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🚌 Anchorage Trails Accessible by Bus
Explore Anchorage’s best hikes — No Car Needed
Senior/Disability $1.00 | Cash, card or token accepted |
Official People Mover Site →
🗺️ Bus-Accessible Trail Overview
| Trail | Bus Route | Stop | Walk to Trailhead | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Knowles Coastal Trail | Route 9, 45 | 2nd Ave & L St | ~5 min | Easy |
| Earthquake Park | Route 9 | W. Northern Lights Blvd | ~10 min | Easy |
| Kincaid Park | Route 45 | Raspberry Rd & Jewel Lake | ~20 min | Moderate |
| Far North Bicentennial Park | Route 45 | DeBarr Rd & Lake Otis | ~15 min | Easy-Moderate |
| Campbell Creek Trail | Route 36 | Tudor Rd & C St | ~10 min | Easy |
| Valley of the Moon Park | Route 11, 36 | 15th Ave & Cordova | ~5 min | Easy |
| Ship Creek Trail | Route 1, 2 | Downtown Transit Center | ~8 min | Easy |
Anchorage Trails Accessible by Bus – No Car Needed
Welcome to Anchorage, a city surrounded by stunning natural beauty and an extensive network of trails. While many people assume that a car is necessary to explore these trails, the good news is that the People Mover bus system makes it easy to get out and enjoy the great outdoors without one. In this guide, we’ll show you how to access some of Anchorage’s most beautiful trails using the bus, perfect for tourists and car-free locals alike.
Introduction to the People Mover Bus System
The People Mover bus system is a convenient and affordable way to get around Anchorage. With multiple routes covering various parts of the city, you can easily use the bus to reach many of the trails and parks. The buses run frequently, and the fares are reasonable, making it a great option for those without a car. You can find more information about the People Mover bus system, including routes, schedules, and fares, on the official website.
Trails Reachable by Bus
Here are some of the amazing trails you can access using the People Mover bus system:
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Bus Route: 9
Stop Name: Westchester Lagoon
Walk Distance to Trailhead: 0.2 miles
What You’ll See: The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is an 11-mile coastal path that offers breathtaking views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains. The trail is paved and suitable for walkers, joggers, and bikers. You can access the trail from the Westchester Lagoon stop, and from there, you can head either north or south along the coast.
Earthquake Park
Bus Route: 9
Stop Name: Earthquake Park
Walk Distance to Trailhead: 0 miles (the bus stop is located within the park)
What You’ll See: Earthquake Park is a unique park that commemorates the 1964 Good Friday earthquake that devastated Anchorage. The park features a scenic overlook, a memorial, and a short trail that takes you through a beautiful forest. You can learn about the earthquake’s impact on the city and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Far North Bicentennial Park
Bus Route: 45
Stop Name: Bicentennial Park
Walk Distance to Trailhead: 0.5 miles
What You’ll See: Far North Bicentennial Park is a vast park that offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring. The park features several trails, including the popular Campbell Creek Trail, which takes you through a scenic forest and along the creek. You can also visit the Chugach Mountains, which offer stunning views and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Kincaid Park
Bus Route: 45
Stop Name: Kincaid Park
Walk Distance to Trailhead: 0.2 miles
What You’ll See: Kincaid Park is a beautiful park located on a bluff overlooking Cook Inlet. The park features several trails, including the popular Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which takes you through a scenic forest and along the coast. You can also visit the Kincaid Chalet, which offers stunning views and a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Valley of the Moon Park
Bus Route: 11
Stop Name: Valley of the Moon Park
Walk Distance to Trailhead: 0 miles (the bus stop is located within the park)
What You’ll See: Valley of the Moon Park is a scenic park that features a beautiful lake, walking trails, and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. The park is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and it’s easily accessible by bus.
