Οι 9 πιο εκπληκτικές κορυφές Anchorage

When the weather is clear, you have a great view of the mountains and the coast off Anchorage from up here.

Blueberry Knoll is named for the plentiful berries that populate its slopes in autumn—but this is such a popular area that they get picked out very quickly. Blink, and you'll miss them! You'll hike right past the knoll on your way up Flattop, or you can treat it as its own destination, hiking a complete loop around it to enjoy the views in all directions before you head back down.

The views from Flattop Mountain's plateau summit are spectacular. On a really clear day you can see the Alaska Range, and sometimes even Denali (tiny in the distance) from here. If you have the time and energy, you can also hike farther along the ridge to the southeast. There are two ways to hike up Flattop Mountain: From the Canyon Road AKA Rabbit Creek Trailhead, which you need a car to reach, or from the Glen Alps Trailhead, which you can reach with a car or via the Flattop Shuttle (see https://www.hike-anchorage-alaska.com/). If you're hiking from the Glen Alps Trailhead, the trail includes a bit of steep scrambling near the summit. Be careful and watch for loose rock!

This unimpressive rooster comb of rock gets its name from being the second peak in the ridgeline that starts with Flattop Mountain to the northwest. Although the peak itself isn't impressive — in fact, it's a mild, rocky scramble that is guarantee to break your running stride — the views from here are amazing. If you'd heading downhill from here you have access to the (relatively) new switchbacks on the Flattop Sunnyside Trail, which make it possible for the surefooted to maintain a jogging pace on the downhill. Do watch for mud after wet weather — the switchbacks are well-built, but sometimes get a bit slippery. And of course as always, be aware of possible wildlife in the area.

Flattop is easily the most-climbed mountain in Anchorage — probably in the entire state of Alaska. You can reach the summit by either of two trails, but other the trail that approaches from the southeast — known as the Flattop Sunnyside Trail — is really conducive for running. It's steep, but has switchbacks and generally good footing for most of the way up. The other trail up to this broad plateau of a peak has a significant section of rock scrambling that would be impossible to run, no matter how sure-footed you may be.

Peak Two is marked by a "rooster comb" of rock sitting on the ridgeline, accessible with some minimal scrambling.

The Bird Ridge Trail climbs sharply from the Seward Highway to gain glorious views across the Turnagain Arm and the surrounding mountains. It's a strenuous hike that's sure to blow away the cobwebs. Thanks to its south-facing nature, it is one of the first trails in the region to dry out in spring, making it a good early season objective.

McHugh Peak – Q'isqa Dghelaya in the Dena'ina tongue – is a glorious mountain that can be hiked from the McHugh Creek Recreation Area. It's a strenuous hike and to gain the very apex of the mountain, you'll need to scramble up the summit rocks. The views in all directions are excellent, particularly towards the immense pyramids of the Suicide Peaks.