Sunny Side Up To Flat Top

Looking up at Flat Top from the parking area for the Sunny Side way up

 

Flat Top is probably the most well known hike around Anchorage.  There are two routes that take you to a stunning vista from the mountain top overlooking Anchorage.  The road most travelled starts at the Glen Alps Trailhead.  The alternative route is the Sunny Side Trail, which starts off of Upper Canyon Road.  The road is narrow and parking is a bit of a nightmare.  But the trail is a bit better for folks like me who want to avoid the final push up and over a literal rockface of the main side (not to mention there are sections that are a bit gravelly, and I'd prefer to keep my feet and knees stable).

The Sunny Side Trail was indeed that.  It was a glorious day, with highs of 77F...the highest temperatures Anchorage has seen since July 2022.  The trail is rated Hard by All-Trails, and this windier route is 3.8 miles out and back (vs 2.8 on the front side).  The switchbacks are just that hair steeper than hikes like Mt Baldy in Eagle River that you can feel the hike is a bit more intense.

Just a few switchback in, you are already getting great views when you stop to guppy gasp for air like I did.

The first mile and a half is definitely the hardest section...just climbing those switchback to gain most of the 1600 ft altitude gain.  I admit this is only my 4th time doing this mountain.  I did 2 up the main trail, both times failing to scale that final rockface to the top.  And one other time doing the sunny side trail...which I preferred, but still kind of hated because it felt so dang hard on my old self.  However, I was graciously invited to go with the same small group that visited South Fork a couple of weekends ago, so I eagerly joined, despite the 0800 pick up to go to the trail.  I am not a morning person, and sadly, I was so groggy I missed putting my coffee mug under the espresso machine, so I was one shot away from human at the start of the day.  There was obviously no time for breakfast...so once more I was not fueled for speed. 

At the top of the last switchback, you go around a corner, and the last mile is a somewhat more gently incline that winds to cross the little snowpatch, and the winds up the ridgeline to the summit on the left.  I still needed some breaks on this section, it looks deceptively easy.

Stopping to photograph little bundles of wildflowers is another great way to sneak in some extra air and try to let the heart rate drop a bit.  To be fair, this beautiful little patch was photographed by all, even those who weren't gasping for air.

And once at the top....you can overlook the Cook Inlet and the City.

Rollie the dog at the top of the world!  Rollie didn't guppy gasp for air once.  Rollie is my hero.

Looking down towards where the main trial starts from Glen Alps trailhead.  Anchorage is in the background.

And of course, to me, looking away from the city and back to the mountain range is the far more beautiful view.  The snow is melting quickly, and it's so good to see all the lush green.

This has got to be one of the most posed on rocks in the area.

There is a lot of room to wander around up top and get different views (it is truly quite flat and spacious on top of Flat Top).  Alaskans tell it how it is.

And then it was back down.  I have reached the age where going down the mountain is just as hard as going up.  I don't go any faster...I just take fewer breaks.

I will say, I was feeling a little embarrased of my need for so many breaks, but when I realized we made it to the top in about 90 minutes, it takes me about 75 mins to go up Mt Baldy, which is shorter and less difficult.  So I think they group definitely got me to move a bit faster than I do on my solo hikes.  So maybe it wasn't such a bad performance after all.

(F)Rosy-Cheeks on a Peaceful Black Friday

 

It's always nice when Thanksgiving falls right before the weekend.  In this case that leads into a 4 day weekend.  Yesterday was spent with a couple of old friends and a few new, and a large afternoon feast.  I saw it was still cold, -17C, and debated spending a quiet day indoors, maybe doing some Black Friday shopping.  I quickly discovered there are new shipping surcharges being applied from my favorite online go to shops, and decided if I need it I can find it locally.  So I made one very quick stop in a surprisingly quiet big box store, and felt a bit inspired by the fresh snow on all the trees.

So I tried to find some warm layers and headed down to the Eagle River Nature Center set on a quick walk.  I knew this time I didn't need the snowshoes, and since it was already late afternoon just did a quick lap to the viewing decks, up the start of dewmound trail, back down the cumulous connector, and up to 4 corners.  I was hoping I might time it for a twilight moose in the river...but it was not meant to be today.

It was, however, a gorgeous walk in the woods.  The Eagle River Nature Center is a great place to get out into the woods, without being too far out on your own.  There is a staffed visitor center from 10-5 most days, and well marked and groomed trails.  You are always likely to run into a few people (and dogs), but also never likely to feel crowded.  The trails are well marked, so anyone visiting out of town can feel quite relaxed on these trails.  This time of year most of the visitors are doing some cross country skiing.

As it was a little later in the day, the light was just starting glow, and reflect off the waters and mountains like pink marshmallow fluff.  But no moose for me today.

I have never seen this very shallow stream completely frozen over.  In the summer salmon make their way all the way back here, dozens of miles inland.  Today it is just me and the twilight listening to water move slowly by.

I admit my cheeks got a little rosy (or (F)rosy) in the cooler weather, but it was worth it!  Happy one of my work colleagues knitted me a nice warm scarf last winter as well!

No harm in getting a little cold, when it's just a short drive back to your cozy warm house and cozy warm cat (who insists you keep your distance until properly thawed.  Cats are judgy like that).