Parks Highway
MP 34
| Parks Hwy-Glenn Hwy MP 34 Intersection
| Exit right to take the Glenn Highway toward Palmer and Glennallen. Curve left for Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali State Park, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks.
|
|
MP 35
|
|
| Links:
|
MP 35.6
| Trunk Road Intersection
| Trunk Road provides access to (see below): - Independence Mine State Park - Hatcher Pass State Park Management Area - Finger Lake State Recreation Area - Government Peak Recreation Area - Matanuska Greenbelt Trails - Rabbit Slough
Lat N 61⁰ 33.726’ Long W 149⁰ 15.674’
|
|
MP 35.6
| Matanuska Greenbelt System and Crevasse Moraine Trail System
| Access: Take the Trunk Road Exit. Because of the various access points I am just including links and downloads to the trail maps and access points.
Distance: See maps Elevation Gain: Minimal Difficulty: Easy, small hills Best Months: Year-round
Mostly forested with occasional views of the surrounding mountains. Be sure to take the downloaded maps with you, since it would be very easy to get lost. These trails would mostly be of interest to locals, so I gave it a “3.” As destination trails, I would give them a “2.” There is a Mat-Su Borough parks daily use parking fee or Annual Pass required at the Crevasse-Moraine entrance. Valerie’s Rating: ❸ | Links: Matanuska Greenbelt Trail Maps
Matanuska Greenbelt Trail Association
Matanuska Greenbelt Facebook Page
MatSu Borough Trails Conditions
Crevasse Moraine Nordic Trail System
Downloads: Matanuska Greenbelt System Map
Matanuska Greenbelt System (New Brochure)
Crevasse Moraine Trailhead Brochure & Map (Old Brochure)
|
MP 35.6
| Finger Lake State Recreation Site
| Access: Take the Trunk Road exit and drive 3.7 miles north until you come to a round-about with Bogard Road; then circle to the left (West). Drive .9 mile on Bogard Road until you see the turn into Finger Lake Recreation Area. It is managed by a private concessionaire. This is a nice campground with spacious sites, though they are not private visually. The tent loop has nice grassy flat spots for tents, and the RV loop has nice long parking spots with grassy spots also. The Mat-Su area office of State Parks is located on the right, just before the campground. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass, or camping fee.
Lat N 61⁰ 36.833’ Long W 149⁰ 15.865’ Elevation 383’ | Links: Finger Lake State Recreation Site
|
MP 35.6
| Government Peak Recreation Area
| Access: Take the Trunk Road exit and go north, drive 5.9 miles (through one light and two roundabouts). Turn left at the “T” with the Palmer-Fishhook Road. Drive 4.7 miles (to MP 7.1) and turn left on Edgerton-Parks Rd. Drive .9 mile and turn right onto Mountain Trails Road, and then drive .9 mile into the parking lot. If you are coming south on the Glenn Highway from Glennallen, or north from Palmer, use the Fishhook road north of Palmer at MP 49.5. Mat-Su Borough parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Lat N 61⁰ 42.313’ Long W 149⁰ 16.708’ Elevation 1000’
Distance: Variety Elevation Gain: Variety Difficulty: Variety Best Months: All except Spring Break-up (closed and muddy)
There is an entire trail system in this area, anything from easy to extremely difficult. The ski loops are grassy and can be walked in summer after “break up” is completely over. Picnic tables are scattered throughout. Southern exposure means long days of sun, and great views of the mountains surrounding the Mat-Su Valley. There is a Chalet available for rent for events; see the link to right. Valerie’s Rating: ❹ | Links:
Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers
Downloads: Government Peak Rec Area Summer Brochure
Government Peak Rec Area Winter Brochure
|
MP 35.6
| Hatcher Pass State Park Recreation Areas
| Access: Take the Trunk Road exit and go north, drive 5.9 miles (through one light and two roundabouts). Turn left (north) at the “T” with the Palmer-Fishhook Road. Drive 6 miles and keep driving into the canyon; the recreation areas are found on either side of the road. If you are coming south on the Glenn Highway from Glennallen, or north from Palmer, use the Fishhook road north of Palmer at MP 49.5. (See the separate section for recreational opportunities.)
