Weather was still holding out, so I took another crack at Twin Peaks Pass. I was post-call and had a decent night. So, after a leisurely breakfast I headed out. Same beautiful drive to Eklutna Lake. Same beautiful drive down the 10-mile dead-end road with amazing views. This time, though, I went through the parking lot at the end to the other side. Look ... a nice easy sign to let me know I was in the right location. I paid my $5 day-use fee. It had been warm, so I decided against spikes.
The trail follows an old logger road, so it's pretty easy to identify. The lower part goes through frozen tundra. This hike doesn't have lots of panoramic views of the city or wide open spaces, but it's lovely in other ways.
After crossing the frozen creek ... which would normally be solid this time of year ... a very handy sign showed me the way. The lake trail doesn't have the elevation gain, but it goes for miles and miles. I know myself well enough that I would have a hard time deciding when to turn around ... always wondering what is around the next bend. I chose to follow the path I planned.
The trail quickly began winding upwards with switchbacks. About a half-ish mile into the hike, I looked to my left, and saw an old hollowed out truck. I wonder how it got there, how long it's been there? I had read about it and was advised not to clamber down to check it out. It was pretty steep and there was no path. I chose to head the guidance.
Wheh!!! I was getting tired. Up and up and up. Switchbacks didn't really make the climb less steep. I was relieved to come to the "first bench" about a mile and a half up the climb. The view was spectacular, breathtaking, totally worth it!!! I enjoyed a little snack and caught my breath to prepare for the next part.
The hike got steeper here. No more switchbacks. And snow on the trail. It was going to prove to be another butt burner. At one point, I came across a patch of pure ice. There was a little trickle of a stream flowing across the trail. I slipped and almost landed on my butt, but (I like the two words together) I was able to catch myself and lower myself to my knees. When I tried to stand, I felt like Bambi on ice. There was no traction. I looked to my left and saw what sliding down the edge would look like. I chose to crawl on hands and knees and made it safe and sound.
Eventually, I made it to the "second bench."
The view of the peaks was, again, absolutely stunning. I need a thesaurus to learn more words to express the beauty of this place.
From here, the maintained trail ends. I had read about options for the primitive trails to the top of the peaks. Behind the bench, up to the right and across the ride. Or in front of the bench, down to the left and through the pass before a final push to the summit. There is supposed to be a large herd of Dall Sheep across the pass. While I was resting on the bench, I watched a white patch move in a straight line across the valley. I zoomed in and took a picture. Must have been a sheep, but when I zoom in on the picture, it's an odd-shaped set of pixels. I'm counting it as a wildlife siting.I wasn't geared for that kind of trek in the winter months, and alone, so I decided that would have to wait for another trip. It would have been magical, though, to get up close and personal with the herd.
After a brief rest, I discovered Trusty Garmin had paused at the first bench and hadn't recorded the last push. Bummer. So, re-set for the trek downhill. Also reminded myself that downhill in the snow may more treacherous than uphill, just not as breathless.
It was another beautiful day. Another peaceful day of solitude for the continued recharging. My route shows downhill trek only. The "relaxing" day included 1937 feet of climbing. 900 in the first 1.5 miles, but 1000 feet in 1 mile to the top. Tired, but happy.
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