Looking for the best hikes in Arctic Valley? Arctic Valley is an area between Anchorage and Eagle River. Due to it’s proximity to the city, it’s a great place for those quick, post-work hikes in the Chugach Mountains.
I love visiting Arctic Valley year-round because you can choose to hike in the summer greenery, or hike in the snow and get in some backcountry skiing.
In this post, I’m going to share the best Arctic Valley hiking trails!
How to get to Arctic Valley from Anchorage
From Anchorage, head north on the Glenn Highway. Exit the highway at Arctic Valley Road. Continue on Arctic Valley Road to Ski Bowl Road until you reach the end at the Arctic Valley Ski Area. Parking is $5 and Alaska State Park passes are NOT VALID here.
Chugach State Park Map
See the local trails on the Chugach State Park Map.
3 Best Hikes in Arctic Valley, Alaska
Traditional Land: Dena’ina; (Visit Native-Land.ca to identify whose land you live, work, and play on.)
1. Rendezvous Peak
Distance: 3.1 miles roundtrip
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,440 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
There are two trails you can hike to reach the summit of Rendezvous Peak, and once you reach its tiny summit you will be at an elevation of 4,101 feet. The views from here are insane (unless the clouds have you socked in). From here, you can continue hiking the ridge or check out the Arctic Valley public use cabin.
Another way to hike to the top of Rendezvous Peak is by following the Marston Trail to the Ship Creek Valley Overlook and continuing up Rendezvous Ridge Trail to the peak summit.
Read the full trail guide: Hike Rendezvous Peak in Arctic Valley
How to get to Rendezvous Peak Trail in Arctic Valley:
From Anchorage, head north on the Glenn Highway. Exit the highway at Arctic Valley Road. Continue on Arctic Valley Road to Ski Bowl Road until you reach the end at the Arctic Valley Ski Area. The parking area for Rendezvous Peak trail will be on your left.
2. Mount Gordon Lyon
Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Mount Gordon Lyon can be seen on the left side of Arctic Valley. It’s a slightly longer hike than its neighbor, Rendezvous Peak, and the views from here are just as incredible. From the summit (4,134 feet), you’ll get a 360-degree-view of Anchorage, Eagle River, and surrounding Chugach Mountains. You can hike down from here to reach Highland Mountain.
Read the full trail guide: Hike Mount Gordon Lyon in Arctic Valley
How to get to Mount Gordon Lyon Trail in Arctic Valley:
From Anchorage, head north on the Glenn Highway. Exit the highway at Arctic Valley Road. Continue on Arctic Valley Road to Ski Bowl Road until you reach the end at the Arctic Valley Ski Area. The parking area for Mt. Gordon Lyon trail will be on your left.
3. Rendezvous Ridge
Distance: 3-10 miles one-way
Time: 1+ hour
Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Rendezvous Ridge is a beautiful ridge hike that connects Eagle River and Arctic Valley. From the South Fork Eagle River side, you will see a trail sign directing you towards the ridge. It’s about 3 miles from here to the top of Rendezvous Peak.
You can also hike the ridge towards Triangle Peak, which is about 10 miles away. This hiking trail will give you some incredible views of the South Fork Eagle River Valley, and the gorgeous Eagle and Symphony Lakes that sit below.
I love hiking the ridge in a loop. Starting from the South Fork Eagle River Valley, climbing up the ridge, hike towards Triangle Peak, and drop back down into the valley near the lakes.
How to get to Rendezvous Ridge Trail:
Rendezvous Ridge can be accessed from Rendezvous Peak or from the South Fork Eagle River Trail in Eagle River.
Other Hikes in Arctic Valley
If you’ve already bagged these peaks, you can try hikes like Marston Trail, Highland Mountain, Ship Creek Valley Trail to Indian Creek Pass Trail, or Triangle Peak.
Happy hiking!
Read More
Arctic Valley Public Use Cabin Chair 2 Review
Hike Rendezvous Peak in Arctic Valley
What to Wear Hiking in Alaska (Summer)
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Do you have any questions about the best hikes in Arctic Valley, Alaska? Leave them in the comments.
