Easiest from Cozihaus in Spenard
Signature picks · Anchorage Hiking
Powerline Pass Trail
Powerline Pass Trail follows an old utility corridor roughly 13.6 miles one way, connecting the Glen Alps trailhead on the Anchorage Hillside to the Indian Valley trailhead along Turnagain Arm. Most guests don't do the full traverse — an out-and-back from Glen Alps toward the pass itself is the common, much shorter version — but the trail is genuinely popular end to end with both hikers and mountain bikers, wide and gently graded compared to most Chugach trails. Every September, the open alpine terrain along the pass becomes one of the more reliable places near Anchorage to see moose during the fall rut, though sightings are never guaranteed.
Who this suits
Guests who want a real Chugach corridor that works for hiking or mountain biking, scaled to the time they have — a shorter out-and-back from Glen Alps for a half day, or the full point-to-point traverse (with a shuttle or second vehicle) as a bigger day. September guests interested in wildlife should ask about the moose-rut window specifically.
A plan that works
- Default to the Glen Alps out-and-back for most guests — ask how far they actually want to go rather than assuming the full 13.6-mile traverse.
- The full point-to-point trip needs a shuttle or a second vehicle staged at Indian Valley; without one, treat it as an out-and-back from either end.
- For September guests asking about wildlife, mention the fall moose rut specifically — this is one of the more reliable corridors near Anchorage for it, but never promise a sighting.
- Mention the trail's use as a winter Nordic-ski route where relevant, without treating skiing as a separate recommendation category.
Drive and timing, honestly
- Glen Alps trailhead (Anchorage Hillside) or Indian Valley trailhead (Turnagain Arm/Seward Highway). No drive time is stated from either property — none has been measured.
- Half day for a Glen Alps out-and-back; a full day for the complete point-to-point traverse.
What we won’t promise
- We cannot promise moose or other wildlife sightings — the fall rut makes them more likely along this corridor, not certain.
- We cannot promise current trail conditions, current Chugach State Park day-use parking fee amount, or current winter avalanche or grooming status.
- We would not call the full 13.6-mile traverse a casual outing — it is a real full-day commitment even at its gentle grade.
Practical notes
- Chugach State Park's standard day-use parking fee applies at both the Glen Alps and Indian Valley trailheads.
- Wide and gently graded for a Chugach trail, which is part of why it works well for mountain biking as well as hiking.
Local context
Around Anchorage
Where Powerline Pass Trail sits relative to the rest of Anchorage — no dead end here, open anything else nearby directly from the map.
Schematic — direction is real, distance is not to scale. Nothing here is placed at a street address.