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Description
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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.
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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.
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The following was submitted by Patricia Baum:

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.
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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) |