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Glen Alps / Flattop Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,072 Google reviews · Running trail in Anchorage, Alaska · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Glen Alps / Flattop Trailhead'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.
Walking route past blueberry bushes & hemlock trees, with panoramic views of Anchorage & Cook Inlet.
What runners say about Glen Alps / Flattop Trailhead
“Once on the trails, the trails were very clean and people were friendly.”
“A must-do for stunning Alaskan scenery, sunsets, and even a chance to see the northern lights.”
Been here a ton of times mainly for the view! I take several people that visit Anchorage here! It’s the main spot I tell people to stop and see! Very local and very worthwhile on clear days. The only way to view the city at the viewpoint. Take a sweater as wind will get you! Unless it’s late June or July.
The drive up to Flattop is a bunch of switchbacks and really pretty views — Alaska showing off at every turn. Then it’s front-row parking and a quick walk to the top, where you can see all of Anchorage: downtown, the airport, the ocean, the mountains — it’s unreal. Feels like you’re standing on top of the world!
this is a challenging hike. but worth it! Just be sure to come prepared with good shoes, water, etc.. there are rocks of all sizes to traverse through , some are loose. going up is tough, but coming down can be scary! but the view at the top is great.
Came here for a quick hike after reading about this trail. The parking was a challenge as it was very crowded. However, after circling a few times, found a parking spot in the back parking lot. Once on the trails, the trails were very clean and people were friendly.
Trail conditions & character
“The drive up to Flattop is a bunch of switchbacks and really pretty views — Alaska showing off at every turn.”
“Then it’s front-row parking and a quick walk to the top, where you can see all of Anchorage: downtown, the airport, the ocean, the mountains — it’s unreal.”
“The loop part is very pretty and doable for any hiker, including kids, is probably moderate difficulty.”
“so it's pretty steep and I wouldn't recommend for an out of town traveler who doesn't hike on the regular.”
“At the time, 2/4 bathrooms/outhouse style, with locking doors were in working order.”
“Not very handicap accessible but there are areas you can get to that are more attainable to get to if you are using a wheelchair.”
“Glenn Alps offers trails for everyone, from easy, paved loops to the challenging Flattop summit.”
Plan your run at Glen Alps / Flattop Trailhead
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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitealaska.org
- 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 |
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