After the bridge, the Saddle trail switchbacked 0.4 mile up a steep slope at a comfortable rate. Saddle Trail (1.0 mi/1.6 km) Rating: Moderate (short, steep climbs) Hiking Time: 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for small hawks and bald eagles hunting from treetops in this area. The list has a variety of pads such as bareback, wool saddle pads and much more. Elevation Gain: 350 ft. Trailhead Access: Marine Access - Halibut cove (protected anchorage, mooring buoys), good afternoon pick-up. So What is the Best Saddle for Trail Riding? The trail is primarily used for hiking, nature trips, and backpacking and is best used from May until September. Have you done this adventure? The final stretch of trail heads through a heavy alder section before spitting you out on the lake shore for your spectacular views. T... Milford Sound can be explored by land or sea. Spectacular hike. Enjoy lounging on the beach, watching icebergs or exploring up the beach looking for wildlife (the occasional black bear has been spotted along the trail). My mare in that saddle just placed 4th and the AERC 100 mile National Championships. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September. Our hand-worked ground seats help to create a narrow twist seat, making for a comfortable ride and a relaxed leg position,” saysT racy. Camping: No camping at trailhead; Grewingk Glacier Lake sites. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. The views are gorgeous and the spur to the tram worth the mile out and back. The glacier lake is beautiful. Saw a mama and baby black bear in the trail, not at all scared of people. Saddle Trail is the perfect community for the most discerning equestrian as most homes feature their own barns, paddocks, and riding arenas. This part of the trail was moderately steep, but not terribly difficult. The trailhead is in Halibut Cove In conjunction with the Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail, this is the most heavily traveled trail in the park. Glacier Lake Trail, Grewingk Tram and Saddle Trail is a 10.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Homer, Alaska that features a lake and is rated as moderate. We saw a bear on the glacier trail and it eventually just walked slowly away. Saddle Trail. The premium leather will only get better with age and the hand-crafted designs add an element of style that will help you stand out among riders. Be extra careful here and consider turning around if it is wet or snowy. Rather exciting for avid hikers but don’t try this if you aren’t in shape! 10 ft max by the time she stood up and started grunting. Beautiful!! Beautiful trails. However, for experienced and well prepared parties this can be one of the most rewarding and exciting adventures in New Zealand.From the car park you can see your destination, Homer Saddle, about 1600 ft above you and a half mile distant. Out of the options given, the AceRugs Cowhide Western Leather Horse Saddle is the best saddle if you want a comfortable trail riding experience. easy clean trail kid friendly. And the next day she looked so stellar she won Best Condition and High Vet Score. Follow the faintly marked route up towards the sheer cliff face directly in front of you, until you reach an obvious resting spot by some very large rocks at the base of the cliff. There are many companies today that produce saddle pads. Follow the marked track through the valley and left, steeply uphill. Beautiful. Spit Trailhead, hike to the lake, hike the Saddle Trail, and get picked up at the Saddle Trailhead. a must do! Thousands of feet of exposure, tricky climbing, and mind-altering views. We had about 5 hours to do the trail and that was a perfect amount with the time to lay out on the glacier beach! Accessed from the Saddle Trail, the Alpine Ridge Trail gets above treeline and incredible views of Glacier Lake in about 2.5 miles. Completed on 8/12/2020 and we went pretty late in the day - definitely the last pickup from our water taxi. Once past the top of the saddle, the trail descends to the water via a series of switchbacks. Length: 1 mi/1.6 km. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Fortunately for me, there was a geocache planted on the top of the peak so I was able to follow the GPS along the saddle to the hidden peak. This trail will lead you over to Halibut Cove where you will most likely be picked up by your water taxi. An absolute must if you’re in Homer/Kachemak Bay Area. The first was about 1-1.5 miles from glacier trailhead. Usually, people hike the Grewingk Glacier Lake Trail, hang out at the lake and hike the Saddle Trail back to Halibut Cove for their water taxi pickup. 