Chugach State Park turns 50

National parks often get top billing, but residents of Anchorage love the Chugach Mountains. But the city’s 500,000 acre backyard wasn’t always a guarantee. In the late 1960s a group of passionate residents banded together to save the range from being gobbled up by development. The park was established in 1970 as a result of their advocacy. Chugach State Park’s 50th anniversary in 2020 makes it a prime opportunity to discover the trails, views, rivers, and quiet spots that made the place worth protecting and have kept it Anchorage’s top natural draw.

THE CHUGACH - Alaska's Most Accessible Natural Area
The Chugach Mountains create more than a dramatic skyline for Anchorage. They are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Combined, Chugach State Park and Chugach National Forest are home to some of the most accessible outdoor adventures in the state. Best of all, some of the top trailheads and access points are just 20 minutes from downtown.

Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the nation. To the east of that, Chugach National Forest is the second largest national forest in the U.S. Together they comprise more than 9,000 square miles of hiking, rafting, biking, ATVing, kayaking and fishing. The most frequently climbed mountain in Alaska, most popular trailheads and more than 60 of the state’s most accessible glaciers are all found in the Chugach.

With such a massive range, there are plenty of access points. And ways to enjoy it are as varied as the Chugach landscape. Head north for kayaking on a glacial lake or alpine berry picking. A trip south reveals countless hiking trails tucked into the mountains and amazing glaciers.

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