Seward Highway
MP 0
| Caines Head Trail System/SRA
Resurrection Bay SMP’s
| Access: 3rd Avenue is the main road that passes through Seward into downtown Seward. When you get to the “T” in the road, turn right onto Lowell Point Road and drive about 2.3 miles. Follow the signs into the State Park. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Lat N 60⁰ 04.096’ Long W 149⁰ 26.536’ Elevation 100’
Distance: 2 - 4.5 miles+ each way Elevation Gain: 120’ to Tonsina Point, 650’ to Fort McGilvary Difficulty: Easy in terms of elevation and distance, but difficult in terms of logistics if you go further than Tonsina Point Beach Best Months: May - September
Going past Tonsina Point beach requires an overnight stay and careful planning with the tides. See the “links” and “downloads” for detailed information and maps. What isn’t mentioned in other websites is that hiking to the 1st beach, 2+ miles in, is a fine hike in itself. There are two bridges in the beach area (the second one has been replaced after many years). During salmon spawning season, you can stand on the bridge and watch the salmon swim underneath. You can walk on a pretty trail through the trees, or walk along the beach. The trail was upgraded and mostly replaced with a hardened surface in 2015. Valerie’s Rating: ❹ to Tonsina Point Beach | Links: Caines Head SRA & Resurrection Bay State Marine Parks
Resurrection Bay Public Use Cabins
Downloads:
Caines Head Alpine-S Beach-Loop Trails
Resurrection Bay Marine Trail – Kayaks
State Marine Parks Valdez-Whittier-Seward
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MP 0
| Alaska SeaLife Center
| 3rd Avenue is the main road that passes through Seward into downtown Seward. When you get to the “T” in the road, the SeaLife Center is directly across the road on the “ocean-side.”
Lat N 60⁰ 06.003’ Long W 149⁰ 26.520’ Elevation 26’
Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
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| City of Seward Campgrounds
| The City of Seward has a large campground, and several parking lots for RV’s along and near the waterfront. Showers are also available at the Harbormaster’s Office along the waterfront north of the campground. No reservations are accepted, except for 10+ RV’s registering as a group. 99 sites have hook-ups, and there is a dump station. | Links:
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MP .5
| Mt. Marathon Trail
| Access: From 3rd Avenue, turn west on Monroe, drive 2 blocks, and the trail starts at the intersection with 1st Ave.
Lat N 60⁰ 0645076’ Long W 149⁰ 26.769’ Elevation 151’
Distance: 4 miles Elevation Gain: 2,800’ Difficulty: Strenuous Best Months: June-August
Only attempt this trail during good weather. The views may make this trail worthwhile, but it can be dangerous in bad weather and bad conditions. Signs at the trailhead warn “Use at your own risk! Use Extreme Caution! Use of this non-designated trail system by the general public is NOT recommended. Persons requiring rescue may be billed for rescue expenses. These trails are NOT maintained. There are NO trail markers. There is NO safe route. It is even more dangerous going down! Due to the extreme terrain and weather help may take a long time to arrive. Be prepared to wait, even overnight. Dangerous Terrain: Loose rocks, mud, landslides, steep slopes, cliffs, slippery sharp shale, dust, snowfields, ice, avalanches, unpredictable wildlife….Weather dangers….” | Links:
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| Kenai Fjords National Park Visitor Center
| Located along the waterfront to the east of the Seward Highway (1212 4th Avenue, Seward, AK 99664). Once within the city limits of the town of Seward, turn east on S. Harbor Street (MP 1 of the Seward Highway). Go one block, and turn right on Fourth Street. It will be the second building on the left. Park information, park films, interpretive displays, and general information.
Lat N 60⁰ 06.977’ Long W 149⁰ 26.407’ Elevation 59’ | Links: Kenai Fjords NPS Visitor Center
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MP 3.7
| Exit Glacier Road Intersection MP 0
| Exit Glacier Road (a.k.a. Herman Liere Rd) accesses several trails, viewpoints, and a campground. Access to Chugach National Forest and Kenai Fjords National Park. The road is closed in winter, but you can ski on the road.
Lat N 60⁰ 09.042’ Long W 149⁰ 25.195’ | Links:
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MP 5.2
| Lost Lake Trail South
| Access: Go west on Scott Way, right on Rough Drive, left on Heather Lee Lane, and right on Hayden Berlin Rd., which turns into Lost Lake Trail and ends at the parking lot (.8 miles total).
Turn Off: Trailhead: Lat N 60⁰ 10.175’ Lat N 60⁰ 10.347’ Long W 149⁰ 24.086’ Long W 149⁰ 24.647’ Elevation 302’
Distance: 7.3 miles to Lost Lake, 15 miles to Primrose Campground (MP 16.9) Elevation Gain: 1820’ Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: Year-round
This is an incredible backpacking trip if you go all the way to Lost Lake, but it can also be done as a day hike, run, or bike. If you stay at the lake two nights, you can take a day to walk cross-country in the area. If you set up a car shuttle or hitchhike, you can do this as a one-way to the north end at Primrose Campground, MP 16.9. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ to Lost Lake | Links:
Downloads: |
MP 6.6 & 12.1
| Iditarod Trail to Bear Lake
| Access: MP 6.6 – turn east onto Bear Lake Road. MP 12.1 – East side of highway, Troop Lake trail access, small parking area (see USPS website for more details.)
MP 6.6: MP 12.1: Lat N 60⁰ 11.192’ Lat N 60⁰ 15.602’ Long W 149⁰ 22.966’ Long W 149⁰ 20.861’ Elevation 121’ Elevation 658’
Distance: 7.5 miles each way Elevation Gain: 700’ Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: Year-round | Links:
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MP 11.4
| Divide Ski Area
| Access: Parking lot on the west side of the Seward Highway. Maintained by the Seward Nordic Ski Club, there’s a variety of groomed loops, distances, and difficulty.
Lat N 60⁰ 15.078’ Long W 149⁰ 21.249’ Elevation 627’ | Links:
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MP 13.2
| Grayling Lake Trail
| Access: Parking lot on the west side of the Seward Highway. During winter, park on the east side of the Seward Highway if the west parking lot is not plowed.
