You can feel really good about yourself if you ran to the top of this peak. As you depart the saddle the trail is packed dirt with occasional rocks — generally pretty good footing, but it's also consistently steep enough that you might find yourself struggling not to slip. Happily, there are some amazing views over the neighboring mountains to distract you.

Take care on the descent; you'll find yourself needing to almost constantly apply the brakes, as it were, to keep yourself from going out of control. But that's part of the fun of trail running, right?

Lisa

July 25, 2023

Hiking

I'm not sure why Mount Gordon Lyon doesn't get as much attention as its neighbor just across the (alpine) saddle, Rendezvous Peak. Mount Gordon Lyon is arguably even more picturesque, with a simultaneously lush and craggy facade that looks straight out of Lord of the Rings.

The white buildings you may spot on a neighboring peak are part of the Cold War-era Nike air-defense missile site. You can take a tour there with this group nikesitesummit.net but don't try to go there on your own, because it is military land and you could get a very expensive fine for trespassing.

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Rendezvous Peak and Mount Gordon Lyon Loop

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Hike the moderate 4.9-mile Rendezvous Peak and Mount Gordon Lyon Loop for panoramic views of the Chugach Mountains and Anchorage.

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#2.

Mount Gordon Lyon Trail

6.07km

02:16

420m

Hike the Mount Gordon Lyon Trail in Chugach State Park for moderate terrain, panoramic views, and a less crowded alternative to Rendezvous P

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#3.

Mount Gordon Lyon – Rendezvous Peak loop from Little Teton Mountain

7.72km

03:02

580m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Elevation 1,230 m

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Thursday 2 April

1°C

-16°C

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Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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Location: Anchorage, Alaska, United States

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Mount Gordon Lyon

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Rendezvous Peak and Mount Gordon Lyon Loop

#2.

Mount Gordon Lyon Trail

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Mount Gordon Lyon – Rendezvous Peak loop from Little Teton Mountain

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