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| 123 |    Photos Map |
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| Last Updated:
December 27, 2009
Please help this site! Since I no longer live here, it is important that users verify the data. If this date is longer than a year ago please email me and let me know the information below is still valid. If I don't get verification on this trail, I may remove it from the site. |
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Difficulty |
Strenuous; uphill all the way. Only people in reasonably good shape should attempt this hike. | |
Connects With |
None | |
Miles One Way |
2.5 to first peak; 4 more to high point and Overlook. Total; 6.5 | |
Miles
from
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25; on the Seward Highway-Turnagain Arm | |
General Vicinity |
Chugach State Park | |
Season |
May to September | |
Description |
This is a really great hike! It was so cool to get aerial views of places that I've hiked at ground level:
Turnagain Arm, Indian
Valley, Ship Lake Valley, and Bird
Creek. The scenery is incredible and stunning, but boy, you are
really going to have to work to get at them. The first 3 miles are very tough. Up and up and up. You see a ridge and think you're almost there. Then you get to that ridge and there's another. Most guidebooks break this trail into 2 sections. The first is the initial peak at roughly 3,500 feet. Most people stop here which is fine, because you're really exhausted by then. But it's really worth the effort to go the extra miles and walk along the ridge up to the Overlook into the backcountry; an elevation of roughly 4,700. Most of it is pretty easy except the last part where there is a short ascent. Plus I have to say it's really cool to walk along the spine of a mountain. My suggestion is to start this hike early and give yourself the entire day. Bring a lunch, etc and plan on being up there for 6-8 hours. If it's an especially nice day, you'll be glad you did. Pace yourself for the initial haul, then leisurely head to the Overlook. Bring a map so you'll be able to identify the valleys and peaks you'll witness. I really want to reiterate what a great hike this is! When I did it, my allergies were miserable and I really suffered while I was up there. Yet, it was one of the coolest hikes I've done in Alaska. This is probably one of the best hikes for viewing the Chugach Mountains. ***** The following was submitted anonymously: Bears on Bird Ridge- Friday August 15, 2008, a few of us ran into two very curious black bears. They decided to follow our dogs to us and got within 20 feet and did not seem nervous or agitated, just curious. We made some noise and scared them off, and went on our way back down. The same two circled around us and met us again about a 1/4 mile down the trail. Again, curious and sniffing, but not worrisome. Young looking, I'd say perhaps their first summer on their own and still sticking together. Just make some noise and be aware! ***** ***** The following was submitted by Jean: 08.18.08 - A spur-of-the-moment with our visiting nephew from NC and my dog. What a great hike! We did not go all the way up, I estimate we stopped at about 2000'. Every turn had amazing views for us and a wonderful experience for nephew. Even though it is kind of a difficult trail, I think it is only because of the quick elevation gain. Coming down was not too difficult or scary as the footing was almost always good. This is another hike that I want to finish either this summer or next. ***** I personally think that kids as old as 8 can do the hike, and any person willing to stop and take breaks rather than just trying to get to the top. I have done this hike with my daughter and she has not gone to the top but she has gone at least 3500', maybe more, but for that age it is great to get them trying new stuff. So it's a hard, long day hike if you are out of shape but it will get you in shape. If you get to tree line, its worth it just for that far. It's one of the best hikes in Anchorage but it's just not a easy one to do all the way if new to hiking. Just work your way up to it. Its views start off quick in the hike. Etc: There is a new parking lot a little after the first trail head sign of Bird Ridge and if you go a little further that parking lot leads to the trail without the mile walk. ***** |
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Important Information |
There are no water sources, even at the
trailhead. Bring an adequate supply. Needless to say, be very careful going down. It is quite steep. Use the the actual ridgeline when heading to the Overlook, then use the trail along the side to get back. You'll avoid a lot of elevation that way. |
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Etc. |
This is a very popular mountain for racers and you'll see them on your way up. To this day, I still can't believe people actually get enjoyment out of doing something like that. | |
