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| 123 |    Photos Map
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| 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. |
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Difficulty |
Difficult; most of the hike is uphill with a very steep incline. Only the physically fit should attempt this hike. | |
Connects With |
Nearby: Gull Rock Resurrection Pass |
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Miles One Way |
2.5: Give yourself at least 4-6 hours to get there and back. | |
Miles
from
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90; just past the City of Hope. | |
General Vicinity |
Chugach National Forest | |
Season |
May to September (may be snow at top in early season). | |
Description |
This is one tough hike. If it were any more steep, you'd be Batman and Robin climbing up a building. They didn't even have the courtesy to put in switchbacks. But if you're in shape and up for the challenge, I highly
recommend this hike for its excellent views of Turnagain Arm, the City of Hope and
Resurrection Valley, and as you get to the top, the Kenai and Chugach Mountains. You'll also get a faint view of Anchorage across the Arm. The trail starts just before the entrance of the campground. You'll follow the creek for an 1/8 of a mile and then- THAT'S IT!- VACATION'S OVER! You will constantly be going uphill with very little trail that is actual level. The 2 worst spots are the bluff and the last part of the ridgeline. But I definitely have to say that the views and scenery are worth it. When you get to the top, if you have a mind to, the trail heads right into the heart of the mountains but I have no information of what's beyond the peak. ***** Someone anonymously submitted the following: Great review of this trail. It's difficult but well worth the effort. I did this trail 07/23/06. There was rumor that they had switch-backed it but so far that hasn't happened. The trail is in good condition and the wildflowers are incredible. We saw 2 black bears at the top. Remember to bring a warm layer. The wind was screaming at the point. ***** ***** The following was submitted by Dan Conetta: Hope Point Trail is one fantastic venture and if you haven’t done it yet, it’s certainly one for the “bucket list.” The trailhead is an unmarked trail that starts from Discovery Campground which is located at the end of the Hope Highway. Once you find the trail it is easy to follow. Hope Point Trail is not the same as Gull Rock Trail which also starts from the campground. The hike is relatively steep and took us about 4 hours to get to the top, at a casual pace. The hike offered spectacular views all along the way, and midway up we saw a dozen or more goats in a valley. On the way down we saw a black bear far below us in a canyon. From the top of Hope Point we could see Anchorage with Mt. McKinley in the background, Fire Island, Point Possession, Cook Inlet, Turnagain Arm, the community of Hope, and clouds below our feet. It was a fantastic 360 degree view. The return trip took about 3 hours to get back to the campground. It was one tough hike but well worth the effort. ***** |
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Important Information |
Bring enough water. There are no sources once you leave the creek.
And remember, you'll be sweating. Either bring another person or bring a cell phone. It goes without saying to be careful on this trail, especially when descending the bluff part. In addition, the last part of the ridge is a narrow footpath with a huge drop. The potential for a fall is high on this trail. I'm not saying this to scare you but as a note to be cautious. You do not want to rush this trail. Take each step carefully. Some guidebooks mention a radio tower. This has been removed and you will not find it. You definitely want to pack a windbreaker. Besides the obvious reason that it's windy at the top, you'll be very sweaty by the time you get there and you'll need to keep that wind from causing you hypothermia. I did this trail in May and boy, were my hands cold up there. I wish I had packed my fleece gloves. |
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Etc. |
The state campground where the trailhead
starts is very nice. If you're lucky, you'll get one of the five sites
that look right out on Turnagain Arm. It's first come, first serve so get there early. The town of Hope is worth a quick "looky see". There is basically one loop road with lots of historic houses and cabins. |
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