While on a trip to Alaska this summer my girlfriend and I had the chance to put in a day of bouldering in the amazing Hatcher Pass – Only about an hour and 20 minutes north of Anchorage.
Thanks to the Alaska Rock Gym, we got connected with Alaska Bouldering Guide author, Todd Helgeson.
Aside from being the go-to guy for crash pads in the Anchorage/Matanuska Valley area (and beyond), Todd is responsible for a tone of the climbing being developed all over Alaska (from Juneau to Fairbanks). He was able to hook us up with some awesome Asana crash pads – custom embroidered for Alaska climbing.
Custom AK Asana Crash pads.
We had a short tour of The Archangel Valley – a staple in the Hatcher area – and then dove right in, spending a gorgeous afternoon around the North Diamond area. We also had a chance to play on a few newer problems in an area that should make its mark in the next edition of the guide book.
Ashley Gales on Euphoria V3 – Niffleheim boulder.
Until very recently, you could drive right up to most of the prime bouldering in the Archangel Valley. But the bridge – about two miles before the North and South Diamond areas – has now been closed, deemed unsafe for vehicles to cross. Making the approach about a nice 2 mile warmup.
Since the first edition of the Guidebook was released last year, 100’s of new problems have been developed all over the Hatcher area.
This was definitely some of the most gnarly granite I’ve been on! Loved it! Can’t wait for next time!
Me, working Euphoria, V3 – Niffleheim boulder – Photo by Ashley Gales.