Rendeavous Peak Trail - Arctic Valley

Part military instilation, part downhill ski area, part hiking trails, Arctic Valley is an interesting place with stunning views. We set off on the Rendezvous Peak trail with 10 mamas, 13 kids and 1 aunt. About half of the pack was new to our group. The group was just the right size to be able to break into smaller subgroups where everyone could get what they needed out of the hike. Some mamas wore their kids and made it further up then the other's who kids did their own hiking (but had better naps). The beauty of hiking with kids is they take the pressure off. If you don't make it to the top, it's ok! You have a really good reason. The journey is the destination and everyone wins by getting out, soaking up the beautiful scenery and breathing in the great fresh air.

One thoughtful mama brought along an Alaskan wildflower field guide, which was helpful in identifying some of the glorious flowers out there. Among the lupine, wild geranium, dog wood, bluebells, arctic poppy' and fireweed were two new ones to me... kings crown and broad-pettalled gentian.

Like many hiking areas in the Anchorage vicinity, you don't start at the base of the mountain. Instead you drive up a good portion of it. Many of the moms reported seeing a baby black bear on the side of the road on the way up. Starting higher up on the mountain is often a good thing when hiking with small kids. It allows you to share stellar views and experience walking on peaks with a little less work.

We hiked about 2.5 miles, half of that being upwards on a steady incline. I know I was huffing and puffing a little bit till my breathing regulated. We left just as it was starting to rain.