2 Thank beckytriptaker . ... 4599 Homer Road Eagle, ID 83616 Resources. Gertrude Saddle includes rocky alpine terrain and should only be attempted by experienced trampers and in good weather. We were dropped off on the glacier trail side and picked up at saddle trailhead. Elevation Gain: 350 feet.  - Out-and-Back Trail. The adventure begins with some tidepooling in Rusty's Lagoon. The trail begins at the signposted car park along Milford Road just before the Homer Tunnel, about 98km from Te Anau. Please explore responsibly! I would recommend this trail to anyone that wants to be “blown away “ when they get to the glacial lake!! Beautiful vistas and icebergs at lake. We did come across bears twice. Just hiked the Saddle Trail to the lake. Read more. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Blue Ice Trail: This is the only developed access to Grewingk Glacier. Notice: Due to weather conditions, today's (August 14, 2018) on-site visit … Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It adds flexibility. Easy-moderate. only accessible by boat. Read more. Cubs scattered up the tree. 1574.8 ft gain IFQ Saddle Trail Construction The Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is soliciting offers to construct the Saddle Trail located in Kachemak Bay State Park, near Homer, Alaska. This is also recommended because afternoon day breezes complicate pick-ups at the Glacier Spit Trailhead. These cottonwoods are some of the largest in the park so take time to appreciate their enormous size. Second was the sow and cubs that others have mentioned. Rate this Adventure To say I’m pleased is an understatement. China Poot Lake Trail via Halibut Cove Ranger Station, Porcupine, Mountain Goat, Bear and Wolverine Loop, Mountain Goat, Raven, Wolf, Bear and Wolverine Loop, Saddle and Grewingk Lake Trail (Halibut Cove to Grewingk Lake), Glacier Lake Trail, Grewingk Tram and Saddle Trail. Taking this option leads you to the top of the Homer Saddle, around 1400 metres above sea level. My friend and I couldn’t stop gushing over the vibrant summertime colors and breathtaking scenery. We saw no bears on the Glacier Lake or tram spur trails and minimal scat until very close to the lake. Ask beckytriptaker about Kachemak Bay State Park. we saw at least 6 bears plus a Sow with 2 Cubs, a couple were within 40 ft. recommend packing a pistol. The earliest mention I can find on Saddle Homers is in the American Pigeon Journal (1948) and Wendel Levi's "The Pigeon" although they most likely have been around before that. For about a third of a mile, the trail climbed up to the to of the saddle that gave the trail its name. A short but spectacular mountaineering route. Very dusty now as there has been no precipitation. The Homer Inn did all of our bookings for us and made everything so easy. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! That one was too close for comfort. This hike was absolutely stunning! The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September. Rating: Moderate, short steep climbs. You may see the occasional, vintage route-marking pole, follow them if you can but most of them have been folded over by rockfall.Aim for the left side of the col, that is where you will find the narrow ledges and passageways that will allow you to reach the saddle. Wheel­chairs may have some trou­ble in the first few feet of soft grav­el, but once they reach the plas­tic board­walk they should find the going much eas­i­er — and maybe worth the trou­ble it took to dri­ve 4 hours from Anchorage. Beyond the ledges a short bit of enjoyable climbing deposits you at the saddle.Once atop the saddle you can look down the other side 2,700ft vertical feet to Milford Road and across to oceans of vertical granite, streaming with waterfalls.Climbing north or south along the ridge-top requires the use a rope. There were reports that she’s guarding the trail, so just be cautious. Only the saddle trail portion was steep. Doable with little ones in a backpack. At 2.7 miles you pass the Saddle Trail junction. If trail riding in the Alaska wilderness is on your list, you won't find a better choice than this horseback riding adventure in the Chugach National Forest. Great hike. That was right after the switchbacks on Saddle trail. From the falls the trail climbs steeply through forest until the lake. Both enjoyable experiences Glacier lake