Distance: 10 miles (16km) round trip
Rating: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 5,000 ft. (1,500m)
A.B. Mountain is less convenient for most hikers off the ship unless they have a vehicle. If you are on foot, it is accessible easiest through the road out of Smuggler's Cove. A.B. stands for "Arctic Brotherhood" whose A.B. Hall sites in the historic district in downtown. You can't miss it as it's completely covered with thousands of pieces of driftwood. There is also an A and B on the mountain itself you may be able to see if the snow has melted just right. It is a lovely hike even if you only make it up to the first lookout a mile up. There are also lots of blueberry bushes along some parts of the trail. If you do end up making it to the summit, you will be exhausted but also satisfied as you are now a ember of the Arctic Brotherhood - congratulations!
Directions (As listed on nps.gov website) : From the trailhead on Dyea Road, the route follows the ridgeline through spruce and hemlock forest to the base of AB Mountain. About 30 minutes into the hike, a good view of Skagway can be seen from a large rock just off the trail to the right. Beyond the stream crossing, the trail may not be clearly visible because of thick brush. Be sure to note landmarks for your return. Above tree line, some rock cairns mark the way, but the trail is easily lost on steep rocky slopes, switchbacks, and heavy brush and vegetation. Do not cross patches of ice-go around them. When you reach alpine meadows, the panoramic views are spectacular. WARNING: This trail is dangerous above tree line. Do not attempt it when weather may obscure the summit.
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[…] Smuggler's Cove is a nice hike that is a bit more than just a stroll out to Yakutania Point. It is still a very simple and well worn trail and it follows the coastline north toward Dyea. There are trails that continue past the cove, but nothing official. It's worth exploring up the big rock on the north side of the cove. If Yakutania Point wasn't enough, head to Smuggler's. If Smuggler's isn't enough of a hike, head up to the Dyea road and follow the AB Mountain Trailhead. […]