Lat N 61⁰ 42.606’ Long W 149⁰ 13.896’
|
|
MP 35.6
| Rabbit Slough-Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge
| Access: At the Trunk Road Intersection, exit and turn south, go through the roundabout on the south side of the Parks Highway, and go left (east) on E. Fireweed Road (the frontage road that parallels the Parks Highway). Drive 1.4 miles, then take the short jog right on Nelson Road, then an immediate left to parallel the Glenn Highway on a gravel road. This will end in a cul-de-sac with a turn-off to the right, which will take you to the parking lot of the Refuge. Total 2.7 miles from the Trunk Road exit.
Lat N 61⁰ 32.248’ Long W 149⁰ 15.233’ Elevation 26’
There is not really much hiking here except in winter, when the slough can be walked or skied, or sometimes ice skated when the ice is good enough. You can hear the freeway for some distance though, and because it is tidally-influenced, it can be dangerous (the ice can break) when the tide comes back in, and you want to be sure the ice is really solid. You can boat this in summer. | Links:
Downloads: |
MP 42.4
| Lake Lucille Park
| Access: Mile 2.2 Knik-Goose Bay Road. 57 campsites, trails around park.
Lat N 61⁰ 34.078’ Long W 149⁰ 28.666’ Elevation 339’ | Links:
Downloads: |
MP 42.4
| Scout Ridge Loop & Cottonwood Creek Wetlands Trails
| Access: At the intersection of Knik-Goose Bay (KGB) road, turn south and drive 4.3 miles. Just past the MP 4 marker, turn left on Fairview Loop Road and drive 1.8 miles. Go straight onto Hayfield Road (instead of turning left onto the continuation of Fairview Loop Road) and drive 1.2 miles until you see the sign into the recreation area. Turn into the parking lot on the left for the Scout Ridge Loop Trail, or continue straight to reach the parking lot with bathrooms at the bottom of the hill, to access the Cottonwood Creek Wetlands Trail. In winter, you probably will not want to drive down the hill if it is snowy or icy. Instead park at the Scout Ridge parking lot and walk down.
Lat N 61⁰ 30.780’ Long W 149⁰ 33.504’ Elevation 135’
Scout Ridge Loop Trail: Distance: 1.1 miles Elevation Loss: 95’ Difficulty: Easy Best Months: Year-round
If you start toward the inlet you will come to a viewing platform after 400 yards, which has a great view of the wetlands and surrounding mountains. It is supposed to be wheelchair accessible, but there is a lip to get onto the ramp. Past that, the trail is very root-y and has a lot of side-hills, so it is not well-built, and you don’t really get views past the platform. The side of the loop near the lake is in better shape. Other than the platform, I’d skip this one and head down to the wetlands.
Cottonwood Creek Wetlands Trail: Distance: indeterminate (open wetlands) Elevation Drop: 3’ Difficulty: Easy Best Months: Year-round
Great views of the wetlands and the mountains that surround the Matanuska Valley. Do not go out on the wetlands during a high tide. It comes in swiftly and can cover the wetlands. Bring rubber boots if you want to do this trail. You are walking on plastic grating which was supposed to protect the wetlands, but ATV’s are still allowed on the first mile, which may be what is causing the plastic grating to sink below the standing water after the high tides. The “tent camping” parking lot is down next to the wetlands. Valerie’s Rating: ❷-❸ | Links:
Downloads: Scout Ridge and Cottonwood Creek Trail Maps
Palmer Hay Flats Directional Map
Cottonwood Creek GPS Trail Map
|
MP 42.4
| Little Su Pulic Use Facility
| Access: Turn southwest on Knik-Goose Bay Road for 17.3 miles, west on Point MacKenzie Road, and then turn right on Ayshire Road which makes a 90-degree bend west and then turns into Little Susitna River Access Road/Alfred Creek Trail (13.4 miles) to the end of the road at the Public Use Facility.
