Day 4 of 2021 Alaska Trip, South Pioneer Peak, Jewel of Chugach Mountains

Fourth day of my 2021 Alaska trip and last day in the Anchorage vicinity. I climbed and summited South Pioneer Peak, a magnificent YDS class 3 mountain on the southern bank of Knik River that’s an enchanting sight from much of the Mat-Su Valley. It’s a long day-hike with grueling elevation gains, but this time I was better prepared, mentally and physically, and it turned out to be a much memorable experience.

Pioneer Peak


Pioneer Peak

This would be my last day in the Anchorage vicinity. Weather forecast was cooperating, so I decided to climb South Pioneer Peak. Pioneer Peaks were two peaks situated right next to each other. While their magnificent presence on Knik River’s southern shore was a constantly alluring sight from nearby towns like Palmer, the trail to South Pioneer Peak was a 22km roundtrip with 2km of vertical elevation gain, the end of which involved YDS class 3 rock scrambling. From the top of South Pioneer, one may opt to follow a traverse down and up to its taller brother of North Pioneer, which involved YDS class 4 scrambling. Like most other hikers, I decided to make South Pioneer Peak my destination of the day.

Trail Composition

The trail to South Pioneer Peak could roughly be broken down into three parts. The first 7.5km was a constant elevation gain where one started near sea level and reached 1600m elevation. There were 2 picnic tables for one to rest along the way, both were roughly at the halfway mark. They also roughly marked the tree line along the trail. After the first part, the trail made a right turn and followed a relatively flat ridge (Pioneer Ridge). That’s when scenic mountains deeper in Chugach State Park came into view. This part lasted for about 1.5km, and didn’t have much elevation change. Finally, the ridge would grow narrower and the trail would pick up exposure, as one entered the last part and final stretch onto South Pioneer Peak, that’s when YDS class 3 scrambling came into play. The final part lasted about 1.5-2km (horizontally), depending on GPS accuracy and how much route finding was carried out. Finally, one would reach the summit of South Pioneer Peak at 1920m elevation.

So on the morning of July 4, I set off from my Airbnb in Anchorage before 8am. After stretching my legs, I started my journey at 8:45am.

Parking Lot


Parking Lot

There’s a pay station for 5-dollar parking fee with honor system in place. It’s a bit weird that I saw a lot of cars parked here, but didn’t run into nearly as many groups during my ascent.

Here’s GPS tracking:

Before First Picnic Table

Before the first picnic table, the trail made its way through typical Alaskan woods in an unremarkable fashion. Surrounding vegetation was dense and leaves were lush. This part of the trail featured an average gradient similar to the initial part of Matanuska Peak, which I summited 3 days ago, just that it would last a lot longer. However, the trail was overgrown in many spots that required minimal bushwhacking (long pants and shirts and hiking poles would come in handy in those situations). There were also a few fallen trees that I had to navigate around. I almost cut my shirt during one on my descent.

  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail

Click here to display photos of the trail.
Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail
Trail
Trail
Trail

Trail


Trail


In addition to that, the trail had a few muddy spots, the worst of which being between the 10k feet distance mark and the first picnic table (p1-p3 below). Even with hiking poles, going through this section was sure to get one’s boots dirty. (During my descent I was trying to avoid them, and got my hand cut in the process.) There were some signs of trail improvement (wooden bridges, checkerboard shaped plastic) to address the mud issue, but they were woefully insufficient.

  • Muddy Trail
    Muddy Trail
  • Muddy Trail
    Muddy Trail
  • Muddy Trail
    Muddy Trail
  • Creek
    Creek
    The likely culprit of my suffering.
  • Trail Improvement
    Trail Improvement
  • Trail Improvement
    Trail Improvement
  • Muddy Trail
  • Muddy Trail
  • Muddy Trail
  • Creek
  • Trail Improvement
  • Trail Improvement

Click here to display photos of the trail’s condition.
Muddy Trail


Muddy Trail

Muddy Trail


Muddy Trail

Muddy Trail


Muddy Trail

Creek


Creek
The likely culprit of my suffering.

Trail Improvement


Trail Improvement
Trail Improvement


First Picnic Table


First Picnic Table
At about 2.9km from trailhead. It’s hard to find places to sit and rest below the tree line, so these picnic tables were really helpful.

After about 1.5 hours since I started, I reached the first picnic table, where I took some rest. The table was also at an opening in the woods, which offered some views of distant Knik Glacier and mountains across Kink River. They were much-appreciated scenery from hiking in dense woods.

