The short hike up to the saddle between Mt. Gordon Lyons and Rendezvous Peak at Arctic Valley is a perfect outing if you only have a couple of hours to spend. The drive up through military land to the ski area is scenic in itself, but beware the road is rough gravel and gets very dusty when dry and can be impassable in places during spring breakup. The gate near the bottom of Arctic Valley road closes at 10pm.
The hike starts at treeline and ascends gradually through alpine tundra. This is a popular blueberry picking spot in fall. Parking is $5. The well-worn trail winds up the valley, following a creek much of the way. Wildflowers abound in summer. Once at the saddle, you can see down into Hiland Valley as well as east to Eagle and Symphony Lakes on the South Fork of Eagle River. Longer hikes from the saddle take you either west to Mt. Gordon Lyons or east to Rendezvous Peak and beyond.
Distance to saddle one-way: 1 mile
The hike starts at treeline and ascends gradually through alpine tundra. This is a popular blueberry picking spot in fall. Parking is $5. The well-worn trail winds up the valley, following a creek much of the way. Wildflowers abound in summer. Once at the saddle, you can see down into Hiland Valley as well as east to Eagle and Symphony Lakes on the South Fork of Eagle River. Longer hikes from the saddle take you either west to Mt. Gordon Lyons or east to Rendezvous Peak and beyond.
Distance to saddle one-way: 1 mile
For more information:
Arctic Valley Hiking
Arctic Valley Hiking