Project Overview

The Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) is improving access to Chugach State Park to enhance safety, accessibility, and recreation. These efforts respond to growing public demand for safe, reliable park access and anticipate future development in the surrounding area. 

The project includes two major improvements:

Upper Canyon Road & Parking Lot Improvements (PM&E Project No. 24-16): Upgrades from Echo Canyon Road to the roadway terminus to improve safety, connectivity, and access to the park

Upper DeArmoun Road Reconstruction (PM&E Project No. 24-26): Reconstruction from Hillside Drive to Canyon Road to meet rural residential/neighborhood collector standards, including pavement replacement and drainage upgrades

Together, these projects are designed to improve safety for all users, support outdoor recreation and healthy lifestyles, and strengthen neighborhood connections to natural spaces.

The Chugach State Park Access Service Area (CASA) was established following voter approval of Proposition 6 in April 2023. This dedicated funding source supports efforts to expand and improve access to Chugach State Park. 

The Chugach Access Plan identifies priority access points and infrastructure needs to ensure safe and equitable park use. Upper Canyon Road was selected based on community input, trail use patterns, and identified safety needs. Looking ahead, the CASA Capital Improvement Program (2025 – 2030) reflects strong community support for continued investment in safe, reliable access to one of Anchorage’s most valued outdoor resources. MOA has also secured funding through a reappropriated State of Alaska grant to provide improvements to Upper DeArmoun for improved park access.