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: May 16, 2026
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
4.25km
01:05
10m
10m
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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Once a gravel pit, Westchester Lagoon really is one of the crown jewels of Anchorage. It's also a hub for year-round recreation. It also sits at the intersection of the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which runs along the coast, and the Chester Creek Trail that runs east-west through town. Both paved multi-use trails are great for biking.
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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 is one of the best spots along the entire Coastal Trail: On one side you have Westchester Lagoon, a gravel pit turned waterfowl sanctuary and public green space, with paved multi-use trails that run in several directions for miles. On the other side is a short walkway across the rushing outflow of Chester Creek, with a quiet-feeling bench where you can enjoy the burble of water or, in the fall, watch for the occasional salmon working its way upstream from the ocean.
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This park is a massive green space, with a wonderful playground complex for kids to climb on and explore. Valley of the Moon is sometimes also a magnet for homeless activity, so it can feel unsafe in the dark or when it's not well-populated. But on a sunny weekend when lots of people are out, it's a great place to visit.
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Once an old gravel pit, Westchester Lagoon is now one of the crowning jewels of Anchorage. Locals come here to canoe and kayak, watch the waterbirds that gather in the protected waters of the lagoon, or enjoy the paved, multi-use trails that run along three sides of the lagoon. There is also a rushing creek where you can occasionally see salmon working their way in from the ocean to spawn.
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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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