There are too many incredible hikes in Alaska to list but most of them require a lot of work.  It’s rare to find a quick hike that delivers so much.  For the ease of access and time required, I can confidently say this is the best hike in Alaska.

Want to hike to the top of a mountain?  Of course you do.  I seen a few different names for this mountain but I’m definitely going with “Lion’s Head Mountain.”  It’s not the highest mountain or the most remote but it’s quite unique.  You’ll likely approach the Glacier View area from the West.  However, you should initially pass the hike’s turnoff and continue until you reach the Sheep Mountain Lodge (highly recommend and reasonably priced.)  Turn around there and enjoy your the drive back as the moutain looms directly ahead.  You’ll want to stop and take a picture.

This hike is an adventure from the start.  Starting at the George Parks Highway/Glenn Highway junction travel 64 miles.  As you approach the turn off, you’ll see the Matanuska Glacier on the right.  Just as Glenn Highway begins 90 degree bend, take the turnoff on the right just before mile marker 106.  Follow the dirt road for 1/4 mile until you reach a gate.  The mountain is located on land owned by the power company.  There will be a sign on the gate with a contact number.  Call the number and notify the agent that you would like to hike the trail.  They will ask for your name and request that you call back after finishing the hike. Continue to follow the road beyond the gate and stay left until you approach some small buildings.  Just after the buidings turn right onto a smaller but still prominent road.  The road will quickly end in a cul-de-sac.  The trail will be in the back left of the the cul-de-sac.

“You’re from… Alabama?  How did you find this place?  Only people from around here know about this trail.”

Once you’ve made it to the trailhead, the narrow trail will continue through a flat forested area for a short time until arriving at the bottom of the mountain.  From this point the trail will become very steep.  It will become more of a scramble than a hike, quickly progressing up the side of the mountain.  Sturdy shoes are recommended as the terain is quite aggressive and possibly muddy.  About an hour after passing the gate, you should reach the rounded peak of the mountain.

The view from the top is unmatched.  There are sweeping views in all directions.  The pictures could be easily confused with shots from a helicopter.  To the South, the Matanuska Glacier flows down from mountains in the distance.  If you have time, I would strongly encourage you to go ice climbing (we used MICA Guides.)  Looking east the Matanuska River weaves itself through the valley.  Making the hike in the fall among the brilliant yellow aspen foliage is truly amazing.

Few Alaska hikes offer this much fantastic scenery in such a short distance.  For a few hours time, these type of views are unparalleled.  If you are in the area, this is one adventure which should not be missed.  The hike could easily be paired with a morning glacier walk or ice climbing expedition for a truly unforgettable day.