Lat N 60⁰ 16.526’ Long W 149⁰ 20.771’ Elevation 447’
Distance: 1.5 miles to Grayling Lake, but accesses other areas Elevation Gain: 450’ Difficulty: Easy Best Months: Year-round
This is a pretty trail, mostly through the woods with some lakes. It also accesses Meridian, Leech, and Long Lakes, and you can hike 6.5 miles north to the Primrose Trailhead. Download the USFS Trail Guide; page 2 has a map of the trail system. The biggest attraction is the fishing, as there are so many more interesting trails along the Seward Highway. Valerie’s Rating: ❸ | Links: Grayling Lake/Meridian Lakes Trail
Downloads:
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MP 16.9
| Primrose Campground & trail access to Lost Lake
| Access: Turn west and drive 1.1 mile to Primrose Campground and the trailhead parking. 8 campsites.
Turn Off: Trailhead: Lat N 60⁰ 19.550’ Lat N 60⁰ 20.445’ Long W 149⁰ 21.584’ Long W 149⁰ 22.176’ Elevation 443’
Distance: 7.5 miles to Lost Lake, 15 miles to the south end (MP 5.2) Elevation Gain: 1600’ Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: Year-round
This is an incredible backpacking trip if you go all the way to Lost Lake, but it can also be done as a day hike, run, or bike. If you stay at the lake two nights, you can take a day to walk cross-country in the area. If you set up a car shuttle or hitch-hike, you can do this as a one-way to the south end at MP 5.2 Seward Highway. If you want to do an out-and-back, I recommend this end instead of the south end. It’s not as steep, it’s more interesting, and there is camping at the trailhead. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ to Lost Lake | Links:
Downloads:
Kenai River Special Management Area
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MP 19.7
| Victor Creek Trail
| Access: East side of Seward Highway. The parking lot only holds a couple of cars, is easy to miss, and it’s dangerous to get back on the highway due to limited visibility.
Lat N 60⁰ 21.468’ Long W 149⁰ 21.085’ Elevation 433’
Distance: 2.25 miles Elevation Gain: 1100’ Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Best Months: May-October
I find this trail disappointing. Just when the views start to get interesting, the trail peters out in a grassy meadow, so you can’t really tell where the trail ends. The trail does intersect with the Iditarod National Historic Trail, but unfortunately that trail has many waterbody crossings that need bridges, which will probably never be built due to lack of funding. Valerie’s Rating: ❶ | Links:
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MP 23.1
| Ptarmigan Creek and Lake Trails
| Access: Turn east into Ptarmigan Creek Campground and .1 mile to trailhead. 16 campsites. Fish-viewing platform.
Lat N 60⁰ 24.319’ Long W 149⁰ 21.981’ Elevation 453’
Distance: 3.5 miles each way to Lake, 7.1 miles to end of the lake Elevation Gain: 450’ Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Best Months: Year-round
The first few miles are very root-y and difficult to walk on, and the cow parsnip overgrows the trail by mid-June. The connector trail to Falls Creek gets even more overgrown. The Chugach National Forest Service policy is to only brush woody plants and not herbaceous plants, so many non-Alpine trails are overgrown by mid-June. The lake and surrounding scenery is pretty. Valerie’s Rating: ❷ | Links:
Downloads: Ptarmigan Creek - Falls Creek Trail
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MP 23.5
| Seward Ranger District office
| Access: Turn west onto the access road.
Lat N 60⁰ 24.573’ Long W 149⁰ 22.290’ Elevation 444’ | Links:
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MP 24.2
| Trail River Campground
| Access: Turn west on Trail River Road and drive 1.1 miles. 91 campsites, 1 group area.
Lat N 60⁰ 25.104’ Long W 149⁰ 22.300’ Elevation 443’ | Links:
Downloads: |
MP 24.2
| Falls Creek Trail
| Access: Turn east onto Solar Mountain Road and drive .1 miles. Park on the far side of the railroad tracks (there is almost no parking). The Forest Service lists this as an ORV trail. Don’t confuse this trail with Falls Creek Trail between Indian and Anchorage at MP 105.5.
Lat N 60⁰ 25.136’ Long W 149⁰ 22.273’ Elevation 443’
Distance: 3.9 miles each way Elevation Gain: unknown Difficulty: unknown Best Months: unknown | Links:
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MP 25.2
| Vagt Lake Trail
| Access: On the east side of Seward Highway, just south of Trail River Bridge. Turn right on Mine Road, cross the tracks, and the trailhead is on the immediate left.
Lat N 60⁰ 25.971’ Long W 149⁰ 22.325’ Elevation 467’
Distance: 1.63 miles one way to lake, or 4.2 miles if you combine with Crown Point Mine Road (see USFS map with download). Elevation Gain: 194’ Difficulty: Easy Best Months: Year-round | Links:
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MP 29
| Moose Pass
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MP 32.5
| Johnson Pass Trail (South end)
| Access: Parking lot on the north side of the road, on the northern end of Trail Lake.
Lat N 60⁰ 30.202’ Long W 149⁰ 26.056’ Elevation 520’
Distance: 23 miles one way to the north end Elevation Gain: 1000 feet Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: Year-round
Johnson Pass is one of my favorite trails. I often do an in-and-out from the north end. Many people backpack or bike the entire trail to MP 63.7 Seward Highway, and do a car-shuttle. The Chugach National Forest Service policy is to only brush woody plants and not herbaceous plants, so many non-Alpine trails are overgrown by mid-June, which is the downside of this trail due to the grasses and cow parsnip. When the vegetation is high, it’s difficult to see the trail, which makes biking difficult. My preference for this trail is to hike either from the end of May to mid-June, or in the fall when the herbaceous plants start to die, though the pass is not free of snow in May. Valerie’s Rating: ❹ | Links:
Downloads: |
MP 33.1
| Carter Lake Trail
| Access: Parking lot on the south side of the Seward Highway.
Lat N 60⁰ 30.447’ Long W 149⁰ 26.684’ Elevation 460’
Distance: 3.4 miles to a point along Carter Lake Elevation Gain: 955’ Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous Best Months: Year-round
The first part is steep, on an old jeep road that is eroded, but once it levels out close to the lake, it is really quite pretty. The Forest Service website claims you can hike to Crescent Lake, but when I hiked it in 2010, it was so overgrown with blueberry bushes and other brush, it was hard to see the trail and quite unpleasant. I talked to someone else who said it could be done, but with difficulty. My advice: if you want to hike to Crescent Lake, take the trail off the Sterling Highway (MP 45). Valerie’s Rating: ❸ | Links:
Downloads:
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MP 37 / 37.7
| Sterling Highway Intersection MP 37
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| Links: MP37 Tern Lake Road Weather Conditions
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MP 39.4
| Devil’s Creek (Pass) Trail
| Access: Turn off on the west side of the Seward Highway, into a large parking lot.
