Pioneer Peak

This past Saturday we set out with 7 friends and 8 dogs to climb Pioneer Peak. Located at the North end of Chugach State Park, with a prominant location overlooking the Knik River/Glacier Valley to the east and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to the North. The parking lot begins at approx. 100 feet above sea level; the south summit is approx. 6300 feet above sea level; the north summit, approachable only with technical climbing gear sits at 6398 feet.

The trail is basically 12 miles round trip. 6 miles strait up, and then 6 miles strait back down, barely every allowing leg muscles to rest with level ground.
The first 4.5 miles switchbacks through grass and tree's. The last 1.5 miles moves along a rocky narrow ridge too the last couple hundred feet where you scramble to the summit.

Kurt takes a break to scope out some lines for ski season.
Jasper finds a pinacle.
The narrow ridge towards the south summit as seen from above.

Gretchen and I, pausing for quick summit shots before heading back down in a growing snowstorm.

Jasper falling asleep while waiting for a snack...
Knik Glacier seen in the background. (can you see the rainbow)