Mt. Baldy Abandoned Farm Spring, Eagle River, AK

## Overview Mt. Baldy Abandoned Farm Spring is a unique water source located on the slopes of Mt. Baldy near Eagle River, Alaska, within the Anchorage Municipality. What was once a spring serving a now-abandoned mountain farm has been converted into a reservoir, complete with a spigot and a capped standpipe on its west side. Situated at an elevation along the switchback roads leading up Mt. Baldy, this spring offers visitors a glimpse into the area's homesteading past while providing access to a natural water source that has historically been used by locals. The surrounding landscape features sweeping views of the Eagle River valley and the rugged Chugach terrain — making the drive up worthwhile even beyond the spring itself. ## Directions 1. From Eagle River, take **Eagle River Loop Road** to **Skyline Drive**. 2. Continue up the mountain on Skyline Drive. The road will change names and wind through switchbacks — ignore the name changes and keep heading uphill. 3. Continue climbing until you reach a **red gate**. Pass through or around the gate (check for seasonal access restrictions). 4. The road will eventually split at a small **parking area**. One fork continues uphill toward a **radio tower** a few hundred yards away — do **not** take that fork. 5. Instead, follow the **straight road** (the other fork) for several hundred meters until you reach the site of the **abandoned farm**. 6. Look for the **reservoir** on the **west side** of the farm area. The spring water is accessible via a **spigot** and a **capped standpipe** along the reservoir bank. **Nearest address for navigation:** End of Skyline Drive, Eagle River, AK 99577. GPS coordinates: 61.335228, -149.534973. ## What to Expect The spring site is located at the remains of an old mountain farm on Mt. Baldy, giving the area a rustic, off-the-beaten-path feel. The reservoir collects spring water and is fitted with a spigot and a capped standpipe on its western bank, which visitors have used to access the water. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, though conditions can change over time. The drive up Skyline Drive is steep and winding, with switchbacks and road name changes that can be confusing — stay on the main road heading uphill and you'll be fine. A red gate marks the upper portion of the route; access beyond the gate may vary seasonally, so be prepared for the possibility of walking the final stretch. The road is unpaved in sections, and a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended, especially during wet or winter conditions. Once at the abandoned farm, the area is quiet and relatively remote. There are no posted hours or facilities. A radio tower sits on a nearby hilltop and serves as a useful landmark — if you've reached the tower, you've gone slightly past the farm. The panoramic views of the Eagle River valley and surrounding Chugach Mountains from this elevation are a highlight in their own right, particularly during summer and early fall when visibility is best. There is no formal trail signage, so using the GPS coordinates and following the directions carefully is recommended. Cell service may be limited at higher elevations.