Lat N 60⁰ 33.536’ Long W 149⁰ 34.860’ Elevation 1029’
Distance: 10 miles to Resurrection Pass Trail, ~ 8.5 miles to Devil’s Pass. Elevation Gain: 1400’ Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: Year-round for the first part, avalanche danger in canyon in winter
The first two miles are mostly through forest, and you can hear road noise much of that time. Views start after two miles, and get better as you get higher into the alpine. I’ve tried to ride my bike to get the first part over with, but it was rainy, muddy, and slick, and not really safe. I hear biking is better when the trail is in better condition. Some people make a loop/car-shuttle with Devil’s Pass-Resurrection Pass-Summit Pass trails, but that is a very long day-hike. Valerie’s Rating: ❷ 1st part of trail, ❹ rest of trail | Links:
Downloads: |
MP 43.9
| Summit Pass (Creek) Trail
| Access: There is a small unmarked horse-shoe shaped parking lot on the west side of the Seward Highway. If you are coming from Anchorage and you get to the red & white striped avalanche road-closure gates, you have gone a little too far.
Lat N 60⁰ 37.029’ Long W 149⁰ 31.819’ Elevation 1303’
Distance: 3.9 miles to the Pass, 8.4 miles to Resurrection Pass Trail Elevation Gain: 2087’ Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: June-September
This trail is not on the USFS website and there is no trail sign on the highway, but it is one of my favorite trails. The Forest Service is concerned about impacts to the fragile alpine environment, so please stay on the trail. The parking lot is small and can fill up, so please be courteous and park tightly. Much of the first two miles of the trail will get partially overgrown with nettles, cow parsnip, and other brush by early to mid-July, which makes the trail harder to see, but it doesn’t get as overgrown as many of the lower elevation trails. About halfway to the pass you will be in the alpine. There are several side bowls from the Pass area, and a pretty alpine lake. Some people make a loop/car-shuttle with Devil’s Pass-Resurrection Pass-Summit Pass trails, but that is a very long day-hike. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
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MP 45.9
| Tenderfoot Creek Campground | Access: East side of the Seward Highway, near Summit Lake Lodge, down a short access road. 35 sites. Nice campground, but there is road noise from the highway.
Lat N 60⁰ 38.572’ Long W 149⁰ 29.875’ Elevation 1311’ | Links:
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MP 45.8
| Summit Pass
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| Links: MP 45.8 Road Weather Conditions
Summit Pass Avalanche Advisories
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MP 48-ish
| Manitoba Hut | Access: Directions will be given with cabin reservations.
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MP 56.3
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| Access: Turn north onto the Hope Road; the community of Hope is 16.4 miles from the intersection.
Hope offers camping, cabins, restaurants, music, shopping, showers, and hiking. There is a small grocery store, but you should come prepared with everything you need. The gas station in Hope is no longer open.
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Downloads: |
MP 56.6
| Bruhn-Ray Trail
| Access: Rest stop on the south side of the Seward Highway (there is a rest stop on both sides of the highway). (The bathroom may not be open, due to budget cuts.)
Lat N 60⁰ 46.681’ Long W 149⁰ 25.342’ Elevation 469’
Distance: 1.2+ Elevation Gain: 420’+ Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Best Months: Year-round
This is an old road which is now used to access the powerline, and you can hear the highway pretty much the entire time. The USFS does not list it on their website. I turned around at the powerline since it was not a trail I was going to recommend. I couldn’t determine which way to proceed from there. Valerie’s Rating: ❶ | Links:
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MP 62.9
| Granite Creek Campground
| Access: Southwest side of the Seward Highway, drive .8 miles (don’t confuse the campground with “Granite Creek Recreation Area,” which is just west of the campground turn-off, and is used for winter motorized use). 19 campsites. Older campground but nice individual sites. There is some road noise.
Turn Off: Campground: Lat N 60⁰ 43.638’ Lat N 60⁰ 43.261’ Long W 149⁰ 17.936’ Long W 149⁰ 17.685’ Elevation 590’ Elevation 595’ | Links:
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MP 63.7
| Johnson Pass Trail (North end)
| Access: There is a turn-off and .3 mile road off the south-east side of the Seward Highway that ends in a parking lot.
Distance: 23 miles one way to the south end. Elevation Gain: 1000’ Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: June-October
Lat N 60⁰ 43.711’ Long W 149⁰ 16.472’ Elevation 625’
Johnson Pass is one of my favorite trails. I often do an in-and-out from the north end. Many people backpack or bike the entire trail to MP 32.5 Seward Highway, and do a car-shuttle. The Chugach National Forest Service policy is to only brush woody plants and not herbaceous plants, so many non-Alpine trails are overgrown by mid-June, which is the downside of this trail due to the grasses and cow parsnip. When the vegetation is high, it’s difficult to see the trail, which makes biking difficult. My preference for this trail is to hike either from the end of May to mid-June, or in the fall when the herbaceous plants start to die, though the pass is not free of snow in May. There is avalanche danger in winter. Valerie’s Rating: ❹ | Links:
Downloads: |
MP 65.4
| Bertha Creek Campground
| Access: West side of the Seward Highway. 12 campsites. Nice campground, but a lot of road noise.
Lat N 60⁰ 45.027’ Long W 149⁰ 15.120’ Elevation 761’ | Links: |
MP 69.9
| Turnagain Pass
| Access: There are restrooms and large parking areas on either side of the highway. In about 2009-2011, the US Forest Service built 12 miles of the Iditarod Historic Trail through this area (accessed through the east rest area), but did not secure funding for six needed bridges (the south end connects with Johnson Pass North trailhead, and the north end meets the highway at MP 72.5). Consequently, the trail is not easily passable for very far in either direction due to stream crossings. To the south, you can only go a short distance before a major stream crossing, and the trail is no longer visible on the other side due to disuse. In addition there is road noise, and power lines are visible for much of the trail. I give this a trail a “1” for summer use due to the lack of bridges, the noise, and the powerlines. In winter, this is a popular backcountry ski area. The west side of the highway is designated for motorized use, and the east side for non-motorized use.
Nissman Center Ridge Trail is not actually a trail, but a winter route used for skiing and snowshoeing. Be aware of avalanche danger. Stay on the trail to the right and cross the bridge, and then go east past the memorial monument.
