Bird Ridge – November 3, 2019 | Chugach Trail Bites

Bird Ridge, high above the Turnagain Arm

Bird Ridge is one of the most iconic hikes around Anchorage. It’s about a 25 minute drive down the Seward Highway from Anchorage, and hikable year around. It’s fun to run or hike up to the ridge different times of the year since the conditions change with the seasons. When the front range gets too snowy to hike without skis, you can pretty much always get up Bird. If you don’t want to try it alone, there’s a group of folks that meet in the parking lot and hike it at noon every Sunday, no matter the conditions.

Bird Ridge in the winter on a clear day.

Even with deep snow, Bird Ridge is still climbable.

Some days the trail is an icy mess that microspikes don’t even help with, some days it’s slick, steep mud. If you’re lucky it’s a mix of both! Sometimes it’s hot and dry with an unrelenting sun, sometimes it’s post holing in knee deep snow. The secret is to wait a day after a storm until some other foolish person breaks trail first! No matter what the conditions, it’s always a great workout and worth the effort.

Usually there’s a bit of wind, but sometimes you’re fortunate enough to hit a calm day. Always bring an extra layer for unpredictable conditions. And having a good cew makes the cold, windy days easier.

Quick stop at the top for a windy photo.

Fall colors get crazy in the Chugach.

The tundra colors light up in the fall. The ridge turns bright red, yellow and orange, along with all of the deciduous trees lower down along the arm. Plus, if you time it right, you can watch the bore tide roll in.

If you’re feeling spicy, there’s a race to the top every June. It’s a good tune up for the impending Mount Marathon a few weeks later. The race up Bird Ridge has become so popular, it’s now a lottery to get in.

Skinny Raven

Dr. Jensen nearing the finish of the 2019 Bird Ridge Race

If the hiking to Bird Ridge Point is not quite enough, the trail extends a few more miles to the Bird Ridge Overlook. It adds a couple hours of running, but has 360 degree views of the inlet and Chugach the whole way.

Looking back at Bird Ridge from the Bird Ridge Overlook.

Running along Bird Ridge from the Bird Ridge Overlook.

My favorite time to hike the trail is an inverted winter day. It’s always a gamble leaving town in the thick low clouds, wondering if you’ll get above them, and what will be up there waiting. Sometimes you don’t poke out…

Bird Ridge in the clouds.

But when you get lucky and pop out of the fog half way up with the sun reflecting off the crisp white snow and sea of clouds, framed by the brilliant bluebird sky, the view is beyond stunning.

Breathtaking day on Bird Ridge.

Descending back into the sea of clouds.

Penguin Peak poking through the fog.

Aside from the teaser snowfall in October, the weirdly warm weather has left the trail in great condition. Normally I run in shoes with screws in the bottom this time of year (something Skinny Raven will do for $10 to any pair of shoes – and well worth it when it’s icy), but running shoes worked just fine since the trail was dry until the final ridge to the point. Yesterday we weren’t as lucky to be greeted by a bluebird sky above the clouds, but we got above the fog and it was warm and calm at the top.

Barney, Najeeby, Dr. Jensen and Major the Mountain Dog on November 3.

Remember to bring bear spray in the spring, summer and fall. Plan on the summit and the way down to be much colder than the way up. And bring your phone, since you’ll probably want to take a photo or two.

Bird Ridge – November 3, 2019