A Trip to Blacktail Rocks, Chugach Range, Alaska

Prezwoodz

Hello!

So I havn't actually had time to get out and do any hiking with all the stinking schoolwork I have had on my plate lately. Its really been a bummer and unless I get out often I start to get a bit nutty! So when I called my friend Shasta who was feeling a bit on the lazy side today said "we could watch a movie" I had to tell her sorry no can do. There's no way im skipping out on all my schoolwork and a beautiful day to watch a movie! So being the gal that she is she grunted and said "Okay lets go hiking!"

We drove out to Eagle River and although I had only been up to the trailhead for this peak once about 4 years ago I managed to meander my way up to the roads without taking a wrong turn and ending right up at the trailhead. It gets started pretty high up so we didn't have to hike up long. After a bit over 1000ft of elevation we were ontop of Baldy a little bump on the ridge to Blacktail Rocks. The weather was still holding beautiful and the clouds were staying at bay. Shasta brought her tennis shoes only today and never even let out a sigh when she saw the snow coming a bit over halfway down the peak. The trail along the ridge is very pleasant and easy to follow as it makes its way up the first rocky outcropping known as Blacktail Rocks.


We took our time and took a few breaks along the ridge. It was such a beautiful day it was hard to rush it. Shasta flashes me a smile.


We looked across the valleys and could see Mile High Saddle with a trail of water down the middle. The sun weeped through the clouds as though it was telling us which pages of a book to read, look over here and you will not be disappointed. The snow peaks of Mt. Gordon Lyon and Mt. Rendezvous were off in the distance.



We finally got ourselves into the motion of moving again and headed up the ridge toward the summit. The snow was hard at first but then we began to sink in a bit. It wasn't deep but with only sneakers it does tend to get your socks wet quick. There were times I would wonder if Shasta was getting upset I led her into the snow!



Such questions shouldn't be wondered with Shasta however, as she looked up and me and said "You always pick the best routes. Great choice!". From my perspective it helps even more so to have great company.




Summits in Alaska never seem to disappoint. Even just another bump in a ridge of mountains allows its own views along the valleys. Larger peaks off in the distance and the clouds forming in weird ways. The clouds on the left would be a sign of things to come.




Shasta happy as she looks above the clouds. Its easy to call it home.


Although late in the year the fall colors are still a bit visible down in the valley below.


The Knik Arm swerving through fields of yellow trees.


Never leaving a summit without a smile is something I think everyone should aim for. I would be tuff to take this smile off her.


On the way back down the peak the clouds rolled in very quickly. We had only gone a mile or so before it was snowing on us and halfway down the ridge we had some good size flakes coming down. Blacktail Rocks summit was no longer visible. What do you do when the snow starts to fall? Well you can get frustrated that now you have to hike in the falling snow...or you can exact your revenge on the snowflakes, one at a time!!



We finished up the hike back down the car and felt great. 8 miles and who knows how long, we didnt even bring a clock. We left, had dinner at TapRoot Cafe and another great day. Studying seems easier now...atleast it would be if I wasn't writing this trip report instead!

jdmphoto

Great job telling the story and beautiful pictures to go with it
Shasta has a great smile too.

coldclimb

Awesome stuff Kelsey, love the shots! Nice work getting Shasta out!

DoctorIt

dude, your neighborhood is sooo ugly!

Elaine

LOVE that one of Shasta above the clouds! Great stuff!

Prezwoodz

DoctorIt wrote:

dude, your neighborhood is sooo ugly!

Heh ya. Im excited about the snow pictures. I am going to have to get out and take some pictures of Alpine Mountaineering!
Hopefully everything makes it back in one piece.

cwphotos

Very good stuff. Such a great opportunity. She looks like she is having a blast !!

grimace

Nice series. I like the "above the clouds" shot the best.

tnoisaw

Great pics. They make me miss Alaska. I spent twelve years in Anchorage. I use to do Flattop Mountain once per week to get my time under thirty minutes fro the parking area. It's cool to camp on Flattop too.

mANVIL

Wow...you're incredibly lucky to have something like this in your backyard. I like the writeup too, it gives the pictures some personal flavor and makes the set overall more enjoyable. It tells a story rather than simply saying "here, look, pictures".

A young adventurous woman who is also pleasing to the eye/camera makes any trip that much better!

Tessa HD

loved it!