TERRAIN: Gravel bars to high mountains, glaciers, mostly dry tundra, and open plains.

QUOTA: 6

RIVERS AND STREAMS: Many branches of the upper East Fork River may be difficult to cross.

ACCESS FROM ROAD: Miles 43.3-49.9. East Fork River Bridge, and west of Polychrome Pass are two places where the precipitous drop from the road to the Plains of Murie is not as severe.

SPECIAL FEATURES: The Polychrome Glaciers, high, rugged mountains, and glacial erratics.

DESCRIPTION: The Polychrome Glaciers are finger-like, hanging glaciers that extend from the north facing slopes along the Alaska Range. Many wide gravel bars, originating at the bases of the glaciers, converge before the East Fork Bridge. The northwestern section of the unit is known as the “Plains of Murie”. Polychrome Mountain to the north, and many other mountains in the area are stained multi-colored hues by the minerals in the exposed rock. Hence the name polychrome.

POPULAR HIKES AND ROUTES: Hikers can access the Polychrome Glaciers by following gravel bars, or by crossing tundra plains. The low vegetation allows for easy hiking, but the openness of the plains makes it difficult to find camping out of sight of the road. Higher elevations can be difficult to negotiate because of loose rock and snow. Travel on the glaciers should be avoided unless hikers are adequately prepared.

QUAD MAPS: HC6, HB6