Baldy Hike Recap: TrailMates Soak Up Fall Afternoon Views

Baldy & Sunday Magic

You know that feeling when you show up to something and immediately think: Oh yeah, these are my people? That was the vibe on Sunday afternoon when TrailMates gathered at the base of Baldy with Tina leading the crew.

The switchback side greeted us right away with its steady climb—no warm-up lap, just straight into the work. But somehow, it didn’t feel heavy. Conversation flowed between uphill hiking, strangers quickly became trail buddies, and the laughter from conversations made even the steeper stretches feel enjoyable!

The valley stretched out below in autumn gold, the kind of fall day that makes you want to bottle the air and keep it forever. And with every turn of the switchbacks, you could feel the anticipation building: summit in sight with an amazing community!

A Big Group, A Small-Group Feel

TrailMates hikes are sneaky like that—you start with a bigger crew, but within minutes it feels like a tight circle of friends. On Baldy, we split naturally into little clusters: some chatting gear, others trading life stories, a few powering up the hill in sync. And yet, no one was ever alone.

Every time the trail steepened, voices carried encouragement back down: “You’ve got this!” “Almost there!” And when the group paused for a water break, it wasn’t just about catching breath—it was about checking in, laughing about how those switchbacks just keep on coming, and celebrating the climb together.

That mix of challenge + cheer is what makes these hikes feel different. You don’t just hike with TrailMates—you belong.

Summit Vibes and Celebration

And then—boom—the trail spilled us out onto the ridge, and Baldy did what Baldy always does: show off. Big sky, golden valley, peaks lined up like a mountain parade. It was one of those “is this real life?” moments you can’t quite capture on camera (though of course, we all tried).

The summit wasn’t just a finish line—it turned into a full-on hangout spot. Packs hit the ground, and everyone gathered for the TrailMates signature group picture (cue the goofy poses, windblown hair, and everyone squishing in for the shot).

And the vibe? Electric. It wasn’t “I made it.” It was “WE made it.” That kind of collective high you can only get when you’ve climbed together, cheered each other on, and shared the payoff at the top.

One hiker nailed it with the best line of the day:

“I showed up not knowing anyone, and I’m leaving already planning my next hike with these people.”

The Downhill Party

If the way up was all about the grind and the group encouragement, the way down was straight-up party pace. The switchbacks that had us huffing earlier turned into a rolling runway for laughter, inside jokes, and the kind of conversations that only happen once you’ve shared a summit.

Someone started talking about their favorite trail snacks (apparently gummy worms are an elite hiking fuel?), another shared a wild Alaska moose story, and before long, the whole line of hikers was buzzing with chatter. Every few bends, the valley would flash into view again and someone would shout, “LOOK at that!” as if we hadn’t been staring at it all afternoon.

Shoes got muddy, legs got wobbly, but spirits stayed high. It was less “careful descent” and more “joyful tumble back to the trailhead.” By the time we popped out at the bottom, it felt like we’d known each other way longer than just a few hours.

Because that’s the thing with TrailMates: the summit is awesome, but the real magic sneaks in on the way down—when you realize you’re walking alongside friends you didn’t have that morning.

Why Trails + Community Matter

Sure, hiking is good for your body—strong legs, big lungfuls of clean air, that satisfying tiredness when you finally flop on the couch later. But what really sticks with you is what happens between the steps.

It’s the conversation that makes you forget how steep it is. It’s the high-five at the ridge. It’s the reminder that even if life feels heavy, laughter can feel light.

The outdoors gives us clarity. Community gives us belonging. Put the two together and you don’t just get a hike—you get an experience that resets you in all the right ways.

Join Us for More Alaska Group Hikes

Reading this and thinking, Okay, I need this in my life? Then it’s time to join us. TrailMates hosts group hikes across Eagle River, Anchorage, and beyond—welcoming everyone from first-timers to seasoned summit seekers. Check out our events page to RSVP and see what trails we’re exploring next.

And if you want to support the TrailMates mission of making the outdoors more accessible, consider making a donation—or grab some TrailMates merch to rep the community on and off the trail. Every little bit helps us keep the magic going.

✨ Because here’s the truth: you don’t need perfect weather, fancy gear, or years of hiking experience. You just need to show up. The trail—and this community—will do the rest.

See you at the next hike!