Lat N 60⁰ 46.969’ (East parking lot) Long W 149⁰ 13.023’ Elevation 917’ | Links: MP 69.9 Road Weather Conditions
Turnagain Pass Trails Conditions
Downloads:
Nissman Center Ridge Aerial-Topo Map
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MP 78.9
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| Access: Turn east onto Portage Road; the Portage Glacier Begich-Boggs Visitor Center is 5 miles from the intersection, and the community of Whittier is 11.3 miles from the intersection. Be aware that if you plan to visit Whittier, you will need to drive through the old train tunnel on a schedule, and there is a fee. See the link to the right.
Turn off: Lat N 60⁰ 49.139’ Long W 148⁰ 58.529’ Elevation 9’
Portage area and Whittier offer camping, restaurants, shopping, showers (at the Harbormaster’s Office), and hiking.
| Links:
Portage Intersection Road Conditions Webcam
Portage Tunnel Road Weather Conditions
Whittier Road Weather Conditions
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MP 79.1
| Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
| Access: West side of the Seward Highway. Be extremely careful turning into here coming from the South. Many accidents have happened here, including fatalities. See a variety of Alaskan wildlife with interpretive education.
Lat N 60⁰ 49.466’ Long W 148⁰ 58.625’ Elevation 5’ | Links: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
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MP 80.3
| Spenser Whistle Stop and Cabin
| Ride the train either from the Portage 1 train station or from Anchorage or Seward. The Glacier Discovery Train provides daily service to the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop from late-May through mid-September. From the Spencer Glacier Whistle Stop, cabin users will hike 2.4 miles along the Spencer Glacier Trail around the north side of the lake to reach the signed trailhead for the Spencer Bench Trail. The Spencer Bench trail is an arduous 3 mile switchback trail that climbs 1800 vertical feet and terminates at a foot bridge. Follow signs that direct you the last 300 yards to the cabin site. Hiking to the cabin from the Whistle Stop usually takes between 2-5 hours. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails.
Lat N 60⁰ 50.432’ Long W 148⁰ 58.909’ | Links:
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MP 90
| Alyeska Highway Intersection MP 0
| Girdwood is a cool little town and worth a stop even if you don’t have time to hike here. Showers are located at the Laundromall (see link). Once you get to Girdwood, there is a transit system that will take you most places, except up Crow Creek Road past the paved portion (see link). There are several short trails, and the information is found in the downloads.
Lat N 60⁰ 56.421’ Long W 149⁰ 10.394’
WARNING: If you are heading south, the next gas is located in either Seward or Cooper Landing, so get gas here or Bird (to the north) unless you have a full tank! | Links:
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MP 96.4
| Bird Point
| Access: Turn off onto Bird Point road access to the south along Turnagain Arm. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Lat N 60⁰ 55.818’ Long W 149⁰ 21.403’ Elevation 65’
This is one of the access points to the Bird-Gird Multi-use Path, but it is closed in both directions in winter due to avalanche danger. There is also a short trail that goes down toward Turnagain Arm. The views up and down the Arm are beautiful.
Do NOT go down onto the tide flats anywhere in Turnagain Arm. It is quicksand and you can drown when the tide comes in. | Links:
MP 96.3 Road Weather Conditions
Indian-Girdwood Multi-Use Path Trail Conditions
Downloads:
Indian to Girdwood Bike Path Guide
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MP 100.6
| Bird Valley Trail System (Bird Creek Valley & Penguin Peak)
| Access: Turn north on Konikson Road and drive .6 mile to the parking lot at the end.
Turn Off: Trailhead: Lat N 60⁰ 58.004’ Lat N 60⁰ 58.429’ Long W 149⁰ 26.670’ Long W 149⁰ 26.027’ Elevation 197’
Penguin Peak: Distance: .5 mile on Bird Valley Trail, then turn right just before large avalanche chute, 2 miles to the peak Elevation Gain: 3200’ Difficulty: Strenuous Best Months: May-Fall, after avalanche danger is over
The Bird Valley Trail System is heavily used by ATV’s, which has caused deep mud puddles that are difficult to get around. I’ve tried mountain biking, but when the mud is stirred up, it is impossible to see the rocks in the mud. I pushed my bike most of the way before giving up. I would give most of this a “1.” Penguin Peak is the only trail worth hiking in this area. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ (Penguin Peak) | Links:
Downloads:
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MP 100.7
| Bird Creek Campground /Cabins & trail access
| Access: Turn into the campground on the south side of the Seward Highway. 24 campsites plus cabins, and a 30-site RV dry-camping overflow, along Turnagain Arm. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass, or camping fee.
Lat N 60⁰ 58.150’ Long W 149⁰ 26.954’ Elevation 112’
This is one of the access points to the Bird-Gird Multi-use Path. This part of the path doesn’t have avalanche danger, so it is appropriate for winter skiing in this area and toward Indian. At times a local resident even grooms the snow for skiing. | Links:
Indian-Girdwood Multi-Use Path Trail Conditions
Downloads: Indian to Girdwood Bike Path Guide
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MP 101.6
| Bird Ridge Trail
| Access: Large parking lot on the north side of the road. There is another parking lot just to the west, but it is much smaller. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Lat N 60⁰ 58.417’ Long W 149⁰ 28.306’ Elevation 94’
Distance: 2.5 miles each way Elevation Gain: 3400’ Difficulty: Strenuous Best Months: April-Fall
This is one of the first trails to be snow-free in the spring, and is one of the most popular trails in the area. This is not a trail for those with a fear of heights, though you get great views right away before getting above timberline, so even a short walk on this trail is worthwhile. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Downloads:
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MP 102.9
| Indian-Girdwood Multi-use Path
| Access: Turn south into the parking lot. There are several access points along the Multi-use Path, including Girdwood, Bird Point, Bird Creek Campground, Bird, and Indian. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Lat N 60⁰ 59.112’ Long W 149⁰ 29.946’ Elevation 65’
Distance: 13.3 miles each way Elevation Gain: 300’ Difficulty: Easy Best Months: May-Fall.
