Powerline pass--- above the cloud line

Yes, those trees and grass are covered in ice!

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day for one of my favorite in town hikes-- Powerline pass. No matter the season, you always have terrific things to explore and look at. Over 12 families joined us today with a good mix of walking toddlers, riding babes and stroller jumpers. When we started it was 30 degrees F! Some went further than others while others were waylaid by icy puddles.

Drive up to the hike

Sunshine the minute we hit the parking lot!

Heading up to the hike was through clouds, though the sky opened up to a clear blue upon arriving. It is always such a treat when this happens! The foliage was coated with ice and there were icy spots on both the road and trail. Puddles were stomped in (and through), rain pants were donned and layering was tested. A group of the kiddos enjoyed a bit of a pre climb on the rocks by the parking lot!

Part of the trail to Powerline Pass is closed for construction (the lower part), so make sure to follow the detour signs and take the higher trail. It still leads to the same place, though is wider and flatter than the lower counterpart.

Rain pants were donned shortly after

Trying to persuade kids to NOT eat icy dirt

One you reach Powerline pass, it is like the entire sky opens up to mountains and open spaces. If you haven't hiked here before, make sure to turn RIGHT to head down the large sloping decline. Left is very steep and is not advisable for little ones!

Heading down Powerline Pass

 It was an incredible day to be out in nature and to enjoy some practice with layering. I didn't hear any complaints with lined jeans, mittens and hats this morning!

Directions: From the Seward Highway, take O'Malley Rd toward the mountains.
Right onto Hillside Dr (there will be a brown Chugach Park sign). Left onto upper Huffman (there is a church on your right and a brown sign pointing to the left). Right onto Toilsome Drive (there is another brown sign pointing to Glen Alps trailhead) and it weaves around and the lot is on the left and there is a sign (Chugach park--- $5 state parking fee applies if you do not have the yearly pass)