Ascending Path Blog

Ascending Path is an Alaskan climbing and eco-tourism guide service operating since 1995 world-wide and since 2002 in Alaska. We are AMGA accredited, providing technical climbing instruction and guiding and naturalist guiding in the beautiful mountains of South Central Alaska.
This Blog contains some older adventure stories, news and guides musings... for more current news and trip stories, visit our Facebook page- Enjoy!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Tram Rock, more local flora


Goldenrod

Alaska Cotton

Baneberry - beautiful, but POISONOUS!!

Kerisa nears the top of tram rock

Matt explains technique

Matt and Kerisa watch as Shamarcus climbs

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

07/28 3 Day Private Ice Climbing & Camping trip Byron Glacier

Hi there it's Ruth and Allan Conway here. Thanks again to Ryan for the fantastic trip that he gave us ice climbing as part of our honeymoon! I wondered if it would be possible to reach Ryan to ask for copies of the photographs that he took of us during the trip? he mentioned that we could perhaps e-mail them to us but we forgot to exchange e-mail addresses.
If it is possible to get this request to Ryan that would be fantastic!
Kind regards
Ruth Conway

Thursday, July 16, 2009

First salmon berries of the season! And Brown Bear on the bike path. . .


Salmon Berries! Deep red, orange, and yellow - found in a very secret location . . . . . Why are they named Salmon Berries? You will have to join us on a Rain Forest Hike to find out!
This young brown bear was foraging in the greenery along a remnant snowslide next to the bike path/highway out of Girdwood.


Valerian, a popular nighttime sleep aid, is growing like crazy on many of the alpine slopes around Girdwood. This flower sports a pretty companion. (pic from Crow Pass)


Fireweed is in full bloom now. . . . (pic from Resurrection River)

. . . . and so is the beautiful (but very poisonous) Monks Hood. (pic from Bird Ridge)

Ryan Davis and two happy ice climbing clients on the Byron Glacier in Portage Valley. (pic by Ryan Davis)

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Gluten Free Family Glacier Hike







So, I have been dealing with Gluten allergies for a few years and I was booking clients from Florida who were also Gluten free. They requested me as their guide since we talked on the phone for about and hour about all the places in Anchorage and in Alaska they could eat and buy groceries. We had a stellar day and the family really enjoyed the glacier hike. The 12 y/o girl said it was "the coolest thing she had ever done with her family!" It made my day :) --Heather Szundy

Saturday, July 11, 2009

I Didn't know moose could read signs?

This Juvenile Moose was terrain trapped near the tram terminal. He started coming my way as if he/she was going to come into the yurt. I thought this photo op was funny :)

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Guest Comment from Ben Benson

Hi Aubrey, Matt & Heather,
Thanks you so much for helping me get up to stay at Crow Pass! I would not have been able to stay up there without your professional help. I was very happy with how well everything went and I will definitely recommend you to any friends of mine that are going to Alaska. Feel free to have any of your guides contact me if they need a place to stay in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Thanks again-Ben Benson

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Thursday, July 2, 2009

07/02 Wolverine Peak Day Hike Anchorage

Dear sirs,

I am writing to you to say that I was very satisfied with your services.

The full-day hike on July 2nd, with the tour guide Beth, was really pleasant.
We went all the way up to Wolverine Peak and it was a real learning experience. Besides mentioning interesting information about the vegetation and animals of the region, she also tought us how to recognize animals footprints and type of plants/trees.

I hope to go back to Alaska next summer and enjoy some more of this beautiful state.
Next time, I would like to do Ice Climbing, Rock Climbing and Glacier Hiking!

Have a nice summer!

Ana Licia Sudo
São Paulo, Brazil