Anchorage Views

used by permission of ZenithAir view of Sleeping Lade with feet at right

Mount
Susitna is known to locals as Sleeping Lady after a well-told Alaska
legend. If you look closely you can see a silhouette of a woman
stretched out and sleeping on her side. Mount Susitna is just one of six
mountain ranges visible from downtown Anchorage.

No
matter what angle they are viewed from, mountains make a stunning part
of the Anchorage skyline. The Chugach Mountains stretch up to the city
from the east, and Mount McKinley, North America’s tallest mountain,
summons from the Alaska Range to the north. The Kenai Mountains,
Talkeetnas, Tordrillos and even the Aleutians can also be spotted from
the city. Alaska’s most awe-inspiring peaks are within easy reach of
Anchorage and each range holds a vast array of adventures. 

The Chugach Mountains

The wilderness area of Chugach State Park
borders Anchorage and is one of the nation’s largest parks. Full of a
variety of plant and wildlife, it is a favorite for hikers, backpackers
and climbers in the summer and skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts in the
winter months. The range is full of spectacular vistas and peaks that
rise as high as 13,176 feet.

The Kenai Mountains                                                   

Separated from the Chugach Mountains by the waters of Turnagain Arm,
the Kenai Mountains share a common history, dating to 65 million years
ago. The Kenai area is famous for its trophy fishing, but it’s also a
great place for wildlife viewing. There are plenty of recreational areas
for bikers, hikers, skiers, snowshoers and sightseers. While Kenai’s
largest salmon is a whopping 97 pounds, its highest peak is 6,000 feet.

The Talkeetna Range

An hour away from Anchorage, the Talkeetna Range borders the
Matanuska Valley. Among its many attractions is Hatcher Pass which
features Independence Historic Gold Mine and recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, snowboarding and telemark skiing.

The Alaska Range

Standing tall in the Alaska Range – not to mention the minds of
adventurers – Mount McKinley is the tallest mountain on the continent
climbing to 20,320 feet.  Also referred to as Denali, the summit summons
climbers during Alaska’s summer climbing season. But almost anyone can
climb to the highest mountain altitudes; flightseeing charters can take
guests over rocky valleys and glacial icefields around the towering
spires of the Alaska Range. Flights are available year round from Lake
Hood Seaplane Base, Merrill Field or Talkeetna, Alaska. Even if you
don’t leave terra firma, Denali – as well as nearby Mount Foraker
(17,400 feet) and Mount Hunter (14,573 feet) – can be seen from downtown
Anchorage on a clear day.