TIME. TO. TRAVEL
5 Things You Need To Know
About the Park
Chugach State Park, located in south-central Alaska, is a vast and stunning natural preserve spanning an impressive 495,000 acres. It is surrounded by the Alaska Range and the rugged Chugach Mountains. This diverse and expansive wilderness offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and more. With its towering peaks, dense forests, and pristine lakes, Chugach State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Chugach State Park Camping
Camping in Chugach State Park provides a chance to immerse yourself in Alaska's natural beauty. There are four campgrounds to choose from:
This campground offers 24 sites, 2 cabins, toilets, and water. It has a 35' RV limit, making it suitable for various camping preferences.
Bird Creek Overflow Campground:
With 40 sites, toilets, and water, this campground also has a 35' RV limit. It provides a peaceful camping experience.
Featuring 57 sites and no RV size limit, this campground is ideal for those with larger vehicles. It offers toilets and water for convenience.
This campground has 50 sites with toilets and water. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your spot.
No matter which campground you choose, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of Chugach State Park and create lasting memories in the Alaskan wilderness.
Getting there
Getting to Chugach State Park from Anchorage is convenient as the park's boundary is only 14 miles from downtown Anchorage. Here are distances to specific locations within the park:
Eklutna Lake: Approximately 42 miles from downtown Anchorage.
Eagle River Nature Center: About 27 miles from downtown Anchorage.
The best way to explore the park is by renting a car in Anchorage and driving into the park. This gives you the flexibility to visit various areas and enjoy the scenic drives along the way. It's a straightforward and accessible journey from the city to this natural wilderness.
Snowmobiling
Chugach State Park is a great place for snowmobiling in the winter. There are many trails to explore through the snowy wilderness. During the winter months, snowmobilers can explore the park's pristine landscapes, including snowy forests, open meadows, and picturesque mountain terrain.
Explore popular snowmobiling areas in Chugach State Park:
Open from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through April 30th.
Available from December 1st through March 31st.
Open every other year from December 1st through April 30th.
Closed in winters that begin on an even year.
Open in winters that begin on an odd year.
Chugach State Park Trails
Chugach State Park offers many hiking trails for different levels of experience. Here are some of our favorites:
Thunderbird Falls Trail: An easy 1-mile trail that leads to a beautiful waterfall, making it perfect for a leisurely hike.
Crow Pass Trail: A longer adventure covering 21 miles, following a part of the original Iditarod Trail. Along the way, you'll encounter glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife, providing a scenic and historic hike.
McHugh Peak: This 5-mile trail involves a significant elevation gain of 4,300 feet, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic views at the summit, making it a challenging yet stunning hike.
Other Nearby Attractions
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Alyeska Aerial Tram
Portage Glacier
