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Gravel / lakeside trail · Anchorage
Eklutna Lakeside Trail
An abandoned roadbed along Eklutna Lake toward the glacier: easy miles, big walls, and frozen-lake fat biking in winter.
- Distance
- 12.7 mi (21.8 km) one way to Eklutna Glacier
- Elevation gain
- 300 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy, on an abandoned roadbed with bridges
- Trail type
- Gravel lakeside trail, then glacial gravel bars. The last mile is footpath
- Fee
- $5/day parking or annual pass
Overview
State Parks says the trail follows the lakeshore for 7 mi, then crosses onto glacial gravel bars. The last mile is a footpath through glacial debris. Expect views of steep canyon walls, waterfalls and Eklutna Glacier, with Dall sheep, mountain goats and pikas.
The State Parks cabins along the lake make this an easy overnight by bike. See our Eklutna Lake cabins trip page.
Rules and closures
Land manager: Alaska State Parks (Chugach State Park) (Alaska State Parks: Chugach State Park recreation (bike rules, 11 AAC 20.050)).
- Shared with ORVs: the off-road vehicle area is only on the Lakeside Trail, open Sunday–Wednesday only, with a 15 mph speed limit (11 AAC 20.015).
- Closed to ATVs Dec 1–Mar 31.
- The last mile is footpath, so walk your bike or leave it.
Season and winter fat biking
Fat bikes (3.7 in+ tires, under 20 psi) may ride frozen Eklutna Lake from Nov 15 to Mar 31. Judge the ice yourself, and stay off it near inlets and the outlet.
Winter riding near avalanche terrain: check our avalanche conditions page first.
Bears
This manager's page has no bear notice of its own, but all of Alaska is bear country. Ride in a group, make noise on blind corners, carry bear spray where you can reach it, and slow down near salmon streams.
Source: ADF&G: The essentials for traveling in bear country (statewide guidance)
Parking and trailheads
- Directions: Eklutna exit at mile 26 of the Glenn Hwy, then follow the signs 10 mi to Eklutna Lake. Park in the large signed lot on the left.
- Fee: $5 parking per calendar day, or an annual day-use pass.
Gear
Carry bear spray where you can reach it, a pump and tube, and layers for rain. For hiking, cabins and hazards on this route, see our Eklutna Lakeside Trail trip page.
Our lists: Gear kits · Small-shop skis & splitboards · Alaska shops
Map: trailheads and parking
Points come from the sources listed. Basemap: USGS The National Map. Don't navigate with this map. Use the official trail map.
- Eklutna Lakeside Trail (trailhead): 61.40976, -149.13450 source