You can still find some easy and intermediate trails in the rugged wilderness of Alaska if you are not experienced enough for the trails that require tons of experience. Some of the easier trails are among some of the best places to go off roading in Alaska. Always be prepared for weather changes, especially if you are higher up in the mountains. What might seem like a warm day could turn into frigid weather, especially if you get stuck after dark. And bring plenty of mosquito spray if you are four-wheeling or using a dirt bike during the spring and summer near lakes.
Some trails run through public land or private property, and many lead to old mining areas. Always be mindful of staying on trails and leaving mining artifacts for others to enjoy.
Quick Navigation
Craigie Creek Road
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation: 3,800 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
When you want to see Alaska for what it really is, this is one of the best off roading trails you can find. From gold mines to grizzly bears, you’ll see a lot of photo-worthy sights. The trail has mining cabins, and eagles are a common sight. You’ll also see mine shafts, tools, mining relics and machinery. Since people still mine in the area, you might see some active mining. As always, be respectful of their claims and equipment, and do not remove any mining artifacts.
Starting and Ending Points
The starting point for the Craigie Creek Road trail is in Wasilla. Follow the signs to Hatcher Pass. Several miles after the steep paved ascent into the pass, you’ll find a gated gravel road that goes over the pass. Follow the road, then take a left at the next gate to stay on Fishhook-Willow Road / Hatcher Pass Road until you reach the trailhead. Trail coordinates are 61.777270 – 149.398150.
Obstacles on the Trail
Some small rock climbs, water could be on the road.
Bald Mountain B29 Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate to Difficult
Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation: 2,247 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
One of the best places to go off roading in Alaska is the Bald Mountain B29 Trail. You can see the Matanuska-Susitna Valley from the top, along with a B-29 wreckage on the side of the mountain. Make sure you bring a camera, as you will want plenty of photos of the panoramic view.
The first part of the trail is on private property, so be sure to stay on the trail. You will need 4-wheel low for this trail, especially if you go on a rainy day.
Starting and Ending Points
George Parks Highway to Wasilla. Right on Church Road for 4.1 miles, and then turn left on West Schrock Road for 0.9 miles, then right at the Y onto Sitze Road. Next intersection, turn right. The trailhead is just after the bridge on the left of North Solitude Street. Coordinates are 61.650060 – 149.511510. The ending point is on top of the mountain.
Obstacles on the Trail
Huge puddles, creeks, mud on rainy days, rocks.
Mineral Creek Trail
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 14.4 miles
Elevation: 2,178 feet
Seasonality: Best from May to September, but open year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
One of the best off road trails in Alaska is located near Valdez. The Mineral Creek Trail features a waterfall near the start. While the trail is open year-round, the best time to take it is from May through September. The trail starts out as a gravel road, then becomes significantly narrower before it turns into a footpath. After Horsetail Creek, we recommend four-wheelers. The trail has breathtaking views once you reach the top.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts at the end of Mineral Creek Road and ends at W.L. Smith Stamp Mill.
Obstacles
You’ll run into some big rocks in the road, but if you have 29-inch tires, you can make it through.
Knik Glacier via Jim Creek
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Distance: 38.8 miles
Elevation: 2,401 feet
Seasonality: Open year round but can get muddy in the spring.
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This out-and-back trail near Palmer has scenic views on the way up to a glacier. You’ll travel through a beautiful forest, river rock, sand dunes, streams and rivers, channel crossings, rocks, muddy sloughs and more. You can see the Knik and Colony glaciers at the end. The views are excellent so bring your camera.
Starting and Ending Points
After turning onto Sullivan Avenue, the trailhead is about a mile up. It ends at the Glacier.
Obstacles on the Trail
Fast-moving water. Some steep areas, some rocky areas.
Denali Highway
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 135 miles
Elevation: 4,160 feet
Seasonality: Year-round, but closes if the snow is too much
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This road connects the Denali National Park to the rest of the world. It runs from the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains to Denali. You’ll see Susitna, Tanana/Yukon, Copper river ranges, wood-decked single-lane bridges, tons of scenery, and wildlife. The route has several lodges on it, so you can grab a bite to eat. The road is mostly gravel and dirt, though it does have pavement at both ends. You can stop in many places to hike and go overland.
