Hostetler Park

6.9 mi

This new park is still only in phase ONE and it's dope as hell. We stumbled across it tonight on an…read moreevening drive and did a U-e so we could check it out. They've got tons of parking, incredible LED lighting so the park is able to be used during our long winters, and a really innovative playground with all kinds of weird equipment you just have to check out for yourself. At the back if the park are other phases of the park that aren't fully completed yet- baseball and paintball. Also with tons of parking. The park also has a little picnic pavilion with grills that can be reserved for special events. This is a nice addition to south Anchorage since they didn't have many parks.

Best place to poop in the Anchorage bowl.read more

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Fish Creek Park

(3 reviews)

2.6 mi

When I was scouting this park for review, the road next to it was being ripped open…read more It seems like a pretty nice park. It's got a picnic shelter, some fancy new playground equipment, and tennis courts (which were locked shut?). Profile of the park is pretty long, room for dogfriends to run. The section of Fish Creek running through here looks...pretty weak, like it's barely flowing :-/ This place is also a pokestop.

This park IS THE SHIZNIT. The equipment is brand-spanking new, super durable and super fun…read more There's an awesome zip line thing that people of all ages were having a blast on. There's swings for kids of all ages, including a really great swing that would be really excellent for kids (even big kids) With disabilities. And the two person purple T-Rex is bomb. Definitely one of the best parks in Anchorage. To my mind it's only second to Westchester.

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Kincaid Park

4.8

(33 reviews)

6.4 mi

Great park with plenty of amenities. It has a lot of walking and biking trails as well as sports…read morefield and hockey rinks. Also has beach access. Plenty of parking. If you want to see a moose, come here. I saw around 8!

Beautiful park with access to the costal trail! Saw a moose not too far from the parking lot. Nice…read morepaved paths and large parking lot. Public restrooms and maps available.

Moose

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Oceanview Park

4.6

(5 reviews)

8.5 mi

A great family park. They have a zip line swing that's perfect for young and older kids. It's…read morealways clean and there is a wide verity of play areas for you d and older kids. I especially like the hill that's near the pavilion for sledding.

Sweet set up here! Bring your bikes, basketballs and tennis rackets! Nice rock wall for kids and…read morepretty cool set up for a playground and awesome Picnic area. Will probably frequent this park with the kiddos this summer :)

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

(64 reviews)

0.1 mi

Beautiful, well kept trail! I saw five moose on the trail!…read more 11 miles each way starting at Elderberry Park and ending at Kincaid Park. Plenty of pull outs, benches, and look out points along the way. There was one point of the trail that had some bumps that appear to be in the process of being repaved, but otherwise no complaints. The only downside, biking up to Kincaid park was a challenge and the views at the top aren't worth it, there is also nothing waiting up top. Would be cool to see a coffee shop or something of the sort.

Very amazing hike with great views. We absolutely loved walking this trail last night and early…read morethis morning. Great views of the port as well as many other things!

Arctic Tern

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Earthquake Park

4.1

(28 reviews)

3.0 mi

Earthquake Park is a laid-back, educational, and scenic outdoor stop that's perfect as a short…read morehalf-day visit -- especially if you're already exploring Anchorage or biking the coastal trail. It won't wow with adrenaline or exhibits, but it delivers on Alaska's beauty and history. Perfect for families, photographers, and anyone who prefers slow-paced nature experiences. Birdwatchers and photographers will appreciate the variety of birds and occasional moose sightings, and there are several scenic points worth stopping at for photos -- especially at sunrise or sunset. Pros * Free entry, free parking, and easy access. * Beautiful coastal and mountain views. * Historical interpretive signs. * Ideal for light hiking, biking, or a picnic. Cons * Mosquitoes can be intense in summer, so bug spray is a must. * Limited facilities beyond trails and scenic spots.

Amazing views! Absolutely stunning landscapes. Crazy amount of wild life, a bit chilly and…read moremanicured in winter.

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Taku Lake Park

4.4

(8 reviews)

4.7 mi

Too many people. Too many loose dogs. Fish hooks everywhere. The area is clean due to people…read morecleaning up the poop from dogs. The nature is ok.

Best thing about this lake: it has a beaver in it! (and the worst thing about it, for all you tree…read morefans out there) It's also connected to the Campbell Creek trail system. Great for a when you want to hike after work but...the weather looks iffy. You can still move your legs back and forth, but bail pretty easily. King Street Brewing is also right next door, jussayin'.

