Even from the parking area near the trailhead, Mount Baldy offers a grandiose view of the Knik Arm coast, and Mount Susitna across the water. Photo by Dylan Flos.
Looking to get out of your room for an afternoon, or perhaps a snowy adventure to switch up the monotony of classes for a moment? The Anchorage area and nearby Chugach State Park offer a smörgåsbord of opportunities for splendid views and things to do, for any intensity level. 30 minutes north of campus (or right in your backyard, for those of you who live near the Eagle River area), lies the trailhead for Mount Baldy, which can be completed in either a 3-mile loop or just under a 2-mile there-and-back.
Even for those resolutely opposed to a winter trek through the snow and wind of the mountains, the trailhead itself offers stunning views of the Knik Arm coast, from Fire Island and the Anchorage metro area in the south to Chugiak in the north, as well as Mount Susitna and, depending on how clear of a day it is, much of the Alaska range mountains across the water. If you happen to be driving through Eagle River and have some time to spare, the short detour up the mountainside towards the trailhead is worth taking even if you don’t even want to leave your car.
Although the hike is generally used from June through October, the trail is still perfectly serviceable during the winter months, and you’ll still certainly run into a few other hikers along your route. Make sure you are aware of the weather before going up though! Remember that conditions on the mountain are likely colder and windier than the Anchorage forecast, so ensure you wear layers, and you may even opt to wear Yaktrax or other traction-aiding footgear for the icy bits. If you have hiking poles, they’re also worth taking - the steep parts can be quite difficult at times, especially if you take the direct route up. A friend and I completed the trail in just over an hour, but we made very good time that day, so I would recommend planning for about two hours up and back.
For those looking for a more relaxed hiking experience, take the north route, heading clockwise around the loop. This trail is longer, meaning that Mount Baldy’s 1,145 feet of elevation gain will be more spread out. If you’re up for it, you can instead take the more direct, albeit much more strenuous, route, which takes you to the top at a much steeper rate of ascent. If you choose this route, be aware you will be faced with very steep sections covered in slick ice and snow, so be careful. Once you reach the top, however, you’ll be met with stunning views in every direction you look.
You have two options for your way back down. They’re the same options as coming up, of course, but the steeper route up offers you a very different experience on the way back down - sliding down the snow-packed mountainside. You can attempt to carefully walk your way down this side, but I wouldn’t recommend it - the steepness and snow make it highly likely you’ll lose your footing, and sliding down is simply more fun anyway. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of fun (or safe), then you can always go back down the longer, less direct route.
With its close proximity to the city, fantastic aerial view of the entire area, and the exciting slide back down to the trailhead, Mount Baldy has strongly made its case as one of my best recommendations for local trails in the area. If you have a free day and the weather looks good, give it a try!
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