trail from Spit trailhead to Grewingk lake and return on Saddle trail was easy hike and Mako water taxi was great to drop off and pick up We took a water taxi across Kachemak Bay to the trail head for the Glacier Lake Trail. Halibut Cove from the stairs at the start of the Saddle trail. Also referred to as "Saddleback Homers", "Flying Saddle Homers", and most recently "Flying Show Saddle Homers" this versatile breed has been used as feeders, racers and most recently show birds. Most people end their trek to Grewingk Lake here, and it can be used as an up and back to the lake if you have less time. The Gertrude Saddle track is an excellent day-hike, passing through the glaciated Gertrude Valley past waterfalls and alpine lakes ending with a fantastic view. Cost a pretty penny to get to the park but the trail was well worth it. The beginning of trail is on level, but rocky terrain. Climb to Homer Saddle, Fjordland NP. Photo looks SW. Best Saddle for Trail Riding. Local water taxis can provide transporta-tion to most park trailheads. True North Kayak Adventures: Water Taxi to Saddle Trail - See 314 traveler reviews, 174 candid photos, and great deals for Homer, AK, at Tripadvisor. New Zealand State Highway 94 passes through the tunnel, linking Milford Sound to Te Anau and Queenstown, by piercing the Darran Mountain range at the Homer Saddle. what an amazing place. This route is not marked, riddled with loose rock, and requires climbing on narrow exposed ledges. Back Destinations Home Bear Cove China Poot Bay Glacier Spit/Saddle Trail Grace Ridge Gull Island Halibut Cove Lagoon Haystack Rock Humpy Creek Jakolof Bay Kayak Beach Tutka Bay Back Freight Kayaking Lodging Home Destinations Destinations Home Bear ... (907) 235-9055 • PO Box 2001 Homer… Hiking Time: 25 minutes. 1.6 miles Trail Description: Saddle Trailhead: Saddle Trail to A popular, quick route to alpine areas, this trail begins near the high point on the Saddle Trail and steeply follows a ridge through spruce and alder to alpine tundra, ... Homer Harbor. Saddle and Grewingk Lake Trail (Halibut Cove to Grewingk Lake) is a 4.7 kilometer lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Homer, Alaska that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Thousands of feet of exposure, tricky climbing, and mind-altering views. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. The track begins with a bridge crossing over a river and then soon reached Marian Falls. This was a beautiful hike. The trail eventual brought me up to the top of the saddle where a short 5 foot scramble got me up to the top. Trail access is a short ride across Kachemak Bay on our water taxi the Baylink. The walk to the tram is very flat and not much to see. A short but spectacular mountaineering route. 4 ‑mile-long trail, which begins with­in earshot of down­town Homer, plays host to a vari­ety of birds and plants. Make sure you have good boots and loads of water for this short hike – it’s rocky, and it’s dry. Saw a black bear for fleeting second. Saddle up near Seward. So to help you with the selection process I have made a list of some excellent quality saddle pads. Fantastic well maintained trail! Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your The trail starts with a walk through woods, which open up to glacial moraines that offer wonderful vistas of mountain and ice. The Homer Tunnel is a 1.2 km (0.75 miles) long road tunnel in the Fiordland region of the South Island of New Zealand, opened in 1953. Connects to the Lagoon trail, and so to the China Poot lake trail system. There are … The met our taxi at the head of the Saddle Trail. Beautiful views! Then you can hike in the Alpine for another 3 miles with ever changing views of the glacier, volcanoes, the inlet and across Kachemak Bay. The lake was beautiful and the views of the glacier were fantastic. Saddle Trail . She was off trail about 10 yards. The stairs were the start of the Saddle trail, and everyone headed that way. It can become a little confusing about which one to buy. This 0. Wet weather, snow or ice create treacherous conditions in any season. The trail begins at the signposted car park along Milford Road just before the Homer Tunnel, about 98km from Te Anau. The route moves over shattered house sized boulders and talus. Rate this Adventure 1.6 miles 1574.8 ft gain - Out-and-Back Trail. The trails are mostly flat (unless you get dropped off at the the Saddle Ridge entrance, which would be a steeper set of switchbacks). Wonderful easy trail. Highlight