UAF offers an extensive trail system for outdoor recreation including miles of groomed cross-country ski and winter trails. The trails are all designated for specific uses depending on season. This short loop trail is open for snowshoeing and skijoring in the winter and hiking in the summer. It is not used for cross-country skiing but there are plenty of nearby trails in the trail system that are designated for skiing.

Considered to be one of the most scenic coastal trails in the entire country, the Tony Knowles Trail is sure to deliver an enjoyable outdoor experience. Scenery from the trail includes views of downtown Anchorage, Mount McKinley, and beluga whales out in the bay. The trail travels through lots of heavily forested terrain in the southern portion where a wide variety of wildlife can be seen. The paved pathway also connects to other trails in the Anchorage area for more riding options. The bike path becomes a popular cross-country ski destination in the winter and is a portion of the Tour de Anchorage cross-country ski marathon.

The hike to Thunderbird Falls follows a short but scenic trail that leads to both an overlook of the falls as well as to the base of the falls. The hike is a great option for an easy family hike in the Anchorage area. The falls are also a popular destination in the winter when the water freezes and forms interesting ice sculptures.

Russian Jack Springs Park is a historic park located in a busy suburban area of Anchorage that offers a network of paved and unpaved trails for outdoor recreation. Many of the trails in the park are lit for nighttime cross-country skiing which is a popular activity here in the winter. The park also offers good hiking, frisbee golf, picnic areas, and a greenhouse for the warmer months.

Wolverine Peak is one of the most prominent mountain peaks in Chugach State Park and provides a popular and worthwhile day hike in the Anchorage area. The long and strenuous climb to the peak results in excellent views of multiple lakes and mountain valleys below. There is a lot of elevation gain up steep rocky terrain to reach the peak so hiking poles can prove to be very useful for the hike. At the very top of the peak there are bugs and wind so you may not want to spend too much time at the very top. Luckily there are some nice spots on the way up where you can stop and enjoy the views in more comfortable conditions. The trail is popular, especially during the summer, so expect to see lots of other hikers along the trail.

The Dewey Lakes trail system is easily accessible from downtown Skagway and offers a wide variety of hiking options for all skill levels. The trail access multiple mountain lakes above the town, including the Lower and Upper Dewey Lakes as well as Devil's Punch Bowl. The trail to the lower lake is short but steep. The trails up to the upper lakes are also steep and much more strenuous. There is also a trail junction for the Sturgill's Landing trail and a loop trail that circles around the lower lake so pay close attention to trail markers when exploring the area.

The ride up to Powerline Pass is a long and steady climb to a high pass where riders will enjoy awesome views of the Indian Valley, Turnagain Arm, and surrounding mountain peaks. The gravel trail consists of both doubletrack and singetrack that is fairly easy to follow but is strenuous and technical in a few spots. There is the option of continuing over the pass down to Indian for a one-way ride but this is very steep over some rough trail and should only be attempted by very experienced and brave riders. There may be snow along sections of the trail until June and wind can be an issue at the top so come prepared for the elements.

Mendenhall Glacier is located a short drive from Juneau and is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Alaska. The area offers multiple trails that explore different sites in the park with varying difficulties and distances to suit hikers of all skill levels. The West Glacier Trail starts on the west side of the lake by the campground and leads through dense forest, right up near the base of the glacier. The hike has a few small climbs and can be muddy and slippery. The area is great for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, but there is some bear danger so be prepared and pay close attention to your surroundings.

This Perseverance and Granite Creek Trails are a scenic and very popular hiking destination in the Gold Creek valley northeast of downtown Juneau. The hike starts from the trailhead at the end of Basin Road and follows the Perseverance Trail to its junction with the Granite Creek Trail. The Granite Creek Trail then leads up to some nice waterfall views and also provides access to the Juneau Ridge. There are other connecting trails along the Perseverance Trail that can be used to explore more of the area and add some mileage.

The hike up to Crescent Lake follows the creek through a narrow valley to a beautiful backcountry lake in Chugach National Forest. The area is full of abundant wildlife and beautiful wildflowers and is an excellent option for a long day hike or overnight backpack trip. There is an unmaintained trail that goes around the lake and connects to the Carter Lake trail which provides the option of a one-way trip but this requires hiking some rugged trail and shuttling vehicles between trailheads. The first three miles or so of the trail can be used for winter recreation but there is avalanche danger after that point. Also plan on adding a little mileage as the road is usually not plowed right up to the trailhead.