Lat N 61⁰ 26.280’ Long W 150⁰ 10.038’ Elevation 98’ | Links:
Downloads: Little Su Public Use Facility Brochure
|
MP 52.3
| Big Lake Rec Sites
| Access: Turn south onto Big Lake Road. Drive 3.3 miles and turn right onto Beaver Lake Road, then .5 miles and turn left onto Rocky St., and then an immediate left into Rocky Lake SRA. This is the nicest of the three campground areas, since it has a “real” campground. For the Big Lake North and South Recreation Areas, Drive 3.5 miles from the Parks Highway, then either 1.6 miles on North Shore Drive and turn right into the parking lot, or 1.4 miles on South Big Lake Road and straight into the parking lot. Both of these “campgrounds” are parking lots with picnic tables. These areas are managed by a private concession. Unless the lakes are frozen, the recreational opportunities at these sites (other than camping) are limited to watersports. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass, or camping fee.
Turn Off: Lat N 61⁰ 34.526’ Long W 149⁰ 43.459’ | Links:
Downloads: Jordan Lake Nature Walk (behind Library) |
MP 53.2 |
|
| Links: |
MP 59.1
| Snowmobile Sled-head
| Turn north on Zero Lake Road, and the bathrooms are a short distance up the road.
Lat N 61⁰ 38.274’ Long W 149⁰ 51.275’ Elevation 248’ |
|
MP 66.5 & 67.2
| Nancy Lake & S. Rolly Lake State Rec Areas
| Access: Turn left at MP 66.5, and then an immediate left on Buckingham Palace. Drive .5 miles, and turn right into a campground with a boat launch. Or turn left at MP 67.2, and drive 1.2 miles to the main entrance station. The campground is almost 7 miles from the Parks Highway. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass, or camping fee.
Turn Off MP 66.6: Turn Off MP 67.2: Lat N 61⁰ 42.429’ Lat N 61⁰ 42.723’ Long W 150⁰ 00.470’ Long W 150⁰ 01.334’
Most of the access to lakes and cabins is for skiing and snowmobiling in winter, and fishing and canoeing in summer, so I’m not going into detail here. There are a couple of trails, but the main reason for hiking them would be for access to cabins and fishing. (See the downloads.) For hiking, skip this area and do something else. Camping is available if you need a place to stop between a northern and southern destination. | Links:
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
Nancy Lake Area Trails Conditions
Downloads: Nancy Lake Recreation Area Brochure
Nancy Lake Cabins Descriptions & Map
Willow Area Trails Descriptions
|
MP 70.8
| Pat Newman Memorial Park Trails
| Access: Turn west on Willow Creek Parkway and drive .9 miles. The trailhead parking is on the left. These are ATV trails and I don’t recommend them as hiking trails unless you don’t mind motorized use.
Turn off: Trailhead: Lat N 61⁰ 45.502’ Lat N 61⁰ 45.494’ Long W 150⁰ 03.741’ Long W 150⁰ 05.400’ Elevation 174’ Elevation 173’ | Links: Willow Area Trails Organization
Downloads: Willow Area Trails Descriptions
|
MP 70.8
| Willow Creek SRA
| Access: Turn west on Willow Creek Parkway, and drive 3.8 miles into the campground. It is a parking lot with picnic tables. The only reason to come here and stay would be to fish on the Susitna River. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass, or camping fee.
Turn off: SRA: Lat N 61⁰ 45.496’ Lat N 61⁰ 46.386’ Long W 150⁰ 03.735’ Long W 150⁰ 09.766’ Elevation 108’ | Links:
|
MP 71.2
| Intersection with Hatcher Pass Road (Willow-Fishhook Road) MP 48.4
| Lat N 61⁰ 45.796’ Long W 150⁰ 03.875’ Elevation 161’
The Pass itself is only open approximately July 1 to mid-September, but there are not necessarily signs that indicate whether the Pass is open or not (and you will drive in about 55 miles from this side before you discover it is closed). You can drive to just short of the Pass additional months of the year, and access some trails on that side. [Note: there is an intersection that is not marked, shortly before the Pass. – Do not turn left into the Willow Creek drainage. I’ve seen many people try to pull in there with trailers, and there is no turn-around for long vehicles. To cross the Pass, take the bend to the right where you can see the road climb up.] Call State Parks Mat-Su Headquarters at 907-745-2827 for more information and Pass open dates, and see the link to the right. Long RV’s/trailers are not recommended due to hairpin turns and steep grades.
