Black Tail Rocks (via Baldy)

The feel

You climb Baldy first, at 3,281 feet, then walk the ridge high above Meadow Creek. The ridge does not climb or drop steeply for long. Past Baldy the trail skirts the base of the spires and crosses rocky gullies where you will probably need your hands.

The last pitch is a gully slanting down the southwest corner of the summit cone, with loose scree up to the 4,446-foot summit. From the top you look up the length of the secluded Meadow Creek Valley and well into the inner Chugach Mountains. Dogs are welcome on a leash.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 4 miles total, with 2750 ft of gain. Trail most of the way, minimal hand-over-hand scrambling, a ridge walk, then loose scree to the summit.

Time

About 3.5 hours.

Parking

The trailhead is on Golden Eagle Drive in Eagle River. Take the Eagle River Loop/Hiland Road exit about 11 miles northeast of Anchorage, turn onto Eagle River Loop Road, turn right onto West Skyline Road after about 3.5 miles, and go 2.5 miles uphill.

Fees and passes

Parking is $5 day use with a state park pass accepted.

Dogs

Allowed on a leash.

Hazards

Loose rocks on the final stretch; rocky gullies where you need your hands; couloirs on the ridge that could avalanche while snow remains.

Season and access

May to October. The gated primitive road across the private homestead is not a public access point.

Mingo says

Wait until the snow is off the ridge, since the trail crosses a few couloirs that could avalanche. Go May through October and take your time on the loose scree at the top.

Before you go

• Park at the trailhead on Golden Eagle Drive and use the public trail, not the gated primitive road across the private homestead.
• Carry a state park pass or $5 for day use.
• Keep your dog on a leash.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.