Hidden Valley and Lake

Navigation Icons


123	Photos Map


		Last Updated: July 07, 2010 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.
	Difficulty	Easy; gentle increase in elevation.
	Connects With	Ship Lake Valley and The Ramp
	Miles One Way	Total 5 miles; trail is 2.5 miles plus 2.5 miles on the Powerline Pass.
	Miles from Anchorage	In Town; about a 20 minute drive from downtown.
	General Vicinity	Chugach State Park
	Season	May to September

	Description	This is an easy place to get to with lots of places to explore and wander about. Hidden Valley is a gently sloping glacial valley with really cool rock formations. A creek with lush greenery runs through the middle. On the south side, a huge jagged mountain known as The Wedge dominates a reddish rocky terrain that almost seems Mars like. Off to the side is a small lake. On the north side of the valley, near O'Malley peak lie 2 tarns (the upper one being Hidden Lake) with a waterfall connecting the two. Also to the north is a rocky pond on top of a cliff with a stunning view. I used to just walk through here to get to Ship Lake but now I stay overnight and continue on the next morning. Most people camp out right in the flat part of the valley but I like the upper Hidden Lake which is ringed by a mountain so it seems a lot more cozier. Once I saw a wolverine (a very rare sight) run up the mountain. On the east side of the lake is a trail that runs up the moraine and onto Hidden Peak. It makes a great "day" hike after dinner. This trail also makes a fine day hike. Either way, make sure you go to The Ramp to check out the view. And take the time to really walk around and check out the whole area. The following was added August 13, 2006: Since it looked like it was going to be a crappy weekend, I didn't feel like driving a long way for nothing, plus I wanted to be near the trailhead in case it was really coming down. I thought I'd camp near Rock Lake, near The Wedge as this part of the valley is really cool and I've never really taken the time to explore it. Surprisingly, the lake is gone! It must have drained out or something. I can't believe it dried up as this year has been very rainy. Luckily, there was a meltwater pond nearby so I set up camp on a secluded moraine. Later on, I really walked around the area. This part of the valley is so cool! It's just one endless rocky tundra with tons of moraines. There's no privacy at Hidden Lake, but you could be 10 yards away from someone and not even know it on this side. Next time you're looking for a quick and easy getaway but want some solitude, head over to this section.

	Important Information	At the start of the trailhead you will have to cross Campbell Creek using a line of medium size boulders. If you don't have confidence in your balance, the water is about 1 foot if you want to just go ahead and ford it. Don't forget to detach your chest and hip straps on your pack. *** The following was Submitted by Kris Scorup on July 9, 2008: In "Important information" you stated, "At the start of the trailhead you will have to cross Campbell Creek using a line of medium size boulders. . ." There is now a bridge over the creek, although when I went (July 5 2008) the bridge was marked with "do not trespass" signs. Since the creek was high, we trespassed anyway. The bridge is fairly massive - probably 4 feet wide. Just FYI. Thanks for the great site! My wife and I hope to get out more this summer! * * The following was Submitted by Jean: 08.20.08 - Hiked up there with Molly and Jen, with 2 of our dogs as well. The bridge mentioned before still has it's sign up. The steps on the north side ('other' side if outbound) of the creek have not been completed yet, just FYI. What a great hike though! It is always a pleasant surprise to go through so many terrain changes in a short distance. I would love to spend more time exploring the area. Probably won't be able to this summer, but I'm not going anywhere. Bonus: We found about six delicious blueberries! Well, the way this summer has been, it was exciting to me. :-) *** It can get pretty windy up here. Make sure you face your tent away from the wind and have it securely tied down. This is a pretty popular place for Anchorage residents so the solitude factor can be low on the weekends.

	Etc.	The Glen Alps Parking Lot requires a $5 parking fee (bring exact amount). The price for an annual parking pass is $40. You can purchase a pass at the Federal Building at 4th and F or the Atwood Building on 7th and E, 12th Floor. Here are the directions for getting there: take the Seward Highway to the O'Malley exit and head east. After a few miles, follow the signs to Glen Alps. Make a right on Hillside Drive then a left on Upper Huffman. Turn right on Toilsome Hill. this road will twist and wind up the hills for about two miles.


©Alaska Hike Search -A Guide to Hiking in the Anchorage Area By Chugachman
Home Search Hikes Parks Info Education Submit Hike Contact
Warning: Traveling in Alaska's backcountry can be extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death. This website is only intended as an aid and cannot guarantee safety. No trail guide can be completely accurate so hikers must accept and judge for themselves the dangers posed by each trip they choose to undertake. By using this site you accept the risk and sole responsibility for your safety and the safety of those you affect. I urge you to use all available resources to educate yourself on the particular trails you will be on as well as general wilderness safety and first aid.
Topo Maps created with TOPO!® ©2001