Chugach State Park

Chugach State Park is a large state park in south-central Alaska adjacent to the city of Anchorage, established by the state in 1970 and covering roughly 495,000 acres. It is one of the largest state parks in the United States and contains extensive alpine terrain and coastal fjords.

The park offers alpine and subalpine hiking, day-use areas, backcountry skiing and wildlife viewing across a broad landscape of mountains, glaciers and coastal scenery. Popular outings include short but steep climbs and viewpoint hikes near Anchorage as well as longer wilderness routes into glaciated valleys.

The park was designated and expanded by the State of Alaska beginning in 1970 to protect recreation lands around Anchorage and Turnagain Arm. Over time it has been developed with trailheads and day-use facilities while much of the interior remains designated wilderness.

Geographically it sits directly east and southeast of Anchorage, stretching from the city suburbs to the coastal Turnagain Arm and into adjacent mountain ranges. The park’s trailheads are typically accessed from the Anchorage metropolitan area or via Seward and Glenn Highways.

• Access from Anchorage: The park lies immediately east of Anchorage and is reachable from the city in 20-40 minutes by car depending on the trailhead.
• Seasonal conditions: Summer is the main season for hiking and day trips; winter offers backcountry skiing and heavy avalanche danger off established routes.

What to See #

• Flattop Mountain (Glen Alps): Short, steep trail to the 1,070 m summit that is the most-visited climb in the park and provides panoramic views of Anchorage and Turnagain Arm; popular route is the Glen Alps/Flattop trailhead and the round-trip route is roughly 3 miles (5 km).
• Glen Alps trailhead: Primary access area for trailheads and alpine routes on the northwest edge of the park, with parking serving hikes into the Eagle River and Flattop areas.