There is an old tongue-in-cheek saying that goes "the best thing about Anchorage is it is only 15 minutes from Alaska". Partly true. Offering all the amenities of any modern metropolitan area, Anchorage also provides easy access by road, rail, water and air to the vast open spaces, remote coastal areas, and unparalleled mountainous regions of the state.
Shop favorites for local activities:
Nordic Skiing: Kincaid Park, Hillside Trails and the Coastal Trail all offer terrific groomed and lighted skiing right in Anchorage.
Ice Climbing: A short 30 minute drive north of Anchorage takes you to Eklutna Canyon, home of many routes for climbers of all abilities. For those with more time to commute there is a lifetime of ice to be climbed within a 2-3 hour drive of Anchorage.
Moutaineering: The Chugach offers some excellent mountaineering opportunities for climbers of all levels of ability and ambition.
Rock Climbing: Outdoor climbing can be found south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway and north of Anchorage at Mile 88 of the Glenn Highway and Hatcher's Pass. The rock is loose, so bring your helmet! Indoor climbing is always great at the Alaska Rock Gym, which has lead and top-rope walls, bouldering and a small weight area.
Backcountry Skiing: Great runs are abundant south of Anchorage at Turnagain Pass, and closer skiing can be found right in Anchorage in the Chugach when the conditions are favorable. Hatcher's Pass north of Anchorage also offers a great quantity of skiable terrain to explore.
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