Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb

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The Robert Spurr Memorial Hill Climb is a 3 mile, 3400 ft., uphill-only race that climbs through coastal forest to the tundra on top of the ridge. It is the 4th of 6 races in the Alaska Mountain Runners Grand Prix series, and it is typically held on the third Sunday in June. Entry is limited to 250 runners, and the fastest times come in around 37 minutes.

Since the race is limited to 250 participants, those that qualify based on times from the previous year's race are first selected to race. The remaining racers are chosen via a lottery system.

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.