The scenery is beautiful once you get close to the Pass, but don’t expect this to be a fast route or a short-cut to Independence Mine SHP. Most of it is dirt, can be pot-holed, and there are numerous slow-moving vehicles using the road. If you are in a hurry and you are coming from the north on the Parks Highway, go to Wasilla and turn left on Main St., which turns into the Wasilla-Fishhook Road, and then left on the Palmer-Fishhook road to access the Hatcher Pass Recreation Areas. If you are coming from the Glenn Highway from Anchorage or Glennallen, follow the directions listed at MP 35.6 of the Parks Highway log. | Links:
Downloads: See Hatcher Pass Area |
MP 82.4
| Susitna Landing
| Access: Turn left and drive .9 mile straight into the recreation area. This is a boat launch with a campground, for fishing access, managed by a private concessionaire.
Lat N 61⁰ 54.803’ Long W 150⁰ 04.191’ Elevation 206’ | Links:
|
MP 96.3
| Montana Creek Campground
| Access: Turn west into the campground. It is a parking lot with picnic tables, run by a concessionaire. The only reason to come here and stay would be to fish on Montana Creek, or to stay close to, but not in Talkeetna. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass, or camping fee.
Lat N 62⁰ 06.179’ Long W 150⁰ 03.617’ Elevation 259’ | Links:
|
MP 98.6
| Talkeetna Spur Road
| Access: Turn east toward Talkeetna. Note that the Cubby’s grocery store on the right just before the intersection is the last store (other than quick-stops) you will see before Healy. The gas station (just past the intersection) and the one just north in Trapper Creek, are the last ones before Cantwell at MP 210, so get gas either here or Trapper Creek!
Lat N 62⁰ 08.072’ Long W 150⁰ 02.377’ Elevation 347’
I recommend a stop at the National Park Service (Talkeetna) Visitor Center, the Roadhouse for breakfast, a walk down to the river at the end of town where you may be treated to a view of Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley to non-Alaskans), music in the park on Fridays or at the Fairview Inn, a walk around XYZ lakes, and general hanging-out. If the mountain is “out,” I highly recommend a flight around Denali with one of the many air-services. Aside from commercial accommodations, there is a very small campground on the far end of town with walk-in sites only, and it’s very likely to fill up early. There is a bike path that runs the length of the Talkeetna Spur road, about 14 miles into town from the Parks Highway.
Access XYZ Trails: turn right (east) onto Comsat Road at Talkeetna Spur MP 12, then .2 mile and turn right into the parking lot. Mat-Su Borough parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Lat N 62⁰ 17.827’ Long W 150⁰ 04.471’ Elevation 400’
Distance: 3.4 miles Elevation Gain: 295’ Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Best Months: Year-round
This is the only trail to speak of in the area, so it’s the best way to get some exercise other than the bike path. Watch for intersections with other trails and ski loops, especially if you start around the lakes in a counter-clockwise direction. It has been improved now in the most confusing area, as they now have it marked with bright red plastic pole markers. After making the loop, there is no sign indicating the trail back to the parking lot, so you will need to pay attention to avoid starting on a second loop around the lakes. This is a well-built trail, and the lakes are pretty. Mosquitoes can be bad in some years. Some trails in the area are groomed for winter skiing. Valerie’s Rating: ❸ | Links: Walter Harper NPS Talkeetna Ranger Station
Talkeetna Events and Music (Live at 5 is the concert in the park at the pavilion)
Talkeetna Lake Trails Conditions
Downloads:
Talkeetna XYZ Lakes Park Brochure & Map
Talkeetna Lakes -X-Y-Z Lakes Trail Descriptions
|
MP 98.7 |
|
| Links:
|
MP 114.8
| Trapper Creek
| Lat N 62⁰ 18.971’ Long W 150⁰ 14.016’ Elevation 337’ | Links: Trapper Creek / Petersville Winter Trails Conditions
Community Center Nordic Ski Trails Conditions
|
MP 134.6
| Denali View South
| Access: Turn west into the parking lot. This is the first facility in Denali State Park when coming from the south, and well worth the stop. Views of Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley to non-Alaskans) are better from Denali State Park than they are in Denali National Park, unless you can bus to at least Eielson Visitor Center at MP 66 Denali Park Road. There are interpretive displays, telescopes, a short interpretive trail, and great views of Denali (Athabascan for “The High One”), Mt. Foraker, and Mt. Hunter. Camping fee only (parking lot); no charge for day use.
