Mount Gordon Lyon
4,127 ft | 1 trails | Alaska
4,127 ft
1 routes
Moderate
About Mount Gordon Lyon
Mount Gordon Lyon is a 4,127-foot summit in Alaska. The Mount Gordon Lyon Trail covers 2.0 miles (loop) with about 1,201 feet of elevation gain — a steady climb. It's rated Moderate overall.
The Route
The grade is back-loaded: the first half of the route climbs gently, and most of the elevation gain comes in the second half. The steepest stretch arrives around mile 1.54, gaining roughly 3,000 feet per mile — expect a slow, deliberate pace through here.
Getting There
The trailhead is at 61.24882, -149.50615 (tap for driving directions). Arrive early on weekends — trailhead lots at popular peaks fill quickly, and cell service is often unreliable once you leave the highway.
When to Go
Late May through October is the main season. Snow and ice linger into spring and return early in fall at this latitude and elevation; in winter this becomes a different, more serious undertaking requiring traction devices and warm layers.
Know Before You Go
The Moderate rating comes from the National Park Service difficulty formula, which weighs total distance against elevation gain. Most hikers should budget about 1.5 hours of moving time; add margin for breaks, photos and the descent. Download the GPX track from this page before you go — cell coverage is unreliable in the mountains and a saved route works offline in any GPS app. Conditions change: verify current access, closures and weather with the official land manager before you go. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Looking to link objectives or plan a weekend? Nearby summits include Harp Mountain, Blacktail Ptarmigan Rocks and Hurdygurdy Mountain — each has its own guide on this site.
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Check Current Conditions
Trail conditions change frequently. Check the official land manager's site (linked under Data Sources on this page) and the NWS forecast before your hike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike Mount Gordon Lyon?
The Mount Gordon Lyon Trail is 2.0 miles as a loop with about 1,201 feet of elevation gain, and most hikers take roughly 1.5 hours of moving time. Add time for breaks and conditions — winter or wet weather can double the trip.
How hard is the Mount Gordon Lyon hike?
It's rated Moderate using the National Park Service difficulty formula (2.0 miles as a loop, 1,201 ft of gain — about 600 ft of climbing per mile). The elevation profile on this page shows exactly where the steep sections fall.
Where is the Mount Gordon Lyon trailhead?
The trailhead is at 61.24882, -149.50615 in Alaska. Use the driving-directions link in the Getting There section above, and note that parking at popular trailheads fills early on weekends.
Are dogs allowed on the Mount Gordon Lyon trail?
Rules vary by land manager — national parks often prohibit dogs on trails, while most national forests allow them on leash. Check with the managing agency for this trail before bringing your dog, and pack out waste.
When is the best time to hike Mount Gordon Lyon?
Late May through October for snow-free hiking. Check a summit point forecast before you go — conditions up high differ from the trailhead.
How tall is Mount Gordon Lyon?
Mount Gordon Lyon stands at 4,127 feet (1,258 meters) in Alaska.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Afternoon thunderstorms
- Dehydration risk
- UV exposure above treeline
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the summit by this time to allow safe descent before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Summit Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Nearby Peaks
Explore other mountains near Mount Gordon Lyon. Great for peak-bagging or planning your next adventure.
Harp Mountain
5,000 ft
Blacktail Ptarmigan Rocks
4,449 ft
Hurdygurdy Mountain
5,994 ft
Mount Williwaw
5,446 ft
Peak Bagging Tip
Harp Mountain is only 4.6 miles away. Consider combining these peaks for a bigger day or overnight trip!