Campbell Creek Trail
Bus Route: 36
Stop Name: Campbell Creek Science Center
Walk Distance to Trailhead: 0.2 miles
What You’ll See: The Campbell Creek Trail is a scenic trail that takes you through a beautiful forest and along the creek. The trail is suitable for walkers, joggers, and bikers, and it offers plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Cruise Ship Visitors: Best Hikes with 3-4 Hours in Port
If you’re visiting Anchorage on a cruise ship, you may have limited time to explore the city and its trails. Fortunately, there are some great options that can be reached using the People Mover bus system. One of the best hikes for cruise ship visitors is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which can be accessed from the Ship Creek area. Simply take the bus to the Westchester Lagoon stop, and from there, you can head north or south along the coast. This trail offers stunning views of Cook Inlet and the surrounding mountains, and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of Anchorage in a short amount of time.
Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your bus-based trail adventure:
- Fare: The fare for the People Mover bus system is $2.00 for a single ride, or you can purchase a day pass for $5.00. You can find more information about fares on the official website.
- Schedules: You can find schedules for the People Mover bus system on the official website, or you can use Google Maps to plan your trip.
- Google Maps: Google Maps is a great resource for planning your trip and navigating the bus system. Simply enter your starting and ending points, and Google Maps will provide you with the best route and schedule information. You can also use the Google Maps website or download the Google Maps app for your smartphone.
Additionally, here are some tips for using the bus system:
- Plan your trip in advance: Use the People Mover website or Google Maps to plan your trip and make sure you know the schedule and route information.
- Arrive early: Make sure to arrive at the bus stop early to ensure you don’t miss your bus.
- Check the bus schedule: Check the bus schedule at the stop or on the People Mover website to make sure you’re on the right bus and that it’s running on time.
- Be prepared: Bring water, snacks, and any other supplies you may need for your hike, as well as a map and compass or GPS device.
We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your bus-based trail adventure in Anchorage. With the People Mover bus system, you can easily access some of the city’s most beautiful trails without a car. So why not get out and explore the great outdoors? You never know what amazing sights and experiences you’ll discover.
🚢 Cruise Ship Hikers — 3-4 Hours in Port
Best Quick Hikes from the Port Area
If your cruise ship docks in Anchorage (most dock at the Port of Anchorage near Ship Creek),
you have some excellent options within walking distance or a short rideshare away.
1. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail ⭐ TOP PICK
Flat, paved 11-mile trail along Cook Inlet with Denali views on clear days.
Start at Elderberry Park and walk as far as time allows. Turn back at any point.
2. Earthquake Park + Coastal Trail Loop
Visit the historic 1964 earthquake site, then walk the coastal trail back toward downtown.
3. Flattop Mountain (with shuttle)
Anchorage’s most hiked mountain. Panoramic views. Shuttle from downtown hotels runs daily in summer.
📍 Plan Your Route
Use Google Maps Transit for real-time bus directions from any downtown Anchorage location:
🥾 Explore More Anchorage Trails
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Anchorage Trails Accessible by Bus — No Car Needed
What is the difficulty level of the trails accessible by bus in Anchorage?
The trails accessible by bus in Anchorage vary in difficulty, ranging from easy to challenging. Some trails, such as the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, are relatively flat and suitable for hikers of all skill levels, while others, like the Flattop Mountain Trail, are more strenuous and require a higher level of physical fitness. It’s essential to research the trail you plan to hike and choose one that suits your abilities.
What is the best time to visit the trails accessible by bus in Anchorage?
The best time to visit the trails accessible by bus in Anchorage is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. During this time, the trails are generally snow-free, and the wildflowers are in bloom, making for a beautiful and scenic hike. However, it’s essential to be prepared for changing weather conditions, even in the summer, and to check the trail conditions before heading out.
What should I bring or know before hiking the trails accessible by bus in Anchorage?
Before hiking the trails accessible by bus in Anchorage, it’s essential to bring sturdy hiking boots, layers of clothing, and plenty of water and snacks. You should also be aware of the bus schedule and plan your hike accordingly, as well as bring a map and compass or GPS device to help navigate the trail. Additionally, be prepared for wildlife encounters, such as bears and moose, and know what to do in case of an emergency, such as having a first aid kit and knowing how to use it.