Make sure you fill your tank – you will not have cell reception, and no gas or other services are available on the whole road. Watch for caribou, bear, moose and other wildlife crossing the road. Dispersed, improved and designated camping are available.
Starting and Ending Points
Trail maps show you can pick up the Denali Highway in Cantwell or Paxson. The trail ends in the Denali National Park.
Obstacles on the Trail
Washboards and soft spots. You can take an RV, but the road surface is rough in places.
Crown Point ATV Trail
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation: 3,943 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This out-and-back trail takes you through the Kenai Lake area. You can see a small mountain glacier at the end of the trail and you’ll have several views of the Kenai Lake area. The end of the trail is the closest you can drive to Crown Peak. You’ll also have a great view of the Solars Mountain. Additionally, you can see old mining remains, including an engine block and a steel cable used on an ariel tram.
The trail starts at a large gravel cul-de-sac that is shared with private property. Be sure not to block the private property access.
Starting and Ending Points
The trailhead is marked with a small sign on Crown Point Mine Road 343. You’ll find the sign after the railroad tracks and before the left curve ends on the right. It ends at the overlook for the Kenai Lake area.
Obstacles on the Trail
Narrow trail, sometimes snow blocks the way and makes it impassable.
Kings River Trail
Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Distance: 4.7 miles
Elevation: 1,476 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This trail runs on the banks of the Kings River before it heads up to Ruby Lake. It can get muddy, making it challenging for beginners. During the winter, you might not make it unless you have chains. Ruby Lake is stocked, and you will need a license for fishing during the various seasons. The views of Ruby Lake are photo-worthy. Be sure to stay on the main trail, as it is a public easement through private property.
Starting and Ending Points
Just off Glenn Highway, there are two large parking areas for the trailhead. You can also park on the other side of the highway or the Kings River Bridge. The trail ends at Ruby Lake.
Obstacles on the Trail
Creek crossing, might need chains in the winter – four-wheel drive is not enough.
Palmer Creek Road
Difficulty Level: Unknown
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation: Over 2,900 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
Hope, Alaska is at sea level. The Palmer Creek Road is a gravel road that climbs from Hope and ends at dan alpine valley. Camping is available while exploring this old mining area. You can explore some of the old mines, including the Downey Mine, Hershey Mine and the Swetman/Lucky Strike Mine. The Downey Mine is east of the wooden bridge, the Hershey Mine is east of the end of the road (gated), and the Lucky Strike Mine is at the end of a 1.75-mile hiking trail. All of the mines have been closed since 1939 but have some artifacts and ruins. You will need four-wheel drive to continue on the jeep trail to the Swetman Mine.
Starting and Ending Points
The trail starts in Hope and ends at the hiking trail for Hershey Mine.
Obstacles on the Trail
Unknown
Arctic Valley Road
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 6.1 miles
Elevation: 2,574 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
The Arctic Valley Road is a maintained gravel road that takes you high enough to view Anchorage, the northern lights, and Denali. At the end of the road, you can take a hiking trail to see the Nike Missile site or explore the backcountry. If you go in the winter, you can go sledding from Waypoint 3 to Waypoint 2, but you will need a JBER Recreation Pass to do so. You’ll see plenty of wildlife along the way and will have some photo-worthy views.
Starting and Ending Points
The road starts at the Moose Run Golf Course parking lot and ends at an overlook.
Obstacles on the Trail
None
Eagle OHV Trail
Difficulty Level: Easy
Distance: 12.7 miles
Elevation: 541 feet
Seasonality: Year-round
Type of Trail and Unique Traits
This point-to-point trail crosses the 12.7 miles from the Tok Cutoff (Rte. 1) to Rte. 2 at the Tanacross Airport Road intersection. You’ll see wildlife on this lighly trafficked trail. Though it is open year-round, it is best from May through October.
Starting and Ending Points
Tok Cutoff to Tanacross Airport Road.
Obstacles on the Trail
Roots, rocks and ruts.