Anchorage, Alaska
“Framed by the towering Chugach Mountains and the glacial waters of Cook Inlet, this main hub—where most travelers first arrive—is just an hour south of Black Sheep. Anchorage offers essential shopping (Costco), dining, and cultural experiences while serving as a gateway to Alaska’s natural beauty. If a bridge spanned the inlet, Black Sheep would be a mere 20-minute drive, but instead, the scenic route around the Knik Arm brings you through breathtaking valley landscapes.”
Eklutna Lake
For those seeking a stunning lake adventure, Eklutna Lake is a breathtaking glacial-fed lake surrounded by towering peaks and alpine forests. Located 35 minutes southeast of Black Sheep, this area is one of the most scenic destinations near Anchorage, offering hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
What to Expect on the Trail
Distance: Up to 12.9 miles round trip (out-and-back, but customizable)
Elevation Gain: Minimal (~650 feet)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time Needed: 1–6 hours (depending on how far you go)
The Eklutna Lakeside Trail follows the shoreline, offering stunning views of the glacial-blue water. Visitors can hike, bike, or even kayak along the lake’s edge for a peaceful outdoor experience.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–September): Best time for hiking, kayaking, and biking.
Fall (Late September–October): Beautiful golden colors along the lake.
Winter: Great for snowshoeing or fat biking, but ice conditions vary.
Getting There
From Black Sheep, take Glenn Highway south to Eklutna Lake Road, following signs to the Eklutna Lake Recreation Area.
Helpful Tips
✅Rent kayaks for an incredible experience on the lake. (life jackets/PFD’s available)
✅ Bring bug spray in summer—mosquitoes can be active.
✅ Check the AllTrails app for trail updates and recent conditions.
Bonus: Other Stops near Anchorage
Thunderbird Falls – A quick 1-mile hike leading to a beautiful 200-foot waterfall through a lush forested trail. (Recommend!)
Mirror Lake – A small, scenic lake nearby, perfect for a quick stop or picnic.
Eklutna Lake is a must-visit for those looking for a peaceful, scenic retreat, whether hiking along the shore, paddling across the water, or biking through the stunning valley.
🌲"Looking for more breathtaking adventures beyond Anchorage? Hike through the stunning alpine scenery of Reed Lakes Trail in Hatcher Pass or challenge yourself with the steep climb up Lazy Mountain in Palmer."
Flattop Mountain Trail
This is Anchorage’s most iconic Hike. For those seeking a rewarding summit adventure, Flattop Mountain is Anchorage’s most popular hike, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Anchorage skyline, Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and even Denali on clear days. Located about an hour south of Black Sheep, this moderate to challenging climb is perfect for those wanting a short but steep ascent with incredible scenery.
What to Expect on the Trail
Distance: ~3.3 miles round trip (loop)
Elevation Gain: ~1,500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Time Needed: 2–3 hours (round trip)
The trail begins with a gradual ascent through alpine terrain, then becomes steep and rocky as you approach the summit. The final section requires light scrambling, but reaching the flat-topped summit rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views over Anchorage, the Knik and Turnagain Arms, and the distant Alaska Range.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–September): Ideal hiking conditions with long daylight hours and clear summit views.
Fall (Late September–October): Beautiful golden tundra landscapes with crisp mountain air.
Winter: Accessible but requires microspikes or crampons due to ice and snow.
Getting There
From Black Sheep, take Glenn Highway south to Seward Highway, then turn onto O’Malley Road, following signs to the Glen Alps Trailhead in Chugach State Park.
Helpful Tips
✅ Wear sturdy hiking boots—the summit scramble can be slippery.
✅ Bring layers—winds at the top can be strong, even in summer.
✅ Use the AllTrails app to track your route and check for recent trail updates.
Bonus: Other Stops in Anchorage
Ship Creek – A great place to watch anglers reel in wild salmon in downtown Anchorage. We like to go here after we land in Anchorage to decompress.
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – A scenic 11-mile paved path along Cook Inlet, perfect for biking or walking.
Potter Marsh Boardwalk – A quick stop for birdwatching and moose sightings near the southern end of the city.
Flattop Mountain is a must-do hike for anyone visiting Anchorage, offering one of the best viewpoints in the city and a relatively short but rewarding climb.
🌲 "Looking for more breathtaking adventures beyond Anchorage? Explore the stunning alpine scenery of Reed Lakes Trail in Hatcher Pass or challenge yourself with the steep climb up Lazy Mountain in Palmer."
Eagle River Nature Center & Trails
This is one of Anchorage’s most peaceful and scenic nature escapes. For those looking to experience Alaska’s rugged beauty without a strenuous climb, Eagle River Nature Center offers a network of trails winding through lush boreal forests, towering peaks, and glacier-fed rivers. Located 50 minutes southeast of Black Sheep,, this area is part of Chugach State Park, making it a prime spot for wildlife viewing, family-friendly walks, and more adventurous backcountry hikes.
What to Expect on the Trails
Distance: Varies by trail (~1 to 10 miles, with loop and out-and-back options)
Elevation Gain: Minimal to moderate, depending on the trail
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time Needed: 1–5 hours, depending on the chosen trail
Visitors can choose from several well-maintained trails:
Rodak Nature Loop (0.75 miles, easy) – A short boardwalk loop with views of beaver ponds and potential moose sightings.
Albert Loop Trail (3 miles, moderate, loop) – A scenic walk along the river, surrounded by forest and mountains.
Dew Mound Trail (6 miles, moderate, loop) – A longer, more remote route with deeper forest scenery.
Crow Pass Trail (23 miles, out-and-back) – A challenging backpacking route with glaciers and waterfalls.
Best Time to Visit
Spring to Fall (May–October): Lush forests, wildlife activity, and snow-free trails.
Winter: Open year-round; great for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Getting There
From Black Sheep, take Glenn Highway south to Eagle River, then follow Eagle River Road to the Nature Center parking lot.
Helpful Tips
✅ Carry bear spray—bears are frequently spotted in the area.
✅ Bring binoculars—moose, bald eagles, and salmon are common sights.
✅ Check trail conditions on AllTrails before heading out.
Bonus: Other Stops Nearby
Thunderbird Falls – A quick 1-mile hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Mirror Lake – A serene lake stop for a picnic or kayaking.
Eagle River Nature Center is a must-visit for those wanting a peaceful, scenic walk with wildlife viewing and stunning river valley landscapes.
🌲 "Looking for more breathtaking adventures beyond Anchorage? Hike the stunning alpine trails of Reed Lakes in Hatcher Pass or challenge yourself with the steep climb up Lazy Mountain in Palmer."