop of this trailhead". Beta: https://www.yelp.com/biz/near-point-hike-anchorage It's a great place to get good views of the metropolis we call "Anchorage". It's accessible in the winter as well as the summer. Word of warning about doing it in the summer: the first mile of this trail is in pretty thick brush. BE BEAR AWARE. Make LOUD NOISES. Once you get out of the brush you're probably fine, but the brush is mighty sketchy. There are also a decent amount of bears in the area. I've seen grizzlies from the summit of Wolverine.

I always hesitate to write reviews of my favorite trails and hikes because I fear increased foot…read moretraffic. But, really, this is one of my favorite trails systems. You can hike mountains, multiple trails, hooks onto power line pass for biking, carve your name on a bridge, etc... I live 10 minutes from here and try to come here at least once a week. Views are incredible and the trails can go from easy to moderate. It's a great park.

Beautiful escape to nature with endless flat trails just outside of Anchorage, Eagle River Nature…read moreCenter is a family staple with lots of wildlife.

Eagle River Nature Center is highly worth it for about a 30 minute drive from Anchorage. As you…read moremake your way along the road in to the area, you're greeted with scenic views of the Chugach mountains. There are pullouts to take pictures of those and the river. The nature center is literally at the end of the road with a large lot ($5 parking fee) and the area trails & outside space open even when the building itself is closed. Sadly, we did go on a Tuesday (they're open Wednesday-Sunday) but we still enjoyed the scenery and a short trail. I had hoped to do the 3 mile Albert loop but it was closed due to bear activity feeding on salmon. That was expected since it's a normal closure for August. Still enjoyed the shorter Rodak trail which brings you to a deck and amazingly scenic overlook. There are longer trails but I had other plans for the day. We saw a beaver dam and some salmon from the viewing deck, no bears on our trail, but did carry bear spray as they are active and regular seen in the area. What a beautiful peaceful place. A must do when visiting Anchorage.

Earthquake Park is a laid-back, educational, and scenic outdoor stop that's perfect as a short…read morehalf-day visit -- especially if you're already exploring Anchorage or biking the coastal trail. It won't wow with adrenaline or exhibits, but it delivers on Alaska's beauty and history. Perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who prefers slow-paced nature experiences. Birdwatchers and photographers will appreciate the variety of birds and occasional moose sightings, and there are several scenic points worth stopping at for photos -- especially at sunrise or sunset. Pros * Free entry, free parking, and easy access. * Beautiful coastal and mountain views. * Historical interpretive signs. * Ideal for light hiking, biking, or a picnic. Cons * Mosquitoes can be intense in summer, so bug spray is a must. * Limited facilities beyond trails and scenic spots.

Amazing views! Absolutely stunning landscapes. Crazy amount of wild life, a bit chilly and…read moremanicured in winter.

This is a point to point hike, that for the average hiker takes several days. I'm a serious slow…read morepoke, so I always out and back the first couple miles. The hike is fairly steep, that in the summer doesn' require cleats, but walking poles or a stick is nice, especially if your knees are garbage like mine. You definitely want to being a well equipped pack and plan for everything, since this location is somewhat remote, and if something goes sideways you want to be prepared. Animal encounters are a real possibility. The weather and temperature fluctuates in typical Alaskan style as well. If you go far enough, you'll have to cross a creek, which depending on the time of day, can be unpassable. In fall the colors are absolutely stunning. I highly recommend this trail for adults. Leave the kids and pets home.

Great hike in Girdwood, more exciting and less crowded than the "other" trail in Girdwood…read more You'll pass old mining debris and wander up a hill. As things get steeper watch out for Mountain Goats! I saw a Nanny and a Billy last time I was here. Eventually, you'll get pretty close to some assorted waterfalls and then top out on the pass proper. At the top is a lovely A-frame hut (reservation only, don't mess with the people in there, give 'em some privacy!). If you continue onward you'll see great views of the Raven Glacier. We brought some ice tools and crampons so we could play around on it. It was a great time! Most people turn around here. But, if you're well-equipped, you can continue almost 20 miles, all the way to Eagle River. Definitely a must-hike in the Girdwood area. If you get back in time, I recommend dinner at Jack Sprat!