Anchorage/ Palmer Family Hike

[silly2003]

Greetings,

I'm doing some research and trying to get a half day hike while we are in or near Anchorage. We are two adults and an 8 year old, who is not much of a hiker, but if we go slow, will enjoy it.

 

There are two hikes, which I'm having a hard time comparing because they are in different places.

 

1. In Anchorage - hike to Flattop Mountain about 3 miles - lots of elevation change, drive from Anchorage.

 

2. Near Palmer - 1 hour outside of Anchorage is the Bodenburg Butte Hike, also about 3 miles also considerable elevation change.

 

Has anyone done both hikes and can recommend one for a family. On trip advisor they are both well rated, but since they are in different cities, they are not rated against each other. I'm leaning toward Bodenburg Butte, mainly because it seems to have a lot of varied vegetation and also because it is near a Reindeer Farm I want to visit afterward.

 

Can anyone advise on how to choose. We will not be able to do both hikes as there is too much to do in the 4 days we are going to be in Anchorage before our cruise.

 

Thank you,

[AKStafford]

2. Near Palmer - 1 hour outside of Anchorage is the Bodenburg Butte Hike, also about 3 miles also considerable elevation change.

I've never done Flattop, other than driving up to the parking lot at Glenn Alps. I've done the Butte once and thought it was great, with great views at the top. If you do the Butte, use the West Butte Trail (which is actually on the north side...) . http://www.matsugov.us/trails/west-butte-trail

Edited March 10, 2015 by AKStafford

[AKStafford]

If you did the Butte, you'd probably also have time to do the 1 mile loop trail at Reflections Lake: http://www.palmerhayflats.org/trails-maps.html

[mapleleaves]

I suggest posting this question on the Alaska forum of tripadvisor. There are quite a few locals who participate on that forum, and some are active hikers so they might provide some useful advice.