Three easy walks at UAA

Winter can be a tough time in Alaska. It’s cold and dark, and there is not much to do. Finding a way to stay active — even if it’s a small amount — can help with the tedium of the winter months.

One activity to try is walking.

‍According to an article in Harvard Health, researchers have found a connection between improved mood and exercise. Moderate activity such as walking may have positive benefits too.

So here are three short walks at UAA to try this winter if you’re looking for something to do. 

One quick word on gear, though. 

At the very least you’ll need a warm hat and a pair of gloves. Ice cleats can be nice if your shoes don’t have the best traction. Luckily, they have become more widely available. 

Finally, a head lamp is helpful if you don’t like walking in the dark. It also helps identify you to vehicles, but reflective materials and other personal lighting devices can do the trick too.

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‍The Spine

If you’re unsure about what — or where — the Spine is, chances are that you’ve walked along a portion of it. One of the most prominent parts is the long, elevated bridge that connects the Student Union with the Engineering & Computation Building.

The entire enclosed walkway — from Rasmuson Hall to the Consortium Library — is considered the Spine. Walking from one end to the other and back comes in right at one mile. 

The Spine is an easy walk that is accessible from anywhere on campus. The Seawolf Shuttle has stops all along it, so getting there from the dorms is a short ride away.

The best part is that it’s all indoors: No special gear needed!

Despite being warm and well lit, there are some pitfalls to watch for. 

One is at the Engineering & Computation Building. The bridge leading from the Student Union seems to just end at the Engineering & Computation Building. So you must take the elevator or staircase up to the skybridge to cross over UAA Drive.

Another place that causes confusion is at the Social Science Building. There aren’t many indicators on how to access the Spine from here. But the elevator and staircase across from the waiting area for the Seawolf Shuttle will get you up to the parking garage and connect you with the skybridge and the rest of the Spine. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that many of the doors require Wolfcard access in the evening, so make sure to have your card on you to avoid getting locked out.

An interesting feature of the Spine is the indoor plants maintained by the grounds and horticultural team.

Also, there are coffee shops located at each end. There is a Kaladi Brothers in the Social Science Building and Cafe Delgga is located in Cuddy Hall, just outside of Rasmuson Hall. Having a treat to reward yourself at the end of your walk can be a good motivator. 

For anyone who wants to appreciate the beauty of Alaska from a warm building, the Spine is a good choice. 

Who knows who you might bump into along your walk?

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‍Providence Loop

The Providence loop makes a circle around the main buildings of Providence Hospital. The loop can easily be accessed by east campus, the dorms and at the intersection of Providence Drive and Spirit Drive.

The walk offers a nice combination of nature and architecture to look at. The paths are well maintained, and the entire loop is lit by lights, so walking at night is less daunting.

This loop comes in a little over one mile. Starting at the Alaska Airlines Center, if you walk south along Wellness Drive, it eventually makes a turn to the right and becomes E. 40th Avenue. You continue along until the trail comes to a split.

The middle path will take you through the woods along Chester Creek. 

The path cuts through the heart of the Providence medical complex and offers some great views of a balance between buildings and nature.

This path eventually comes to the intersection of Providence Drive and Spirit Drive. 

It’s easy to get back to west campus via the Health Sciences Building or the Student Union, but if you want to finish out the loop, just keep walking along Providence Drive toward the hospital until you get back to the Alaska Airlines Center.

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‍Goose Lake Loop

If you want to get lost in nature, the Goose Lake loop is for you. Unfortunately, there are not many lights along the path, but that might be a feature if getting away from civilization is your goal.

Goose Lake is located to the north of east campus, but the trail that ties into the loop is easily accessible. A large portion of it runs along Alumni Drive to the north of the Social Science Building and the Consortium Library. 

If you get on this trail and go in either direction, eventually you’ll end up at Goose Lake. If you keep going, you’ll be back to where you started. 

This loop is the longest of the three, coming in at 1.33 miles. It’s also the least maintained. But what it lacks in cultivation, it makes up for in natural beauty. 

The dense woods to the east of Goose Lake can muffle the sound of the city. And the south shore of the lake is largely untouched, so it’s easy to feel like you’ve been transported into the Alaskan wilderness.

This loop ties into many other trails, so there is a lot to explore for the adventurous. 

If you’re looking for a secret shortcut that allows you to cross the frozen lake, I’ll give you one hint: Follow the power.  

But please watch out for thin ice and open water!