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Chugach State Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,510 Google reviews · Running trail in Anchorage, Alaska · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Chugach State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Massive park with coastline, mountains, glaciers & lakes, plus camping, a ski area & nature center.
What runners say about Chugach State Park
“Chugach State Park is a stunning natural expanse surrounding Anchorage, encompassing over 495,000 acres of rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, and dense forests.”
“Easy trails along the water.”
3rd largest park in America that covers almost half a million acres Three day hiking at -25 degree. There are at least 50 trekking tails in the state park, from East to hard, from easy sightseeing trails to adventurous ones. There’s lots of wild berries when it is berry season.
Beautiful expansive place to hike and explore. Oh the places you could go. Glaciers, snow capped peaks, breathtaking views, unexplored territory, and so much more. This is a truly unique state park. It is so fun to get beyond where most hikers even travel and to see new things.
We decided to take the Bear Mountain Trail to the peak and then traversed across a gorgeous ridge to come down along the Eklutna Mountain Trail. What a spectacular view! At the end of the Bear Mountain Trail you are standing high above Mirror Lake. Watching the float planes take off from so high up is lots of fun.
Chugach State Park is a stunning natural expanse surrounding Anchorage, encompassing over 495,000 acres of rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, and dense forests.
Trail conditions & character
“Chugach State Park is a stunning natural expanse surrounding Anchorage, encompassing over 495,000 acres of rugged mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, and dense forests.”
“The state park is huge and a big portion of it isn’t accessible.”
“No restrooms in the park areas, but there is a gas station between Turnagain Arm and Portage Glacier Lake.”
“The trails and nearby river a beautiful, but come prepared, they aren’t paved, and they’re often very muddy.”
Plan your run at Chugach State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitednr.alaska.gov
- Phone(907) 345-5014
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Anchorage
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Glen Alps / Flattop Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,072 reviews
Walking route past blueberry bushes & hemlock trees, with panoramic views of Anchorage & Cook Inlet.
Prospect Heights Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 95 reviews
Popular hiking area with trails toward Wolverine Peak, featuring scenic vistas of the Chugach.