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Point Woronzof Park

4.4

(14 reviews)

4.3 mi

If you like quirky parks with loud jets flying over, this is the perfect place! I stumbled upon it…read morewhile exploring around Anchorage, and it was such a fun spot to spend some time on a beautiful sunny day. There's a large parking lot, complete with a couple of outhouses and (at least on the day I visited) a hot dog vendor, too. The parking lot sits well above the beach area, where I walked around and did plenty of people-watching before heading out to the point and the very colorfully painted structure that (maybe?) I think has something to do either with airplane or sea navigation. Surrounding the point were zillions of painted rocks. It was local art gone wild and I loved it! At regular intervals, giant jets flew over upon takeoff from the airport (which is mere yards away). If you don't like loud jets, I would not recommend this beach. But if you do, well, you've come to the right place!

A dead moose carcass…read more Graffiti, mostly colorful. Didn't close enough to see if it was also tasteful. Slippery clay and mud - lots of moments where I thought I might slip and fall to the ground. Definitely something to watch for. Small granulated particles sliding down the sandy hill. Crazy to see erosion in action. Just a few of the many exciting things along this walking area. Beautiful breeze off the inlet. Lots of great views of downtown Anchorage. Lots of parking available and a wonderful place to get to see a brilliant sunset. Bring a chair and a cooler!

Winter views

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Jewel Lake Park

4.5

(6 reviews)

5.7 mi

This playground/lake park is busy from sunrise to sundown, when the weather is good…read more It consists of a large pavilion/shelter, big kids playground, toddler playground, open green field, beach/sand/lake, and a kids' zipline. A few sitting areas are sprinkled throughout. As someone who avoids small talk and parent interactions, I try to show up at the crack of dawn. There will still be folks here, but at least you aren't elbow to elbow. It's difficult to bring my kids to these swimming areas without the intention of swimming. I prefer for my kids to swim at Little Campbell Lake (near Kincaid Park), instead.

A nice spot just off Dimond. The park has two parking areas- one just off Dimond on the south end…read moreof the lake that can be a little crowded and a larger one at the northeast side of the lake. Here, there are picnic areas and a playground area for kids. The lake is supposedly stocked with fish, so you usually see folks ice fishing in the winter. The south entrance has a small dock that is also good for fishing in warmer weather.

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Valley of the Moon park

4.0

1.0 mi

Playground is ancient, rusted, and weathered. Kids can still manage to have fun. The park itself is…read morealright.

Over the years, I've committed to walking more, despite the lack of sidewalks in neighborhood. I…read morehave to take a very roundabout route to get to Valley of the Moon, but it just means I get more steps in. My comments in my previous review all still remain true. This park is conveniently connected to the trail system which connects it to several other parks and bodies of water. This has become a popular location for birthday parties and is unofficial dog park since the official dog park down the street has become unsafe due to druggie. This park is sunnier and more exposed and less popular with people causing problems.

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Westchester Lagoon

(13 reviews)

1.0 mi

I probably spend more time at this park year round than any other park in Anchorage proper. It is…read moreconveniently connected to multiple trails and easy to access on foot from most of West Anch, Spenard, Northstar/Valley of the Moon, Midtown, and Downtown. If you've got a bike, you can connect from even further out very easily. As such, the Lagoon looks a lot like a Gilmore Girls community and is popular with people year round. There are frequently small sponsored events going on- the coolest of which involves ice skating in the winter. I personally love this park because it's a great place to bird watch. It's a fragile breeding ground for aquatic birds (take note dog owners - IT IS NOT OK TO LET YOUR DOGS OFF LEASH HERE OR LET THEM SWIM!) Red Neck Grebes are one if the more unusual arctic birds that breed here. The arctic terns also put on quite a show. Various loons and cranes also make an appearance, as well as some unique ducks. There's also an awesome playground and snack bar for the kiddies. A few years ago they also installed a bike counter that tracks the thousands that use the Tony Knowles at various intervals - it's fun to watch the numbers climb as the season goes on. There's also a free bike maintenance station here. Definitely a great location for lots and tourists alike, but parking is a problem, so carpool or better yet, use the trails!

