Nest Peak is one of the 120 true summits in Chugach Park. A lonely yet spectacular spot, the summit register shows only one or two entries per year.
The trailhead is located about 25 miles south of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. If not meeting at to carpool, proceed to Mile 100.5 of the Seward Highway, and turn onto Konikson Road. Drive this 0.6 miles to the ample trailhead parking at its terminus. The trailhead elevation is approximately 100 feet, so we will be climbing virtually all of Nest's 5030-foot height.
We will bike the approach, heading north on a wide, gated dirt road, past the Penguin Peak turnoff and past various ATV tracks. After about a mile, we cross Penguin Creek on a vehicle bridge. Immediately, bear right onto the Penguin Creek Trail, which initially is a broad ATV track. The junction is currently marked. Follow the ATV trail two miles to its end at about the 1000-foot elevation (bearing right at another junction). The end of the ATV trail is several hundred vertical feet above (and north of) Penguin Creek. This is where we will likely leave the bikes.
Directly ahead, a trail of use leads further up the slope. It quickly emerges from the trees and begins a generally ascending traverse to the eastward across the brush and tall grass just above treeline. Leave this trail when the time seems right and hike up-slope to the southwest ridge of Nest Peak. This can be done on any of several avalanche chutes, or we can wait till the trail ends after about three quarters of a mile and ascend via the indistinct corner between the Penguin Creek Valley and the first side valley on its northern flank. Once on the 4000-foot ridge, pleasant walking along a broad crest with expansive views lifts us gently to the 5030-foot summit.
Expect to be out about 7 hours. If you have questions that are not answered in this description, please conduct your own research and share your beta with the group.
August 3
Me too!
August 3
This was an easy bike on flat trail followed by a gentle climb through tall grass, and a mild walk along a broad ridge. Just like all of Jennifer's events ;)
Actually, we had a blast biking through water traps, and up rocky hills before we bushwhacked our way up to the shale ridge. I can't wait to see pictures!
3 · August 3
Gah! Having a technical problem with my bike and do not have enough time to fix it and make it there in time. Have fun! Bummed to miss it. I will try to make it to your adventure tomorrow instead, Jennifer!
August 2
Yay, Charlie! Glad to have you on board. I remember when we did Bird Peak. What an epic day that was!!
July 31
Got some photos of the Nest Peak area yesterday from the Bird Ridge Overlook. Three views starting here...
http://www.meetup.com/AnchorageAdventurers/photos/23372062/390400112/#[masked]
July 24
Jennifer. I am 100% comfortable doing this bike/hike with you if you don't mind an AK transplant for company. I've spent the last 18 years of my life exploring (hiking, skiing, climbing, mapping, paddling) remote areas in the Rockies and SW desert- many not on trail. I don't need a guide, just a partner. Cheers!
July 22
This trip will require route finding skills. I have never done it before - I don't repeat weekend hikes. So, don't expect me to lead you to the summit. As the description says, very few people hike this peak. There will not be a trail to follow. This trip is NOT for people new to hiking/Anchorage.
1 · July 22
Hi is this hike considered easy? Are there any scree scrambling or steep sections? Thank you.
July 6
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:-) loved it!! And, the mud even came out of my clothes. Yeah, I might have had a bit too much fun plowing through the mud ponds.