Lion's Head Trail

The feel

Lion's Head is the prominent rock outcropping beside the Matanuska Glacier. The route starts on a gravel road past buildings on private property, then a rock cairn in a line of alders marks where the climb begins. From there it is a steep, rocky scramble.

At the top, the view drops down a 2,000-foot cliff face to the glacier. The Matanuska River and Caribou Creek spread below, with the Talkeetna Mountains behind you and the Chugach ahead. In the fall there is good berry picking along the way.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 2.1 miles total, with 997 ft of gain. Steep and rocky scrambling, muddy and slippery in places.

Time

About 1.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

May through September.

Parking

Park on the right at the top of the hill by a telecommunications site, near the AT&T tower at Mile 106 of the Glenn Highway, on the right coming from Anchorage. The parking area is not monitored.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed.

Hazards

Steep inclines, mud and slippery conditions, and fog near the top. Trekking poles are recommended.

Season and access

The trail crosses private property. Call the number on the AT&T sign at the gate before you go in.

Mingo says

The best months are May through September. Pick a dry day, because mud and fog make the upper scramble harder.

Before you go

• Call the number on the gate's AT&T sign before you walk in, and call it again when you leave.
• Keep valuables out of sight in the car, since the parking area is not monitored.
• Stay on the path and out of the buildings on private property.
• Bring trekking poles, insect repellent and bear spray.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.