Lat N 62⁰ 35.502’ Long W 150⁰ 14.309’ Elevation 626’
Distance: .2 miles Elevation Gain: 75’ Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Best Months: Year-round, though the parking lot is not plowed in winter; park outside the gate for a winter walk. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
Downloads:
Denali View South Interpretive Trail GPS Map
|
MP 135.5
| K’esugi Ken Campground & Trails
| Access: Turn right onto the access road, drive 1.3 miles to trailhead, or 1.4 miles into the campground. There are 3 public use cabins. The website states that all walking trails and campground loops are groomed for Nordic and skate-skiing. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass, or camping fee.
Turn Off: Campground: Lat N 62⁰ 36.153’ Lat N 62⁰ 35.592’ Long W 150⁰ 13.916’ Long W 150⁰ 13.527’ Elevation 676’ Elevation 885’
K’esugi Ken Interpretive Loop: Distance: .6 mile loop trail Elevation Gain: 26’ Difficulty: Gravel surface, wheelchair accessible Best Months: Year-round
This is a great trail, with an incredible view of Denali (weather permitting, of course). Well worth the stop, even if you don’t camp here. Valerie’s Rating: ❺
Curry Ridge Trail to Lake 1787: Distance: 7 mile round-trip including a loop at the top Elevation Gain: 1161’ Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: Year-round
At some point in the future this trail will have a spur trail to the historic Curry Ridge Lookout, built about 50 years ago when there was a hotel at the Curry train whistle stop in the next valley to the east. It currently makes a loop adjacent to Lake 1787. A lot of internet information uses “Curry Ridge Trail” as simultaneous with “K’esugi Ridge Trail,” but they are separate trails with no connector at this time. Some of the confusion may be that “K’esugi Ken” is the Athabascan name for what was named Curry Ridge by later settlers, and has now been officially changed back to K’esugi Ridge. The trail has a hardened surface, so the walking is fairly easy. No bikes are allowed. One of the great things about this trail is that you start getting spectacular views of Denali right away, so any length you walk it is rewarding if The Mountain is “out.” But the views do keep getting better the higher up you go. The loop starts at 2.25 miles and is not marked, but the trail in both directions is very obvious. If you go clockwise, there is a rock outcrop at the high point of the trail at 3.15 miles, where there is an unmarked trail to the left that actually goes to the lake ( or to the right if you are going counter-clockwise). To stay on the loop, keep walking straight toward the lake (the loop never reaches the lake, only the spur). At 4.4 miles you reach a small creek. You will close the loop at 4.84. If you only have time to do one hike in Alaska or along the Parks Highway, this is it. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
Downloads:
K’esugi Ken Interpretive Trail GPS Map
K'esugi Ken Public Use Cabins Fact Sheet
K’esugi Ken Information (from link)
|
MP 137.2
| Lower Troublesome Creek & Chulitna River Trail
| Access: Turn west into the parking lot. There are several walk-in tent sites adjacent to the parking lot, but it is right next to the highway. If the nearby campgrounds are open, they would be preferable. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass, or camping fee.
