Flattop Trail

Last week, one of the docs suggested a hike to Flat Top for amazing views over Anchorage. Suggested earlier, rather than later, because the trail could become treacherous after the first snow. Well, it was snowing on the day I planned to go, so not a great day for a hike. Figured it would just have to be a hike for a different trip. I was pleasantly surprised when Flinnster suggested we make a go of it on Sunday. It was supposed to be a clear, beautiful day. Do you have snow pants? Nope. Heavy gloves? Nope. Good, warm hiking boots? I have running shoes. Flinnster had spares and hooked me up.

Sunday morning, woke up, late as usual and headed out to get geared up. After FlinnsterXY made me an amazing cup of coffee, we headed out for breakfast. As we headed up to the Glen Allen Trailhead, we noticed a lot of snow on the ground and I was grateful for the gear. Toilsome Lane, etc. Got to the trailhead and I changed into snowpants in the parking lot. It might be too warm for long-johns, jeans, AND snow pants. Also grateful for the walking sticks.

Trailhead with FlinnsterJr's Flat Stanley

The hike started at elevation and went up from there. The first part was through trees and then came to an open area called Saddle 1 with great views. On this part, we met a family with a nice lab and then a MinPin that was running up to play with the lab and then back to some person we didn't see below. The trees were fantastic. Some were flocked. Some were frozen.

We came up to the trail split. I think the family with the lab took the Blueberry Loop. We headed up. Goal was peak.

Views from Saddle 1

 I thought it was already tough. I was winded from the climbing

On our way to Second Saddle, we encountered a guy coming down. He told us it was slippery and the stairs were treacherous. We thought these were the stairs. And, yes, it was important to watch your step, but not particularly treacherous. 

At this point, we began walking near the edge of the ridgeline.

We reached Second Saddle and found the "Best Dang Bench in the World." I also finally got my formal introduction to Jackie. I think after tasting my nose (very snotty), she loved me.

 OK ... so these were the stairs (or at least some of them) that were treacherous. There were several more of these before the rock climb to the summit.

This is the goal. It doesn't look so tough, right?

A little more "flat" hiking and we came across this sign ... UMMM, OK. The regular summer trail was obviously not visible. There were two options in the packed snow ... left seemed to maybe be switchbacks, or straight up. We chose left. Despite the "not recommended for pets, Jackie had no problems.

It really did get rough here. Many times we slipped and had to hands and knees a bit in order to find some traction. We came across this lovely spot. We saw Jackie and her pet person up ahead and debated. Keep going? It's just probably another 100 feet or so to the top. So close, but so far. We decided on 15 more minutes and see how far we make it. 

 

Within 5 minutes, Jackie's person was heading back down. He didn't make it to the top. Not geared. Very slippery. And he does this trail often. We decided we probably wouldn't make it either. Turned to go back down and realized that down would be as tough, or tougher, than up. Quickly, unceremoniously found a faster way down. 

We came across another hiker on the way down and he also decided not to summit today. He was faster than us, and remained upright. Very chivalrous of him to slow down and keep us in sight until we got off the steep area and back to flatter ground. He was making sure we didn't get hurt or stuck up there. Wish I knew his name so we could thank him. 

Found this cozy little rock cave. Wonder who lives here? 

At this point, it was destination home. Flinnster had afternoon obligations, so we hustled. We did stop to say "hi" to this cutie-pie. She loved me ... or at least she was very interested in the banana bread in my pocket. Felt pretty successful making it back out. Worked up quite a sweat in the cold. Didn't realize I look like I'm wearing high-waisted mom jeans in my snow pants.

Apparently, sometimes we were moving so slow that Trusty Garmin thought we were stopped. Actual distance recorded by Flinnster's "find me if I'm lost in an Avalance" GPS tracker posted us at 3.49 miles. And it took us longer than 45 minutes.