The Sapphire Lake In Alaska That's Devastatingly Gorgeous
By Courtney|Published March 10, 2017
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Courtney
Author
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
The stunning sapphire beauty of Eagle and Symphony Lakes can be conveniently accessed from Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage. Head north out of town towards Eagle River where the outskirts of town will lead you into a brilliant glacial valley filled with majestic mountain peaks. Fill up a water bottle (or two) before hopping on this six mile trail leading you directly into backcountry. When you arrive at your final destination, we guarantee you that you’ll experience more eye-candy in one day than you likely ever have in your entire lifetime.
Finding the trailhead can be a little tricky if you've never been to Eagle and Symphony Lakes before, but thankfully this topography map makes it very easy to navigate the path once you've arrived.
Located about 25 miles from Anchorage, the directions to the trailhead are actually very easy to follow. You can even plug 'West Creek Drive, Eagle River' into your GPS or Smart Phone and it'll lead you right near the parking lot area where the trailhead is located. From Anchorage heading north, you should take the Glenn Highway to the Eagle River Loop / Hiland Road exit. Next, you'll turn right off the highway and then another right onto Hiland Road. You will then follow this road for several miles almost all the way to the end. Next you should turn right on South Creek Road and then take another right on West Creek Drive. The parking area for the trailhead will be on your left.
Once you arrive, clearly defined literature will greet you at the trailhead and will help you get a good grasp on your current location and where it is that you're headed.
We should advise you that this is a very popular trail, especially during the warm and sunny summer months of June, July and August. Parking can be limited, so try to plan your trip accordingly or arrange for a drop-off and pick-up if at all feasible. This will assure that you can jump right on the trail without having to worry about circling the parking lot for hours trying to find a space to park.
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The optional 1.5 mile hike up Rendezvous Peak will utterly blow your mind. On a clear day, you'll even have a stellar view of Denali; the tallest mountain in North America.
Although you don't have to climb this peak to venture to the sapphire Eagle and Symphony Lakes, it does present a wildly magnificent added bonus that will easily present one of the most jaw-dropping views of your lifetime.
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Once you climb to the peak of Rendezvous, if the clouds clear out you'll be able to experience a slight sapphire view of Eagle and Symphony Lakes in the distance.
Remember that the trail is approximately six miles one way, making it a 12 mile round-trip trek. Plan accordingly and be sure to back lots of water and snacks to keep your hydrated and energized.
Although the hike is pretty easy, there is a stretch of boulders towards the end of the journey that commands diligent caution while maneuvering through them.
As you approach, the piercing green and blue colors of Eagle and Symphony lakes will catch your eyes in the distance and make your jaw drop all the way down through the dirt trail beneath your feet.
The jagged mountain peaks jolting out from the earth's surface combined with the exquisite flora and fauna that surrounds the sapphire-colored lakes is the most brilliant contrast that you'll ever experience in your lifetime.
Not to mention, if you make this journey during the late summer months, the fall foliage that lines the mountainsides and valley floors is an absolute natural phenomenon.
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Once you arrive, you literally won't believe your eyes. The sapphire beauty of Eagle and Symphony lakes sitting side by side will completely mesmerize your soul.
If you have a zest for life and a desire to see as much rugged Alaskan beauty as possible, consider planning a multi-day backpacking trip. The Eagle and Symphony Lakes trail connects with incredible destinations such as Eagle Peak, Hanging Valley, Flute Glacier, Rendezvous Peak and Triangle Peak - so there is truly so much more for you to explore, if your wanderlust kicks into overdrive.
To experience the utter beauty of both Eagle and Symphony Lakes first hand, watch the great YouTube video below and which documents the breathtaking views along the way as well as the stunning sapphire views at the finish line.
Also, this short clip will leave you with the biggest dose of spectacular sapphire eye-candy.
