The Nike missile site hike is in my opinion the new Flattop mountain hike when it comes to views. If you’re seeking a family friendly hike, good elevation, with amazing views beyond the popular Flattop Mountain in Anchorage, this gem of a hike is 30 minutes drive from downtown Anchorage.
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How to get there:
From Anchorage, take Alaska HWY 1 north
- Head east on E 5th Ave / Continue toward Orca St. - 5.8 mi
- Exit onto Arctic Valley Rd. - 3.2 mi
- Continue to follow signs, you’ll travel up a dirt road which will end at the ski area and trailhead.
SPECIAL NOTE: You’re hiking on part of the U.S. Army property. This is public access, but do not enter fenced in areas, which surround the older building structures as well the active radar site on the summit. Prepare for some amazing views - DON’T FORGET YOUR CAMERAS!
Park Fee:
$5.00 Parking Fee
GPS Trail Head:
Latitude: 61° 24′35.70 “N
Longitude: 149°54′23.50 “W
GPS Nike Hike Summit:
- Latitude: 61°15′28.51″N
- Longitude: 149°31′40.77″W
Hiking Time: Allow 3 hours roundtrip (Exploring it all)
Elevation: Starting 2636 feet to Summit 3860 feet
GOOGLE EARTH -
Download Nike Site Hike KMZ File
That’s a Hike!
Your Guides to Alaska!
November 26th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Please correct the statements that suggest Alpenglow ski area at Arctic Valley is an old military area. The Anchorage Ski Club is 70 years old and jointly built the area with the military. The Military has since taken there assests out of the valley - they prefer to support golfing rather than skiing. But Alpenglow is still in operation and a great place for the public to come and ski.
Alpenglow ski area is within CSP and it has a 55 year lease on the land - granted when CSP came to be - Aplenglow ski are pre-dates the park. We still believe in keeping it low cost.
I will not comment on the “public access” to the Nike site other than that is not what we have been told.
We do very much promote the use of Arctic Valley and hope you can feature other hikes like up to the saddle and then to Rondy peak. We also want to build a trail from the area to South Fork of Eagle River. We hope to have a summer coffee house in operation next summer as well to help give hikers added kick to get up the mountain.
Alpenglow is a non-profit volunteer run ski area - struggling to keep it steep and cheep.
Bruce