O'Malley Peak

The feel

O'Malley Peak is one of the Anchorage Hillside's iconic pointy peaks in Chugach State Park, reached from the Glen Alps trailhead. The route starts at Glen Alps, passes a bridge over Campbell Creek under a mile in, crosses a flat glacial valley called the Ballfield, then turns to switchbacks and loose scree. The last stretch is a scramble along an exposed ridge where you use your hands.

From the summit you look over the Hidden Lake valley and out to the distant Alaska Range. The peak is named for Dr. James "Doc" O'Malley, a physician who moved to Anchorage in 1946. The wind is steady most of the time, and the final ascent is the hard part.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 9.2 to 10 miles, with 3,300 to 3,438 ft of gain, rated hard. The trail starts at about 2,200 ft and tops out at 5,242 ft. It climbs about 1,100 ft to the Ballfield, then the final ascent is loose scree and a Class 3 scramble along an exposed ridge.

Time

About 6 hours. The walk up to the Ballfield takes 35 to 45 minutes.

Crowds and best time

June to October is the popular season, and snow is common year round.

Parking

Glen Alps. The lot also serves Flattop, so it fills up.

Fees and passes

$5 day use. Annual passes exist.

Dogs

Allowed on leash.

Hazards

Hands are needed on the final scramble, and helmets are recommended for rockfall. The faster descent is a steeper shale chute where rolling rocks are a hazard. Moose, black bears and brown bears live in the park.

Bathrooms and water

Bring your own drinking water, since stream water may carry Giardia.

Season and access

Snow is common year round. The popular season runs June to October.

Mingo says

Aim for June through October, when most hikers go, and still expect snow on the route at any time of year. Pack a windbreaker for the summit. Come down the way you went up, since the faster shale chute is steeper and sends rocks rolling.

Before you go

• Pay the $5 day-use fee at Glen Alps, or bring an annual pass.
• Arrive early, because the lot also serves Flattop.
• Carry bear spray, and wear a helmet for the rockfall on the final scramble.
• Open fires are prohibited on the hillside.

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