{"id":7793,"date":"2017-03-06T08:10:35","date_gmt":"2017-03-06T15:10:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=7793"},"modified":"2019-04-08T17:54:15","modified_gmt":"2019-04-08T23:54:15","slug":"lion-head-the-matanuska-glacier-chugach-range-alaska-8-24-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=7793","title":{"rendered":"Lion Head & the Matanuska Glacier, Chugach Range, Alaska (8-24-16)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 26 of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska<\/em><\/p>\n

For once it wasn’t raining when Lupe woke up.\u00a0\u00a0However, evidence some moisture had been received overnight was present S of the Glenn Highway (Alaska Route 1).\u00a0 The highest peaks of the Chugach Range\u00a0had a light dusting of new snow.<\/p>\n

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Finally, a day without rain! Some moisture had been received overnight, though. The highest peaks of the Chugach Range S of the Glenn Highway had a dusting of new snow. Photo looks SW from the Gunsight Mountain TH.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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New snow on the Chugach Range.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No rain was good news!\u00a0 Lupe could climb Lion Head\u00a0today, famous for its fabulous views of the Matanuska Glacier.\u00a0 The trail up Lion Head\u00a0is short, but steep, gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation in less than a mile.\u00a0 The climb wouldn’t take Lupe very long.\u00a0 She\u00a0had plenty of time for a leisurely breakfast.\u00a0 Beef stew was on the menu.\u00a0 Carolina Dogs love beef stew!<\/p>\n

Lupe had a pleasant surprise when Luke Hall, the Australian whom she had met at the top of Gunsight Mountain<\/a> <\/span>(6,441 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> yesterday, dropped by for a visit.\u00a0 Luke showed Lupe and SPHP his gray Chevy\u00a0van that has\u00a0served as both transportation and base camp on his extended adventures in Canada and Alaska over the past 3 years.<\/p>\n

Luke and SPHP chatted about\u00a0past adventures and\u00a0plans for the day.\u00a0 SPHP told Luke about Lupe’s intention to visit Lion Head to see the Matanuska Glacier.\u00a0 Luke said he was heading for Long Lake.\u00a0 After a\u00a0good visit, Luke bid Lupe and SPHP farewell, and was off.<\/p>\n

With the American Dingo contentedly full of beef stew, SPHP drove over to the S side of the Glen Highway,\u00a0taking\u00a0the Alascom Access Road\u00a0leading to the Knob Lakes.\u00a0 The intention wasn’t to go all the way to the lakes, only far enough to get a good view from a distance of Gunsight Mountain.<\/p>\n

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Gunsight Mountain, a really fun climb Lupe had made the day before. Lupe’s route up had been along the easy NE ridge seen on the R. Photo looks W from the Alascom Access Road leading to the Knob Lakes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After a good look at\u00a0Gunsight Mountain from the E, Lupe and SPHP returned to the Glenn Highway and headed W.\u00a0\u00a0The turn onto the short Lion Head access road at milepost 106 was only 12 miles away.\u00a0 On the approach,\u00a0Lupe had a fantastic view of Lion Head<\/a><\/span> (3,185 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> from the highway.<\/p>\n

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Lion Head is the distinctive rocky prominence seen at Center. Nearby peaks of the Chugach Range tower above it. Photo looks SW along the Glenn Highway (Alaska Route 1).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP parked the G6 along the Lion Head access road.\u00a0 Half a dozen other vehicles were around, all parked before the gate across the road.\u00a0 Yesterday the gate had been closed, but today it was standing wide open.<\/p>\n

Within a few minutes of Lupe’s arrival, Luke Hall\u00a0appeared again!\u00a0 He was already on his way back from climbing Lion Head.\u00a0 He pronounced the climb a lot of bang for one’s hiking buck.\u00a0 The views of the Matanuska Glacier were fantastic!\u00a0 After a brief conversation, Luke was on his way to Long Lake.<\/p>\n

Lupe and SPHP left the G6 (1:19 PM, 63\u00b0F) taking the access road through the open gate.\u00a0 The road started out going SW, but almost immediately started curving around to the E, where a trail left it going S.\u00a0 There was no sign, but the trail\u00a0had to\u00a0be the one going up Lion Head.<\/p>\n

