Baldy Eagle Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Related Web Page
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Climb the most frequently climbed peak in Eagle River, Alaska - dubbed 'Mt. Baldy' by the locals, in order to find this cache. This peak is climbed by some stout individuals on a near daily basis as a part of their exercise routine. The path is wide and well traveled, but an elevation gain of approximately 1450 feet will provide the challenge.
NOTE: This cache now requires a permit from the Eklutna Corporation that allows access thru a portion of their land. This permit is free and easily optained from the Eklutna Corp., located in Eagle River, Alaska. The municipality of Anchorage is attempting to gain permanent recreational access to this area and the permit may not be required in the future. But for now, this permit is needed.
Climb Mt. Baldy and be greated with a grand view of Eagle River, Anchorage, Cook Inlet, Fort Richardson, and the Alaska Range including Mt. McKinley and Mt. Foraker.
The cache won't be too difficult to find, but it will require you to summit this peak. Those geocachers who are in good shape should be able to find the cache in about 1 hour with an additional 1/2 hour to return to your vehicle. For those not in shape, allow at least 2 hours to summit and 1 hour to descend. Warning - there are some steep portions to the trail and the trail is undeveloped, however, no specialized gear is required. You might want to carry a walking stick. Attention should be given to the weather, especially in the winter as conditions can change rapidly. Even during the winter, this mountain is climbed daily and on most days, a well packed trail will be present. Avalanche dangers are usually low or nonexistent though it is always wise to be mindful of such things. This is a great climb regardless of the time of year as long as you play it safe.
How to get there - Take the Eagle River Loop Road either out of Eagle River or directly off of the Glenn Highway. Follow the Eagle River Loop Road until you get to W Skyline Drive. Drive up the curvy paved road until it dead ends. Note that W. Skyline Drive will change into Jamie Dr., then Upper Skyline Dr., then Canyon View Dr, and finally Golden Eagle Dr. Don't let all of that bother you - just stay on the main paved road and you'll get there. You'll find a dirt parking area at the end of Golden Eagle Dr. Coordinates for the parking area are N 61º 20.159 / W 149º 31.151. The trail starts as a wide, bulldozed road that goes steeply up the hill towards a large radio tower. The trail then veers off to the left. The trail will vary in width from 3 feet to 6 feet, but it is fairly easy to follow the main trail.
The cache is an ammo box with lots of goodies inside. My travel bug 'The Coffee Bug' is getting it's start here.
Because this area is frequented by lots of hikers, please be discreet while hunting and examining the cache and carefully conceal it so that others just wandering by won't discover it easily.
I left the camera at home but the next time I go up Baldy, I'll take a few pics and add them to this cache report.
Enjoy the hunt and stay safe.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gur pnpur vf ybpngrq whfg bire gur crnx gb gur fbhgu ng na nccebkvzngr ryringvba bs 2930 srrg. Gur pnpur vf qrsvavgryl bss gur genvy, ybpngrq va n fznyy fghagrq fcehpr gerr gung vf arkg gb n ynetr ebpx.