McHugh Peak

The feel

The route starts at 720 ft in groves of huge cottonwoods, then passes through the site of the 2016 McHugh Creek wildfire. From there it follows the wind-blasted crest of the west ridge to the summit, high above the tide flats of Turnagain Arm.

Views open north toward downtown Anchorage once you reach the ridgeline. The McHugh Creek drainage is notorious for bear sightings.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 7.8 miles total, with about 4300 ft of gain. The trail joins the Turnagain Arm Trail, then the McHugh Lake Trail; after about a mile and a half, an unmarked trail climbs 0.7 mile straight uphill to the ridgeline. From there it is 1.5 miles over Ruby to the summit, with some Class 3 scrambling for those who stay on the crest and an easier line on the north side.

Time

About 6 hours.

Parking

The McHugh Creek day use area at milepost 111 on the Seward Highway has plenty of parking; the trailhead is at the end of the uppermost lot.

Fees and passes

$5 day use, or an Alaska State Parks pass.

Hazards

Bears; steep, slippery tundra and grasses on the south side.

Bathrooms and water

Restrooms at the McHugh Creek day use area.

Season and access

Often snow-free as soon as early May.

Mingo says

Aim for spring, when the south-facing ridge clears first. Look for bare ground from early May.

Before you go

• Carry bear spray and make noise on the way up.
• Pay $5 or show an Alaska State Parks pass at the McHugh Creek lot.
• The climb to the ridgeline is on an unmarked trail, about a mile and a half up the McHugh Lake Trail.

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