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Homer Bluffs Ice Climbing - Close to Home

Rating: WI3
Length: 50 to 60 meters
FA: Jim Sweeney & Billy Day, 1987*

Rappel Location-
Lat: 59º 38.662' North
Long: 151º 35.390' West

Climb Location-
Lat: 59º 38.613' North
Long: 151º 35.417' West

Access: When driving to Homer, turn right off the Sterling Highway onto Saltwater Drive, which is approximately 2 miles towards Homer from the Baycrest Scenic View pullout.  Drive to the end of Saltwater Drive and park.  From the parking area walk approximately half the road distance back towards the Sterling Highway then turn right and hike through the alders until you come to the top of the bluff.  A large tree (an anchor may exist) can be found above the rappel route.  Depending on conditions, you may need to put crampons on at the top of the bluff.  Two 50m ropes will allow you to rappel a safe distance down.  Following the rappel you may then need to walk a bit further to the beach.

NOTE - Although other access exists to this area, a rappel from the top of this climb is the most common way to access the Homer Bluff climbs. 

Route: From the beach, either hike around or climb the moderate (WI2) ice to a bench above.  At the bench climb some steeper (WI3) ice approximately 30 meters up to a smaller bench before finally topping out on a short step of either ice or mixed conditions.

Anchor: Alders exists above for anchor or rappel.  A large tree with an anchor (also used for the descent)exists at climbers right. 

* - Information taken from Fat City and Urban Ice with permission from author.

 

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above: Close to Home
photo: Burrell Lindell Nickeson

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