This is a park which also goes by the name also known as Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park, is home to a…read moreman-made water fowl sanctuary, a lake, a disc golf course and a playground. They have private parking lots for you to park free of charge. It is located near downtown and is a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It conveniently lies at the intersection of two of Anchorage's most popular trails, the Tony Knowles and Chester Creek trails. There were many runners traveling through while I was there, going through the two little tunnels that run under the road. You will find benches and picnic tables here to sit around the lake. This is home to lots, I mean lots, lots of waterfowl. They seemed aggressive, so I kept my distance. The disc golf course was nice but was covered in snow and mud. The lake is nice and during the winter is converted to an ice hockey/skating rink. My only complaint is that the park could be a little cleaner, even though part is that could be due to me visiting off-season. There were some maintenance guys there do some other stuff. The park is touted as a great place to bird watch in the spring and you can see other animals such as moose, beaver in the early morning or late evening, muskrats, foxes, otters, and minks, year-round, but it is rare. I did not see any of them. This nature park has a calming kind of peace to it, even though you hear the hum of cars on the nearby road. Just sitting on the bench looking out to the lake was so very soothing. If your schedule permits, I highly recommend visiting this place to just relax and recharge.

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Rabbit Lake Trail

(5 reviews)

13.0 mi

One of the best trails I did in Alaska!!!! it's not that long and on relatively flat ground…read more Changing scenery along the way and you are rewarded with an absolutely gorgeous Alpine Lake at the end.

Beautiful trail any time of year. The parking area and street can packed, so be prepared to hike to…read morethe start of the trailhead depending on the time of day and day of the week. In the past I've only hit this trail to go to peak two for skiing, but recently went to Rabbit Lake on the most perfect day possible. Got great photos of the Suicides, waded in the lake, and wallowed on the grass. One regret is that I didn't get a pano shot. I'm like queen of the panos, what the heck? There were a few people tenting it, making it a perfect amateur backpacking adventure. Will come again and may pack a picnic.

Unless you really know what you're doing, don't go past the gate in the winter or this could be you!

9/26/21

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9/26/21

Chugach Guides Alaska

4.5 mi

Super Late on this review but finally got to it. We were in Alaska last year for my sister's T4K…read moreRide (http://www.texas4000.org). After she was done we wanted to explore Anchorage a little. After reading about Chugach guides we booked a hike with them. My parents never go hiking or trekking, neither does my wife!!! For them to enjoy this, was a big deal. Sudevi was on time and super cheerful. She is very knowledgable and kept the hike easy for most of the way keeping in mind that my sister just biked 4500 miles from Austin 2 days before. My mom is a botanist so she got to explore her flowers and plants, I like mountains so we got some nice shots. I would highly recommend Sudevi and her company. She was equipped with water and snacks, what else can you ask for.

I signed up for a day long hike and had the best hike of my life! Luke was our guide. He was…read moreenjoyable to be with and offered education along the way, as well as keeping the conversation going between us. He hiked us up to hidden lake, and then gave us the option to climb to the summit of The Ramp for the most breathtaking view. As a novice hiker, it was certainly a challenge, but the views at the top were spectacular. All in all, 13 miles round trip. Hiking poles, snacks and water were provided. Those poles saved my knees on the way back! I highly recommend this company. I felt I received great value.

Wife & I

Counting Dall Sheep

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Hostetler Park - parks - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Hostetler Park also viewed

Resolution Park

3.7

(10 reviews)

Overlooks Cook bay…read more Tribute to Captain Cook. Some great views. It is worth the walk to this location. You can park and walk to most places in this part of the city.

This is a cute little park you can visit while you're in Anchorage, with great views out to the…read moreCook Inlet. The park features a statue/monument of Captain Cook, looking across the Inlet as he might have done during his explorations. There are also a few wooden paths you can walk around the monument, if you want to get some exercise while visiting the park. Within the paths are a couple of wooden benches where you can sit and look out at the view or take a break. Aside from seeing the statue, taking in the view, and walking around the wooden boardwalk, there isn't much else to see or do in Resolution Park. But it's still worth a photo op and a little stop to admire the scenery!

Carr-Gottstein Park

3.8

Hidden gem for sure. It's hard for my brain to fathom such a beautiful area being accessible…read morethrough this neighborhood. The entrance is pretty much a dog park. Wide open field that is always maintained. The trail to the views has gotten wider. The back field is open enough for multiple visitors to be there are once, comfortably. I've had a picnic with my toddler here, while couples walked the perimeter, and others walked their dogs. There are 2 trails that will take you down to the mudflats. So far, I've visited on sunny mornings/high noons. I can't wait to experience a few sunsets here.

