Alaska Hiking: Long Lake Loop Hike in Chugach

My first day hiking in Anchorage was a big horseshoe starting and ending in 2 different spots and using a bus plus Uber plus hitchhike combo. I had bought a map the day before from the visitor center in downtown Anchorage of Chugagh State Park having known that there was big terrain to the east of the city. I started at the main trailhead of Glen Alps to get a vibe of the area then hiked through the Willwaw Lakes Valley to Long Lake and up Nels to Basher Drive trailhead.

GPS

Glen Alps trailhead on a busy Saturday morning

You immediately get views over ANC and apparently flattop mountain is a common hike for locals in the evening

Looking towards Pipeline Pass. This route was wide and had signs for snowmobiles. I know there is also a route that ditches you out at the ocean to the south at Indian Creek. Indian Creek has a valley mine nearby and apparently has cell service too for a ride out.

I still don't have a can of bear spray thanks to the airline and I really should have had one for the trip. Although it was a decently busy Sat, I noticed all the trail runners who frequent the area all had one. I seemed to be the only party without.

The view that extended for a while and running into 2 girls who had camped the night before near the O'Malley Peak route. That can also be a loop from the same trailhead.