Mount Marathon Trail
The famous Fourth of July race route climbs loose forest, roots, scree, and a direct mountain chute, while hikers often use the longer Jeep and Bench trails.
Artwork inspired by Byron Birdsall
A brutally steep race mountain rises directly behind Seward. The famous Fourth of July race route climbs loose forest, roots, scree, and a direct mountain chute, while hikers often use the longer Jeep and Bench trails. Race history does not make the descent forgiving.
Use the hiker route unless you understand the race trail, and inspect descent options before climbing beyond the bench. Loose rock, cliff bands, snow, and route confusion cause rescues; the race line is not maintained as an ordinary hiking trail. Give race chute and Seward overlook equal attention: together they explain far more than a quick viewpoint or checklist can.
- Race founded
- 1915
- Summit
- 3,022 feet
- Character
- Extremely steep
Quick guide
- Start with
- Use the hiker route unless you understand the race trail, and inspect descent options before climbing beyond the bench.
- Look closely at
- Trace how race chute directs attention toward Seward overlook instead of studying either in isolation.
Know before you go
- Start with
- Use the hiker route unless you understand the race trail, and inspect descent options before climbing beyond the bench.
- Look closely at
- Trace how race chute directs attention toward Seward overlook instead of studying either in isolation.
- Connect the story
- The Fourth of July race route climbs roots, scree, and a direct chute, while hikers often use the longer Jeep and Bench trails. Race history does not make descent forgiving.
- Plan around
- Allow 3–8 hours. Loose rock, cliff bands, snow, and route confusion cause rescues; the race line is not maintained as an ordinary hiking trail.
Good to know
Loose rock, cliff bands, snow, and route confusion cause rescues; the race line is not maintained as an ordinary hiking trail.
Notice these
- race chute
- Seward overlook
- mountain bench