Where is Chugach State Park,Anchorage, Alaska?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Chugach State Park is located in Alaska, USA. It lies between the city of Anchorage and the Turnagain Arm and is situated in the south-central part of the state. The park is famous for its mountains, glaciers, rivers, wildlife, and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and fishing.

Chugach State Park Location Map,Anchorage, Alaska

Top Attractions Inside Chugach State Park

  • Flattop Mountain – Popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of Anchorage, Cook Inlet, and surrounding peaks.
  • Eklutna Lake – Scenic lake with trails, kayaking, and picnic areas surrounded by mountains.
  • Powerline Pass – Trailhead leading to backcountry hiking, wildlife viewing, and alpine scenery.
  • Hatcher Pass – Historic mining area with scenic drives, hiking, and wildflower meadows.
  • Ruth Glacier – Glacial viewpoint accessible via hiking or guided tours, offering dramatic ice formations.
  • Wildlife Viewing Areas – Opportunities to see moose, bears, eagles, and other Alaskan wildlife.
  • Mountain Biking & Ski Trails – Extensive trail networks for biking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter.

Chugach State Park Facts

Official NameChugach State Park
LocationAnchorage, Alaska, USA
Latitude & Longitude61.1814° N, 149.4370° W
Total Area~495,000 acres (200,000 hectares)
Established1970
FounderState of Alaska Legislature
Managed ByAlaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
RegionSouthcentral Alaska
AddressChugach State Park Headquarters, 18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
Zip Code99516
Area Code907
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneAlaska Standard Time (AKST – UTC−9 / AKDT – UTC−8)
Theme / ConceptWilderness Recreation, Glacial Valleys, Mountain Landscapes, Wildlife Viewing
Main FeaturesFlattop Mountain - Eagle River Nature Center - Eklutna Lake - Turnagain Arm Overlooks - Chugach Mountains
Famous ActivitiesHiking - Wildlife Viewing - Camping - Kayaking (Eklutna Lake) - Backcountry Skiing - Scenic Photography
Annual VisitorsApprox. 1 million+ visitors per year
Entry Fee TypeParking Fee Required at Most Trailheads
Typical Fees~$5 Daily Parking / $60 Annual Alaska State Parks Pass
Best Time to VisitJune–September for hiking; December–March for winter sports
Nearby AirportTed Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) – 17 miles (27 km)
TransportationPersonal Vehicle - Local Tours - Limited Public Transit - Biking Access in Some Areas
Official Websitehttps://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/chugach

Distances from Chugach State Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Girdwood, AK – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – 35 km (22 mi)
  • Anchorage, AK – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Alyeska Resort – 45 km (28 mi)
  • Eagle River Nature Center – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Portage Glacier – 55 km (34 mi)
  • Turnagain Arm – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Kenai Peninsula – 80 km (50 mi)
  • Mirror Lake – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Flattop Mountain Trailhead – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Bird Creek – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Beluga Point – 35 km (22 mi)
  • Eklutna Lake – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Portage Valley – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Turnagain Pass – 45 km (28 mi)
  • O’Malley Peak Trail – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Rabbit Creek – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Indian Valley Trail – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Campbell Creek – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Powerline Pass – 18 km (11 mi)