The first few switchbacks on the ascent include some large technical features that might seem intimidating, but this isn't indicative of the rest of the climb. While there are a few more big features on the way up, overall the trail tread is very manageable. The climb up the mountain ascends consistently, gaining almost 2,000 vertical feet to the high point.

After several miles of climbing, you'll break out above treeline and, on a clear day, enjoy stupendous views of the glacier-covered mountains around you. Most notably, Mount Ascension rises to a height of 5,710 feet above sea level and towers almost directly above the trail!

However, getting a clear day on the Kenai Peninsula is a rarity, so you need to be prepared to climb up into low-hanging clouds that obscure the view and that may very well rain on you on any given day. But that's all part of the adventure when braving the Alaskan wilderness!

You'll run for miles above treeline, enjoying long-range views if the clouds are high enough. But even if they aren't, the alpine tundra is often covered in colorful wildflowers in the summertime, providing their own unique micro beauty.

This out-and-back route tops out on a ridge and then descends almost 300 vertical feet back down to reach the shores of Lost Lake. It's well worth the effort to drop down to the lake and climb back up, as the views from the shore are stunning! Above and beyond the long-range mountain views, Lost Lake itself is surprisingly large for being tucked away so high in the mountains, and the water is crystal-clear. Enjoy some delightful solitude on its shores before turning around and running back up to the top of the mountain ridge.

The route mapped here is an out-and-back that returns back to the car via the same path. However, it's also possible to create a 32-mile epic fastpacking loop using this trail (mapped separately).