About Basher Trailhead
Basher Trailhead, located at the end of Campbell Airstrip Road where it meets Basher Drive, serves as an important access point into Chugach State Park for hikers, skiers, winter bikers, and year-round trail users heading toward destinations such as Wolverine Bowl and Near Point. The existing trailhead parking lot accommodates only 16 vehicles, which limits access during peak use. On busy weekends and holidays, the lot routinely fills, resulting in overflow parking along Campbell Airstrip Road and Basher Drive.
Basher Drive is the only access route to both the trailhead and the Basher neighborhood. This overflow parking along the roadway creates safety issues, restricts emergency access, and contributes to congestion on this narrow and heavily used roadway. The Basher Trailhead Parking Lot project seeks to address these concerns by improving access, capacity, safety, and overall functionality for the community and park visitors.
Project Overview
In April 2025, Anchorage voters approved Proposition 9, authorizing funding to complete the design of the Basher Trailhead Parking Lot improvements. This design work was funded through the Chugach State Park Service Area (CASA) bond, which allocated $300,000. An additional $1.5 million on the proposed 2026 CASA bond would fund construction phase services, pending voter approval.
The planned improvements include developing a new, expanded trailhead parking lot on Municipal property near the existing parking area and connecting to the existing trail. Parking lot amenities, including lighting, restrooms, and a pay station, will be evaluated. To date, the project team has completed a project kick-off with the Municipality of Anchorage and Alaska State Parks, a survey by PTS, and geotechnical investigations will be completed by Shannon & Wilson before the end of the year.
The Municipality will continue collaborating with Alaska State Parks, local agency partners, and community members to guide the design process and ensure that proposed improvements reflect community needs and priorities.
What is The Chugach State Park Access Service Area (CASA)
The Chugach State Park Access Service Area (CASA) bond is a voter-approved measure in the Municipality of Anchorage to fund capital improvements and operations in the Chugach State Park Access Service Area. A bond measure, like the one presented in April 2025, would allow the municipality to issue general obligation bonds, with funds going towards projects like road and trailhead improvements.
Timeline
Resources
Project Update
The 65% Design for the Basher Trailhead Parking Lot Project is now available for review and comment.
Comments are due by April 24, 2026.
65% Design Concept Review
The project team has developed the
65% Design Review for the parking lot, including a
3D model. Please review and share your feedback using the online comment form below.
Comments due by April 24, 2026.
Review the 65% Design Comment Form
35% Design Concept Review
Thank you for your input regarding the 35% Design Concept!
Review the 35% Design Concept
35% Design Concept Comment Summary
Read 35% Review Comments - CORRECTED
Community Survey Summary
Thank you to everyone who filled out the community survey on the Basher Trailhead Parking lot! We had over 400 responses, all which provided valuable insight on the trailhead conditions and future design ideas.
Read the Summary Report (PDF)
Traffic Data Information
Read the Traffic Data