Lat N 62⁰ 37.522’ Long W 150⁰ 13.635’ Elevation 552’
Distance: .5 miles to first channel (the brochure says 2 miles but is incorrect) Elevation Drop: 59’ Difficulty: Easy Best Months: Year-round
I would hike this trail as a nice stroll if I was camping there, otherwise I would skip this one and hike other trails in the area. If you can get across the river side-channel at the end, over to the beach at the main channel, it’s a nice picnic spot, but it is often flooded when you reach the first side channel. The trail will be overgrown by the first part of July. The area is known for a high bear population, so if the brush gets overgrown, make a lot of noise. Valerie’s Rating: ❷ | Links:
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
Downloads:
Lower Troublesome GPS Topo Map
Upper & Lower Troublesome – Beyer’s Lake Trails Maps
Lower Troublesome GPS Trail Map
|
MP 137.6
| Upper Troublesome Trailhead
| Access: Turn right into the parking lot. This access to K’esugi Ridge washed out several years ago at about 7.5 miles in, but State Parks has shored it up and added detours, so it is accessible once more. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Lat N 62⁰ 37.836’ Long W 150⁰ 13.731’ Elevation 620’
Distance: 11 miles to the intersection with Cascade Trail Elevation Gain: ~1800’+ Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous Best Months: Year-round | Links:
Trail Reports and Park Conditions K’esugi Ridge Trail System Conditions
Downloads:
Upper & Lower Troublesome - Beyer’s Lake Trails Maps
|
MP 146.9
| Beyer’s Lake & K’esugi Ridge Trail Access
| Access: Turn right into the recreation area. There are trails around the lake and access to K’esugi Ridge, 3 cabins, camping, one of the few RV dump stations along the Parks Highway, and lake access. Non-motorized boating only. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass, or camping fee.
Lat N 62⁰ 44.614’ Long W 150⁰ 08.228’ Elevation 832’
Beyer’s Lake Loop: Distance: 5.3 mile loop (try both directions for different views!) Elevation Gain: less than 100’ Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Best Months: Year-round
This trail has a lot to offer: views of Denali when the weather is good, a variety of habitat/ecosystems, and salmon-spawning streams. Park at the boat rental parking lot in summer, and either head toward the lake and take either direction, or go off the end of the parking lot on a short gravel road toward the cabins that will take you to the trail. Valerie’s Rating: ❺
Cascade Trail (K’esugi Access Trail): Distance: 2 miles to intersection with K’esugi Trail) Elevation Gain: 1700’ Difficulty: Difficult Best Months: Summer
If your goal is a day hike and you want to continue along the ridge part way, I’d take the Ermine Hill access (MP 156.5), but for backpacking, most people start at the Little Coal Creek end (MP 163.9) and head south to Beyer’s Lake and use this exit, because of the lesser elevation gain. Keep in mind that there will be more snow on the northern end later into the summer, and that it can snow any time of year. Call State Parks at 907-745-2827 for current conditions. | Links:
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
K’esugi Ridge Trail System Conditions
Beyer’s Lake Loop Trail Conditions
Downloads:
|
MP 147.1
| Alaska Veteran’s Memorial & Rest Stop, & Beyer’s Lake Winter Access parking
| Access: Turn east into the parking lot. The visitor center is usually open Memorial Day through Labor Day. The parking area is adjacent to Beyer’s Lake recreation site, (above) and linked by a trail.
Lat N 62⁰ 44.719’ Long W 150⁰ 08.024’ Elevation 830’ | Links:
Downloads: Upper & Lower Troublesome - Beyer’s Lake Trails Maps
|
MP 156.5
| Ermine Hill access to K’esugi Ridge Trail
| Access: Turn east into a parking pull-off. Restrooms are off the parking area. Though the State Parks websites says there is a parking fee, this is incorrect.
Lat N 62⁰ 49.648’ Long W 149⁰ 54.259’ Elevation 1398’
Distance: 3.7 miles to intersection with K’esugi Ridge Trail Elevation Gain: 1300’ Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: Year-round
The trail starts off through trees, and then drops down into and runs along a valley bottom with a stream and beaver ponds. Much of this section is pretty root-y, with some rocky sections. Switchbacks go up the far side of the canyon, which are a great improvement from what used to be going straight up a very steep section. The tread is good, and you quickly start to get views of Denali and the surrounding mountains. Once above the switchbacks, you are quickly in sub-alpine/alpine. There is a lake in the saddle at the top, where you intersect with the K’esugi Ridge trail on the far side of the lake. If you have time, it is worth hiking the ridge trail in either direction. I give this a “2” for the first section, a “3” for the valley bottom, a “4” for the switchback section, and a “5” for the last section. The first section was very buggy even early season and in a mild mosquito year, so you are going to want bug dope. For backpacking, most people start at Little Coal Creek (MP 163.9) and either head south to Beyer’s Lake (MP 146.9) because the lesser elevation gain, or exit here for a shorter trip. Keep in mind that there will be more snow on the northern end later into the summer, and that it can snow any time of year. Call State Parks at 907-745-2827 for current conditions. Valerie’s Rating: ❷-❺ | Links:
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
K’esugi Ridge Trail System Conditions
Downloads:
|
MP 162.6
| Denali View North
| Access: Turn west into the parking lot. Though the “camping” is a parking lot with tables, there is quite a view from the parking lot. There are three walk-in tent sites that aren’t very nice, and you walk pretty much through each site to get to the next one. Camping fee only; no charge for day use.