A woman from Girdwood, Alaska\u00a0came along, and confirmed this was the trail.\u00a0 She had two dogs with her, one larger than Lupe and one much smaller.\u00a0 The little dog was 9 years old, a purebred, and totally deaf.\u00a0 Lupe liked the little doggie, but was snarly toward the larger one.\u00a0 She’s often that way.\u00a0 She feels threatened by bigger dogs, and wants them to understand from the start not to mess with a Carolina Dog.<\/p>\n

For a little while, the woman from Girdwood, her two dogs, Lupe and SPHP all took the trail climbing Lion Head together.\u00a0 Since she was from Alaska, SPHP asked what she knew about the “No Trespassing” sign AT&T had on the access road gate.\u00a0 Evidently no one pays any attention to that sign.\u00a0 What was the real deal?<\/p>\n

The Girdwood woman\u00a0said the AT&T guys were really nice.\u00a0 AT&T has a big tower on the N side of Lion Head.\u00a0 AT&T doesn’t want people wandering over by the tower, but doesn’t care if people climb Lion Head, if they act responsibly.\u00a0 Of course, without official permission from AT&T, it’s all at your own risk.\u00a0 If you get hurt, AT&T doesn’t want you and your lawyer to come crying to them.<\/p>\n

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Lupe on the trail up Lion Head. She’s getting close to the top here. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail was steep most of the way.\u00a0 Trees and large bushes blocked the views most of the time.\u00a0 In places, the trail was braided, with two or more possible routes up.\u00a0\u00a0It wasn’t until\u00a0Lupe started getting close to the top of the mountain, that the\u00a0trail began to level out.\u00a0 Fewer trees and bushes were here.\u00a0 Tremendous views started opening up!<\/p>\n

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As Lupe drew near the summit of Lion Head, tremendous views began to open up. The Matanuska River below the Glenn Highway is visible on the R. The Matanuska Glacier, much of it covered with dark-colored debris, is seen on the L. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Only a little below the summit, Lupe had this fabulous view of the Matanuska Glacier. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The last part of the climb was easy.\u00a0 Lupe reached her peakbagging goal for the day up on the highest rocks on Lion Head.\u00a0 What a gorgeous place!\u00a0 The stunning view of the Matanuska Glacier winding for miles down a broad valley between snow-capped peaks\u00a0was the main attraction, but glorious sights were in every direction.<\/p>\n

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Matanuska Glacier from the summit of Lion Head. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Lupe at the summit. The Glenn Highway is seen below. Beyond it is Fortress Ridge. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Sheep Mountain<\/a><\/span> (6,223 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (L) and the Matanuska River(Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When Lupe reached the top of Lion Head, she found 3 more people with 2 more dogs already there.\u00a0 Both dogs were much bigger than Lupe, and she stayed away from them.\u00a0 Fortunately, the summit area was roomy enough for everyone to enjoy it from their own space.<\/p>\n

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Lupe found more people and dogs on top of Lion Head, but the summit area was easily large enough to accommodate everyone with room to spread out a bit. About the W half of the summit area is shown here. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The views were so wonderful, Lupe\u00a0was in no hurry to leave.\u00a0 Eventually everyone else did.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP stayed to enjoy this special place.\u00a0 The Matanuska Glacier was simply awesome!<\/p>\n

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What a sight! The Matanuska Glacier from Lion Head. Photo looks SSE with some help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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E edge of the Matanuska Glacier(R) with possibly Fog Peak<\/a><\/span>\u00a0(8,555 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>(R) seen beyond it. Other mysterious snow and ice-capped peaks of the Chugach Range are on the L. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The W edge of the Matanuska Glacier is on the L. The highest, dramatic snow-covered peak on the R may be Icing Peak<\/a><\/span> (10,955 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before long, someone else appeared at the top of Lion Head.\u00a0 Incredibly, it was someone Lupe knew!\u00a0 Laura from Montana, who had hailed Lupe and SPHP on her way down Gunsight Mountain yesterday, had arrived.\u00a0 She was equally astonished to find Lupe here.<\/p>\n

Once again, Laura was very friendly.\u00a0 She was so, so kind to Lupe, and spent a long time talking with SPHP.\u00a0 After climbing Gunsight Mountain yesterday, she’d had a dinner date that went well.\u00a0 Today was her last day in Alaska.\u00a0 Tomorrow she would fly home to Montana.\u00a0 She was thinking about her college options, whether to complete a degree she had been working on, or switch majors.\u00a0 She talked about going to school in Vermont.<\/p>\n