  • Knik River
    Knik River
  • Knik River and Distant Valley
    Knik River and Distant Valley
  • Mountains across Knik River
    Mountains across Knik River
  • Frontier Peak across Knik River
    Frontier Peak across Knik River
  • Frontier Peak across Knik River
    Frontier Peak across Knik River
  • Knik River under Dark Clouds
    Knik River under Dark Clouds
  • Distant Knik Glacier under Clouds
    Distant Knik Glacier under Clouds
  • Distant Knik Glacier under Clouds
    Distant Knik Glacier under Clouds
  • Knik River
    Knik River
  • Knik River
  • Knik River and Distant Valley
  • Mountains across Knik River
  • Frontier Peak across Knik River
  • Frontier Peak across Knik River
  • Knik River under Dark Clouds
  • Distant Knik Glacier under Clouds
  • Distant Knik Glacier under Clouds
  • Knik River

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Knik River


Knik River

Knik River and Distant Valley


Knik River and Distant Valley

Mountains across Knik River


Mountains across Knik River

Frontier Peak across Knik River


Frontier Peak across Knik River

Frontier Peak across Knik River


Frontier Peak across Knik River

Knik River under Dark Clouds


Knik River under Dark Clouds

Distant Knik Glacier under Clouds


Distant Knik Glacier under Clouds
Distant Knik Glacier under Clouds

Knik River


Knik River


Between First Picnic Table and Snow Crossing

After some rests, I continued my hike from the first picnic table.

Muddy Spot


Muddy Spot
Another muddy spot between the first and second picnic table.

Weather forecast for today was morning clouds and afternoon sun. While I was driving towards the trailhead, I was a bit nervous seeing the top of the mountains concealed in clouds. It would be a huge pity to reach the summit after a grueling hike to find it covered in clouds.
Not long after leaving the first picnic table, I found myself heading into the clouds, putting the weather forecast to the test.

Second Picnic Table


Second Picnic Table

At about 3.5km from trailhead. This one was located slightly off trail. It’s close to the first one so I skipped it on my way up.

After the first picnic table and above tree line, leaves along the trail were dwindling at a visible pace. Not long after the second picnic table, grass took the place of bushes, which was then replaced by rocks. The one thing that didn’t change was the pace at which the trail gained elevation, it was still steep and began to hurt my legs.

  • Trail
    Trail
  • Bushes
    Bushes
  • Bushes
    Bushes
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail in Mist
    Trail in Mist
  • Trail in Mist
    Trail in Mist
  • Trail in Mist
    Trail in Mist
  • Trail in Mist
    Trail in Mist
  • Trail in Mist
    Trail in Mist
  • Patches of Flowers
    Patches of Flowers
    The last set of colors along the trail before snow and rocks began to dominate the landscape.
  • Trail
  • Bushes
  • Bushes
  • Trail
  • Trail in Mist
  • Trail in Mist
  • Trail in Mist
  • Trail in Mist
  • Trail in Mist
  • Patches of Flowers

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Trail


Trail

Bushes


Bushes
Bushes

Trail


Trail

Trail in Mist


Trail in Mist
Trail in Mist

Trail in Mist


Trail in Mist

Trail in Mist


Trail in Mist

Trail in Mist


Trail in Mist

Patches of Flowers


Patches of Flowers
The last set of colors along the trail before snow and rocks began to dominate the landscape.


But apart from the uncertainty brought by the surrounding mist, and the obvious physical struggle, I sort of liked this section. It felt like proper alpine hiking, where I didn’t have to worry about mud. I could sit and rest by some random rock whenever I wanted, no longer having to wait for a picnic table. The sight of many flowers along the trail was certainly invigorating than the seemingly monotone forests that I just passed.

  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Flower
    Flower
    This one has got a bee visiting it.
  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Flowers
    Flowers
  • Flowers
    Flowers
    The same batch of flowers as the previous photo, but instead taken during my descent. There were two bees in this photo.
  • Flowers
  • Flowers
  • Flower
  • Flowers
  • Flowers
  • Flowers
  • Flowers
  • Flowers
  • Flowers
  • Flowers
  • Flowers

Click here to display photos of the flowers.
Flowers


Flowers

Flowers


Flowers

Flower


Flower
This one has got a bee visiting it.