Portions of the trail are open in winter, but a large section between Girdwood and Bird is closed due to high avalanche danger. From this end you can travel a short distance past Bird safely. If you are on foot, watch out for bikers. Unfortunately, this was named a bike path instead of a multi-use path, so bikers think they are the only users, and ride way too fast around blind corners. I’m giving it a 4 due to accessibility and views, but taking some off for traffic noise and fast bikers. This is not something I would choose just for hiking. Valerie’s Rating: ❹ | Links:
Indian-Girdwood Multi-Use Path Trail Conditions
Downloads:
Indian to Girdwood Bike Path Guide
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MP 103.1
| Indian Valley Trail / Powerline Pass Trail
| Access: Turn north on Boretide Road. At the “Y” at .4 miles, veer right and follow the signs (total 1 mile from Seward Highway). This road is usually in poor condition with a lot of potholes. The trailhead is in a parking lot where the road ends.
Turn Off: Trailhead: Lat N 60⁰ 59.161’ Lat N 60⁰ 59.988’ Long W 149⁰ 30.321’ Long W 149⁰ 29.981’ Elevation 229’
Indian Valley Trail: Distance: 6.3 miles to Indian Creek Pass Elevation Gain: 2100’ Difficulty: Moderate for elevation, Difficult for trail tread Best Months: Winter ski
I don’t recommend this trail for a summer trail. The walking is difficult due to roots and rocks, and there are no views until you get close to the Pass. Valerie’s Rating: ❶
Powerline Pass Trail: Distance: Approximately 12 miles to Glen Alps Parking Lot Elevation Gain: 3341’ Difficulty: Strenuous to the Pass, then easy to Glen Alps. Best Months: Summer, Fall
You can do this as a one-way trail either direction, but I recommend starting at Glen Alps with a car shuttle, so that you are going downhill more. The Indian Valley side is very steep going up. Valerie’s Rating: ❹ | Links: Indian Valley Trail Conditions
Powerline Pass Trail Conditions
Downloads:
Ship Lake Pass-Indian Creek GPS Topo Maps
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MP 105.5
| Falls Creek Trail
| Access: North side of the Seward Highway, small parking area right next to the road.
Lat N 60⁰ 59.055’ Long W 149⁰ 34.555’ Elevation 60’
Distance: 2.7 miles Elevation Gain: 2900’ Difficulty: Difficult (the trail guide says Moderate, but I disagree) Best Months: Year-round, but avalanche danger in winter.
This trail is very steep and there is some climbing over boulders. It does get less steep once you get up into the alpine. There are beautiful views near the end of the trail, and you can wander around in the alpine. Most of the first part is in forest, and then scrub brush. Valerie’s Rating: ❹ | Links:
Downloads:
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MP 106.6
| Turnagain Arm Trail – Windy access
| Access: Small parking area on the north side of the Seward Highway. There are four access points to this trail, and this is the easternmost end.
Lat N 60⁰ 59.092’ Long W 149⁰ 36.262’ Elevation 135’
Distance: 9.5 miles entire trail, from Potter Marsh at MP 115.1 mile to Windy Corner trailhead at MP 106.6. (Potter-McHugh 3.4 miles, McHugh-Rainbow 4.2 miles, Rainbow-Windy 1.9 miles) Elevation Gain: 200-1000’ Difficulty: Easy, except a steeper section from Rainbow to the west Best Months: Year-round
This trail has really great views, has southern exposure (sunny!), and due to the low elevation is one of the first trails clear of snow in the spring. In spite of the proximity to the highway, you get surprisingly little highway noise. There are a few drop-offy areas between McHugh and Rainbow near the McHugh end. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Turnagain Arm Trail Conditions
Downloads:
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MP 108.3
| Turnagain Arm Trail – Rainbow Access
| Access: Medium sized parking area on the north side of the Seward Highway. There are four access points to this trail.
Lat N 60⁰ 59.963’ Long W 149⁰ 38.382’ Elevation 82’
Distance: 9.5 miles entire trail, from Potter Marsh at MP 115.1 mile to Windy Corner trailhead at MP 106.6. (Potter-McHugh 3.4 miles, McHugh-Rainbow 4.2 miles, Rainbow-Windy 1.9 miles) Elevation Gain: 200-1000’ Difficulty: Easy, except a steeper section from Rainbow to the west Best Months: Year-round
This trail has really great views, has southern exposure (sunny!), and due to the low elevation is one of the first trails clear of snow in the spring. In spite of the proximity to the highway, you get surprisingly little highway noise. There are a few drop-offy areas between McHugh and Rainbow near the McHugh end. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links: Turnagain Arm Trail Conditions
Downloads:
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MP 111.8 | |
| Links: MP 111.8 Road Weather Conditions
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MP 111.7
| Turnagain Arm Trail – McHugh Access
& Rabbit Lakes-McHugh Lakes south access
| Access: Medium-sized parking area on the north side of the Seward Highway (open year-round), and another parking lot up the hill (summer only). There are four access points to the Turnagain Arm trail. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Lat N 61⁰ 00.967’ Long W 149⁰ 43.876’ Elevation 10’
Turnagain Arm Trail: Distance: 9.5 miles entire trail, from Potter Marsh at MP 115.1 mile to Windy Corner trailhead at MP 106.6. (Potter-McHugh 3.4 miles, McHugh-Rainbow 4.2 miles, Rainbow-Windy 1.9 miles) Elevation Gain: 200-1000’ Difficulty: Easy, except a steeper section from Rainbow to the west Best Months: Year-round
The Turnagain Arm trail has really great views, has southern exposure (sunny!), and due to the low elevation is one of the first trails clear of snow in the spring. In spite of the proximity to the highway, you get surprisingly little highway noise. There are a few drop-offy areas between McHugh and Rainbow near the McHugh end. Valerie’s Rating: ❺
McHugh-Rabbit Lakes Trails: Distance: 7 miles to Rabbit Lake (a little less to McHugh), 11.2 miles to Canyon Trailhead Elevation Gain: 3550’ Difficulty: Moderate/More Difficult Best Months: Year-round
Spectacular views, easy alpine access, southern exposure (sun!), this trail has a bit of everything. There may be avalanche danger in winter once you get up in the alpine. You can also do this as a one-way to the Rabbit Lakes Trailhead on Canyon Road (see MP 118.3).