Lat N 62⁰ 53.151’ Long W 149⁰ 46.884’ Elevation 1311’ | Links:
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
|
MP 163.2 |
|
| Links: |
MP 163.9
| Little Coal Creek access to K’esugi Ridge Trail
| Access: Turn east into the parking lot. Camping in the lot is prohibited. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Lat N 62⁰ 53.579’ Long W 149⁰ 44.789’ Elevation 1341’
Distance: 3.3 miles to intersection with K’esugi Ridge Trail Elevation Gain: 1750’ Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: Year-round
About 1 mile in you will start getting really nice views, which continue to get better most of the way up. The trail is mostly moderate with one more strenuous steeper rocky section near the top. The tread is better than the Ermine Hill access (MP 156.5). For backpacking, most people start at this end and head south to Beyer’s Lake because the hike in is lesser in elevation gain. Keep in mind that there will be more snow on the northern end later into the summer, and that it can snow any time of year. Call State Parks at 907-745-2827 for current conditions. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
K’esugi Ridge Trail System Conditions
Downloads:
|
MP 180.8 | Honolulu |
| Links:
|
MP 185.6
| East Fork of Chulitna Wayside
| Access: Turn east into the campground and rest area loops. There is a loop closer to the highway that allows a maximum of 8-hour parking, and a second loop that has campsites. The camping loop is open May 15 through September, though people camp in the other loop during the winter. 11 campsites, free of charge, but there is no water available except from the river.
Lat N 63⁰ 09.055’ Long W 149⁰ 24.672’ Elevation 1785’ |
|
MP 201.3 | Broad Pass Summit Airport
|
| Links:
|
MP 210
| Cantwell
Intersection with Denali Highway MP 134.5
| Access: Turn east for the 135 mile long Denali Highway. NOTE: This is not the access to Denali National Park! This is the old access road to Denali National Park, before the Parks Highway was built. Denali National Park entrance is at MP 237.3 Parks Highway. The road is not open to cars in winter. It is mostly gravel, except at each end. It can be very muddy or dusty, and potholed/wash-boarded, though maintenance is frequent.
Lat N 63⁰ 23.422’ Long W 148⁰ 54.099’ Elevation 2108’
Most of the hiking is on the east end of the Denali Highway. There are two BLM campgrounds. Gas is sparse, so gas up in Cantwell before you go. There are no grocery stores or RV dump stations. There is tire repair at the Tangle Lakes Inn, Maclaren River Lodge, and Clearwater Mt. Lodge.
| Links:
Downloads: |
MP 224
| Denali Hostel
| Turn west just past the MP 224 marker.
Lat N 63⁰ 33.959’ Long W 148⁰ 48.992’ Elevation 2001’ | Links:
|
MP 231.2
| Triple Lakes and Oxbow Trails
| Access: Cross the bridge over the Nenana River, and the trails start at the end of the guardrails. There is only room for 4-5 cars on the west side of the road, and on the east side there is a small parking lot another .2 miles to the north. The trail signs are not obvious. Oxbow trail is to the east, and Triple Lakes trail is to the west. You are now in Denali National Park; dogs are not allowed on the trails.
