Trail Overview

Nestled within the vast expanse of Alaska’s Chugach State Park, the South Circle Trail offers a quintessential Alaskan hiking experience, blending accessible challenge with breathtaking scenery. This 8.0-mile round trip journey, rated as moderate, is a local favorite for good reason. It delivers panoramic vistas of the Chugach Mountains, the shimmering waters of Turnagain Arm, and even glimpses of Anchorage in the distance. What makes South Circle truly special is its ability to immerse you in the raw beauty of the Alaskan wilderness without demanding extreme mountaineering skills, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of hikers seeking a memorable day out amidst stunning alpine landscapes and diverse ecosystems.

Getting There

The South Circle Trailhead is conveniently located within Chugach State Park, easily accessible from Anchorage. From downtown Anchorage, head south on Seward Highway (AK-1 S). Take the O’Malley Road exit and turn left onto O’Malley Road. Continue for approximately 2.5 miles, then turn right onto Hillside Drive. Follow Hillside Drive for about 2 miles, then turn left onto Upper Huffman Road. Continue on Upper Huffman Road, which eventually becomes Toilsome Hill Road, leading you towards the Glen Alps Trailhead parking area. The South Circle Trail often begins from the vicinity of this popular hub. While the coordinates 61.065, -149.68 pinpoint a specific spot, following signs for Glen Alps and then consulting a trail map at the trailhead will ensure you find the correct starting point for the South Circle Trail. The parking lot is large but can fill up quickly on sunny weekends, so an early start is recommended.