Jim Mahaffey Trail System
Surrounding the Alaska Pacific University campus is 175 acres of forestland, home to a wide network of trails. It is the perfect ‘right outside your door’ opportunity for the APU community and gives the campus its rural, small-town college atmosphere.
This quiet system of neighborhood trails connects to the greater Anchorage Municipality Parks and Recreation trails (www.muni.org/parks). From campus, the APU community is able to walk, bike or ski along a system of multi-use pathways connecting the city’s neighborhoods and nearby Chugach State Park (http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/chugach/chugachindex.htm) to the east of town.
In the winter, APU partners with the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage (www.anchoragenordicski.com) for the grooming of 5 kilometers of ski trails. The university is also home to an exciting network of single-track mountain bike and winter fat bike trails to explore.
All APU trails are designated as multi-use.
Trail Map (click to enlarge)
Trail Etiquette & Rules
- Always use safe speeds… Please bike and ski under control.
- Pick up your pet’s litter. It’s the law…
- Keep your dog on a leash
- Respect groomed ski trails. If walking or biking please stay off soft trails to avoid making bike tire ruts and post holes.
- Do Not Walk, Run, Bike on set ski tracks.
- Bike tires and foot traffic damage muddy trails during spring break up. Please wait until June to bike.
- Slower traffic has the Right-of-Way. Bikers & Skiers yield to Walkers. ON HILLS:
- It is safer for a walker or biker to yield to an approaching downhill skier. Skiers have less stopping power and ability to change direction when skiing down hills. They will appreciate it.
- Biking etiquette gives the biker riding uphill the right-a-way. This is so they can maintain momentum and not end up having to get off and push the bike uphill. They will appreciate it.
- Use voice or bell when passing… say, “on your left” when approaching from behind.
- Horses are not allowed on APU trails.
PLEASE CONSIDER:
- Be Alert! We share our trails with wildlife (bears, moose, and coyotes). When in bear country, noisy travel is best (talking, bells, etc.) and will alert wildlife to your presence.
- Trails are for non-motorized activities… Report any motorized activities on trails to APD at 786-8500.
- Please call campus safety: (907) 564-8888 to report any immediate concerns or non-emergencies.
- Call 911 in an emergency. An emergency phone is located in the main entrance of the Moseley Sports Center.
Ski & Bike Rentals are Available!
Contact APU’s Outdoor Programs’ equipment room to rent either cross country skis, skate skis or a fat tire bike. Call 907-564-8614 for more information.