This is just a little muddy path out to a promontory, accessed through one of the snootier…read moreresidential neighborhoods you will find in Anchorage. There is no dedicated parking or facilities so it seems like really just a place for the locals. While I was there, a well dressed and groomed middle aged woman ran through making "donkey ears" at me and yelling obscenities for no reason. I found it amusing, but this was witnessed by a dad out with his 8 yo or so daughter. They should not have had to witness that. Honestly I think there must be better places to view Cook Inlet up close and personal.

Arnold L. Muldoon Park

3.8

It's about a half mile walk with work out benches, that looks kinda ok ,I wouldn't go there after…read moredark by myself even with a gun. Parking is minimal, about 10 to 15 teen cars max, I kinda like this trail for length, could be a little longer, I would be more worried about someone braking into my car. I did see loose dogs with their owners

Large part next to the road, but don't be fooled, it has lots of hiking trails that quickly take…read moreyou away from the car noises! A cycling trail borders the edge of the park. There's a picnic table and bear proof trash cans. The hiking trails double as a sort of "fitness training loop", see photo of signage for details!

Wolverine Park

3.5

(2 reviews)

Wolverine is a large neighborhood park in southwest Anchorage that's pretty popular with people who…read morelive in the immediate vicinity, but not the kind of park you'd go out of your way for. It's almost an entire city block, but there's not much there. It's got some aging toddler playground stuff, but nothing for older kids. There's a picnic pavilion with 4 tables (perpetual birthday parties here) but no grills or anything. There's tons of large trees, so the mosquitos are off the chain. The park is carved into little zones by all the trees that create private little nooks, so sight lines can be a problem for paranoid parents. It's a very attractive park, but frankly, not very functional. It's also worth noting it is NOT attached to the trail system.

It's a cool little park with a shaded picnic area I would recommend this park to anyone near byeread more

Fish Creek Park

(3 reviews)

Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park

(3 reviews)

A beautiful park with great views of the mountains. Nice paved paths. Small parking lot. Easy…read moreaccess to the costal trail as well!

This park sits on the west side of Westchester Lagoon…read more It's got many things: - fun and fancy "physics-based" playground that may or may not also be enjoyable for adults - kayak/canoe opportunities - birds - two Pokemon gyms, and at least 5 Pokestops - a fancy "how many people have biked through here" automated sign - in the summer: a food cart - a couple honeybuckets It connects right to the coastal trail and features a brand new (finally!) bridge.

Meadow Park

3.0

We came upon this park walking around some neighborhoods when I realized I lived nearish to walk to…read morethe Kaladi's off of Brayton. My pup and I passed this park and were a little surprised it's actually a park given it's size and that it appeared to have little planning involved in sectioning it out. This park has very little surface area to play on, has a pond and creeks around it, and a few amenities. I'm not sure what it looks like in the summer, but in the winter there appears to have a loop one can do that crosses a street, and an offshoot that open up to an area with a hill. It's set among townhouses, suburbs, businesses, and schools and offers a small space for dogs and people to play. I liked the couple of benches and poop bag dispensers in this area. Small respite area in a sea of industrial businesses and small family housing.

Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park

3.0

We discovered East side of this park and corresponding trail (which offshoot from the Chester Creek…read moretrail) purely by chance the other day when we began our walk at Valley of the Moon Park. This little trail appears to have been established in a wetlands area back in the 70s is is mostly used by people who live in the area (it needs some updating). They did recently add a platform on the bank that artists use in the summer for painting wildlife, but frankly, the view on the west side of the park (where the notorious duck poop is in the parking lot) is much nicer if you explore. One bonus to the east side is they've recently expanded and improved the public parking area and it doesn't have the duck poop problem the west side parking lot that's on the Soenard bypass does.

Barrow Park

4.0

Note: google maps calls this "Buttress Park", and Anchorage Parks calls it "Barrow Park"…read more This is a "Hill to Chill". It's kind of like Anchorage's backyard sledding hill. It's a sloping piece of lawn that starts in downtown and empties out into the Shipcreek area. It's a great place to relax and picnic after a day walking around downtown, especially if the weather is nice. In the winter, you could probably sled down this...not sure if you'd get in trouble or not though. Don't tell 'em I sent ya!

Alaska Victims of Violent Crime Memorial

4.0