Kincaid Park Trails

The feel

Kincaid Park sits at the western tip of Anchorage above Cook Inlet, in 1,400 acres of forest on the site of a former Cold War military installation. The chalet was converted from old bunkers, and from it you see Denali, Fire Island and arriving planes.

The park is home to many of Anchorage's resident urban moose, and moose and black bears are often spotted along Raspberry Road on the way in. The trails are shared with mountain bikers, who are the main users of the Kincaid Trails loop, so hikers need to stay alert.

What to expect

Route and terrain

A 5 mile forest loop with about 344 ft of gain, rated moderate, in a network of nearly 40 miles of walking trails. It begins at a parking lot on the southeast end of the park and winds through shaded forest.

Time

About 2 hours.

Crowds and best time

Early morning or late evening give the best chances to see moose. Trails are multi-use, and mountain bikers are the main users, so stay alert.

Parking

The main lot is at the end of Raspberry Road near the recreation center. The upper lot is closer to the chalet and its restrooms.

Fees and passes

No fee for parking.

Dogs

Dogs must be in control at all times.

Hazards

Moose and black bears are often spotted along Raspberry Road. In spring a cow may have calves, and in late September and October bull moose are in rut. Bikers yield to hikers on the multi-use trails.

Bathrooms and water

The main parking lot has accessible bathrooms, and the upper lot is closer to the chalet and its restrooms.

Season and access

Nordic ski trails are closed to bikers and foot traffic in winter. The Raspberry Road gates are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mingo says

Moose bed down in the warmer hours, so plan around dawn or dusk. Give any cow with calves plenty of room in spring, and keep your distance from bulls in the fall rut.

Before you go

• Be out by the gate closing: Raspberry Road gates close at 10 p.m., and at 11 pm from June to August.
• Park for free at the end of Raspberry Road.
• Check the Kincaid Outdoor Center hours, 12:30 to 8 p.m. daily, if you need the chalet.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.