Best running trails in Alaska
Ranked by the runners who actually run there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 15,222 reviews of Alaska trails. A trail needs at least 25 reviews to qualify (19 in Alaska do) and each name appears once. Nobody pays for a place. Updated 2026.
The 19 below run across 5 cities, 4 of them natural surface, 5 loops, and 5 with a stated distance. This is a popularity ranking, not a difficulty score — for what a trail is actually like underfoot, open its page for surface, loop distance, shade, lighting, restrooms and parking.
Earthquake Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,405 reviews
A devastating 1964 earthquake shaped this hilly area, which offers trails & an interpretive display.
Far North Bicentennial Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 608 reviews
Popular 4,000-acre park with 100-plus miles of multi-use trails, skiing, a botanical garden & more.
Coastal Trail - Elderberry Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 599 reviews
Path popular for walking and biking on a coastal track.
West Butte Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 310 reviews
Hiking area featuring a trail and 500-plus steps that lead to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Anchorage Coastal Trail Beach Access
4.8 ★★★★★ 197 reviews
Scenic trail for biking and walking featuring coastal scenery and moose.
Graehl Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 207 reviews
Relaxed park with grassy areas, a playground and picnic tables, plus boat ramps and docks.
Government Peak Recreation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 179 reviews
Park featuring trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing in a scenic setting.
Mt. Roberts (Wooshkeenax Deiyí) Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 160 reviews
Destination for hiking to the top of Mount Roberts with scenic views, accessible by tram.
Westchester Lagoon Nature Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Recreational area for walking and birdwatching, as well as ice skating (in winter).
Crevasse-Moraine Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 120 reviews
Community park with hiking trails and paths popular for biking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 102 reviews
Scenic biking and hiking trail also popular with joggers, featuring views of the coast and wildlife, plus bike rentals.
Smokejumper Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
Wooded hiking route featuring varied terrain, plus wildlife such as moose and bears.
Prospect Heights Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Popular hiking area with trails toward Wolverine Peak, featuring scenic vistas of the Chugach.
Mendenhall Refuge Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
Scenic area featuring a flat trail for hiking and biking with glacier views plus wetlands and bird-watching opportunities.
Perseverance Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 52 reviews
Trail leading to a mountain overlook, plus waterfalls and creek trails in a historic area.
Where these trails are
The cities in this ranking, if you'd rather start from where you live.