At .19 mile you intersect with the Turnagain Arm trail; turn left. At .4 mile you intersect with the McHugh/Rabbit Lake trail; turn right. At .83 mile, a confusing signpost makes it look like the scenic loop is straight ahead, but the scenic loop is to the left, while McHugh/Rabbit Lakes is straight ahead. You will start getting nice views around .9 mile as the trees thin. The spot at 1.22 miles that used to be really confusing because it went up to a rock has now been closed, and the main trail is now obvious. At 1.27 miles there is an unmarked intersection; the main trail is straight. The area through the 2016 McHugh Burn is thick with bears due to the invasive dandelions, which bears love as a food source. There is a nice viewpoint at 1.7 miles. At 1.75 miles the old trail goes straight (closed); veer left for the newer trail. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Turnagain Arm Trail Conditions
Rabbit-McHugh Lakes Trails Conditions
Downloads:
Rabbit Lake from Canyon Dr. GPS Trail Map
Rabbit Lake to McHugh Pt 1 GPS Trail Map
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MP 115.1
| Chugach State Parks Headquarters
& Turnagain Arm Trail – Potter Access
| Access: A small parking lot just off the north side of the Seward Highway is open year-round, and a medium-sized parking area up the hill is open only in summer. There are four access points to this trail. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
The Chugach State Park Headquarters (at the Potter Section House) is just across the highway on the opposite side at MP 115.2.
Lat N 61⁰ 02.994’ Long W 149⁰ 47.643’ Elevation 21’
Distance: 9.5 miles entire trail, from Potter Marsh at MP 115.1 mile to Windy Corner trailhead at MP 106.6. (Potter-McHugh 3.4 miles, McHugh-Rainbow 4.2 miles, Rainbow-Windy 1.9 miles) Elevation Gain: 200-1000’ Difficulty: Easy, except a steeper section from Rainbow to the west Best Months: Year-round
This trail has really great views, has southern exposure (sunny!), and due to the low elevation is one of the first trails clear of snow in the spring. In spite of the proximity to the highway, you get surprisingly little highway noise. There are a few drop-offy areas between McHugh and Rainbow near the McHugh end. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Potter Section House State Historic Site
Turnagain Arm Trail Conditions
Downloads:
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MP 117.6
| Potter Marsh Viewing Platforms & Boardwalk
| Access: Turnoff on the east side of the Seward Highway, then .2 mile into the parking lot.
Lat N 61⁰ 04.695’ Long W 149⁰ 49.650’ Elevation 20’
Distance: .5 miles of boardwalk Elevation Gain: 0 Difficulty: Easy Best Months: April-September migrating waterfowl, and May-August spawning salmon. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge
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MP 118.3
| Rabbit Lake/McHugh Lake North Access
| Access: The De Armoun Road Exit is only accessible southbound. If you are coming northbound, you will need to go to Huffman (MP 119.4) and turn around, or exit at Old Seward Hwy/Rabbit Creek, and go NW .6 miles until you can turn right on De Armoun and go east. De Armoun turns into Upper De Armoun Rd. – go 4.47 miles, and then turn right on Canyon Rd for 2.12 miles. The last .42 miles of road may only be passible by high-clearance vehicles, so park at the gate where the outhouse is located, if necessary. The trail starts at the end of the dirt road. (There is another access to the back side of Flattop at 1.92 miles Canyon Rd.) Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Turn Off (De Armoun): Trailhead: Lat N 61⁰ 05.636’ Lat N 61⁰ 04.780’ Long W 149⁰ 50.042’ Long W 149⁰ 40.692’ Elevation 165’ Elevation 1941’
Distance: 4.2 miles to Rabbit Lake, 11.2 miles to McHugh Parking Lot Elevation Gain: 1365’ (Rabbit Lake) Elevation Drop: 3550’ (McHugh Trailhead) Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: Year-round
Bikes are allowed from this trailhead to Rabbit Lake, but not past Rabbit Lake toward the McHugh trailhead (the trail guide is incorrect). If you continue to the McHugh trailhead at MP 111.7 Seward Highway, at 4.5 miles you lose the trail and have to do some route-finding; curve around to the right along the south-facing canyon wall. At 5.7 miles you can start getting into some boggy areas if you stay on what appears to be the main trail. Instead, stay to the right on a slight hill and you’ll keep your feet much drier. At 10.8 miles, turn left on Turnagain Arm Trail; this is not marked at the intersection. At 11.1 miles bear right all the way to the McHugh Trailhead parking area. Of course you can also go the other direction, if you prefer more elevation gain. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links:
Rabbit-McHugh Lakes Trails Conditions
Downloads:
Maps to Chugach SP - Anchorage Trailheads
Rabbit Lake from Canyon Dr. GPS Trail Map
Rabbit Lake to McHugh Pt 1 GPS Trail Map
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MP 120
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| Links: MP 120 Road Weather Conditions
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MP 120.5
| Glen Alps Trailhead
| Access: Take the O’Malley Rd Exit and head east for 3.6 miles. Turn right on Hillside Dr. for 1 mile, and then turn left on Upper Huffman Rd for .7 mile. At Toilsome Hill Dr., turn right; this turns into Glen Alps Rd. -- drive 1.8 miles. Turn into the parking lot on the left. Check the webcam to see how full the parking lot is before driving up here. State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Turn Off (O’Malley): Trailhead: Lat N 61⁰ 07.367’ Lat N 61⁰ 06.156’ Long W 149⁰ 51.311’ Long W 149⁰ 41.077’ Elevation 137’ Elevation 2172’
Flattop Trail: Distance: 1.7 miles Elevation Gain: 1300’ Difficulty: Strenuous Best Months: Summer-Fall
This is one of Anchorage’s most popular trails, so expect crowds. It’s not recommended for people who are afraid of heights. There are other accesses from the Rabbit Lake trail that go up to the ridge behind Flattop; see the trail information for Rabbit Lake at MP 118.3.
Valerie’s Rating: ❺
Powerline Trail: Distance: Approx 12 miles to Indian Parking Lot Elevation Gain: 1468’ Difficulty: Easy, then steeper after the Pass down into Indian Best Months: Summer, Fall
You can do this as a one-way trail either direction, but I recommend starting at Glen Alps with a car shuttle, so that you are going downhill more. The Indian Valley side is very steep going up (see MP 103.1) Valerie’s Rating: ❹
Middle Fork Loop: Distance: 4.1 miles from Powerline Trail to Wolverine Bowl Trail Elevation Gain: 1000’ Difficulty: Easy Best Months: Year-round
Provides access to the Little O’Malley Peak Trail, Williwaw Lakes Trail, and Wolverine Bowl Trail. Fat tire bikes are allowed Nov 15 - March 31.
