One of my favorite "classic" hikes close to Anchorage, Bird Ridge is a great lung and leg burner that makes for a quick after-work workout in the summer.
It's a very "short" hike distance-wise, but fairly steep the whole way. Bird Ridge offers pretty impressive views after only 15-20 minutes of climbing. The panorama on top is amazing, and there's a group that consistently summit every Sunday during the winter to keep the trail in good shape.
Total miles (round trip): 5
Elevation gain: ~3,500 feet
My round trip time: ~1.5 hours
This year I ran the race (June) for the first time - ouch! The race itself is only up, no downhill portion, but it's definitely a brutal hour or so challenge. I wasn't in the best mountain running shape, having just come off a month-long road trip/living out of my car. Hopefully next year will be faster! ;)
More trail information can be found at this link:
http://aktrailhead.com/birdridge/birdridge.shtml
Happy hiking/mountain running!
A few favorite shots from a training run in June 2014:
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| final photo: the race 2014, courtesy of Todd List Photography |
Awesome!!! and so incredibly stunning. My goal is to be able to do a mountain race with you one day (and keep up;) xoxo
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