Flowers


Flowers

Flowers


Flowers

Flowers


Flowers
Flowers

Flowers


Flowers

Flowers


Flowers

Flowers


Flowers

Flowers


Flowers

The same batch of flowers as the previous photo, but instead taken during my descent. There were two bees in this photo.


At around 12:30pm and 1560m elevation, 400m from the snow crossing, I was elated to find the clouds seemed to be clearing off around me. At first, it started with the skies getting brighter, then the sun became distinguishable among a background that’s turning from grey to white and finally to blue. It’s like the excitement of watching sunrise, that I saw the distant Pioneer Peaks rising solidly from the clouds.
That’s when I found patches of snow began to line the trail, one of which I would be crossing later.

  • Snow Patch along Trail
    Snow Patch along Trail
  • Snow Patch along Trail
    Snow Patch along Trail
  • Snow Patch along Trail
    Snow Patch along Trail
  • Snow Patch along Trail
    Snow Patch along Trail
  • Trail on Snow
    Trail on Snow
    The only snow crossing along the trail. The snow was well-packed, and no specialty gear was needed.
  • Trail on Snow
    Trail on Snow
    The only snow crossing along the trail. The snow was well-packed, and no specialty gear was needed.
  • Pioneer Peak from Snow Crossing
    Pioneer Peak from Snow Crossing
    Taken during my descent when the clouds had dispersed.
  • Snow Patch along Trail
    Snow Patch along Trail
  • Snow Patch along Trail
  • Snow Patch along Trail
  • Snow Patch along Trail
  • Snow Patch along Trail
  • Trail on Snow
  • Trail on Snow
  • Pioneer Peak from Snow Crossing
  • Snow Patch along Trail

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Snow Patch along Trail


Snow Patch along Trail
Snow Patch along Trail
Snow Patch along Trail
Snow Patch along Trail

Trail on Snow


Trail on Snow
Trail on Snow
The only snow crossing along the trail. The snow was well-packed, and no specialty gear was needed.

Pioneer Peak from Snow Crossing


Pioneer Peak from Snow Crossing
Taken during my descent when the clouds had dispersed.

Snow Patch along Trail


Snow Patch along Trail


Including all rests, it took me almost 4 hours to reach this snow crossing, at 7km from trailhead and 1600m elevation. These were almost similar numbers between Matanuska Peak’s trailhead and summit, but this time I was better prepared mentally. I knew the constant elevation gain would be grueling, but I never expected too much from myself, knowing the steady progress I made would get me to the summit.

From Snow Crossing to Summit

After the snow crossing, the trail made a right turn and followed along Pioneer Ridge, which later entered the boundary of Chugach State Park. This was the only section of the trail that’s relatively flat, a reprieve from the constant physical workout.
Unfortunately, while on Pioneer Ridge there was no shelter from strong winds coming from the south. Despite those mystic mountains still mostly behind clouds, one could feel the bitterness in the winds from the heart of Chugach State Park with its many glaciers and snow packs. The strong winds appeared both trial and welcome from Chugach State Park that later abated during my final stretch onto South Pioneer Peak and my descent.

  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
    Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.
  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
    Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.
  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
    Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.
  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
    Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.
  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
    Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.
  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
    Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.
  • Overlooking Knik River
    Overlooking Knik River
  • Mountains to the West
    Mountains to the West
  • Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the South
  • Overlooking Knik River
  • Mountains to the West

Click here to display photos of mountains of Chugach State Park.
Mountains to the South


Mountains to the South
Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.

Mountains to the South


Mountains to the South
Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.

Mountains to the South


Mountains to the South
Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.

Mountains to the South


Mountains to the South
Mountains to the South
Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.

Mountains to the South


Mountains to the South
Clouds were lifting up as time progressed.

Overlooking Knik River


Overlooking Knik River

Mountains to the West


Mountains to the West


The trail passed through Pioneer Ridge in this section, which started out wide and flat. It then grew narrower and pointier as one got closer to the scrambling section.

  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail to Pioneer Peak
    Trail to Pioneer Peak
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail to Pioneer Peak
    Trail to Pioneer Peak
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail to Pioneer Peak
  • Trail
  • Trail to Pioneer Peak
  • Trail
  • Trail

Click here to display photos of the trail.
Trail


Trail
Trail

Trail to Pioneer Peak


Trail to Pioneer Peak

Trail


Trail

Trail to Pioneer Peak


Trail to Pioneer Peak

Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail


And throughout the way, Pioneer Peak had always been accompanied, but not overcome, by clouds.

