People living in Anchorage have incredible access to a big backyard playground in the mountains. However, if you're new to town, or even if you've lived here all your life and come from a family that didn't do much outdoors, the mountains can seem as beautiful as they are imposing. Simply breaking out of day-to-day patterns to take a hike can feel daunting; not to mention wondering about what to bring or what to wear.
Let's make it easy. It's good to approach hiking, especially in Alaska, with a healthy measure of respect and planning, but it shouldn't keep you off the trails. Day to day, living and working in Anchorage can feel like Anyplace, USA. Hitting the hills after work or on weekends and finding yourself removed from the city, yet so close, is what makes life here amazing
What to wear
My rule of thumb when hiking, especially as a beginner, is to stay comfortable, and what you wear can make or break that experience. You don't need to look like you're on safari or dress like the spandex-clad mannequin at REI, but you do need to find clothing that will keep you dry and warm. You also need to bring more than you think you'll use, so you can add layers as you cool off on your way back down the mountain, in case the weather changes -- which happens, especially in Alaska, every five minutes -- and in case you are caught out longer than expected.
When selecting what to wear, avoid cotton. Your softest T-shirt is perfect for stashing in the car for afterward, but once the cotton is wet (from weather, water or from sweat) it won't dry. This can cause anything from chafing to uncomfortable cold clamminess to, in more extreme cases, hypothermia. Instead, look for clothing made of material that will quickly dry while keeping you warm, even if it's wet. Companies like Patagonia, North Face and, yes, REI design their own base layers from synthetic materials, merino wool (not itchy!) and silk. You can also find perfectly good, and less expensive, layers at stores such as Fred Meyer, Target and thrift stores; just check the tags. I always stash a warm jacket, hat and mittens in my backpack.
Finally, wear shoes that are comfortable! One of the biggest mistakes people make is going out and buying new hiking boots and immediately heading up a hill. Hiking boots can be painful to break in. Find a good pair of boots and break them in around the house or in your neighborhood before you walk on them for miles. If you do not need much ankle support, tennis shoes with a decent amount of traction work fine.
What to bring
Before you even head out the door, let someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back. When you're about ready to hit the trail, double check that you have your car keys in a secure place in your backpack. I suggest also bringing your wallet instead of leaving it in the car. This allows you to bring peace of mind!
You need to bring plenty of water. I suggest at least 32 ounces per hiker, and more depending on how long you plan on staying outside, the temperature and how difficult the hike is. This is also the time to bring high-calorie snacks! No carrot sticks, please; pass me the chocolate and peanuts.
I typically bring bear spray (a high-test Mace), especially if I'm hiking in a group of four people or fewer. Making lots of noise while on the trail, particularly in very brushy areas or when turning a corner, is key to avoiding a bear encounter.
Trekking poles can be wonderful for stability, especially coming downhill. They essentially transform you from a two-legged animal to a four-legged animal, helping you distribute weight more evenly to keep your balance and reduce pressure on your knees. On this note, I always stash a few ibuprofen in my bag in case of a headache or pain.
Fun extras to bring include a camera, binoculars and books to identify birds, plants and animals. There are plenty of pocket-sized books to choose from at Title Wave. I like to stash a garbage bag and a few ziplocks in my backpack to keep things (my phone, books) dry in case of rain.
Places to start
Glen Alps Trailhead: This is Anchorage's most popular trailhead, which is great for beginners because there are lots of options, views are very easy to come by and there are always plenty of people on the trail. Flattop Peak, accessible from Glen Alps, is Alaska's most-hiked mountain, but a word of caution -- it is not an easy hike. It's gorgeous and well worth it, but if it's your first time heading up there I recommend preparing well and taking your time. Note: Parking in all Chugach State Park trailheads costs $5/day.
Eagle River Nature Center: This was the first place I went hiking in Alaska, and it blew me away. The 2.5-mile hike to Echo Bend in particular was mostly flat and offered a stunning view of the Chugach that really put Alaska in scale for me. In any other part of the U.S. this would be considered national park material, but here in Alaska it's simply part of Anchorage. Echo Bend is a great picnic spot.
Crow Pass: Accessible from Girdwood, this trail is for fit or patient hikers who are ready for something a little bigger. It is an 8-mile out-and-back hike to the pass and a stunning view of Raven Glacier. The elevation gain is steady and places you in the middle of an incredible panoramic view of the mountains. If you want to feel like a tiny speck walking through a vast gorgeous postcard, this is the hike for you!
It takes just the right amount of planning and daring to explore our big backyard, which is truly open to anyone. There is no better feeling than heading outside and remembering what makes Anchorage an incredible place to live. Explore and enjoy!
This story appeared in the March 2015 issue of 61º North Magazine. Contact 61º editor Jamie Gonzales at jgonzales@alaskadispatch.com.