Lion's Head is a quick and relatively challenging hike with awesome rewards: free and expansive views of the Matanuska Glacier! The hike goes up a "hill" by the road that looks like a Lion's Head.... Must-do stop along Route 1, especially since there aren't many accessible hikes near this one.

The hike begins by an AT&T gate that closes off the gravel road off of Route 1. There is a gravel parking area there. Note that the gate says 'no trespassing' and has instructions for hikers. Call the number on the AT&T sign and let them know you're going in (they will likely ask you to call back at the end of the hike). Calling the number was straightforward for us with Sprint service.

The very beginning of the hike starts on the gravel road and continues until some towers. To the right of the structures, the trail becomes an actual "trail" and starts ascending up the hill. The hike is steep pretty much the whole way up and was quite muddy at times in late August. You'll pass the typical Alaska bushes (blueberries!) and small trees. There are some sections where there are multiple trails, so just make sure to keep heading up and follow the general trail on AllTrails. You'll begin to see the giant Matanuska glacier as you climb up.

Towards the very top, the trail becomes more rocky as you continue to the summit. The views continue to open up until you reach the top, where the scale of the scale of the Matanuska glacier is overwhelming! Also nice views of the Matanuska river. We sat at the top admiring the glacier for a while. Careful with the mud on the way down!

Overall, a great, steep, but short hike with glorious views of the glacier!

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