HomeAlaskaAnchorage › Coastal Trail - Elderberry Park

Coastal Trail - Elderberry Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 599 Google reviews · Running trail in Anchorage, Alaska · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Coastal Trail - Elderberry 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.

MixedOpen 24hScenic

Path popular for walking and biking on a coastal track.

What runners say about Coastal Trail - Elderberry Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (599 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“We walked past it several times and it was all beautiful.”

🏃 great for running 2 mentions

“One of the best running trails i could find.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“My husband and I made it to mile marker 5 before catching an uber back to the hotel.”

👟 good for all levels 2 mentions

“Family friendly, great views and wildlife.”

This is an amazing area (I seldom use the word). The mountains in the distance and the waterfront walk way - amazing. Just breathe the fresh air and enjoy.

★★★★★ — Sharon , Oct 2024

I love this little park with epic views of cook inlet and sleeping lady. And the beginning of Tony Knowles trail. I've roller skated since 1980. Bike ride etc. Walk. Thank you God.

★★★★★ — Jon , Apr 2024

Amazing area. Trial was flat to bike in winter. We walked past it several times and it was all beautiful. The sunset is incredibly nice to see along the trail!

★★★★★ — Eva , Dec 2024

Beautiful trail. My husband and I were looking for something to do the day we flew out. We don’t leave until 9pm and wanted to make the most of our time. The waitress at breakfast suggested going to the zoo or to this coastal trail. I’m so glad we did the coastal trail!!

★★★★★ — Heather , Jun 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 599 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 21 mentions

“This trail has an interesting mix of being easy/paved and casual, while have the unique views that go with it being coastal and along a rail line as well.”

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🛣️ Paved surface 5 mentions

“Well worth a walk if you’re looking for something to spend a few hours on in Anchorage- the whole trail all the way around to the airport is fully paved and very easy work.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack

“Lovely park with refreshments, snacks and a killer root beer float at the 1/2 way point.”

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Plan your run at Coastal Trail - Elderberry Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • 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.
  • Websitealaska.org
  • 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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Coastal Trail - Elderberry Park

Anchorage, Alaska

Get directions

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.

Coastal Trail - 2nd and H St

4.6 ★★★★★ 50 reviews

Anchorage, AK

Scenic

under a mile away

Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 906 reviews

Anchorage, AK

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Green space with a paved biking & walking path fronting Westchester Lagoon, plus mountain views.

under a mile away

Chester Creek Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

Anchorage, AK

under a mile away

Westchester Lagoon Nature Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 150 reviews

Anchorage, AK

LoopScenic

Recreational area for walking and birdwatching, as well as ice skating (in winter).

1.0 miles away

Anchorage Coastal Trail Beach Access

4.8 ★★★★★ 197 reviews

Anchorage, AK

PavedScenic

Scenic trail for biking and walking featuring coastal scenery and moose.

1.8 miles away

Earthquake Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 1,405 reviews

Anchorage, AK

PavedScenic

A devastating 1964 earthquake shaped this hilly area, which offers trails & an interpretive display.

2.8 miles away

All running trails in Anchorage, AK →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.