Anchorage, Alaska: Top 5 Day Trips for Snowshoe Beginners

Anchorage, Alaska, might be the perfect place to try snowshoeing with its unbelievable scenery, an abundance of wildlife, and excellent snowshoe trails. Within a 45-minute drive of the city, plenty of parks, resorts, trails, and guided tours cater to beginners.

With plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse of the high moose population, Anchorage is begging to be explored on snowshoes. Below are our top five-day trips for snowshoe beginners.

Anchorage skyline in winter withChugach mountains in background

Anchorage has a plethora of snowshoeing opportunities close to the city. Photo: Rex Lisman via Shutterstock

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5. Eagle River Nature Center

The perfect beginner snowshoe destination in Anchorage for groups and families is Eagle River Nature Center. Located just a short drive from the city in Chugach State Park, this breathtaking nature center offers views of plunging waterfalls and dramatic cliffs.

It’s the perfect place to try snowshoeing, with easy trails and options to loop back. There are snowshoes and binocular rentals available for visitors. You just need warm clothes and a yearning to experience nature! If you feel adventurous and are fully prepared, try your hand at backcountry camping at one of the cabins and yurts for rent.

Popular beginner snowshoe trails include the 0.7-mile (1.12 km) Rodak Nature Loop and the 2.8-mile (4.5 km) Albert Loop Trail. Also, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially moose, and spend the day exploring the beautiful nature of Eagle River Nature Center.

Read More: A New Found Passion: Wildlife Tracking and Identification

snowshoe trails near Anchorage: snowy deck with trees and cabin in distance

There are several easy trail options, with the Rodak Nature Trail leading to several viewing decks. Photo: Eagle River Nature Center

4. Kincaid Park

Kincaid Park in Anchorage offers gorgeous views of the Chugach Mountains and the easiest way to get deep into the woods on snowshoe trails without leaving the city. In addition, it provides one of America’s top trail systems and the largest moose population in Anchorage. Thus, beginners will delight in trying their hand at snowshoeing here.

First-timers can try their snowshoes out at the motor cross track. Since the path is closed in the winter to motorized vehicles, it’s perfect for testing out your snowshoes.

No rentals are here, so you must bring your own or rent from the REI in Anchorage. Many snow-loving enthusiasts share the groomed trails (almost 40 miles / 64 km), so please follow winter trail etiquette. Keep your head up and be aware of visitors, people, and animals.

Read More: Snowshoeing in Your Backyard: Options Close to Home

map of snowshoe trails in Kincaid Park, Anchorage

Explore almost 40 miles of trails without even leaving Anchorage. Photo: Kincaid Park

3. Russian Jack Springs Park

A golf course turned a snowshoer’s paradise is our next stop on our top 5 list of best beginner trails in Anchorage, Alaska. As one of Anchorage’s oldest parks, the surrounding wooded area of Russian Jack Springs Park makes this the perfect place for beginners to “blaze” their own trails without the fear of getting lost.

Bring your snowshoes with you to this spot, but don’t worry. There are plenty of rental sites nearby, including the REI in Anchorage. Groomed trails set the pace for skiers but venture off those trails and explore, keeping your eyes open for the moose that frequent the area.

If you tire of snowshoeing, bring your sled and head to the hill south of the chalet for a fast ride. Or, if you prefer, warm your hands at the nearby greenhouse. Backcountry snowshoeing for beginners, what could be better?

Read More: 5 Things To Do With Snowshoes That Aren’t (Exactly) Snowshoeing

snowshoe trails Anchorage: steam rising from snowy hot springs in Russian Jack Spring Park in Anchorage

Did we mention that the park also includes hot springs? Photo: Marcus Biastock via Shutterstock

2. Go Hike Alaska Tours, Chugach State Park

If you’re interested in a guided experience, Go Hike Alaska offers tours all year round, including snowshoe and winter hiking excursions.

For snowshoeing, you can choose a beginner or advanced adventure, both of which explore the beauty of Chugach State Park near Anchorage. The beginner tour includes about one hour of hiking for 2.5 miles and 400 feet of gain. We completed the advanced snowshoeing tour, but both adventures offer gorgeous mountain views. Plus, the area’s serenity is truly magical (and one reason we like winter hiking).

All tours come with a friendly guide, pre-packaged snacks, snowshoes, and poles for your outing. It’s the perfect introduction to the beautiful world of snowshoeing.

Read More: Adventures To Add to Your Snowshoe Bucket List

people snowshoeing down a snowy hill with mountains in background

A beautiful view along our tour with Go Hike Alaska in the Chugach near Anchorage. Photo: Susan Wowk

1. Alyeska Resort

Located 45 minutes outside Anchorage is a resort with snowshoe trails that cater perfectly to beginner snowshoers. Alyeska Resort sits in the middle of a glacier-carved valley and provides breathtaking scenery and abundant local flora and fauna.

Although primarily a ski resort, Alyeska makes our list for its excellent trails, including Moose Meadows and the surrounding trails at Mt. Alyeska. The hotel rental shop offers snowshoe rentals for the day, and the front desk provides detailed trail maps that will help guide you along the way.

If you need a break from snowshoeing, you can also go cross-country skiing, fat biking, or take a heli-skiing adventure. Other tours include dog sledding, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and flightseeing.

Overall, marked trails, snowshoe rentals, and all the amenities you need make this the perfect spot to try the sport of snowshoeing.

Read More: Crow Creek Gold Mine in Girdwood, Alaska

man sitting on on snowy hill at Alyeska Resort overlooking Chugach mountains

The view of the Chugach Mountains at the resort is pretty incredible. Photo: Roschetzky Photography via Shutterstock

Bonus: Denali National Park

Although about 4 hours from Anchorage, snowshoeing in Denali National Park deserves a special mention in this top five list. Winter is a magical time in the park where the white snow blankets the ground and the Northern Lights shine through. Some would say it is the perfect time to strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore this beautiful park.

The winter visitor center is located at the Murie Science and Learning Center on the main park road and is open from 9:30 -5. You can pick up a trail map at the center, learn about the area, and seek recommendations from rangers. However, you will need to bring your snowshoes as no equipment is available for loan in the winter. The park also recommends bringing your own food and snacks since there isn’t food available in the park.

Regarding trails and other activities, many snowshoe trails and ski trails loop are right around the park’s entrance, making them easy to access. Finally, finish your day at the indoor picnic area next to the visitor’s center to warm your toes and take in a short film.

Please note: It’s essential to know that Denali National Park isn’t a simple day trip.  The park is quite a distance from Anchorage, but it deserves to be explored. Plan accordingly.

Read More: Exploring Alaska’s Denali National Park in Winter

close up of snowy and icy river with mountains in background in Denali National Park

Denali is too incredible to be overlooked. Photo: Pixabay

What are your favorite snowshoe trails near Anchorage? Would you or have you explored any of the areas we list here? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

This article was first published on December 20, 2014, and Susan Wowk updated it on September 27, 2022. 

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