Hope Point: Even without Batman and Robin, it’s a great hike
My absolute favorite quote about the Hope Point hike is from Alaska Hike Search (at least I think that’s where it originated), where the author described hiking the old version of this trail to Batman and Robin climbing a building. That’s about right, given that my very first recollection of this trail is not having to bend over — at all — to pick berries on the way up.
This is hike 70 in my guidebook Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska, and one of three fantastic hiking trails near Hope, Alaska.
| Round-trip distance: 8.1 miles | Nearest community: Hope |
| Elevation gain: 3,545 feet | Typical season: June to October |
| Parking fee: No fee | Nearby trails: Gull Rock, Palmer Creek Lakes (AKA Twin Lakes, Palmer Lakes) |
Hope Point Trailhead Directions
From Anchorage, drive south on the New Seward Highway. At mile marker 56.5, take the signed right (west) turn onto the Hope Highway. Look for the marked Chugach National Forest trailhead on your left, about 500 feet before the road ends at the Porcupine Campground. This is the same trailhead you use to access the Gull Rock trail.
Hiking Hope Point
Like many things in Alaska, the Hope Point trail has changed a lot in the last few years. It’s now a much more civilized trail, thanks to some beautiful switchbacks that were created a few years ago. Those switchbacks mean it’s also much longer than it used to be, but it’s well worth it.
Instead of beelining straight up the nose of the ridge as the last trail did, the new trail wanders back into the crook of a valley, sidehills its way to beautiful overlooks of Turnagain Arm, then rejoins the “easy” part of the old trail as it walks a relatively narrow, rocky ridge to a saddle. It’s one last push up rocky terrain to reach the summit itself.
Said summit can get quite windy, so check the weather forecast before you go.
Of course, you can still see the traces of the old trail beelining straight up the hillside — and occasionally, wild-eyed hikers near the top who regret their decision to ascend that way. Keep an eye out for Dall sheep on the upper reaches of this trail.
Even if you only go about two-thirds of the way up the more civilized trail (i.e., the switchbacks), the Hope Point trail offers some of the best lookouts you’ll find anywhere in Southcentral Alaska. On hot days you’ll need to bring plenty of water, as a short creek crossing just past the trailhead (via a footbridge) is your only water source.
Is Hope Point a Good Winter Trail?
No. Hope Point is subject to avalanche hazard, so it’s really not a good winter trail unless you’re familiar with risk factors and decision-making in avalanche terrain. In my guidebook, this trail’s ideal season is listed as May to October; I’ve listed it here as June to October and am still flip-flopping between the two typical “start” dates, because it ultimately depends on how long the snow lasts.
Lisa Maloney
A long-time Alaskan, Lisa has written three award-winning guidebooks including "Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska" and "50 Hikes Around Anchorage." She also served as senior editor of Alaska magazine and has written hundreds of newspaper columns and magazine articles about her adventures around the state. Learn more about her at http://maloneywrites.com.
