The name and location of the most-climbed mountain in
Alaska may surprise you. It’s Flattop. By Alaska standards, it is certainly not
tall—only 3,510 ft. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from downtown Anchorage,
within Chugach State Park. Chugach itself spans about 500,000 acres, and is one
of the largest state parks in the U.S.
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| Alaska's Chugach State Park extends over about 500,000 acres |
In addition to being accessible from Anchorage, the trail
offers a moderately challenging, steep climb shy of the summit. Lower areas of
the trail are easy to follow and include railings on stairways, steps and some
switchbacks. The overall 1.5 mile climb to the summit, a 1,280 ft. rise, leads
to some very ground and loose rock. Additionally, even well into June and July,
there can be snow and ice on the trail. Hikers are advised to wear appropriate
shoes and when in doubt, return to the trailhead and sit it out.
The view from the Glen Alps Trailhead, weather
permitting, permits some stunning photo opportunities of a distant downtown
Anchorage and the Cook Inlet. Parking at the trailhead has a nominal fee. At
the time of our visit, summer 2012, it was $5.
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