Mount Eklutna Loop

The feel

The route crosses tundra and climbs a wide plateau, where low brush and soft ground slow the going. Higher up the ground firms, the plateau narrows to a ridge, and a trail appears on the crest. A three-way pass forms a hollow at the base of Mount Eklutna, and you drop some 30 feet into it.

From the hollow a steep gravel trail climbs to a rocky outcrop 300 feet above, with ground that shifts underfoot, and then the path runs along the ridge to the 4,271-foot summit. The wind pushes against your chest, and the views stretch for miles. Bear and moose sightings are common on the Big Peters Creek trail.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of 6.1 to 8 miles with 1100 to 3,220 ft of gain, over Bear Point and on to Mount Eklutna. Soft tundra and low brush, then a ridge, a steep gravel pitch with a short scramble, and a descent through a wide hollow into the woods to the old Peters Creek road. The last few miles back to the car follow that road.

Time

About 4 hours.

Parking

The trailhead is shared with Bear Point and Big Peters Creek. From the Glenn Highway take the Peters Creek exit, then Ski Road, Whaley Avenue, Chugach Park Drive, Kullberg Drive, Sullins Drive and Malcolm Drive to a big brown trailhead sign.

Fees and passes

$5 day use; a state park pass is accepted.

Dogs

Allowed.

Hazards

The ridgewalk to the summit can be genuinely dangerous in winter and early spring, when a rime of ice or snow remains. The gravel pitch shifts underfoot. Bears and moose are common on the Big Peters Creek trail.

Season and access

Typical season May to October.

Mingo says

Go up Bear Point and come down Mount Eklutna. Finding the right place to descend from Bear Point is hard. Pick a day without ice or snow on the summit ridge.

Before you go

• Pack bug spray.
• Bring $5 for day use; a state park pass is accepted.
• Dogs are allowed on this route.

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