  • Pioneer Peak
    Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
    Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
    Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
    Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
    Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
    Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peak

Click here to display photos of Pioneer Peak.
Pioneer Peak


Pioneer Peak
Pioneer Peak
Pioneer Peak

Pioneer Peak


Pioneer Peak

Pioneer Peak


Pioneer Peak

Pioneer Peak


Pioneer Peak


Ice Cream Cone Peak

 Mountains across Knik River in Snow
Mountains across Knik River
Left: Ice Cream Cone Peak

Finally, about 1km (horizontally) from summit, the trail started to grow so steep at places that it started to require rock scrambling. That’s when I met and overtook the first group of four hikers for the day. I got much assured that I was moving faster than them.

Steep Trail

 Steep Trail
Steep Trail
Red: the path that I took. It’s possible to take another path (off the frame, green) that’s easier.

After that I caught up with another group of couple hikers. They were definitely better climbers than the previous group, and we helped each other at finding the route ahead.

Mountain Goat

 Mountain Goat
Mountain Goats and Hikers
Mountain Goats and Hikers

Just like my last YDS class 3 mountain (Borah Peak in Idaho), I ran into a few mountain goats. When human company was scarce, sights of these mountain goats could be rather uplifting. Especially true when I saw a group of them at a false summit from trail.

In addition to some class 3 scrambling and lots of class 2 scrambling, it’s worth noting that reaching the top of South Pioneer Peak required some route-finding skills, as (most but) not every route around the boulders was a safe YDS class 3 route and it’s extremely easy to get lost. A general advice was that whenever in doubt, try to stick to the right (east) side of the rocks.

That’s especially true at approximately 200m from summit horizontally and 1840m elevation, when the couple hiker and I didn’t stick to the right and found ourselves in a place that we didn’t like to be in.

Hikers Behind


Hikers Behind

Looking back at the group of 4 hikers that we just overtook while we were figuring out which route to take next. The lone mountain goat in the foreground was certainly enjoying his day.

Hikers Behind


Hikers Behind

The zoom-out version of the previous photo. Sticking to the left (east) side of the rocks on the left (out of the frame) should be an easier route. However, we followed the right (west) side of the rocks which had more exposure.

Steep Section


Steep Section

To get us out of here, the husband of the couple hiker volunteered to climb up this very steep section, which we had to follow to get us to the summit.

Summit

Finally, at 2:40pm, 6 hours after leaving trailhead, I made it to the summit of South Pioneer Peak.

North Pioneer Peak


North Pioneer Peak North Pioneer Peak
North Pioneer Peak
Fresh ahead, was the bigger and more technical brother of Pioneer Peaks.

East Twin Peaks


East Twin Peaks East Twin Peaks
East Twin Peaks
To the west, East Twin Peaks was another mountain that overlooked Knik Arm to the north. It featured a shorter but more technical route than South Pioneer Peak.

Distant Knik Glacier


Distant Knik Glacier Distant Knik Glacier
Distant Knik Glacier
To the far east, Knik Glacier was looking spectacular from this vantage point.

Distant Mountains


Bashful Peak (2440m) Bashful Peak (2440m)
Bashful Peak (2440m)

To the south, Bashful Peak, as the highest point of Chugach State Park, wasn’t being bashful at this moment.

View from South Pioneer Peak Summit


View from South Pioneer Peak Summit

Just as I sat down and started to enjoy the scenery, a gust of wind arrived which was just strong enough to topple one of the couple hiker’s backpacks. (It wasn’t placed in a stable manner in the first place.) So in awe, the three of us watched it tumble and disappear down the snowy slope to the north. For a moment, we thought that backpack was not retrievable. But the husband, after an already strenuous journey, still decided to head down the ridge between south and north Pioneer Peak, trying to retrieve that bag.
Even more to our awe, he did eventually come back with a backpack.

And while this unbelievable search was going on, I continued to soak in the scenery, starting with the magnificent peaks.

