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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
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Very easy. |
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Connects
With
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See Below |
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Miles
One Way
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14 |
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Miles
from
Anchorage
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In town; about a 20
minute drive from downtown. |
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General
Vicinity
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Chugach State Park |
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Season
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January to December
(hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe in winter). |
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Description
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Powerline Pass is basically a
beat up dirt service road where the power line crosses over the Chugach
Mountains. The main section goes through the Glen Alps where many
wonderful hikes can be found (see below). While the scenery along this
road is very beautiful, the dirt road and power line can really detract
from it. However, it's a great mountain bike trail, and in the winter, a
great cross country skiing trail. Going over the actual Pass is
quite exhilarating as the trail narrows up a steep ridge.
Many residents on the east side of Anchorage access the lower part of
the trail from various trails and moose paths near their homes, but there is no reason for
visitors to venture to this part. The best section starts from the Flat Top parking lot. and goes right up to the Pass,
where there is a small tarn (lake). As you head toward this section, the
terrain gets rockier with less vegetation as you are literally crossing
over treeline.
The Pass to the end at the Seward Highway does not get the crowds that
the other sections get so head there for more solitude. There is a good chance of seeing
moose and dall sheep.
A few times, I have seen
coyotes.
For real hiking and backpacking you should only be on this trail (usually just a few miles or less) to get to:
Hidden Valley and Lake
Ship Lake Valley and The Ramp
Williwaw Lakes
Football Field/O'Malley Peak
Indian Valley
Ptarmigan Pass (To Rabbit Lake)
Also in the Glen Alps Area:
Flat Top
Wolverine
Near Point
South Fork Rim Trail
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Important
Information
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The section of the
trail between the Pass and midway to Indian Valley can be quite clogged
with snow even into June. Be very careful at the Pass if there is
a lot of snow as there is quite a drop if you slip and slide down. |
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Etc.
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The Glen Alps
Parking Lot and the Prospect Heights Parking Lot both require 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. |
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