Anchorage
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Distance Between Anchorage and :
Denali National Park
237 mi / 382 km
Fairbanks
358 mi / 576 km
Valdez
304 mi / 487 km
Dawson City
515 mi / 824 km
Talkeetna
113 mi / 181 km
Population= 260,283
Elevation= Sea Level
Location = Mile 0 of both the Parks and Glenn Highways.
Anchorage is Alaska's only real metropolis (more than half of all residents live here!) and the place where most visitors begin their Alaskan adventure.
In 1915 Anchorage was primarily a tent city of about 2,000 railroad workers and their families. Named by the federal government, it was established
as a base for the construction of the railroad that was to link the interior with the ocean ports of the coast. Today, the city boasts a population of about 260,000 people, or half of all Alaska residents.
The city, which is further north than Stockholm, is surrounded by incredible beauty with the Chugach Mountains to the east, the Alaska Range (including Mt. McKinley) to the north Cook Inlet and the Pacific ocean to the south and west. Hiking, fishing, flight seeing, biking and camping opportunities are easily accessed from the city.
We cannot even begin to list the activities that are available in and around the Anchorage area. You will find all of the facilities, attractions, and accommodations available in any larger American city. Yet, a 10 minute drive in any direction and you will can take advantage of countless outdoor opportunities. Whether you are a hard-core hiker wanting to experience the wilderness, or a tour ship passenger with only a day or two, you will probably want to spend some time exploring what this cosmopolitan city and its surroundings have to offer. Anchorage is an ideal place for gathering information that will be of help on the rest of your Alaska travels.
Activities in Anchorage include museums, a Saturday downtown market, self guided walking tours, miles of bike trails, a zoo, botanical gardens, aviation museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center, the University of Alaska and much more. The Coastal Trail is spectacular and makes for an excellent walk or bike ride and is easily reached from any point in the city by public transportation.
For much more information on what to do, see or places to stay in the Anchorage area, you will want to begin at the Anchorage Visitor Center centrally located in the log cabin in downtown on 4th avenue. The cabin offers a wide range of free brochures, maps, and guides. They also have extensive information about the Kenai Peninsula, and other south central locations.
The Alaska Public Lands Information Center , also on 4th avenue is the single best source of information on outdoor recreational lands use on all public lands in Alaska. Here, you will find information on all of Alaska's state and federal lands including parks, forests, recreation areas and wildlife refuges. Available are maps,
books, slide shows, and other aids to help you with your Alaska adventure. Expert staff are a knowledgeable resource, and can assist you in learning much more about Alaska and what it has to offer. There are also offices located in Fairbanks, Tok and Ketchikan. No matter where in Alaska you wish to explore, this is the best place to begin!
GETTING AROUND ANCHORAGE:
People Mover (city bus) You can get virtually anywhere in the municipality by bus. The Bus depot is located on the corner of 6th Ave. and H Street in downtown. Most routes are only $1 with transfers available. Day passes are $2.50. Visit their website for up to date information.
NEAR ANCHORAGE:
Chugach State Park:
At 485,000 acres,
the entire park is within the municipality of Anchorage. Easily accessed by bus or car, there are wonderful outdoor adventures to be found for everyone including, day walks, longer hiking trails, campgrounds, ski trails, scenic overlooks, and waterfalls.
Eklutna Glacier:
Located 25 miles from the city, you can walk the 13 miles in Eklutna Historical Park to the glacier. An relatively moderate, but long (13 miles) walking trail begins at the campground and will take you by Eklutna Lake to the glacier.
Mount Alyeska:
For world-class skiing, or just for magnificent views of Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains, take the Seward Highway 40 miles south. Along the way, make a stop at Portage Glacier.
From the visitor center located on the road, you can see the glacier. If you'd like a closer look, there are boat rides on the lake, or hike around the lake on the trail.