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A challenging climb with spectacular views.


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Map Key

4.2

Miles

6.8

KM

42%

Runnable

3,205' 977 m

High

521' 159 m

Low

2,684' 818 m

Up

2,684' 818 m

Down

24%

Avg Grade (14°)

65%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This trail is muddy and slippery in the spring and cold and barren in the winter.

Overview

A great, challenging run with easy access from the road offering spectacular views of Jean and Hidden Lakes. At the top of the saddle, just above the tree line, you can continue up the east peak (as depicted), journey to the west peak, or head down the other side of the saddle to pick up a trail that continues along a stream.

Need to Know

Sign your name in the ammo can at the top...it's located near the "prayer flags" that are actually someone's shorts hanging from a stick. From the top, you'll notice a very blue lake at the bottom by the parking lot, cross over the berm and head down the steep unmaintained trail that circumnavigates the crystal clear water...bathing suits are optional.

Trekking poles can be very helpful on the way up and back down as there are some very steep sections.

Runner Notes

Running up might be impossible, running down... extremely dangerous.

Description

Park on the opposite side of street and cross-over onto the trail at the end of the guardrail to the west. The first mile is covered by trees while second mile is open above the tree line.

There is a bridge over a stream, some stairs built towards the bottom, but the trail is very steep for the most part. If you start out in shorts and t-shirt, be sure to bring a windbreaker for the top. It gets windy and cold above tree line.

Flora & Fauna

Summer months offer spectacular views of mountain wildflowers in a beautiful backdrop of lakes and snowcapped mountains.

Contacts

Shared By:

Joseph Ludick

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#3634

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#55

in Alaska

#3,634

Overall
4 Views Last Month
4,343 Since Jun 19, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

View from the top onto Hidden Lake
Jun 19, 2015 near Sterling, AK
Just past the tree line, view of Hidden and Jean Lakes.
Jun 19, 2015 near Sterling, AK
Just Past the Gnome forest looking up the trail to the top!
Jun 30, 2015 near Sterling, AK
A short break in the foliage.
Jun 19, 2015 near Sterling, AK
Final ridge on skyline trail with a nice view towards Soldotna in the background
Nov 6, 2017 near Sterling, AK
First break in the foliage.
Jun 19, 2015 near Sterling, AK

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
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