There are multiple approaches to McHugh, and what's mapped here is the one with the most vertical gain. Only your attitude determines whether that's a pro or a con! Other advantages to this route are variety of scenery on the way up, and easy access within Chugach State Park. The other popular route is the north ridge, but it begins outside the park at a spot with very limited parking.

To tackle this south flank route, park at the McHugh Creek trailhead on Seward Highway. You'll start on the regular trail to McHugh Lake, which goes first through leafy coastal forest then through a swath of skeleton trees from a 2016 wildfire. Be aware that bears may frequent this area, especially during the spring and fall.

Pay attention to the upslope on your left to find the climbers trail that branches off. It comes at the base of a broad bowl in the mountainside, then punches straight up the center, through dry tundra and talus to gain the ridgeline.

Once on the ridge, you'll find the view off the other side of the mountain to Anchorage. The summit is still about a mile and a half away, but it's a mellow ridge walk to get there. The biggest difficulty may be the high winds that frequently blast from the ocean.

Rock outcrops can easily be bypassed moving left or right along the ridge, but the mountain's true summit is a finger-like crag that must be scrambled. The moves aren't too difficult, but there is a real fall hazard. Proceed with caution if you're determined to make the top.

Sources: https://www.summitpost.org/mchugh-peak/668907 https://www.alaska.org/detail/mchugh-peak https://winterbear.com/guidebook/alaska/chugach-state-park/mchugh-peak/