Little O’Malley Ridge: Distance: 2 miles from Glen Alps parking lot to ridge Elevation Gain: 1224’ Difficulty: Strenuous ascending to ridge, then moderate Best Months: Year-round, but be careful of avalanche danger
From the upper parking lot, hike .46 mile to Powerline Pass Trail. Turn right for .12 mile, then left on Middle Fork Trail. This section of trail has been improved dramatically with turnpike and boardwalk. At .42 mile, stay to the right to climb to Little O’Malley Ridge. Once you reach the ridge you can either go left or right on the ridge, or continue to Williwaw Lakes via The Ballpark route (see the description below). Valerie’s Rating: ❺
Williwaw Lakes: Distance: 5.9 miles from Glen Alps trailhead via Middle Fork Elevation Gain: 1007’ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Best Months: Year-round
From the upper parking lot, hike .46 mile to Powerline Pass Trail. Turn right for .12 mile, then left on Middle Fork Trail. At .42 mile stay on the fork to the left. At 2.83 miles from Glen Alps, turn right at the post marked “Williwaw Lakes.” There is some mud on Middle Fork Trail, but a lot of boardwalk and raised gravel turnpike has been installed in the worst spots. The Williwaw Lakes trail is rocky and muddy for most of the first mile, and then in places after that, hence the “4” rating, for poor trail conditions. When you get to the lakes area, choose the higher trails to stay out of boggy areas. If you plan to loop through the Ballpark to Little O’Malley and the Glen Alps parking lot, this is really a route rather than a trail. It is unmarked, and you’ll need to watch for paths up the first slope across from the Williwaw Lakes. You will pass a small lake on the left (unnamed, see GPS download), and then climb a 560’ avalanche chute straight up. The topo makes it look more gentle than it actually is. Valerie’s Rating: ❹
Hidden Lake: Distance: 4.8 miles from Glen Alps Parking lot Elevation Gain: 1709’ Difficulty: Easy/Moderate Best Months: Summer-Fall
From the upper parking lot, hike .46 mile to Powerline Pass Trail. Turn right 1.9 miles on Powerline Pass, then left on Hidden Lake Trail. At 1.1 mile on Hidden Lake trail, stay on the left side of the creek. (Crossing the creek takes you to Ship Creek Pass; see download.) If you are biking, there is a bike rack once you turn onto the Hidden Lake trail, just before the creek crossing (bikes are not allowed on this trail). The trail is mucky in a few spots, but they are easy to get around. Beautiful alpine lake and mountain bowl. Valerie’s Rating: ❺ | Links: Anchorage Hillside Trail System
Glen Alps Snotel Weather Station
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
Powerline Pass Trail Conditions
Middle Fork Loop Trail Conditions
Little O’Malley Ridge Trail Conditions
Williwaw Lakes Trail Conditions
Hidden Lake Trail Conditions (Glen Alps)
Ship Lake Pass-Indian Creek Trail Conditions
Downloads: Hillside Trail System Brochure
Wolverine & Williwaw Trail System Guide
Maps to Chugach SP - Anchorage Trailheads
Ship Lake Pass-Indian Creek GPS Topo Maps
Little O’Malley Ridge GPS Trail Map
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MP 120.5
| Upper Huffman Trailhead
| Access: Take the O’Malley Rd Exit and head east for 3.6 miles. Turn right on Hillside Dr. for 1 mile, and then turn left on Upper Huffman Rd for .7 mile. Veer left onto Sultana Dr. for .57 mile. The road ends at the parking lot. Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Turn Off (O’Malley): Trailhead: Lat N 61⁰ 07.367’ Lat N 61⁰ 06.728’ Long W 149⁰ 51.311’ Long W 149⁰ 42.660’ Elevation 137’ Elevation 1498’
| Links: Anchorage Hillside Trail System
Downloads: Hillside Trail System Brochure
Map to Upper Huffman Trailhead
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MP 120.5
| Prospect Heights Trailhead
| Access: Take O'Malley Road east for 3.68 miles and curve left onto Hillside Drive, then almost immediately right on Upper O'Malley Road (.07 mile). Drive .52 mile and take a left on Prospect Drive for 1 mile, then left on Sidarof Lane for .13 mile. The trailhead parking lot is on the right (if you curve left onto Slalom Dr., you went too far). Alaska State Parks daily use fee or Annual Pass.
Turn Off (O’Malley): Trailhead: Lat N 61⁰ 07.367’ Lat N 61⁰ 08.232’ Long W 149⁰ 51.311’ Long W 149⁰ 42.866’ Elevation 137’ Elevation 1039’
There are some muddy and rocky spots, but overall the Prospect Heights access is a good section for biking the first 1.9 miles. At 1.3 miles you will see the intersection of Middle Fork Trail. At 1.9 miles you reach the intersection for Near Point and Wolverine Bowl; turn right for Wolverine Peak, go straight for Near Point.
Wolverine Peak from Prospect Heights: Distance: 4.7 miles one way from Prospect Heights Elevation Gain: 3500’ Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous Best Months: Year-round. This can have avalanche danger in winter.
This makes for a nice bike/hike combo. If you are climbing Wolverine, bikes are not allowed past the Near-Point Wolverine intersection. Once you are on the Wolverine Peak trail, there’s no mudholes since its steeper, but water does run down the trail during rains. There are pretty views of Anchorage and the surrounding bowls. There is a nice viewpoint side trail at a large rock cairn 3.3 miles from the Prospect Heights trailhead, even if you decide not to go higher. Once you get to the final ridgeline, the last .5 mile will feel drop off-y. Valerie’s Rating: ❹
Near Point from Prospect Heights: Distance: 3.7 miles one way from Prospect Heights Trail Elevation Gain: 2110 feet Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous Best Months: Year-round, but be aware of avalanche danger.
