The independent guide to Anchorage

Anchorage opensonto the wild.

Moose on the Coastal Trail, king salmon in Ship Creek, glaciers down the highway and a huge mountain park at the city's edge, in one local guide.

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287,155
Anchorage residents
495,000 acres
In Chugach State Park, at the city's edge
1,961 square miles
Covered by the Municipality of Anchorage
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By the numbers

Things you wouldn'tguess aboutAnchorage.

287,155

Anchorage residents The US Census Bureau's Vintage 2025 estimate put the Municipality of Anchorage at 287,155 people on July 1, 2025.

495,000 acres

In Chugach State Park, at the city's edge Alaska State Parks calls it one of the four largest state parks in the United States, and its western boundary is about seven miles east of downtown Anchorage.

1,961 square miles

Covered by the Municipality of Anchorage The municipality stretches from Eklutna in the north to Portage in the south, so a single city holds glaciers, a ski resort and a salmon stream.

227 parks

Municipal parks, with about 250 miles of trails Visit Anchorage counts 227 municipal parks and roughly 250 miles of trails across the city.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main airport for Anchorage, Alaska?

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the main airport for Anchorage. It sits at 5000 W. International Airport Rd., is operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, and was established in 1951.

When can you see the northern lights in Anchorage?

Visit Anchorage says the aurora is visible in Anchorage from September through April. Popular viewing spots include Eklutna Tailrace, Girdwood and the Knik River area.

How long is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage?

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a paved path of about 11 miles along the shore of Cook Inlet, running from Downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. Eagles and moose are commonly seen along the way.

Where can you see moose in Anchorage?

Visit Anchorage suggests Potter Marsh, Kincaid Park, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and Russian Jack Springs Park for wild moose in Anchorage, most often in the morning and evening. For guaranteed viewing, it points to the Alaska Zoo and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Does Anchorage have public transportation?

Yes. People Mover is the public transit service of the Municipality of Anchorage and the largest public transit provider in Alaska, carrying about 12,000 passengers each weekday across Anchorage and Eagle River.

How big is Chugach State Park near Anchorage?

Chugach State Park covers about 495,000 acres, and Alaska State Parks says it is one of the four largest state parks in the United States. Its western boundary is about seven miles east of downtown Anchorage.

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