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Alaska’s best free gym is outdoors, and it starts minutes from Anchorage. Chugach State Park’s western edge is about seven miles from downtown [1], and its trails along Turnagain Arm range from a flat paved path to steep alpine climbs [2]. Parking at many trailheads costs $5 [3], and when winter drives you inside, city recreation centers are an inexpensive backup [5].
At a glance
What Alaska state parks cost
Alaska State Parks charges for use of some developed facilities [2]. In Chugach State Park, the Glen Alps, Potter, McHugh Creek, Bird Ridge and Eklutna Lake areas, among others, list a $5 parking fee [3].
If you’ll go often, the annual parking pass costs $60 [4]. It’s good for the calendar year and honored at most state parks [4]. It isn’t honored at the Eagle River Nature Center and Arctic Valley near Anchorage, or at the Pillars and Eagle Rock boat launches on the Kenai River [4]. The state says 2027 decals go on sale November 23, 2026 [4]. Eligible disabled veterans can get an annual camping pass for free [4].
Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park covers about 495,000 acres, mostly within the Municipality of Anchorage, and is one of the four largest state parks in the United States [1]. Heading to Flattop from the Glen Alps trailhead? The state posts a Glen Alps webcam so you can check the parking lot before you go [1].
The Turnagain Arm Trail
The Turnagain Arm Trail runs 9.5 miles one way, on foot, above the Seward Highway [2]. It follows a support route built in the 1910s for construction of the Alaska Railroad [2]. You can start from any of four trailheads and do just one section [2]:
| Section | Distance |
|---|---|
| Potter to McHugh Creek | 3.4 miles |
| McHugh Creek to Rainbow | 4.2 miles |
| Rainbow to Windy Corner | 1.9 miles |
| Whole trail, one way | 9.5 miles |
Elevation gain is 200 to 1,000 feet [2]. Because it faces south, it’s one of the first snow-free trails in the spring [2].
The Indian to Girdwood path
For a steady, flat workout, the Indian to Girdwood bike path is a paved, 13.3-mile route that parallels the Seward Highway and the Alaska Railroad, with only about 300 feet of elevation gain [2]. It’s open to walking, biking and skiing, is ADA accessible, and has rest stops and interpretive panels along the way [2]. You can get on at Indian, Bird, Bird Creek Campground, Bird Point or Girdwood [2].
Want a real climb?
The same brochure lists the Bird Ridge Trail at 2.5 miles one way with 3,400 feet of elevation gain, a strenuous climb past timberline with views of Turnagain Arm and the Kenai Mountains [2]. Bring proper footwear and plenty of water [2].
Juneau: an indoor track and pool
When it’s dark, icy or pouring, Juneau’s Dimond Park Field House has a track and open turf. Under rates effective July 1, 2026, before tax [5]:
| Pass | Adult | Youth (7-17), senior (65+), ADA |
|---|---|---|
| Daily pass | $5.71 | $3.81 |
| 10-visit pass | $54.00 | $36.00 |
| Monthly pass | $46.00 | $30.00 |
| Annual pass | $368.00 | $240.00 |
Juneau’s pools, the Dimond Park Aquatic Center and Augustus Brown Pool, charge $8.57 for an adult daily pass, and aqua fitness classes are $2.86 a session, before tax [5]. Drop-in pickleball at the field house is $5.71 for adults [5].
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for adults to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week [6]. For example: three 50-minute brisk walks a week on the Indian to Girdwood path or the Field House track add up to 150 minutes, and two 30-minute strength sessions with bands at home cover the muscle-strengthening part.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [7]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [7]
- 12-inch loops [7]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [7]
- Made of latex [7]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor, with a strap to carry it. [8]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [8]
- About 74 x 24 inches [8]
- Elastic carrying strap [8]
- Hand wash only [8]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Walks and runs in winter darkness
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on dark mornings and evenings, on walks, runs and bike rides. [9]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [9]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [9]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [9]
- Quick-release buckle [9]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- Alaska State Parks: Chugach State Park
- Alaska State Parks: Turnagain Arm Trails brochure
- Alaska State Parks: Fees by park unit
- Alaska State Parks: Fees and annual passes
- City and Borough of Juneau: New Parks & Recreation Fees, effective July 1, 2026
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit an Alaska state park?
Many developed sites charge for parking. In Chugach State Park, trailheads such as Glen Alps, Potter and McHugh Creek list a $5 parking fee. An annual parking pass costs $60, is good for the calendar year and is honored at most state parks.
How long is the Turnagain Arm Trail?
9.5 miles one way, from the Potter trailhead to Windy Corner, with access at McHugh Creek and Rainbow in between. Alaska State Parks lists 200 to 1,000 feet of elevation gain and says it's one of the first snow-free trails in spring.
Is there a paved trail along Turnagain Arm?
Yes. The Indian to Girdwood bike path is a paved, 13.3-mile path that parallels the Seward Highway and the Alaska Railroad. Alaska State Parks lists it as open to walking, biking and skiing, and ADA accessible.
How much exercise should adults get?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week.