Prospect Heights Trailhead: A convenient alternative to Glen Alps

Prospect Heights is the “little brother” trailhead to the immensely popular Glen Alps trailhead. The two are about three miles apart, connected by the Powerline Pass trail and, in a more roundabout way, the Middle Fork Loop trail. But perhaps more importantly, if you tried to get a parking spot at Glen Alps and struck out, Prospect Heights is only about 15 minutes away by car.

It’s also the most convenient access point for a couple of great mountain hikes: Petite and always muddy Near Point, and the sustained hike up Wolverine Peak. Prospect Heights is also home to a few great winter trails including the South Fork Rim trail, a short jaunt that gives surprisingly nice views over Campbell Creek Gorge.

If the Glen Alps is crowded, this trailhead usually is, too. But in general, your odds of getting a parking spot are a little better here. And hey, if you’re feeling really fit, you can hike the 3 miles uphill to the Glen Alps trailhead, then go ahead and do whatever hike you’d planned on. Of course, you’ll have to hike 3 more miles back to Prospect Heights as well… but at least it’ll be downhill.

Prospect Heights GPS and Fee Information

• GPS Coordinates: N 61º08.339′ W 149º42.631′
• Fee: $5 or Chugach State Park parking pass

List of Trails From Prospect Heights Trailhead

• Wolverine Peak
• Near Point
• Powerline Pass
• Middle Fork Loop
• South Fork Rim
• Golden Grass Trail

Prospect Heights Trailhead Driving Directions

Take O’Malley Road east (toward the mountains) until it bends to the left, becoming Hillside Drive. Take a quick right turn onto Upper O’Malley, then on Prospect. Stay left at the intersection with Sidorof Lane. The trailhead will be on your right.

Pictured: Views of Long Lake and one of the Williwaw Lakes from atop Wolverine Peak.