Reviewed by: AK Girl , from Anchorage, Ak, USA

Summary:
I start at the parking lot for Hillside Park on Abbott Loop Rd. and head N. on the main lit trail to Double Bubble for some ups and downs then head to Spencers Loop, which is a fight to the top then at the end you will be rewarded with Rovers Run my FAVORITE which is a rooty single track, watch for animals. This trail runs along the river, which is wonderful when it dry and even better and more challenging when it is wet. At the end of this run I hook up with the Tour of Anchorage and Jr. Nordic Trail. These last two trails are well groomed and shared with bikers, horses, runners or walkers, and dogs. There are several options on trails and easy to get turned around or lost so be careful or go with someone who knows the trail. I ride this trail at lease once a week, usually about four times a week...it is so much fun. The trail is for beginners to advanced. Hang on...because you are in for a wild ride.

Recommended Route:
Hop on a trail and start pedaling...you go for a couple miles to SEVERAL and not know if you are coming or going. Access to the trails can be reached by Campbell Air Strip, Service HS, Hilltop ski area, and N.Bicenntenital Park.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Kincaid Park

Reviewed by: Kris , from Cleveland

Summary:
I only make it up to Alaska once a year but I always have to hit Hillside. Plenty of oportunity to see wildlife. Pleny of moose, fox... etc. (luckily no bears yet although I've seen plenty of tracks) Although I personally wouldn't call these trails 'killer' they are definately worth riding and there are trails that go on for infinity. Plenty of short fast hills and a lot of the trails are marked and wide enough for all levels of bikers.

Recommended Route:
I haven't ventured too far off Spencer's Loop but I enjoyed the ride. (Alaskan wilderness is no place for a Cleveland city boy to get lost)

Other recommended trails in the same area:
I like Hillside a lot better than Kincade because it's more technical and it's away from the airport traffic. There's more oportunities to see wildlife and is more represenative of Alaska (if there is such a thing) This place is a definate if you're planning on riding the Anchorage area.

Reviewed by: John , from Wasilla, AK

Summary:
Spencer loop is not a lunch-time ride, (it is longer) but is well worth the trip. I like to mix this ride up with the other trails, because if your not bonked after the ride, you'll want to hit the fast double track and fire road trails in the area. The entire area can be very muddy, which means slippery descents if it has been raining. During spring and fall when the frost is in the ground, the sun will warm the top inch of mud during the day, and your bike will take it home as a souvenir....have spare clothes.

Recommended Route:
Spencer loop for killer hills (I mean killer!) and short fast downhills with great views (I always admire the views after "Spencer" has pushed my heartrate to 200 and the air gets thin....)

Other recommended trails in the same area:
I usually access Hilltop from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) trails at their Campbell Tract facility. Those are awsome lunch-time trails with very few people and lots of fast-technical XC riding. Look out for many roots, rocks and tons of mud if it has been raining.

Reviewed by: Scott Benda , from Valdez, Alaska

Summary:
Presently the trails have about 2-3 inches of snow but are packed down from all the traffic. Its good riding since everything is frozen and the amount of snow keeps the X-C skiers at home.

Recommended Route:
I don't recommend any route in particular since half the fun is just getting out there and exploring. It is important to keep track of the names of the trails your on since it is very easy to get turned around. Cool trails are Rovers Run, Spencer Loop, Viewpoint Trail, Tour of Anchorage. Just keep track of what trail your on so you don't get lost and end up pedeling for miles trying to find a way out of the park.