A bumpy road to find tranquility in one verdant valley in Alaska

To reach one of the most serene spots around Alaska's largest city, you have to rough it first.

But it's worth driving the bumpy gravel road for 6 seemingly endless miles to enjoy the splendor that is Arctic Valley, nestled in the Chugach State Park at the edge of military property in the greater municipality of Anchorage. You can thank that Arctic Valley Road, particularly the kidney-jarring parts, for almost guaranteeing much smaller crowds than you would find at say, Flattop, a popular hiking spot in town that's easier to reach.

Best of all, you're in for some stunning views that feel far removed from civilization right here in Anchorage's backyard, a place dotted with wildflowers, a creek weaving through shrub thickets and one of the few local places to see alpine tundra. On top of that, there are some vestiges of the Cold War era and a little skiing history thrown in.