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Laura from Montana, who had hailed Lupe and SPHP yesterday on her way down Gunsight Mountain, made a surprise appearance on Lion Head, too! She was equally astonished to find Lupe and SPHP here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Laura was so, so kind to Lupe on Lion Head. Lupe was enjoying every moment!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Laura happened to come up Lion Head on the recommendation of friends she was visiting in Alaska.\u00a0 They worked nearby for a private company offering guided ice-climbing tours on the Matanuska Glacier.\u00a0 They also told Laura that AT&T had no problem with people climbing Lion Head.<\/p>\n

Laura and SPHP conversed for a long time.\u00a0 Lupe enjoyed all the loving attention Laura gave her.\u00a0 For an hour and a half, Laura, Lupe and SPHP shared the top of Lion Head and all the amazing sights.<\/p>\n

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The fabulous Matanuska Glacier is 26 miles long. It is the largest glacier accessible by road in Alaska. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Looking as far up the Matanuska Glacier valley as it was possible to see. Photo looks SSE using the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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The Matanuska Glacier is larger than it appears. In the vicinity of Lion Head, the glacier spreads out to almost 4 miles wide. Much of the snow and ice is hidden beneath rocks and dirt being transported by the glacier. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Part of the Matanuska Glacier viewed through the telephoto lens. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Another look at the Matanuska Glacier through the telephoto lens. The glacier is more than 1.5 miles wide here. Photo looks SSE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The time spent with Laura was fun, but eventually the moment arrived to leave Laura alone with her thoughts.\u00a0 She retreated to the E end of the summit area, and sat on the brink of a precipice contemplating the Matanuska River valley, and the decisions she would face upon flying home to Montana tomorrow.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP spent a short while taking a final look around at the magnificent scenes from Lion Head, then bid Laura good luck and good-bye.<\/p>\n

Lupe never saw Laura again, but she did hear her once.\u00a0 Laura hadn’t stayed much longer up on lonely Lion Head after Lupe and SPHP departed.\u00a0 She wound up on\u00a0a different part of the braided trail on the way down, but saw Lupe from above.\u00a0\u00a0Laura shouted a final farewell to Lupe.\u00a0 SPHP answered for Lupe in return.<\/p>\n

Back at the G6 (5:29 PM), Luke and Laura were gone.\u00a0\u00a0Lupe’s Lion Head adventure was over.\u00a0 Of course, Lupe and SPHP still had each other.\u00a0 The question was, which way from here?\u00a0 Easy answer.\u00a0 Since the weather was good, back to Palmer!\u00a0 Maybe Lupe could climb nearby\u00a0Pepper Peak<\/a><\/span> (5,381 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, tomorrow?<\/p>\n

The road stayed dry all the way back to Palmer, but in town\u00a0dark clouds could be seen hanging low in a valley to the SE.\u00a0 Before the evening’s light was gone, rain started in again.\u00a0 As usual, nothing could be done about it, except wait to see what tomorrow would bring.<\/p>\n

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Lupe and Laura a few moments before parting.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/a><\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Matanuska Glacier Adventures<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from Lupe’s 2016 Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, <\/span><\/em>Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free to New Lupe Adventures<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 26 of Lupe’s Summer of 2016 Dingo Vacation to the Canadian Rockies, Yukon & Alaska For once it wasn’t raining when Lupe woke up.\u00a0\u00a0However, evidence some moisture had been received overnight was present S of the Glenn Highway (Alaska Route 1).\u00a0 The highest peaks of the Chugach Range\u00a0had a light dusting of new snow. … Continue reading Lion Head & the Matanuska Glacier, Chugach Range, Alaska (8-24-16)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7777,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[726],"tags":[704,105,106,773,26,799,104,800,11],"class_list":["post-7793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2016-canadian-rockies-yukon-alaska","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-carolina-dog","tag-chugach-range","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-lion-head","tag-lupe","tag-matanuska-glacier","tag-peakbagging"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/12\/IMG_2249.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7793","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7793"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7793\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21721,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7793\/revisions\/21721"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7793"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7793"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7793"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}