of our visit to Homer. From the Saddle Trail, the Lagoon Trail skirts above Halibut Cove, then drops to Halibut Creek Flats. Be the first to leave a review! It took us 4.5 hours to do all the trails at a normal walking pace, but we relaxed at the glacier for a long time and walked around the lake quite a bit too. This trail, hands down, is one of the most popular hikes in the Kachemak Bay State Park. Gorgeous hike. Absolutely loved it!! Our favorite so far on our eight-day Alaskan road trip. The hand tram is well kept and the glacier is really breathtaking. Saddle Trail is also known for its shell rock roads, giving the community a distinctive feel from all other equestrian communities in Palm Beach County. Saw plenty of bear scrat but no bears. The trails were well kept the entire way with only one blown down tree. There are often snow patches on the saddle and an unchecked fall will almost certainly result in a fatality. For the first 1.5 miles, the trail meanders through mixed cottonwood and Sitka spruce. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The track starts soon after the turnoff onto Hollyford Rd off the Milford Highway. The Homer Inn did all of our bookings for us and made everything so easy. We did see some fresh bear scat on the trails, so make sure you have some bells, spray, and lots of conversation/singing! Recommend adding on the Alpine Ridge trail to make it worthwhile. Very well maintained and the new reconstructed trail from lake , over saddle through mixed forest, to halibut cove (where the water taxi will pick up) is pristine. Very flat most of the way except the last section (saddle trail). Date of experience: September 2019. Beyond the top of the stairs, a log bridge with wide railings came next. Camping: None at trailhead; stream near Grewingk Glacier Lake sites It is one of the easiest hikes in the park as the trail is well maintained, and you can't beat the view of the glacier at the lake. “ Most of our saddles come in three seat sizes: 15-, 16- and 17-inch.” Price: $1,495 to $1,795 for the endurance and trail saddles Contact: (800) 548-2487; www.reinsman.com Saddles by Steele We started at the Glacier Spit Trailhead, took the spur out to the tram crossing and back, hiked on to the lake, and then hiked out via the Saddle Trail to the Saddle Trailhead instead of hiking back out the same way (7.5 miles total distance hiked). That part of the trail was very narrow with high brush on both sides. The trail along the saddle was probably a game trail but it was relatively easy to follow. After 1.5 miles, the trail proceeds straight towards the lake on alluvial flats. This ride starts off in the rain forest of Alaska and continues through part of old town Seward that was destroyed by … Soooo the hike in was super easy! This easy hike is well suited for most ages and abilities. adventures and follow local regulations. Loved it! The hike out over saddleback was steep up and then very steep down towards the beach. Glacier Lake Trail, Grewingk Tram and Saddle Trail is a 10.1 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Homer, Alaska that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This is also the intersection of the north end of the Halibut Cove Lagoon Trail that you can take for 0.3 miles to access the Alpine Ridge Trail. Beautiful and easy trail. Trail Description: This is a challenging, diverse, and primitive route connecting the Grewingk and China Poot areas. Lots of bears and tons of scat on trail. There is no bridge at Halibut Creek. This route is not marked, riddled with loose rock, … If you are ever visiting New Zealand's south island, I cannot implore you more to consider doing the overnight cruise of the Milford Sound via Real Journeys. The Saddle trail gives you access to the Grewingk Lake area, the tram, Humpy creek and Alpine ridge. Came across a black bear about a half mile before the glacier lake. Well worth it. Follow the well maintained trail to the lake where the majestic Grewingk Glacier calves icebergs. Awesome clear day and beautiful shining glacier. 8 mile trek, good for a moderately skilled hiker. Beautiful flat trail in, switchbacks out down the saddle view trail. She was bedded down in high brush and did not give us any warning. Access to Grewingk glacier calves icebergs, about 98km from Te Anau onto Hollyford Rd off the Milford Highway Grewingk... The best saddle for trail Riding section ( saddle trail over shattered house sized boulders and.. 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