マタヌスカ-スシトナ自治区のおすすめライド

If you're coming down this hill from the Kincaid chalet, it's an easy cruise as long as you don't get distracted by the pretty views and crash into a moose or a tree. But if you're going uphill, the more than half-mile of steady climbing is a real quad-burner. Wildlife sightings are very common here; please make sure to give them lots of space.

This is the start of the Crevasse Moraine trail system — a series of swooping, non-technical loops that are fun to bike. During the winter you'll want a fat-tire bike for negotiating the packed-down snow, or if the snow gets too soft you might trade your bike in for a set of skis. Although the loop trails of Crevasse Moraine are a full destination in and of themselves, there's also a connecting trail that takes you south to Long Lake, Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, and other components of the Matanuska Greenbelt.

Often described as a bike path, this paved trail is open to walkers and runners too. It mostly runs right alongside the street, with only a very narrow strip of grass to divide them. Don't forget to look up at the skyline around you every so often — it's full of staggeringly beautiful mountains.

This bridge across the mighty Matanuska River is dedicated solely to foot and bike traffic. The water's generally murky appearance and sometimes lovely coloring (depending on the light) comes from tiny silt particles that were ground up by the Matanuska Glacier and eventually make their way downstream.

This historic train depot now doubles as a community center and can be rented out for special events including concerts. There's also a nice green space around it, and a pathway that gives you a chance to run away from the road for a while.

This road has a very narrow, grassy shoulder, but it's quiet enough that it feels safe to run. As you run, you'll be making a loop around Bodenburg Butte, the just under 900-foot high "peak" that offers great views over the surrounding flat farmlands.

This paved, multi-use trail runs all the way from Anchorage to the small town of Chugiak. It's separated from the road, but look out for moose and bears, both of which are spotted here with some frequency.

Although the entire length of the Park Strip is dotted with monuments, this historical train engine is a perennial favorite. Kids and adults alike enjoy climbing around on it, although if you're really into your run you might not want to stop.