Taking a short trip in August with a friend with time to squeeze in only about two hikes. We are not pro's but we are somewhat fit, in our mid 30's. We don't want to hike just to hike. We would like to do a hike or two with amazing views/great payoffs. The Harding Ice Field hike would probably have been the best case scenario for us, but we simply do not have an entire day in our schedule to devote to that. (3 hour drive there and back)

I've seen Reed Lakes show up on a lot of lists but I feel like this might fall into that category of being just a "fun" hike with a lot of diversity but nothing really extraordinary. The blue Upper Reed Lake does look very cool, but I'm not sure I want to spend 3 hours (and then 3 back?) just for that.

Crow Pass Girdwood Trail looks to have some stunning views, but at 22 miles long, it is simply out of the question. Though, I'm wondering if maybe just a few miles could provide us with some rewarding views. Bird Ridge Trail is another one we've looked into seriously. 4.5 mile hike with an amazing 3500 foot elevation view at the end. A lot of steepness to get up there, but likely worth it based on what I'm seeing. Lastly, the April Bowl Trail up in Hatcher Pass looks like it could be a winner with stunning views after just a 2.5 mile trek. I do not think we are interested in anything very generic like the touristy Flattop Trailhead.

Would love to hear what everyone else thinks. Thank you.