Mount Significant

The feel

This is a very long, steep ridge route. It starts on the Mile High Saddle Trail, a steep, sustained uphill through dense riparian vegetation and forest, with cow parsnip and alders thick enough to conceal a full-grown moose. At the saddle you head east to Mount Magnificent, then follow the ridge for four miles to the summit.

Once you are on the ridge you are very exposed to weather, and it gets windy. The way to Mount Magnificent is a rocky scramble on loose, unstable shale. You are unlikely to meet many other people out here.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 15.1 miles total, with 6305 ft of gain. Steep forest and thick vegetation up to the saddle, then loose shale and exposed ridge to Mount Magnificent and four more ridge miles to the summit.

Time

About 10 hours.

Crowds and best time

Unlikely to meet many other people. Best from June through September.

Parking

The trailhead is a small turnout marked by a gate and a tiny brown Chugach State Park sign, with room for only a few cars. From Eagle River Road, take Mile High road on the left after about two miles and follow its steep zigzag switchbacks uphill.

Dogs

Welcome on a leash.

Hazards

Wildlife encounters, loose shale, wind and inclement weather on an exposed ridge.

Season and access

Best from June through September.

Mingo says

Plan this for June through September, when the ridge is at its best. The route is out and back, so you cross that exposed ground twice.

Before you go

• Bring bear spray.
• Pack plenty of layers in case inclement weather rolls in.
• Allow about 10 hours for the full out and back.
• Leave a car at the turnout early, because it has room for only a few.

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