The best hikes from bus stations in the Chugach Mountains
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Hiking in the Chugach Mountains offers diverse landscapes, from accessible glaciers and glacial lakes to rugged mountain peaks and lush northern rainforests. The region is characterized by its varied terrain, including alpine environments, coastal views, and numerous waterways. Many trails are easily accessible, with key access points located near urban centers. This area provides a range of hiking experiences across its vast wilderness.
Best bus station hiking trails in the Chugach Mountains
- The most popular bus station hiking route isβ¦
Last updated: July 7, 2026
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15
hikers
22.1km
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120m
120m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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hikers
4.00km
01:01
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
6
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
It's hard not to love this paved, multi-use trail that runs east-west through a greenbelt that transects almost all of Anchorage. It also ties into Goose Lake Park and the wider Anchorage trail system.
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You may see a lot of happy, loose dogs around here, because nowadays University Lake is an off-leash dog park. It's still a lovely green space bordering on some of the city's more popular commuter and leisure trails, though.
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Goose Lake has an actual sand beach, which makes it a popular place for swimming. It also has a lot of geese... which makes it a popular place for swimmer's itch, so make sure you shower quickly after swimming here. There's a lot of parking here, which means it's a great place to start or end your ride on the nearby paved trails.
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This marks one of the larger interpretive displays within Earthquake Park, a parcel of land that showcases the effects of the magnitude 9.2 earthquake that struck Alaska in 1964. It's well worth pulling off the main trail to take a look or, if you're coming from the east, catch your breath from the short but steep hill leading up to this point.
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Elderberry Park has some modest playground equipment and a few benches with views of the water and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail that passes quite nearby. It's a great place for a break but not the best for starting or ending your ride, as it takes some luck to find parking nearby.
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The sand beach on this side of Goose Lake is a popular swimming spot during the summer (despite the presence of stubborn swimmer's itch). It's also the perfect staging spot for a run, with lots of parking so you can usually find a spot, except on very sunny weekend days.
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This small, paved "pavilion" is part of Earthquake Park, which showcases the effects of the magnitude 9.2 earthquake that struck Alaska in 1964. One of the steepest hills on the paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is also right here, although it is mercifully short... sort of. Earthquake Park also has some singletrack mountain bike trails, and a short loop of interpretive walking trail. The walking trail really isn't good for running (it's too narrow, overgrown, and often slippery), and it's best for everybody if runners stay off the mountain bike trails here.
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This is a sweet little park with a bit of playground equipment, some benches, and a view over the water. The paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail also passes nearby as it traverses the only really major hill between Westchester Lagoon and the furthest downtown access point. If you're headed north on the Coastal Trail past Elderberry Park you'll find yourself chugging up a very steep hill; and of course, heading south leaves you to more or less freewheel it on the downhill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many bus station hiking trails are available in the Chugach Mountains?
This guide features 4 hiking routes that are easily accessible from bus stations in the Chugach Mountains region. These trails offer convenient access to nature directly from urban transit points.
Are there easy hiking options accessible by bus in the Chugach Mountains?
Yes, the majority of the trails in this guide are rated as easy. For example, you can enjoy the University Lake loop from University of Alaska Anchorage or the Westchester Lagoon loop from Anchorage, both offering gentle terrain and pleasant scenery.
What kind of scenery can I expect on these bus-accessible trails?
The bus-accessible trails in this guide, such as those around University Lake and Westchester Lagoon, offer a mix of urban green spaces, lakeside views, and opportunities to observe local wildlife. While not deep wilderness, they provide refreshing natural escapes within easy reach of public transport.
Are there any circular routes available from bus stations?
Yes, several routes in this guide are circular, making them convenient for hikers using public transport. The University Lake loop trail loop from University of Alaska Anchorage and the Westchester Lagoon β Westchester Lagoon loop from Sullivan Arena are excellent examples of loop trails.
What is the best time of year to hike these bus-accessible trails?
The trails listed in this guide, being closer to urban areas, are generally accessible year-round. However, late spring through early fall (May to September) offers the most pleasant weather for hiking, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. Winter hiking is also possible, but be prepared for snow and ice conditions.
What do other hikers enjoy most about these trails?
The trails in this region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the convenience of accessing nature directly from bus stops, the well-maintained paths, and the peaceful atmosphere of the urban green spaces.
Are these bus station trails suitable for families with children?
Yes, many of the trails, particularly the easy-rated loops like the University Lake loop, are very family-friendly. Their relatively short distances and minimal elevation gain make them ideal for outings with children.
Can I bring my dog on these bus-accessible hiking trails?
Generally, dogs are welcome on most public trails in the Chugach Mountains region, provided they are kept on a leash. Always check local regulations for specific trail rules, especially regarding waste disposal, to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Are there any notable landmarks or points of interest along these bus-accessible routes?
While these specific routes are closer to urban centers, they offer local points of interest like the scenic Westchester Lagoon and the University Lake area. For more iconic Chugach landmarks like Glen Alps Trailhead or Thunderbird Falls, you would typically need to arrange further transport from central bus hubs, such as a shuttle or taxi.
What is the longest bus-accessible trail featured in this guide?
The longest route featured in this guide is the Westchester Lagoon β Westchester Lagoon loop from Sullivan Arena, which covers approximately 10.2 kilometers (6.3 miles).
Are there any permits required for hiking these trails?
No, permits are generally not required for day hiking on the bus-accessible trails featured in this guide, as they are typically located within city parks or easily accessible public lands. For trails deeper within Chugach State Park or National Forest, specific regulations might apply, but not for these urban-adjacent routes.
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