  • Ice Cream Cone Mountain (2644m)
    Ice Cream Cone Mountain (2644m)
    35km away to the northeast.
  • Distant Denali
    Distant Denali
    Highest mountain in North America.
  • Mount Marcus Baker (4016m)
    Mount Marcus Baker (4016m)
  • Granite Mountain (2051m)
    Granite Mountain (2051m)
  • Eklutna Glacier
    Eklutna Glacier
  • Lazy Mountain
    Lazy Mountain
    Which I summited last year.
  • Mountains across Knik River
    Mountains across Knik River
    Matanuska Peak, which I summited 3 days ago, in the center and thinly veiled by clouds.
  • Highway to Wasilla
    Highway to Wasilla
  • Ice Cream Cone Mountain (2644m)
  • Distant Denali
  • Mount Marcus Baker (4016m)
  • Granite Mountain (2051m)
  • Eklutna Glacier
  • Lazy Mountain
  • Mountains across Knik River
  • Highway to Wasilla

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Ice Cream Cone Mountain (2644m)


Ice Cream Cone Mountain (2644m)
35km away to the northeast.

Distant Denali


Distant Denali
Highest mountain in North America.

Mount Marcus Baker (4016m)


Mount Marcus Baker (4016m)

Granite Mountain (2051m)


Granite Mountain (2051m)

Eklutna Glacier


Eklutna Glacier

Lazy Mountain


Lazy Mountain
Which I summited last year.

Mountains across Knik River


Mountains across Knik River
Matanuska Peak, which I summited 3 days ago, in the center and thinly veiled by clouds.

Highway to Wasilla


Highway to Wasilla


Then there’s the Kink River that flew below us.

  • Overlooking Knik River
    Overlooking Knik River
  • Overlooking Knik River
    Overlooking Knik River
  • Overlooking Knik River
    Overlooking Knik River
  • Overlooking Knik River
    Overlooking Knik River
  • Overlooking Knik River
    Overlooking Knik River
  • Overlooking Knik River
  • Overlooking Knik River
  • Overlooking Knik River
  • Overlooking Knik River
  • Overlooking Knik River

Click here to display photos of the Kink River.
Overlooking Knik River


Overlooking Knik River
Overlooking Knik River
Overlooking Knik River

Overlooking Knik River


Overlooking Knik River
Overlooking Knik River


Then there were the other surrounding mountains, mostly in Chugach State Park.

  • Mountain
    Mountain
    The trail to Pioneer Peak traced the ridgeline in the foreground as it made its way up the mountain.
  • Mountains of Chugach State Park
    Mountains of Chugach State Park
  • Mountains of Chugach State Park
    Mountains of Chugach State Park
  • Mountains of Chugach State Park
    Mountains of Chugach State Park
  • Mountain
  • Mountains of Chugach State Park
  • Mountains of Chugach State Park
  • Mountains of Chugach State Park

Click here to display photos of the mountains.
Mountain


Mountain

The trail to Pioneer Peak traced the ridgeline in the foreground as it made its way up the mountain.

Mountains of Chugach State Park


Mountains of Chugach State Park

Mountains of Chugach State Park


Mountains of Chugach State Park

Mountains of Chugach State Park


Mountains of Chugach State Park


Looking back at Pioneer Ridge, from this angle it’s much decorated in snow, quite the contrast to my casual stroll through it moments ago. It blended perfectly to the background of clouds and snowy mountains.

  • Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
    Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
  • Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
    Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
  • Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
    Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
  • Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
    Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
  • Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
  • Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
  • Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
  • Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge

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Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge


Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge
Looking Back at Pioneer Ridge


Descent to Pioneer Ridge

After spending about an hour at the summit of South Pioneer Peak, I started my descent at 3:35pm.

Steep Slope


Steep Slope
I probably came up this way. Looking down, it looked a bit scary.

Steep Slope


Steep Slope

So instead, I chose to stay at higher elevation for longer, before I ran out of rocks and must came down this slope which was even steeper. It took me a few minutes to descend it safely, but at least this slope was made of solid rock which was very reassuring.

Emboldened by my successfully summitting, during the descent I paused more often for photos recording the few steep and challenging sections closer to summit.

  • Steep Section
    Steep Section
  • Steep Section
    Steep Section
  • Steep Section
    Steep Section
  • Steep Section
    Steep Section
    The easiest route was to the right of this big boulder. During my ascent we took to the left, and ended up with some avoidable challenges.
  • Steep Section
  • Steep Section
  • Steep Section
  • Steep Section

Click here to display photos of the steep sections.
Steep Section


Steep Section

Steep Section


Steep Section

Steep Section


Steep Section

Steep Section


Steep Section

The easiest route was to the right of this big boulder. During my ascent we took to the left, and ended up with some avoidable challenges.


And this section farther from the summit that’s not as steep but still technical.

