Chugach State Park

Anchorage, Alaska, US

Chugach State Park, sprawling just outside Anchorage, is one of the largest state parks in the United States. Its expansive mountain wilderness, extensive trail network, and sweeping vistas let travelers experience Alaska’s rugged landscape without leaving the city’s doorstep.

Why choose Chugach State Park

When you step onto its trails, you trade city streets for alpine silence and views that stretch over glaciers and forests, a sense of scale you won’t find in any urban park. The park’s sheer size and proximity let you immerse yourself in true Alaskan wildness in a single day.

Best for: Hiking · Nature · Photography · Families

Start your Anchorage outdoor day here

Begin at Chugach State Park, enjoy a morning hike, then refuel nearby before a brief afternoon walk.

1. Morning — Chugach State Park
2. Lunch — Coffee nearby

Visit tips

• Use the Eagle River trailhead for the easiest access to popular routes.
• Check trail conditions at the visitor center before heading out.
• Start early in summer; trailheads fill quickly by mid‑morning.
• Bring layers and bear‑spray; weather changes rapidly and wildlife is common.

Plan your visit

• Recommended duration: 2–3 hours — includes a short hike and a break
• Best time of day: Early morning, before 9:00 — trails are less crowded then
• Category: park
• Rated 4.8 by 2519 reviewers
• Tags: mountain views, hiking, wildlife, day trip

More things to do in Anchorage

• Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
• 49th State Brewing - Anchorage
• Humpy's Great Alaskan Alehouse
• Anchorage Museum
• Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
• Sullivan's Steakhouse

See all things to do in Anchorage or plan a full Anchorage itinerary with Next Getaway.