Bold Ridge Trail

Easy access to an alpine valley or ridge, with jaw-dropping views over Eklutna Lake.

Hiking Difficult

Distance: 25 km
Ascent: 1.1 km
Descent: 1.1 km
Duration: 6-7 hrs

Low Point: 243 m
High Point: 1 km
Gradient: 12˚

This is an excellent longer hike at Eklutna Lake, which can be expedited by biking the Lakeside Trail to the start of Bold Ridge Trail. After crossing the bridge about 5 miles into the Lakeside Trail, stash your bike and follow the Bold Ridge Trail uphill. It's a wide track that climbs fairly efficiently, but may be overgrown in places.

Description

The timberline is reached in about a mile and a half, and the trail remains well defined as it heads into the higher tundra. By this point you'll already have expansive views over the Eklutna basin, but there is more yet to see, either in the valley or on the ridge.

The track mapped here is merely the main stem of the Bold Ridge Trail, and you have options for continuing from there. Where this track turns around is a visible fork in the trail. Go left to descend into the Bold Peak Valley, where you can camp among scattered boulders beneath the towering peak. Go right to ascend Bold Ridge, and find one of the ultimate vistas in the Chugach. You can continue as far as you like along the crest, though it eventually runs into Bold Peak's cliff-clad west ridge.

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.