Hike to Penguin Peak

This was one of the most difficult hikes I've done to date, but the views at the top of the mountain were completely worth it. It's about 3 miles each way with a 4,000 ft elevation. Initially we meant to do the hike on the mountain next-door, but we got a little lost looking for the trail and ended up on this ridge instead. Not a single other person was on the that day so we lucked out.

To find the trail first park down Konikson Road in Chugach about 20 minutes outside of Anchorage. There is a distinct wide dirt road that you will follow until you see a little trail path on the right-hand side. The path is thick with bush and becomes very steep very fast. Once you are past the tree-line it is a scramble to the ridge of the mountain where you have a clear view of the water on one side and of the valley on the other. Loose rocks are scattered everywhere, so be careful if somebody is right behind you. Good news is that if you forgot to bring a snack there are edible berries along the ground eat. (Also always be cautious of bears, since it's always possible to run into one) Getting back down the mountain you go the exact same way you got up.

Once we got back to the car we were all tired, scratched up and hungry but nothing could change how stoked we all were from the incredible hike.