  • Returning Hikers
    Returning Hikers
  • Returning Hikers
    Returning Hikers
    We took our time clearing this steep section.
  • Returning Hikers
    Returning Hikers
  • Steep Section
    Steep Section
    Before going back to the safety of Pioneer Ridge.
  • Steep Section
    Steep Section
    Before going back to the safety of Pioneer Ridge.
  • Returning Hikers
    Returning Hikers
  • Returning Hikers
  • Returning Hikers
  • Returning Hikers
  • Steep Section
  • Steep Section
  • Returning Hikers

Click here to display photos of the slideshow
Returning Hikers


Returning Hikers

Returning Hikers


Returning Hikers
We took our time clearing this steep section.

Returning Hikers


Returning Hikers

Steep Section


Steep Section
Steep Section
Before going back to the safety of Pioneer Ridge.

Returning Hikers


Returning Hikers



  • Pioneer Ridge
    Pioneer Ridge
    Looking magnificent from this angle.
  • Pioneer Ridge
    Pioneer Ridge
  • Pioneer Ridge
    Pioneer Ridge
  • Pioneer Ridge
    Pioneer Ridge
  • Pioneer Ridge
    Pioneer Ridge
  • Pioneer Ridge
  • Pioneer Ridge
  • Pioneer Ridge
  • Pioneer Ridge
  • Pioneer Ridge

Click here to display photos of the Pioneer Ridge.
Pioneer Ridge


Pioneer Ridge
Looking magnificent from this angle.

Pioneer Ridge


Pioneer Ridge

Pioneer Ridge


Pioneer Ridge

Pioneer Ridge


Pioneer Ridge
Pioneer Ridge


With the clouds cleared and under afternoon sun, I felt the imposing contour and rugged surface of Pioneer Peak was more intriguing than earlier in the day.

  • South Pioneer Peak
    South Pioneer Peak
  • South Pioneer Peak
    South Pioneer Peak
  • South Pioneer Peak
    South Pioneer Peak
  • South Pioneer Peak
    South Pioneer Peak
  • South Pioneer Peak
    South Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peaks
    Pioneer Peaks
  • South Pioneer Peak
  • South Pioneer Peak
  • South Pioneer Peak
  • South Pioneer Peak
  • South Pioneer Peak
  • Pioneer Peaks

Click here to display photos of the Pioneer Peaks in the afternoon.
South Pioneer Peak


South Pioneer Peak

South Pioneer Peak


South Pioneer Peak
South Pioneer Peak

South Pioneer Peak


South Pioneer Peak
South Pioneer Peak

Pioneer Peaks


Pioneer Peaks


In a similar way, once out of the clouds, the grass coating made the surrounding mountains put on a warmer color underneath the sun.

  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the West
    Mountains to the West
  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
  • Bashful Peak behind Clouds
    Bashful Peak behind Clouds
  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the South
    Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the West
  • Mountains to the South
  • Bashful Peak behind Clouds
  • Mountains to the South
  • Mountains to the South

Click here to display photos of the mountains.
Mountains to the South


Mountains to the South

Mountains to the West


Mountains to the West

Mountains to the South


Mountains to the South

Bashful Peak behind Clouds


Bashful Peak behind Clouds

Mountains to the South


Mountains to the South
Mountains to the South


Matanuska Peak


Frontier Peak Distant Mountain
Mountains across Knik River

Top: Matanuska Peak, which I summited 3 days ago. Left: Frontier Peak. I got a clearer view of the distant mountains once the clouds were gone.

From Pioneer Ridge to Picnic Tables

Once down to the safety of Pioneer Ridge, the remainder of the trial felt like an easy stroll to me. The morning clouds had cleared, and the wonderful scenery around seemed like a reward for all the hard work that I previously put into climbing this mountain.

  • Valley
    Valley
    Encircled by Pioneer Ridge
  • Valley
    Valley
    Encircled by Pioneer Ridge
  • Valley
    Valley
    Encircled by Pioneer Ridge
  • Landscape
    Landscape
  • Mountains
    Mountains
  • Mountains
    Mountains
  • Landscape
    Landscape
  • Snow Patch
    Snow Patch
  • Landscape
    Landscape
  • Landscape
    Landscape
  • Mountains
    Mountains
  • Valley
  • Valley
  • Valley
  • Landscape
  • Mountains
  • Mountains
  • Landscape
  • Snow Patch
  • Landscape
  • Landscape
  • Mountains

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Valley


Valley
Valley
Valley
Encircled by Pioneer Ridge

Landscape


Landscape

Mountains


Mountains
Mountains

Landscape


Landscape

Snow Patch


Snow Patch

Landscape


Landscape
Landscape

Mountains


Mountains



  • Trail
    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
    The group of 4 friends just crossed back the snow patch.
  • Trail
    Trail
    The couple took some rest at a place overlooking Knik River.
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
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  • Trail
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  • Trail

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Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail
Trail

Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail
The group of 4 friends just crossed back the snow patch.