Lat N 63⁰ 39.459’ Long W 148⁰ 50.229’ Elevation 1842’
Triple Lakes Trail: Distance: 9.5 miles to Denali National Park Visitor Center. There are also side trails down to the lakes. Elevation Gain: 1000’ Difficulty: Strenuous to get up to the side of the ridge that the trail runs along, and then easy-moderate. Best Months: Summer Valerie’s Rating: ❸
Oxbow Trail: Distance: 1.7 mile loop trail Elevation Gain: 89’ Difficulty: Easy Best Months: Year-round
I’m giving this a “3” only due to the river beach access on the far end of the loop. I think the south part of the loop used to be on the river bank but it washed away, so now it’s in the trees with short side trails to river views. I would use this trail for a beach picnic, but not for the trail itself. Since it is not in the Park Service literature, it doesn’t get much use. Valerie’s Rating: ❸ | Links:
Downloads:
|
MP 237.3
|
| Access: Turn west into the Denali National Park main entrance. The complex, which is just off the Parks Highway, contains the Visitor Center, the Wilderness Access Center (where the buses leave from), a post office, a small store, showers/ RV dump station (which are purchased at the store), a campground, the sled dog kennels (used for patrolling the Park in winter), and trails. For most of the summer you can only drive into the Park for 14.5 miles to the Savage River, unless you have a campsite reserved at Teklanika River Campground. NOTE: you will not have cell service much past the entrance to the Park, and there is no gas station inside the Park. The nearest gas is located just north of the Park Entrance.
Lat N 63⁰ 43.713’ Long W 148⁰ 53.178’ Elevation 1569’
| Links: Denali Visitor Access Bus Information
Free Park Entrance Shuttle Buses
Downloads: |
MP 238
| Rest Area
| Access: West side of highway. (Closed in winter.)
Lat N 63⁰ 44.372’ Long W 148⁰ 53.344’ Elevation 1561’ |
|
MP 243.6
| Bison Gulch Route
| Access: Park on the east side of the highway in a parking lot just past the bridge guard rail. The trail starts across the road, on the west side.
Lat N 63⁰ 48.300’ Long W 148⁰ 57.237’ Elevation 1702’
I’m not sure who built or maintains this trail, but it is not within the National Park, so dogs are allowed. It goes pretty much straight up to the ridge and then you can hike in either direction. Expect strong winds and even higher gusts, and rapidly changing weather conditions, even if the parking lot is relatively calm and warm. I like this trail because you are immediately in the sub-alpine and then alpine, so you have views the entire way. You can see the road and also the power plant in Healy, but you don’t get much road noise due to the wind. I’m giving it a “4” due to the alpine access and because it is dog-friendly, and the views are nice too. If you hike the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail to Bison Gulch (link to right) you will need wilderness and route-finding skills.
Distance: Up to you (~1.4 miles to high point of ridge) Elevation Gain: Maximum to ridge 1690’ Difficulty: Strenuous Best Months: Summer Valerie’s Rating: ❹ | Links: Mt. Healy Overlook to Bison Gulch Route
|
MP 244
| Antler Creek
|
| Links: |
MP 248.5
| Healy | Gas, groceries, medical clinic.
Lat N 63⁰ 51.985’ Long W 149⁰ 01.269’ Elevation 1467’ |
|
MP 269
| Rest Area
| Access: East side of highway. (Closed in winter.)
Lat N 64⁰ 07.765’ Long W 149⁰ 14.956’ Elevation 833’ |
|
MP 276 | Rex Bridge
|
| Links: |
MP 286.8
| Rest Area
| Access: East side of highway. (Closed in winter.)
Lat N 64⁰ 19.500’ Long W 149⁰ 02.185’ Elevation 450’ |
|
MP 304.5 | Nenana
|
| Links:
|
MP 315.6
| Rest Area
| Access: West side of highway. (Closed in winter.)
Lat N 64⁰ 39.851’ Long W 148⁰ 56.863’ Elevation 356’ |
|
MP 325.4 | Nenana Hills
|
| Links: |
MP 352 | Ester Dome
| West of Fairbanks | Links:
|
MP 358
| Fairbanks
Intersection with Richardson Highway MP 362
Intersection with Steese Highway MP 0
|
| Links:
University Trail Information and Maps
Nordic Ski Club Trails and Grooming
Downloads:
Fairbanks Walking and Snowshoeing Trails
Fort Wainwright Recreation Brochure
|
