Frommers.com Community
By Mike Dunham
Most visitors to Alaska pass through Anchorage at some point. For those with a day or two to look around, here's how to make the most of your time and enjoy some off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Photo Caption: A moose crossing the road in Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage may be the only place on earth where automobiles arrived before pedestrians. The first boat with supplies for the railroad camp that would become Alaska's biggest city included two Model T Fords, and the layout of the municipality still favors cars over walkers. The city core sprawls more than 50 square miles but aside from a few key routes, the public transportation system is spotty. Good bike and foot paths cross the city, but it can be a long way between destinations.
If you plan to go beyond the usual tourist venues, rent a car. On the bright side, the road grid is relatively easy to follow and there's much less traffic congestion than in other big cities.
Photo Caption: Driving down the road toward the Chugach Mountains in Anchorage, Alaska
Alaska is synonymous with nature. Even in Anchorage, you can see the mile-high peaks of Chugach State Park from almost everywhere in town. Thousands of acres of wilderness are readily accessible without leaving the city limits or using special gear; a good jacket and walking shoes will do.
Those staying downtown can easily walk or bike onto the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a paved and mostly flat path following the mudflats of Knik Arm. It connects with the Chester Creek trail system at Westchester Lagoon. After 10 miles or so, the trail goes to Kincaid Park, a former missile site now repurposed for recreational use. Stay off the mudflats, which are laced with quicksand. And watch for moose -- or bears (rarely, thank heavens) -- on the trails.
Glenn Alps, the most popular trailhead in Chugach State Park, is about 20 minutes from downtown. The trip is worth the detour, whether you spend half an hour or set out on an adventurous camping trip. Excursion options range from a wheelchair-friendly overlook trail to hiking and mountain bike trails along Powerline Pass. Adventurers come from all over for 3,510-foot Flattop Mountain, said to be the most-climbed peak in Alaska.
Photo Caption: The Chugach Mountains, south of Anchorage
Though less than 100 years old, Anchorage has its share of spooky associations. Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery, where many of Alaska's famous and infamous are buried, is located downtown near the Anchorage Museum. Whalebones mark the final resting spots of whaling captains. Look for the tomb of Gov. Wally Hickel, a former boxer who was buried standing up. Why? So he can "come out fighting at the last judgment."
Colorful "spirit houses" are found in the village cemetery of Eklutna, at the northern edge of the city. They contain cups, toothbrushes, and other items that might come in handy in the afterlife.
The national cemetery on Fort Richardson includes the remains of Americans who died fighting here in World War II, as well as Russian, Canadian, and Japanese soldiers. A stone gateway honors Kermit Roosevelt, son of Teddy Roosevelt, who is buried here.
During the summer, Ghost Tours of Anchorage (www.ghosttoursofanchorage.com) takes visitors on a 90-minute walk past downtown sites connected to hauntings, unsolved murders, and other macabre goings-on.
Photo Caption: The colorful spirit houses at the Eklutna Village Historical Park in Anchorage, Alaska
Traveling with a dog? Anchorage, where the Iditarod Sled Dog Race begins, is dog-friendly. But know that pets are not welcome around the sled dog races. (They may get excited and distract the professional athletes.)
Fortunately, Anchorage has two big off-leash areas: University Lake Park near the University of Alaska and Connor's Bog near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Moose frequent both areas, but usually seem blasé about being near canines and humans. (Actually, the beavers at University Lake can be more aggressive.) Nonetheless, if a moose is about, use the leash.
Photo Caption: The start of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Anchorage, Alaska
Most visitors to Alaska pass through Anchorage at some point. For those with a day or two to look around, here's how to make the most of your time and enjoy some off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Photo Caption: A moose crossing the road in Anchorage, Alaska
If you plan to go beyond the usual tourist venues, rent a car. On the bright side, the road grid is relatively easy to follow and there's much less traffic congestion than in other big cities.
Photo Caption: Driving down the road toward the Chugach Mountains in Anchorage, Alaska
Those staying downtown can easily walk or bike onto the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a paved and mostly flat path following the mudflats of Knik Arm. It connects with the Chester Creek trail system at Westchester Lagoon. After 10 miles or so, the trail goes to Kincaid Park, a former missile site now repurposed for recreational use. Stay off the mudflats, which are laced with quicksand. And watch for moose -- or bears (rarely, thank heavens) -- on the trails.
Glenn Alps, the most popular trailhead in Chugach State Park, is about 20 minutes from downtown. The trip is worth the detour, whether you spend half an hour or set out on an adventurous camping trip. Excursion options range from a wheelchair-friendly overlook trail to hiking and mountain bike trails along Powerline Pass. Adventurers come from all over for 3,510-foot Flattop Mountain, said to be the most-climbed peak in Alaska.
Photo Caption: The Chugach Mountains, south of Anchorage
Colorful "spirit houses" are found in the village cemetery of Eklutna, at the northern edge of the city. They contain cups, toothbrushes, and other items that might come in handy in the afterlife.
The national cemetery on Fort Richardson includes the remains of Americans who died fighting here in World War II, as well as Russian, Canadian, and Japanese soldiers. A stone gateway honors Kermit Roosevelt, son of Teddy Roosevelt, who is buried here.
During the summer, Ghost Tours of Anchorage (www.ghosttoursofanchorage.com) takes visitors on a 90-minute walk past downtown sites connected to hauntings, unsolved murders, and other macabre goings-on.
Photo Caption: The colorful spirit houses at the Eklutna Village Historical Park in Anchorage, Alaska
Fortunately, Anchorage has two big off-leash areas: University Lake Park near the University of Alaska and Connor's Bog near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Moose frequent both areas, but usually seem blasé about being near canines and humans. (Actually, the beavers at University Lake can be more aggressive.) Nonetheless, if a moose is about, use the leash.
Photo Caption: The start of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in Anchorage, Alaska