Mount Baldy Glow Hike Recap: TrailMates Lit Up the Night

Sara Burda
Oct 9
2 min read

Group of people on a mountain wearing colorful, glowing accessories. Cloudy sky and mountainous landscape in the background. Smiling faces.

A Night Hike With Glow

On Sundy Oct. 5th, TrailMates did something a little different—we traded in early alarms and morning summits for evening a mountain dance party with glow sticks. The destination? Mount Baldy in Eagle River. The stats? About 2 miles round trip with 1,200 ft of gain. The vibe? Pure magic.

Led by our amazing hike leader Tina, the hikers showed up decked out in glow necklaces, bracelets, headbands, and yes—even a pair of glowing fairy wings. The rain teased us all day, but the skies cleared just in time, and soon a glowing rainbow of hikers made their way up the trail. Instead of just a hike, it felt like a parade marching into the night sky.

Hikers with backpacks stand on a rocky mountaintop under a cloudy sky, overlooking distant mountains. A sense of adventure and calm prevails.

Families, Friends & Fairy Wings

Even with so many people, the night had that TrailMates magic. Friends grouped up, kids zoomed ahead with neon wands, and strangers became fast friends under the glow.

Tina set the pace just right—steady enough to keep us together, relaxed enough to leave room for laughs, photos, and a little glow stick trading along the way.

One hiker nailed it when they said:

It felt like a block party…but on top of a mountain.

Rocky mountain landscape at dusk, with cloudy skies and patches of fog. Distant city lights visible under a moody blue-gray sky.

City Lights Below, Glow Sticks Above

When we reached the top, it was like stepping into a mountaintop festival. Anchorage’s city lights twinkled below us, and our own circle of glowing humans lit up the summit above. Everyone waved glow sticks in the air, the fairy wings came out as the whole group laughed and took the normal summit photo ops (but with way more sparkle).

I’ve hiked Baldy plenty of times, but I’ve never seen it look like this. It felt magical.

People in colorful winter gear stand on a rocky mountain peak at dusk, wearing headlamps and glowsticks. Cloudy sky in the background.

Proof Hiking Doesn’t Have to Be Serious

This hike wasn’t about chasing PRs or conquering steep elevation—it was about fun, connection, and proving the outdoors can be just as playful as it is challenging. With Tina leading the way, the night felt welcoming and joyful, a reminder that hiking doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes it’s simply about showing up, grabbing some glow sticks, and enjoying the reset that comes from being outside with community.

Hikers in colorful gear stand on rocky terrain, overlooking mountains under a cloudy sky. A backpack with patterns rests nearby.

Don’t Just Watch—Come Hike With Us!

The Glow Hike on Mount Baldy showed exactly what TrailMates is all about: connection, adventure, and a little creativity. Whether you’re brand new to hiking or a seasoned mountain goat, there’s always room for you at the next one. TrailMates is proof that the outdoors doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be joyful, social, and just plain fun.

Come join us: RSVP for your next hike here

🌱 Help Us Keep the Movement Going

Want to give back to the group that gives you summit smiles and trail joy? You can help keep our hikes inclusive for all. Your gift trains leaders, supports beginners, and fuels this movement.

🎁 Donate: trailmates.online/donate