About the Summer Adventure Series:

Interested in exploring local trails, but need adventure buddies? Looking to make new friends? Curious about the area we call home or after a summer challenge? These are all great reasons to join our adventure series. We're offering 6 intermediate/challenging, small-group guided trips this summer. Bring friends, make friends - and get outside!

What's Included:

• Local guide with Wilderness First Responder training
• Round trip transportation to/from downtown Palmer. We meet at the Aktive Soles (Koslosky Building) parking lot at 7:30AM unless you opt to meet us at the trailhead.
• Picnic lunch from Turkey Red (can accommodate most dietary needs)
• Parking + permit fees (unless you meet us at the trailhead in your vehicle)
• Trekking poles (available upon request)
• An educational component. Each hike in our Summer Adventure Series will incorporate an educational component - from history to flora and fauna, we’ll make sure you’re learning along the trail.
• Optional post-hike social hour at a local small business (put your adventure book coupons to use!)

About Blacktail Rocks:

This is an intermediate/challenging hike with nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain. First, we will head up Mt. Baldy (3,281 ft.) via the Baldy Trailhead. After summiting Baldy we will continue east, climbing a ridge towards Blacktail Rocks. Some scrambling will be required to reach the true summit. Those not up for scrambling can opt to enjoy the views from the ridge. Expect to spend a whole day on this adventure (including travel time).

The trailhead is an Alaska State Park trailhead. Parking fees and permitting is included in your trip cost if you opt to travel with us from downtown Palmer. If you are meeting us at the trailhead, parking fees are $5 for a single day pass. It's also possible to purchase an annual parking pass online from Alaska State Parks.

What to Expect:

We will hike at a leisurely pace and stick together as a group. We'll stop for snack breaks and educational opportunities along the way. We'll eat lunch and soak in summit time before returning back to the trailhead. This is an out and back trail.

Mileage: About 6.5 miles Elevation Gain: About 2,500 feet Estimated Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Estimated Return Time: We should be back to downtown Palmer by 4:30PM

Maximum group size of 10 hikers. Must be 18 years or older to participate.

We ask folks leave their 4-legged friends behind for this trip.

A Note on Flexibility:

The nature of adventuring outside requires some flexibility. We do our best to follow the itinerary as outlined, but trail conditions, wildlife, etc. can all impact our plans. Please know if we need to shift plans your guide will communicate with you in a timely manner. Safety is our priority and we use our best judgement when making trip adjustments.

Weather:

We rarely cancel due to inclement weather. Please bring gear to adventure in the elements. If you need to borrow something, let us know! We have lots of extra supplies and are happy to loan items out if needed.