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Rendezvous Peak

THIS HIKE WAS SUBMITTED BY TIM MOSER (Moser!)

123 Hiking Icon
2 Moose Hoof Rating
(but a really good 2 hooves)

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Rendezvous Peak
Photo by Tim Moser (Moser!)
Last Updated: December 23, 2008
Webmasters Note: notes in italic are written by me and describe the southern route via Hiland Drive in Eagle River.

Difficulty

Arctic Valley: Somewhat Easy - Not a challenging hike
Eagle River: Moderate-uphill most of the way.

Connects With

Eagle and Symphony Lakes (via Eagle River)
Mt. Gordon Lyons

Miles One Way

Arctic Valley: 1.5
Eagle River: 2.5
Traverse Total: 4 

Miles from
Anchorage

Arctic Valley: In town.
Eagle River: About 25 miles

General Vicinity

Chugach State Park

Season

April to September

Description

This short, easy trail starts from the end of the Arctic Valley Road adjacent to the Alpenglow Ski Area above Anchorage. Take the Glenn Highway to the Arctic Valley exit and follow the switch backing road for about seven miles to the parking area run by the Anchorage Ski Club. 

Great views of Anchorage and the Eagle River Valley. Great view of Denali on a clear day. Can be crowded due to its proximity to Anchorage.

The trail itself is a nice easy (kid and dog friendly) walk up. It is lined with berries in August. In the winter it is a great x-country ski trail that will challenge at times. I believe that mountain bikes are allowed although I did not see any tracks. I am unsure of camping restrictions prior to camping there. 

*****

The following is a contribution from Nic:

Instead of following the ridge from the parking lot at Arctic Valley, follow what looks like an old roadbed that parallels a stream past the chairlifts. Following that route, continue on the path until a pass. This makes a fine turn-around point in itself for the somewhat less-adventurous hiker. From the pass (elev. 3468') go right and follow the trail. The trail wraps around the peak rather than going up the ridge directly to the summit. After traversing for about a 1/2 mile or so, the last bit is a bit steeper but is manageable for young children and adults alike. Then you arrive at the 4000' peak with awesome views of the south fork valley and surrounding peaks.

You can follow the ridge from Rendezvous all the way to Triangle Peak or drop down into the Eagle and Symphony Lakes area, better yet, do both.

*****
*****
The following was submitted by Patricia Baum:

3 Moose Hoof Rating

Difficulty: This hike is moderately difficult 50% of the time. The other half--somewhat easy. We hiked up parallel to the chair lifts to the ridge. Once you're on top, it's fairly easy, but it's was moderately strenuous going up.

Description: I think this is one of the best "above tree line" hikes in the Anchorage area. After only about an hour going up to the ridge, you have unlimited views and choices of how to access different parts of the Chugach range.

*****
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The following was submitted anonymously:

This hike is an awesome one for those who live in the Eagle River area. It is likely the best workouts for the time traveled to the trailhead and you can hike it year round (keeping an eye on avalanche conditions is a must). I hiked it today and I was knee deep in snow in some places. Beautiful views of the Eagle River Valley, Chugach Range and Ship Creek Valley even on a mostly cloudy day! Lots of false peaks to keep you wondering.

*****

Via the Eagle River Side:

This is a great cardio workout for people who live in Eagle River or the Eastside of Anchorage, where the Glen Alps is a real schlep during rush hour.  As you head up to the saddle, there are great views of the South Fork Valley with distance glimpses of Eagle and Symphony Lakes.  If you want to make it a quickie easy hike, continue across the saddle for pretty decent views of Arctic Valley and Anchorage.  If you have the time and the endurance, take the trail on the right and head up to the ridge line and continue until you reach the peak.  To get to the actual ridge can be a little tough in places but just make it to the ridge and the rest is easy.  On a really clear day you should be able to see Sleeping Lady  and the Alaska Range but I've yet to confirm this on the two cloudy days I've gone. Theoretically, you could continue right to Alpenglow into Arctic Valley but for me, the logistics of two cars wouldn't be worth it.

Another option is to take a left at the saddle and head up to the other mountain ridge.  I plan on checking it out the next time as it's a trail less traveled (and I've heard sometimes that can make all the difference)

Important Information

The washboards on the drive up the Artic Valley road can be brutal for a low clearance vehicle. Just go slow. The gate hours (you drive through portions of Fort Richardson) are 0600-2200 (6 am - 10 pm).

Artic Valley Road is on a military reservation and as such, you are being given the privilege of using it to get to the trailhead.  Please obey all traffic signs.  Be prepared in these troubled times that the road may be closed if the base is on alert. It was closed after 9-11 till March of 2002.

If doing this hike early in the season, it is imperative that you are educated about avalanches and how to determine the risk.  If there is too much snow on the ridge, do not attempt.

Etc.

Arctic Valley: the parking will cost $5 in the park fee container. Your State Parking Pass is not valid here.

There is a old radar site/missile battery that is a leftover relic of the Cold War and the standoff with the Russians in the late 40s and 50s. I believe you can hike up to that site as well for a good view of the city. You can definitely see it from the Rendezvous peak trail.
 

Mile Marker Boder

©Alaska Hike Search
-A Guide to Hiking in the Anchorage Area
By Chugachman

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