Thwarted by bad weather for the second time this spring attempting to climb Bird Ridge, we opted for Near Point, a moderate hike overlooking Anchorage. There are two trailheads--one somewhere off of Basher Road and the main one at Prospect Heights. The first section crosses the wide hillside power line, then dips down to a creek before heading gradually uphill. The upper part, above treeline, is steep with excellent views of the surrounding mountains and the city.
Distance one way: 2 miles
Distance one way: 2 miles