Mount Wilson is a prominent peak located in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska near Anchorage. At an elevation of 4,463 feet (1,361 meters), it offers spectacular views and is a popular hiking destination.
Location
Where is Mount Wilson located?
Mount Wilson is located about 12 miles north of downtown Anchorage in the Chugach State Park.
Access
How can you access Mount Wilson?
The main access point to Mount Wilson is via the Mount Wilson Trail which begins at the Upper Huffman Trailhead off of Goldenview Drive in Anchorage. The trail is about 4 miles one way with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet to reach the summit.
Geography
What geographic features surround Mount Wilson?
Mount Wilson is bordered by Pecking Mountain to the north, Goat Mountain to the west, Wolverine Peak to the east, with the Upper Huffman Creek valley below to the south.
Prominence
How prominent is Mount Wilson compared to other nearby peaks?
With an elevation of 4,463 feet, Mount Wilson is not the highest peak in the immediate area, but its prominence of over 1,500 feet makes it stand out from surrounding peaks.
Glaciation
What evidence of glaciation exists on Mount Wilson?
Cirques, U-shaped valleys, arêtes, horn peaks and glacial striations provides evidence that Mount Wilson was heavily glaciated during past ice ages.
Climate
What type of climate does Mount Wilson have?
Mount Wilson has a subarctic climate characterized by long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Temperatures can vary widely throughout the seasons.
Precipitation
How much precipitation falls on Mount Wilson annually?
Mount Wilson receives over 40 inches of precipitation annually, much of it in the form of heavy winter snowfalls.
Wind
Why is Mount Wilson known for being windy?
At over 4,000 feet elevation on an exposed ridge, Mount Wilson is quite windy, especially in the winter. Wind chills can make it feel much colder than the actual temperature.
Flora & Fauna
What types of plant and animal life can be found on and around Mount Wilson?
Alpine tundra vegetation like dwarf willow, crowberry and lichen cover Mount Wilson. Marmots, mountain goats, Dall sheep and ptarmigan are some mammals and birds present.
Alpine Flowers
When do alpine flowers bloom on Mount Wilson?
A vibrant array of hardy alpine flowers like avens, anenomes, saxifrage and wildflowers bloom on Mount Wilson for the short subarctic summer usually late June through early August.
Berries
What types of wild berries grow on Mount Wilson?
Blueberries, crowberries, bog blueberries, nagoonberries and low-bush cranberries are some berries that thrive on the tundra slopes of Mount Wilson.
History
Does Mount Wilson have any interesting human history?
Mount Wilson was named after early 20th century Anchorage settler Harry M. Wilson. The area was used for mining and oil exploration but is now protected park lands.
Native History
Did Alaska Natives use Mount Wilson?
Yes, Dena’ina Athabascans had hunting camps in the area to hunt Dall sheep, mountain goats and marmots on Mount Wilson’s slopes.
Gold Rush
Was Mount Wilson impacted by the Alaska Gold Rush?
Not directly, but many prospectors came through the area en route to gold mining districts like Hatcher Pass northeast of Mount Wilson in the late 1800s/early 1900s.
Recreation
What are some recreational activities on Mount Wilson?
Hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, berry picking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing are some popular recreational pursuits on Mount Wilson.
Trails
What hiking trails lead to the summit of Mount Wilson?
The main hiking route is the Mount Wilson Trail, but other connecting trails like the Upper Huffman, Middle Fork and Wolverine Trails also access the high ridge of Mount Wilson.
Camping
Is backcountry camping allowed on Mount Wilson?
Yes, camping is permitted anywhere on Mount Wilson but certain regulations must be followed and permits acquired for overnight trips in Chugach State Park.
Summit Views
What notable landmarks are visible from the summit?
Impressive views from the top include downtown Anchorage and Cook Inlet to the south, the Chugach Range to the east, Knik Glacier to the north and Lake George to the west.
Wildlife
What wildlife may be spotted from Mount Wilson’s summit?
Dall sheep, mountain goats, marmots, ptarmigan and even the occasional moose or black bear can be seen on surrounding alpine ridges from the top viewpoint.
Glaciers
Which glaciers can be viewed from Mount Wilson’s summit on a clear day?
The Knik and Matanuska Glaciers to the north stand out dramatically from Mount Wilson, as well as the glaciated peaks of the Chugach Mountains to the south and east.
Geology
What type of rock is Mount Wilson composed of?
The basement rock of Mount Wilson is intrusive igneous granite and diorite, with overlying sedimentary layers of shale, siltstone, and sandstone on the flanks.
Minerals
Has Mount Wilson ever had valuable mineral deposits?
Early prospectors found some small, sub-economic gold, silver and copper deposits around Mount Wilson, but no major mineralization has been discovered.
Glacial Features
How did glaciers shape Mount Wilson over time?
Cirque, arête and horn formations were carved into the peaks surrounding Mount Wilson by advancing valley glaciers and glacial erosion widened and deepened valleys.
Conclusion
Mount Wilson is a prominent and scenic peak in Chugach State Park near Anchorage, Alaska. With a subarctic climate, tundra vegetation and sweeping summit views, Mount Wilson offers excellent hiking, camping and mountaineering opportunities minutes from Alaska’s largest city. Though evidence of past gold prospecting exists, Mount Wilson is now valued more for its recreational access and spectacular alpine scenery.
