Anchorage, Alaska is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreational opportunities. One of the most iconic animals to see while in Anchorage is the moose, but where are the best places to spot the big wildlife?
As the largest members of the deer family, moose are commonly seen in neighborhoods, city parks, and on the outskirts of Anchorage. In this blog post, Alaska Trail Guides will show you the best moose-viewing spots in Anchorage and tell you how to get there.
At Alaska Trail Guides, our team is passionate about all things Alaska, from glaciers and sea kayaking to a deeply rooted love for biking. Our biking tours of Anchorage are a great way to discover the mountains and city parks, as well as all the wildlife that comes with them!
We have something for every traveler, whatever your fitness level, but if you have any questions about exploring with us, please get in touch. But, for now, let’s dive into the best places to see moose on your trip to Anchorage, Alaska — many of which are on our tour routes.
1. See the Moose at Kincaid Park, Anchorage
Kincaid Park is a vast wilderness park located on the west side of Anchorage. The park is home to an extensive trail system, picnic areas, and numerous wildlife species, including moose.
The park’s forests hills and open meadows provide the perfect habitat for moose, and visitors are likely to spot them grazing or resting in the shade. At any given time, there are on average 1,500 moose in Anchorage, and their favorite park to spend the summer months in is Kincaid.
Moose are often spotted on the drive into the park, or within a few minutes walk on any of the trails.
Our most popular bike tour, the Anchorage Coastal Cruise, starts in Kincaid Park meaning you can experience the beauty of this urban wilderness and increase your chances of spotting a moose!
2. Enjoy the Wildlife at Chugach State Park, Anchorage
Chugach State Park is 500,000 square miles of wilderness that surrounds Anchorage. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, bears, wolves, and mountain goats.
You can explore the park on foot, by car, and by bike! There are several popular trailheads to visit with the best chances at moose viewing. The Eagle River Nature Center has trails ranging from wheelchair-accessible loops to a 25-mile thru hike that will take you deep into the backcountry.
Not only can you enjoy panoramic views above Anchorage, but the trails in Chugach State Park takes you into the mountains, along the valley floor, and on a steady climb toward a summit pass. You could also see moose, black and brown bears, and other animals!
Want to double your chances of seeing moose in one day? Check out our Bike & Hike Package, where you will spend the afternoon hiking Chugach State Park’s best trails, taking in breathtaking vistas, and experiencing Barbara Falls.
3. Visit Campbell Creek, Anchorage
Campbell Creek Trail is a 7.5-mile paved path cutting through the heart of Anchorage. The path follows Campbell Creek and passes several small lakes. This is prime moose and bald eagle habitat as well as spawning grounds for salmon in July and August.
Explore the area on foot or by bike and discover several excellent moose-viewing spots along the trails.
Tour Anchorage’s Greenbelts with us to enjoy the citywide award-winning trail system that covers 30 miles! This almost-complete urban greenway creates the shape of a moose head when viewed on a map!
4. Discover Earthquake Park, Anchorage
Earthquake Park is located on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and is a popular spot for moose to pass through. The park is a memorial to the 1964 Earthquake that shook Alaska and reshaped the landscape where it sits.
Due to the park sitting between the coast and miles of open marsh, its prime moose habitat. You will learn about pivitol moments in Anchorage’s history as well as possibly seeing moose!
You can drive to Earthquake Park, or join us on our Coastal Cruise, as this is one of our stops.
5. Take in the Trails at Far North Bicentennial Park, Anchorage
Far North Bicentennial Park is a wilderness park located on the north side of Anchorage. The park is home to an extensive trail system and it’s up to you how you visit it.
The park is particularly popular with mountain bikers, as many trails wind through the park’s forests and meadows. You’re most likely to spot moose and bears throughout the park. The best time of day to spot these animals is in the early morning or evening.
Far North Bicentennial Park (Source | License)
6. Meet Moose at Potter Marsh, Anchorage
Potter Marsh is a protected wetland area located just south of Anchorage. The marsh is home to a variety of wildlife, including moose, beavers, and waterfowl.
Potters Marsh is a great stop on your drive south and you will have your best chances to view wildlife in the morning.
Drive to the wetland and get out and walk the extensive boardwalk. The boardwalk provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains as well as a chance to see spawning salmon in the late summer. Moose are often seen grazing along the edge of the marsh.
7. Hike to Flattop Mountain for Moose in Anchorage
Flattop Mountain is a popular hiking destination located just outside of Anchorage. The mountain is the most climbed peak in the state and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Anchorage and the surrounding wilderness from the summit.
Don’t worry, you don’t have to climb the 3,500-foot mountain to earn your moose sighting. While the climb is worth it, the moose are often seen grazing in the meadows on the valley floor.
Drive up to Glen Alps Trailhead and you have a selection of trails to choose from ranging from a wheelchair-accessible paved loop to summiting a handful of different Alaskan peaks to a walk or bike on a wide gravel trail.
Looking for a little more adventure than the paved trails throughout Anchorage? Join us on our Chugach Mountain Bike Tour. We explore back the valley floor just below Flattop Mountain. Getting back deeper into the valley floor we often see moose, bears, coyotes, and mountain goats!
8. Visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Anchorage
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of Alaska’s wildlife.
The center is home to a variety of animals, including several moose that were orphaned or injured in the wild and cannot be released.
Here, you’ll observe these moose up close and learn about their behavior and lives while supporting the center’s conservation efforts.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (Source | License)
When visiting Anchorage to see moose, it’s important to remember that moose are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. Never approach a moose. Never feed moose and always maintain a safe distance.
By joining Alaska Trail Guides on one of our bike tours in Anchorage, you’ll increase your chances of seeing these animals and have an expert guide with you who understands their behavior and is trained to provide the safest experiences possible.
Contact us if you’d like to start planning your trip! We can’t wait to welcome you to Anchorage to see moose and much more.
