Cragging in Alaska

Hello all,

So we all know that Alaska is a relatively untouched resource for hardmen, mountaineers, and adventurers...But what are the climbing prospects like for mortals?

Specifically, what are the cragging and moderate options like within easy access to Anchorage? Is there a gym?

Thanks,
Evan

Evan, are you going up there?

There is a gym in Anc, at least as of a year ago. That's all I can help with. If you don't find out anything PM me and I'll put you in touch with my buddy who lives up there.

There is 1.75 gyms in Anchorage

Evan Horvath aka Evan1984 wrote:Hello all, So we all know that Alaska is a relatively untouched resource for hardmen, mountaineers, and adventurers...But what are the climbing prospects like for mortals? Specifically, what are the cragging and moderate options like within easy access to Anchorage? Is there a gym? Thanks, Evan

There is cragging just outside of town on the Seward highway, it is mostly bolted sport climbing on granite.

As far as other cragging in the state, there is some limestone sport climbing about an hour north of Fairbanks, and there are a couple of granite sport crags in Skagway. That about sums up all of the cragging I know about in the state.

edit for spelling.

Brian Threlkeld wrote:Evan, are you going up there?

Not definitely and definitely not soon. It's more of a feeler because there are some good options for emily and I in the long run.

Anyway, what are you up to? Paul said you're living on an island.

Evan

Ok Ill elaborate, there are 3 rock gyms in Anchorage, one is very nice 65$ month membership, the other two can be more like a playgrounds.

As for real rock, the rock on the Seward highway 15min. Is very crappy rock (a sandstone/slate compound) and very scary to climb on. It is also right along the highway and quite noisy. Mostly sport.
Wookie wall is in Palmer 1hr. It is a igneous formation. Pretty cool a lot of sport routes. Camping discouraged.
Hatcher pass is out in Wasilla 1.5hr it is granite. It’s a very damp area and rains quite often, this is the best easy access area. It has a mixture of sport, mulitpitch, and traditional. You need a high clearance car to get to it. Or be ready to mob. Free camping allowed.

There is a bunch of crags around the crags mentioned above.

Its an odd climbing scene here,(me learning climbing in vegas) but its cool.

Found this wall above the Glenallen highway, very close to the Matanuska Glacier, other side of the road. The wall was covered with chalk, chains, bolts, steepness, maybe bring a rack too.

That would be Wookie.

kennoyce wrote: There is cragging just outside of town on the Seward highway, it is mostly bolted sport climbing on granite.

HA! Great views though

Look on this site. Most all crags around anchorage are on here (if not in that much detail).

Years ago (mid-90's maybe?) I climbed on a buttress at the toe of a glacier out near the Portage Glacier, fairly close to Anchorage. If one was standing facing the Portage Glacier the crag would be on the left side of the toe of the glacier coming in from the right. I obviously don't remember the name of the crag, but the approach was short, and the climbing was fun, though the rock was some of the slickest I have ever climbed on. All bolted routes as I remember.

Paul