Trail Description

From the Russell Glacier, follow the well-established track back to the Ice Road, turn left, and follow it to the top of the hill. There you will find the first of the markers heading up the mountain to your right. 

The trail climbs using existing tracks before descending once more. You should keep looking behind you throughout this first day of hiking for spectacular views of the Ice Sheet and several of the glaciers pouring down off it. 

The route then follows the ridge between a string of several lakes to the south and the enormous Aavitsup Tasia (“Long Lake”) to the north. This is an important staging area for hunting in the region so please make sure you stick to the marked route to avoid disturbing the wildlife. 
After the lakes, the trail climbs the highest mountain on the route before descending once.  This is a ridge hike – so yes – the trail goes up and over all the peaks. But it does give you all the best views, including over Sugarloaf Mountain.

Once you descend off the ridge, the trail passes through a boggy area before once again climbing fairly steeply. The markings indicate the best route through this area and the arctic willow that lines the stream flowing into the valley. You will notice another track that climbs more slowly, staying close to the stream, but the marked trail offers the best views and least boggy hiking.
About ½ way up the mountain, the tread you are following disappears and the markers become more frequent to guide you. Climbing through untrampled tundra is tough work, but hang in there!  Near the top you will pass by the remains of one of the rockets they used to launch when Kangerlussuaq was still a US Air Base.

Please help us preserve what remains of the rocket by not disturbing, altering or removing anything from the site.