Rendezvous Peak hiking trail is one of the few hikes that you’ll find in Arctic Valley.
Arctic Valley is located 30 minutes north of Anchorage. Due to the close proximity to Anchorage, this 3.1-mile roundtrip trail makes an awesome day hike near Anchorage.
Rendezvous Peak is best used from May to October, but it always comes down to snow conditions. You’ll also find that a lot of people head here during the winter for backcountry skiing.
In this post, I’m going to share how to hike Rendezvous Peak in Arctic Valley, Alaska.
Hike Rendezvous Peak in Arctic Valley
Traditional Land: Dena’ina, Dënéndeh (Visit Native-Land.ca to identify whose land you live, work, and play on.)
Distance: 3.1 miles roundtrip
Time: 2 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,440 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Dogs: Yes
Quick Tips
- Bring $5 for daily parking fee
- Arrive early to secure a parking spot, especially during summer weekends
- Pets must be on leash in trailhead parking lot & under control on trails and in the backcountry
- Carry bear spray
- Great trail for berry picking in the fall
Arctic Valley Gate Hours
In order to get to the Rendezvous Peak trail, you’ll have to drive through the gate at Arctic Valley. The Arctic Valley gate is open 6am-10pm. Make sure you head back down and leave the Arctic Valley area before the gate closes.
The drive up Arctic Valley is usually a bit bumpy. The road is often rutted so keep this in mind when choosing a vehicle to drive here.
How to get to Rendezvous Peak from Anchorage
- From Anchorage, head north on the Glenn Highway
- Exit the highway at Arctic Valley Road
- Continue on Arctic Valley Road until you reach the end at the Arctic Valley Ski Area
- The parking area for Rendezvous Peak Trail will be on your left
Get directions on Google Maps here.
Rendezvous Peak Trailhead
Rendezvous Peak Trail can be found in Arctic Valley. The parking lot is big but parking may be limited depending on the time of year.
The daily parking fee here is $5 and there are public toilets available to use. Unfortunately, the Alaska State Parks pass is not accepted here. You will definitely get a ticket here so make sure to pay the fee at the kiosk in the upper parking lot.
After parking, head across the road towards the ski lift area. You can also start the hike from the Arctic Valley trailhead sign by the fee kiosk.
Rendezvous Cafe
You’ll notice a small cafe called Rendezvous Cafe that is usually open on summer weekends and holidays. They sell coffee, drinks, and some snacks.
Under Chair 2 Ski Lift
The Rendezvous Peak trail is about three miles out-and-back and will take you less than two hours to complete the hike. The trail starts to the left of the lower parking lot and takes you on a gravel trail underneath one of the Arctic Valley ski lifts. The start of the trail is the same as the Mount Gordon Lyon hike.
Within about 3/4 mile you’ll want to cross over a bridge to your left. After crossing the bridge, turn right on the trail and head towards the saddle overlooking Eagle River Valley.
As you continue a gradual uphill climb, you’ll notice there are a lot of smaller trails that have been formed by berry pickers. Arctic Valley is a great place for berry picking in the fall.
Towards the Saddle
Once you reach the saddle, head right to follow the trail as it wraps around to the summit of Rendezvous Peak. If you head left, you will hike towards Mount Gordon Lyon.
From the saddle, you’re just about 500 feet away from the summit. As you start hiking the last stretch to the top, you’ll see even better views of Eagle River South Fork Valley and surrounding peaks.
Rendezvous Peak Summit
Once you reach the tiny summit of Rendezvous Peak you will be at an elevation of 4,101 feet. The views from here are insane (unless the clouds have you socked in).
You’ll get a 360-degree-view of Anchorage, Eagle River, and the surrounding Chugach Mountains.
Alternative Routes
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.
You can also hike from the south side of the peak on the footpaths underneath the ski lift. Along the way, you will pass the Arctic Valley Public Use Cabin that can be found at Chair 2.
Happy hiking!
Pin For Later
Do you have any questions on hiking Rendezvous Peak in Arctic Valley? Let me know in the comments.
