Name: Matanuska Peak Challenge Race Course
Rating: 5.0

“A challenging out-and-back mountain run with plenty of elevation gain”

— valleytrash

Official Details: alaskamountainrunners.org/calendar.htm#mpc

Featured Race - Aug 11, 2019

GPX File

Features -none-

Overview

This strenuous race route ascends Lazy Mountain, descends the backside of Lazy Mountain and climbs Matanuska Peak. If you didn't get enough elevation gain traveling in one direction, don't worry! The return course is what you just conquered, in reverse.

Description

The race course begins by ascending the Lazy Mountain Trail, then descends Lazy Mountain's east face (backside) to a col before climbing back up to the next prominence immediately east of Lazy Mountain.

The course gains more elevation on the ridge connecting Lazy Mountain to Matanuska Peak. From here, a primitive trail descends into the Matanuska Peak Bowl where it joins the Matanuska Peak Trail (McRoberts Creek). The Matanuska Peak Trail is used to summit Matanuska Peak before the route is run in reverse.

Strenuous, technical, and often rocky, this is a route to test your mettle on. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views in addition to your sense of accomplishment.