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A stiff climb leads to great views atop McHugh Peak!


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

57%

Runnable

4,214' 1,284 m

High

1,233' 376 m

Low

3,038' 926 m

Up

58' 18 m

Down

23%

Avg Grade (13°)

112%

Max Grade (48°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Parking at the McHugh Creek Trailhead requires a $5 fee or an Alaska State Parks Pass. Park in the lower lot outside the gate if you intend to be there past 9pm. They do close the gate every night.

Description

While the normal route up to the southwest ridge is being redefined through the wildfire zone, you want to traverse east along the McHugh Lake Trail until you reach the opening of the first bowl. There, if you start heading directly upwards, you'll come across the well-defined singletrack, which marks the start of this trail, that climbs steeply up the tundra to the rocky ridge. Once on the ridgeline, you are rewarded with views into the Anchorage Bowl, as well as the Turnagain Arm view you had on the journey up.

Continue northeast along the ridge for nearly two miles until you see the finger rock formation. An easy scramble up the formation is required to reach the true summit.

This trail has a black diamond rating due to some route finding in the wildfire zone, steep grades, and minor scrambling at the summit.

Other routes up to McHugh Peak include the north ridge from Bear Valley and east ridge from Rabbit Lake (requires logistics). The northwest ridge is not recommended due to access concerns.

Contacts

Shared By:

Abe H

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#28

in Anchorage

#15288

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#28

in Anchorage

#162

in Alaska

#15,288

Overall
2 Views Last Month
851 Since Feb 2, 2018
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Photos

View of Rabbit Lake and the Suicides McHugh ridge
Jan 26, 2018 near Elmendo…, AK
Summit of McHugh Peak. Chugach State Park, Chugach Mountains, Alaska
Feb 2, 2018 near Elmendo…, AK
Summit photo on top of the finger-like rock formation.
Feb 1, 2018 near Elmendo…, AK

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