Trail


Trail
The couple took some rest at a place overlooking Knik River.

Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail


Now that the mist had cleared in the afternoon, I began to appreciate the beauty of this section of the trail above tree line, with magnificent mountains across Knik River in sight as I headed back down.

  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail

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Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail
Trail

Trail


Trail


Lower in elevation, one would catch a better sight of Knik River.

  • Trail
    Trail
    It’s a pleasure heading down this section of the trail, with majestic mountains across Knik River in clear sight right in front.
  • Mountains across Knik River
    Mountains across Knik River
  • Mountains across Knik River
    Mountains across Knik River
    Frontier Peak in the right, Matanuska Peak which I summited 3 days ago, in the left background.
  • Distant Mountains
    Distant Mountains
  • Distant Knik Glacier
    Distant Knik Glacier
  • Knik River and Distant Knik Glacier
    Knik River and Distant Knik Glacier
  • Knik River and Distant Knik Glacier
    Knik River and Distant Knik Glacier
  • Knik River before Distant Snowy Mountains
    Knik River before Distant Snowy Mountains
  • Overlooking Knik River
    Overlooking Knik River
  • Trail
  • Mountains across Knik River
  • Mountains across Knik River
  • Distant Mountains
  • Distant Knik Glacier
  • Knik River and Distant Knik Glacier
  • Knik River and Distant Knik Glacier
  • Knik River before Distant Snowy Mountains
  • Overlooking Knik River

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Trail


Trail

It’s a pleasure heading down this section of the trail, with majestic mountains across Knik River in clear sight right in front.

Mountains across Knik River


Mountains across Knik River

Mountains across Knik River


Mountains across Knik River
Frontier Peak in the right, Matanuska Peak which I summited 3 days ago, in the left background.

Distant Mountains


Distant Mountains

Distant Knik Glacier


Distant Knik Glacier

Knik River and Distant Knik Glacier


Knik River and Distant Knik Glacier
Knik River and Distant Knik Glacier

Knik River before Distant Snowy Mountains


Knik River before Distant Snowy Mountains

Overlooking Knik River


Overlooking Knik River


Distant Knik Glacier


Distant Knik Glacier
A constant spectacle in the distance during my descent, now that the clouds had cleared.

Just after 7pm I reached the second picnic table. With the clouds cleared it offered spectacular views of Knik River and the mountains across it. It’s the last (or first, depending on direction) spot that offered such great views along the trail, after which the trail would descend below the tree line. With the long downhill track punishing my knees and ankles, I took a long rest there.

Overlooking Knik River and Mountains across


Overlooking Knik River and Mountains across

From Picnic Tables to Trailhead

There was cellular signal at the picnic tables, so I was elated to find on Google Maps that I might be able to make it to my favorite chain restaurant to grab a dinner before it closed for its regular hours. So armed with the prospect of my favorite, I dashed through the woods as far as I could.

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    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
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    Trail
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  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail

Click here to display photos of the slideshow
Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail
Trail

Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail

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Trail


Another reason for my rush was that I encountered some bugs along the trail. They weren’t as annoying as my experience in Utah last summer, but they were still an unwelcoming distraction, that I wanted to get rid of as soon as possible.
That meant, I was probably going too fast at places, that I made a cut on my hand (very minor), and almost cut my shirt.

  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
    Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail
  • Trail

Click here to display photos of the trail.
Trail


Trail
Trail

Trail


Trail

Trail


Trail


Finally, just before 9pm, I was back at the trailhead parking lot, spending just over 12 hours on the trail including all rests.
After that, I raced back to Anchorage to my favorite restaurant, and found it closed for Independence Day. Obviously they didn’t update information on Google Maps.
That’s a most disappointing way to end an epic day.
END

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Day 4 of 2021 Alaska Trip, South Pioneer Peak, Jewel of Chugach Mountains by Huang's Site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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