Route Description: This hike starts out following a quiet, officially unnamed creek, though it was once labeled “Grizzly Creek” by a sign marking where the creek crosses the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. (Severe flooding in 2022 washed away the sign.) The creek runs extremely clear and relatively shallow, making it easy to hop across when necessary. After a half-mile, we’ll veer off the creek into the forest and gain an old hunting trail that was cleared of brush a few years ago. One short section of the trail briefly leads slightly downhill through a grassy area after a sharp left, but otherwise the trail leads exclusively uphill. After another half-mile the trail emerges into an open area with great views and good blueberry picking in late July/early August. For those seeking an easy hike, this is a great stopping point. (600 total feet elevation gain.) The trail picks up again in the forest and continues uphill for another half-mile and the grade turns steep near the very end. The trail ends at tree line about 1.2 miles from the highway after a total elevation gain of 1050 feet. From here, you may enjoy the views of Black Rapids Glacier to the SW, an unnamed glacier directly opposite the Delta River, and McGinnis Peak & Mount Moffit on a clear day. Adventurous hikers can continue up the slope above the end of the trail by following its north edge above the shrub line, which lies a few hundred feet higher. Some bushwhacking will be required, but the brush is not dense. Above the brush line, you can continue following a rocky ridge (home to several adorable collared pikas) uphill, which might be intimidating for beginners. You can avoid the ridge by angling up the vegetated area to the right where the grade is less steep and the terrain not as rocky. Abundant wildflowers bloom on this slope in June and July. The ridge levels out after climbing over 1600 feet from the end of the trail, or nearly 2800 feet from the start of the hike. There is a nice spot to picnic here with incredible views, though the views are great even if you don’t make it that far. Mount Hayes is visible across the river from this spot, closely spaced beside Mount Moffit and McGinnis Peak. An intimidating false summit looms another 1.5 miles ahead along a scenic ridge, though we won’t tackle this on the Standard Mountain Hike. Grizzly Creek drops in a series of waterfalls below the false summit and creates beautifully clear pools worth stopping at for water and photos for hikers capable of maintaining a faster pace. Dall sheep are likely to be spotted on this hike, along with other wildlife including collared pikas, arctic ground squirrels, marmots, moose, porcupines, golden eagles, and more.

Route Length: Up to 2.5 miles (one-way), up to 2800 feet elevation gain
Difficulty: Moderate