This makes for a nice bike/hike combo. If are climbing Near Point, you can ride an additional .3 mile to the first switchback, though the biking map does not show that. At 3 miles from Prospect Heights it gets very muddy and difficult to get around, lasting for .1 mile. Instead of going this way, at .6 mile from the intersection, look for an unmarked user-created trail that goes off to the right, across from a large spruce tree. This is a steeper route, but avoids the really nasty part. (This is the return loop marked on the download map.) If you don’t like heights, this can feel drop-off-y at the top, but it’s not actually as bad as it looks. When coming back to the Wolverine-Near Point Intersection, be sure to go straight in order to end up back at Prospect Heights. The views are pretty and the trail is popular, but the trail conditions aren’t very good, hence the lower rating. Valerie’s Rating: ❸ | Links: Anchorage Hillside Trail System
Wolverine & Williwaw Trail System Guide
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
Downloads: Hillside Trail System Brochure
Wolverine & Williwaw Trail System Guide
Map to Prospect Heights Trailhead
Maps to Chugach SP - Anchorage Trailheads
Wolverine Peak via Prospect GPS Trail Map
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MP 120.5
| Upper O’Malley Trailhead
| Access: Take O'Malley Road east for 3.68 miles and curve left onto Hillside Drive, then almost immediately right on Upper O'Malley Road (.07 mile). Drive .52 mile and take a right on Trails End Rd., which turns into Longhorn St. Turn left on Cobra St, then right on Shedanof Ave. The small parking lot is at the intersection of Shebanof Ave and Stroganof Dr. Turn Off (O’Malley): Trailhead: Lat N 61⁰ 07.367’ Lat N 61⁰ 01.170’ Long W 149⁰ 51.311’ Long W 149⁰ 42.877’ Elevation 137’ Elevation 1422’
| Links: Anchorage Hillside Trail System
Downloads: Hillside Trail System Brochure
Map to Upper O’Malley Trailhead
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MP 124.2
| Basher Trailhead
| Access: Take the Tudor Road exit and head east for 3.14 miles. (You can also access the trailhead from Muldoon at MP 4.4 Glenn Highway). Turn south on Campbell Airstrip Road, which turns into Basher Dr. Drive 3.19 miles and look for the small parking area on the right. Fat tire bikes are allowed on Lost Cabin Valley access from Nov 15 - March 31. If are climbing Near Point, you can ride an additional .3 mile to the first switchback, though the biking map does not show that.
Turn Off (Tudor): Trailhead: Lat N 61⁰ 10.825’ Lat N 61⁰ 09.109’ Long W 149⁰ 51.529’ Long W 149⁰ 42.881’ Elevation 131’ Elevation 821’
For the first .3 miles you are under the powerline. The trail is root-y and can be muddy/slippery. At point .92 you reach an intersection marked left for Near Point and Wolverine Bowl, and right for Prospect Heights; turn left. At 1.67 you reach the intersection for Near Point and Wolverine Bowl; turn left for Near Point, and go straight for Wolverine Peak.
Near Point from Basher Trailhead via Lost Cabin Valley: Distance: 6.7 miles round-trip loop Elevation Gain: 2589’ Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous Best Months: Year-round, but watch for avalanche danger.
At 2.75 from Basher the trail gets very muddy and difficult to get around, lasting for .1 mile. Instead of going this way, at .6 mile from the intersection, look for an unmarked user-created trail that goes off to the right, across from a large spruce tree. This is a steeper route, but avoids the really nasty part. (This is the return loop marked on the download map.) If you don’t like heights, this can feel drop-off-y at the top, but it’s not actually as bad as it looks. When coming back to the Wolverine-Near Point Intersection, be sure to take a right on the trail you came from; if you go straight, you will end up at Prospect Heights. This trail is unmarked and easy to miss if you are not paying attention! The views are pretty and the trail is popular, but the trail conditions aren’t very good, hence the lower rating. Valerie’s Rating: ❸
Wolverine Peak from Basher via Lost Cabin Valley: Distance: 3.7 miles one way Elevation Gain: 3579’ Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous Best Months: Year-round. This can have extreme avalanche danger in winter.
If you are climbing Wolverine, bikes are not allowed past the Near-Point Wolverine intersection. The trail gets steeper so there’s no mudholes, but water does run down the trail during rains. There are pretty views of Anchorage and the surrounding bowls. There is a nice viewpoint side trail at a large rock cairn 2.3 miles from the Basher Trailhead, even if you decide not to go higher. Once you get to the final ridgeline, the last .5 mile will feel drop off-y. Valerie’s Rating: ❹ | Links: Anchorage Hillside Trail System
Wolverine & Williwaw Trail System Guide
Trail Reports and Park Conditions
Downloads: Wolverine & Williwaw Trail System Guide
Near Point via Basher GPS Trail Map
Wolverine via Basher GPS Trail Map
Maps to Chugach SP - Anchorage Trailheads
Map to Basher Trailhead via Tudor and Muldoon
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MP 124.2
| Knoya / The Dome
| Access: Take the Tudor Road exit and head east for 3.14 miles. (You can also access the trailhead from Muldoon at MP 4.4 Glenn Highway). Turn south on Campbell Airstrip Road, which turns into Basher Dr. Drive 4.56 miles and look for the small parking area on the left along a metal fence.
Turn Off (Tudor): Trailhead: Lat N 61⁰ 10.825’ Lat N 61⁰ 09.982’ Long W 149⁰ 51.529’ Long W 149⁰ 41.507’ Elevation 131’ Elevation 950’
The Dome and Knoya trails are on military lands; you will need an annual permit from the JBER link. The cost for the 2019 annual permit was $10 ($5 for seniors 60 and over), but you have to sign in and get an access permit each time you want to use the trails on the day of the hike (this is in addition to the paid Annual Permit). Once you are on the JBER Home Page, in the blue bar at the top, click on “Open Interactive Map.” If the area is in pink, it is not open on the current day. Near the top you can also click on “Tomorrow”) or “[name of the next day].” If it is open, go back to the Home Page and select “Sign In/Out,” then “Sign into area.” Then select your activity, and on the next screen “Richardson.” After clicking “Accept” on the next 2 screens, select areas TA 429 and TA 430 to hike to The Dome. Unfortunately you can only be signed into two areas at a time; if you wish to continue to Knoya, the trail goes in and out of area TA 431. Because you can’t obtain access for more than two areas at a time, you have to use your cell phone to sign out of area TA 429 and into TA 431. Be sure and reverse that on your return, so that you have access to the first two areas again. If you have questions, call the JBER Recreation office at 907-552-8609.
The trail starts on the far side of the metal fence – head east along the fence to find the access. Valerie’s Rating: ❹ | Links:
Downloads: Map to Knoya Trailhead via Tudor and Muldoon
Maps to Chugach SP - Anchorage Trailheads
JBER-Richardson Recreation Topo
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MP 127
| Anchorage
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Showers:
Dump stations:
| Links: Chugach Trail Reports and Park Conditions
Anchorage Parks and Recreation Home Page
Anchorage Nordic Ski and Multiuse Trails
Anchorage Municipal Trails Maps
Downloads: Anchorage Nordic Ski Trail Map pg 1
Anchorage Nordic Ski Trail Map pg 2
Hillside Trail System Brochure
Kincaid Single Track Trail Map
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