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This run tackles the easiest 5,000' summit in the western Chugach.


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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.1

KM

38%

Runnable

4,950' 1,509 m

High

2,357' 718 m

Low

2,593' 790 m

Up

2,592' 790 m

Down

31%

Avg Grade (17°)

91%

Max Grade (42°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · Views

Parking along the street outside of the cul-de-sac is free, but pay attention to the signage.

Overview

Harp Mountain, at 5,001' of elevation, is #83 of the 120 Chugach State Park Peaks as listed on Peakbagger.com. Anytime you get above 5,000' in the western Chugach, the views are spectacular because you are generally past the front peaks and into the heart of the front range.

Luckily, Hiland Road in Eagle River provides easy access to the base of Harp, eliminating lengthy approaches of other 5,000-foot peaks in the area. Thus, while the grade is certainly not easy, Harp is commonly known as the easiest 5,000-foot peak in the Chugach.

Description

The trail begins at the end of the cul-de-sac and quickly climbs out of the trees and into the alpine. Once into the alpine tundra, the trail follows the ridge top over a series of false summits up to the true summit. Each false summit provides natural breaks in the climb, which are usually welcomed as the climb averages over 1,600 feet of gain per mile.

This trail has an intermediate/difficult rating for its steep grade.

Contacts

Shared By:

Abe H with improvements by Steven Adams

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 5 votes

#8

in Anchorage

#2658

Overall
  4.6 from 5 votes
5 Star
80%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#8

in Anchorage

#42

in Alaska

#2,658

Overall
4 Views Last Month
5,020 Since Feb 15, 2018
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
33%
67%
0%

Photos

Summit view looking north toward Knik Arm and Denali.
Feb 15, 2018 near Elmendo…, AK
Fall tundra colors of the south and west slopes of Harp Mountain.  The false summits are visible here as well.
Feb 15, 2018 near Elmendo…, AK
At the summit
Jun 14, 2022 near Elmendo…, AK
Panoramic view
Jun 14, 2022 near Elmendo…, AK
Summit
Jun 14, 2022 near Elmendo…, AK

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