Post by erinfish on Jun 2, 2007 19:49:55 GMT -5
Trail Name: Old Women's Mountain Trail
Date Traveled: June 2, 2007 (National Trails Day)
Names of Trail Travelers: Erin, Melissa and Fisher (age 6)
Trail Classification: 2=Simple/Minor Developed (Trail classification of 2= Tread continuous, but narrow & rough. Few/no allowances for passing. Native materials. Occasional obstacles. Blockages cleared to define route. Vegetation may encroach into trailway.
Directions to Trailhead: This trail can be reached from two ends-- one in Aviation Hill Housing and one near the Kodiak Fairgrounds in Bells Flats/Womens Bay.
The Aviation Hill access is in the Aviation Hill housing development. From W. Rezanof turn uphill onto Aviation Hill Loop Road. Take a left on Clark Road and park in the parking lot at the large Coast Guard building. The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot.
To access the back end of the trail: From the direction of town, pass the Fairgrounds and turn right within the first few hundred yards into a small gravel road/parking pulloff. Follow the trail from the end of the parking
Trail Use Description: This trail goes up and over Old Womens Mountain. The uphill approach from Aviation Hill is wide, rugged, rocky slope. At times it can be wet. It is steep for the first 20 minutes of hiking, then mellows out and extends along the entire ridge of the mountain. The approach from Bells Flats is more mellow with switch backs.
Both trails are suitable for children. Old Women's is a great hike with kids because it summits quickly and allows for great alpine views. Additionally, there is a beautiful kettle pond at the top of the mountain about two-thirds of the way along the ridgeline from Aviation Hills (about one-third of the way from Bells Flats) that warms in the summer and is fine for splashing around on warm days.
The trails to the top of the mountain are clear and unmistakable, and wide, if rugged. On the mountain top, the trail is evident, with some small branches, all of which lead back to the main route.
Views from the top include Chiniak Bay, Womens Bay, Bells Flats, Barometer Mountain and Burma Road, the airport, and town.
About halfway along the ridgeline there is a large sand trap which appears to be ash from the Katmai eruption. It is an unusual feature for Kodiak's mountains and can be neat to explore.
This trail is ideal for hiking and mountain biking. Mountain bike access can be tied to Burma Road for a longer ride.
Landmarks & Navigational Tips: When approaching from Bells Flats, trail users should be looking to the right as they approach the spine of the mountain for the trail access point up onto the mountain. If you fail to take the trail access you will end up continuing on Burma Road (exiting near the foot of Barometer at the airport).
Issues with the trail: Water can flow in the trail approach on the uphill portion from Aviation Hill. There are no major water traps or puddles, but x-tra tuff boots may be appropriate for your own comfort following rainy spells. In general, however, the trail is well-drained.
Date Traveled: June 2, 2007 (National Trails Day)
Names of Trail Travelers: Erin, Melissa and Fisher (age 6)
Trail Classification: 2=Simple/Minor Developed (Trail classification of 2= Tread continuous, but narrow & rough. Few/no allowances for passing. Native materials. Occasional obstacles. Blockages cleared to define route. Vegetation may encroach into trailway.
Directions to Trailhead: This trail can be reached from two ends-- one in Aviation Hill Housing and one near the Kodiak Fairgrounds in Bells Flats/Womens Bay.
The Aviation Hill access is in the Aviation Hill housing development. From W. Rezanof turn uphill onto Aviation Hill Loop Road. Take a left on Clark Road and park in the parking lot at the large Coast Guard building. The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot.
To access the back end of the trail: From the direction of town, pass the Fairgrounds and turn right within the first few hundred yards into a small gravel road/parking pulloff. Follow the trail from the end of the parking
Trail Use Description: This trail goes up and over Old Womens Mountain. The uphill approach from Aviation Hill is wide, rugged, rocky slope. At times it can be wet. It is steep for the first 20 minutes of hiking, then mellows out and extends along the entire ridge of the mountain. The approach from Bells Flats is more mellow with switch backs.
Both trails are suitable for children. Old Women's is a great hike with kids because it summits quickly and allows for great alpine views. Additionally, there is a beautiful kettle pond at the top of the mountain about two-thirds of the way along the ridgeline from Aviation Hills (about one-third of the way from Bells Flats) that warms in the summer and is fine for splashing around on warm days.
The trails to the top of the mountain are clear and unmistakable, and wide, if rugged. On the mountain top, the trail is evident, with some small branches, all of which lead back to the main route.
Views from the top include Chiniak Bay, Womens Bay, Bells Flats, Barometer Mountain and Burma Road, the airport, and town.
About halfway along the ridgeline there is a large sand trap which appears to be ash from the Katmai eruption. It is an unusual feature for Kodiak's mountains and can be neat to explore.
This trail is ideal for hiking and mountain biking. Mountain bike access can be tied to Burma Road for a longer ride.
Landmarks & Navigational Tips: When approaching from Bells Flats, trail users should be looking to the right as they approach the spine of the mountain for the trail access point up onto the mountain. If you fail to take the trail access you will end up continuing on Burma Road (exiting near the foot of Barometer at the airport).
Issues with the trail: Water can flow in the trail approach on the uphill portion from Aviation Hill. There are no major water traps or puddles, but x-tra tuff boots may be appropriate for your own comfort following rainy spells. In general, however, the trail is well-drained.
