Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb

The Bird Ridge Trail begins as a steep climb and continues to climb to alpine. Then the trail follows the ridgeline to Bird Ridge Point at 3505 feet. This is a popular choice in spring, summer, and fall. This is a good, steep trail with great views of Turnagain Arm and surrounding mountains. The Bird Ridge Trail is located southeast of Anchorage along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet. This trail features significant elevation gain; it starts from just above sea level and extends well beyond the tree line. The first third of the trail leads constantly up through coastal forest. The trail remains steep for most of the way, eventually leading to a tundra-covered ridge, and then follows the ridgeline to the top. In winter, ice grippers and trekking poles may be helpful for the descent. Due to the mountain's angle to the sun and direct sunshine, this trail is free of snow earlier in the spring than many others, although there may be snow patches remaining. Near the top, there are several false summits; the last one is right behind a rather pointy lookout point at 3,505 feet elevation. The summit offers spectacular views of Cook Inlet, mountains in all directions, and a huge glacier-carved valley.