Eklutna Lake Family-Fun DAY RIDE! Beginner-Intermediate

Family-friendly ride!  Eklutna Lake DAY RIDE on Sunday, 2/25/24.  Leisurely pace with occasional stops along the route.  Total round-trip journey by snowmachine apprx. 13 miles each direction over level ground. 

Creek crossings and lakes are overflow everywhere else yet so lets go where it’s much safer!  Eklutna Lake Trail follows contour of lake along dry land but does not cross lake.  There are a few creek crossings farther along but they are smaller/shallow with less likely crossing problems.

Weather supposed to be clearing and 20 degrees on Sunday.  MUST RSVP TO 907-242-0808 providing full name (text or call) IF YOU’RE GOING in case expected Saturday weather lingers and driving is hazardous Sunday.  NOTE!!  CELL SERVICE ALONG EKLUTNA LAKE ROAD AND PARKING LOT IS SPORADIC AT BEST–most have no service signal at all in this canyon but no worries, not possible to “get lost” with steep mountain rise on one side of canyon and giant lake on the other.  Expect to communicate all of your important personal updates before turning off the Glenn Highway.  We will have a two-way radio at front and back of group for issues. 

Allow extra time for 9-mile drive back on Eklutna Lake Road off the Glenn Highway…the canyon road is steep in sections and twisty with dropoffs and you HAVE TO go 35mph or slower to avoid sliding off road esp with larger trailers although road is usually sanded quickly by DOT.  “Thunderbird Falls exit if coming from Anchorage, “Eklutna” exit if coming from valley.  Less than half-mile is Eklutna Lake turnoff with sign.

This is an easy, non-technical ride but listed as “beginner-intermediate” for the new snow expected Saturday.  Chances are grooming of trails will not have happened yet but we’ll be following an established route sledders use all the time.  There will be some instruction available for beginners depending on the skill level of the group.  PLEASE know your machine is prepared and in good working order so as to not hold up the group for greater risk of breakdowns etc.

Meet at trailer parking lot on left just before end of plowed Eklutna Lake Road (watch for it after you’ve passed unmanned fee station entrance to state park. There is a turnaround at the end of road in case you miss the trailer-lot before the dead-end).  BE PREPARED TO RENDER $5 STATE PARKS FEE FOR PARKING.  SNOWMACHINE MUST BE REGISTERED FOR STATE PARKS TO AVOID FINES, $10 for two years at: http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/reg/snow.htm  MUST BE A CURRENT ASC MEMBER TO JOIN THIS RIDE.

Bring full gas and oil-tank, a snack lunch and something to drink.