Turnagain Arm Trail

Posted on: May 3rd, 2012 by Erik Halfacre No Comments

Distance

9.4 mi


Elevation Gain

1300 ft


Difficulty

Intermediate


Current Weather Forecast at Trailhead

Today Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 10:00 PM AKDT on May 21, 2013
Partly Cloudy
48°/36°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 10:00 PM AKDT on May 22, 2013
Chance of Rain
50°/41°
It is forcast to be Chance of Rain at 10:00 PM AKDT on May 23, 2013
Chance of Rain
52°/41°
It is forcast to be Clear at 10:00 PM AKDT on May 24, 2013
Clear
57°/41°
It is forcast to be Clear at 10:00 PM AKDT on May 25, 2013
Clear
59°/43°
It is forcast to be Clear at 10:00 PM AKDT on May 26, 2013
Clear
61°/43°

Turnagain Arm Trail consists of three main sections: Windy Corner to Rainbow, Rainbow to McHugh, and McHugh to Potter’s. There are trails, and parking spots at all three of the main checkpoints, but parking is limited at Windy Corner. Any of the sections can be done by itself, or you can hike all the way through.

Turnagain Arm Trail is popular in the early season, because it melts off before just about anything else in the Anchorage area, thanks to the whole trail being on a south facing slope.

The trail’s elevation gain is gradual, and the trail is mostly easy walking, though there is some exposure along the McHugh to Rainbow section, and somewhat on the Rainbow to Windy Corner section. From McHugh to Potter there is no real exposure to speak of.

The views from the trail are great, but the road noise is constantly with you for much of the trail. If you are looking for a true wilderness hike, this probably isn’t the one you’re looking for, but if you’re just looking for a trail to get in shape on, early in the season, Turnagain Arm trail delivers.


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