Why is this trail not more frequently mentioned? I have no idea. It offers some of the best camping(backpacking camping… not«camping within 10 ft of your car”-camping) and views near Anchorage… if not, THE best. The parking lot is small and tight, and a royal pain. Be prepared to get creative, or walk a little bit farther. The trail ends in Rabbit Lake and a stunning view of the Suicide Peaks. These are some of the most stunning mountains in the Chugach front range. You can see them from just about anywhere in town, but being a mere mile away, they are mighty impressive. Although they are only ~5k ft tall, they appear much larger. There is ample soft tundra(or snow) to camp on, right in front of these things. The trail is not a workout, at all. It’s about 5 miles long with a very very gradual gain. It «feels» like it’s flat. In summary: this trail has maximum reward and minimal effort. You don’t get to tell people you«climbed a mountain*», though. *About that: these two peaks are non-technical to summit in the summer. By summer, I mean«when they have nasty scree on them instead of snow». If they are still covered in snow, even what looks like a «little bit» of snow. I would not attempt unless you have basic mountaineering skills. What do I mean by basic mountaineering skills? You know how to use: crampons, ice axe, and will be wearing a helmet. Actually, you should bring a helmet, regardless. The rock quality in the Chugach is absolute garbage. I would expect lots of «portable hand-holds». Then again, I ain’t your Daddy, it’s your life, not mine.
