There’s a wonderful back road in Alaska that is just begging to be explored. The Hatcher Pass Road in Alaska is a stunning, mostly gravel road that winds through the Talkeetna Mountains. Pack up the family and a picnic, and set your sights on the towering mountains you pass as you travel on this tiny road through Alaska’s backcountry. This is one drive that needs to be on your “must-see” list this year as you travel around Alaska.
Originating in either Willow or Palmer, there is a beautiful old wagon road that travels through a valley in the Talkeetna Mountain Range.
Naphat Photography via Moment Collection / Getty Images This road is lovely to explore during the limited amount of time that it is open during the summer season. You can travel this road in either direction. This scenic road in Alaska is a trip that is just begging to be taken.
The road is closed in the winter, and you’ll have to watch to see when it reopens.
wakr10 via iStock / Getty Images Plus This depends on the amount of snowfall the pass received, and how quickly it melts. They will unblock the road when it is available for travel again, usually in mid summer around July 4th. The road leads to one of the most scenic places to visit in Alaska.
This mountain road is also called Fishhook Road.
Melissa Kopka via iStock / Getty Images Plus You’ll hear people referencing the road with both names. Once you enter into the mountains and off of the asphalt, the entire experience changes. The road is narrow and not maintained. You’ll find the mountains rise up on either side of you as you descend into the valley.
The Little Susitna River follows the road from about mile 7 through mile 15.
FatCamera via iStock / Getty Images Plus It’s a beautiful reminder of how wild this area is throughout the year. Make sure to pack any kit that you may need, including a spare tire. The roads are bumpy and rocky and you may get a flat! This is an area that you’ll want to be very cautious about where you drive. The road is only about a car and a half wide, so if you encounter someone else, you’ll want to pull over.
If you travel the entire distance of the road, you will drive about 60 miles.
pkujiahe via iStock / Getty Images Plus The gravel part of the drive that cuts through the mountains is about 49 miles long. The original road was utilized by gold miners in the 1930’s and 1940’s and you’ll see relics of that along your drive, especially if you take the turn off for Independence Road, which leads to Independence Mine. This road has definitely earned its title as one of the “best back roads” in Alaska.
There are hikes, a state park, and unbelievable scenery to be experienced from “Fishhook Road.”
Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon via Moment Open Collection / Getty Images There is so much to do in this area, especially in the summer time. Make sure to bring your camera and a good pair of hiking boots, in case you’d like to explore the area more. No matter the season, there’s something gorgeous to behold.
This is a wonderful drive to take during your free time in the coming year.
pkujiahe via iStock / Getty Images Plus Put this on a list of things of easy things to do with the family to get out and explore this year. You won’t regret getting out and visiting in some of the prettiest spots in Alaska! A drive through these stunning mountains are sure to take your breath away.
Have you ever driven the Hatcher Pass Road in Alaska? What did you think? Did you drive it all the way through? What season did you explore it during? Let us know in the comments below!
Naphat Photography via Moment Collection / Getty Images
This road is lovely to explore during the limited amount of time that it is open during the summer season. You can travel this road in either direction. This scenic road in Alaska is a trip that is just begging to be taken.
wakr10 via iStock / Getty Images Plus
This depends on the amount of snowfall the pass received, and how quickly it melts. They will unblock the road when it is available for travel again, usually in mid summer around July 4th. The road leads to one of the most scenic places to visit in Alaska.
Melissa Kopka via iStock / Getty Images Plus
You’ll hear people referencing the road with both names. Once you enter into the mountains and off of the asphalt, the entire experience changes. The road is narrow and not maintained. You’ll find the mountains rise up on either side of you as you descend into the valley.
FatCamera via iStock / Getty Images Plus
It’s a beautiful reminder of how wild this area is throughout the year. Make sure to pack any kit that you may need, including a spare tire. The roads are bumpy and rocky and you may get a flat! This is an area that you’ll want to be very cautious about where you drive. The road is only about a car and a half wide, so if you encounter someone else, you’ll want to pull over.
pkujiahe via iStock / Getty Images Plus
The gravel part of the drive that cuts through the mountains is about 49 miles long. The original road was utilized by gold miners in the 1930’s and 1940’s and you’ll see relics of that along your drive, especially if you take the turn off for Independence Road, which leads to Independence Mine. This road has definitely earned its title as one of the “best back roads” in Alaska.
Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon via Moment Open Collection / Getty Images
There is so much to do in this area, especially in the summer time. Make sure to bring your camera and a good pair of hiking boots, in case you’d like to explore the area more. No matter the season, there’s something gorgeous to behold.
Put this on a list of things of easy things to do with the family to get out and explore this year. You won’t regret getting out and visiting in some of the prettiest spots in Alaska! A drive through these stunning mountains are sure to take your breath away.
There’s so many ways to explore the Hatcher Pass area. Besides spending the night at the Hatcher Pass Lodge, you can explore the area by foot or even snowboard in the winter! If you want a great hike to do while you’re in these gorgeous mountains, you should Hike To This Unbelievably Beautiful Alaska Lake High In The Mountains.
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Address: Hatcher Pass Road, Hatcher Pass Rd, Willow, AK, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hatcher Pass Road in Alaska January 19, 2021 Megan McDonald Is Hatcher Pass Road in Alaska accessible all year long? Once the snow starts to fall, Hatcher Pass Road is closed. It’s so remote that it’s just too difficult to plow and maintain during the winter time. There is also great avalanche risk when the road heads up towards the mountain tops. For safety reasons, Hatcher Pass Road is only able to be driven when the road is clear. What are the best back roads to take in Alaska? There are so many amazing back roads to take in Alaska. You can find them just about anywhere, too! Besides Hatcher Pass, McCarthy Road is probably the most popular back road, and it is the only road that takes you inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Read about more of our favorite Alaska back roads here. What’s the most scenic drive in Alaska? It’s impossible to pick just one – that’s why we share our favorites scenic drives here! But if you’re looking for the Cliffs Notes version: the Sterling Highway is perhaps Alaska’s most scenic route, as it has two parts, the north and south segments. Both are equally as memorable, offering their own sights and attractions along the way. The northern portion of the Sterling Highway travels from Sterling Wye to Skilak lake covering 38 miles and passing the shocking blue green waters of Kenai Lake. The southern portion travels the 29 miles from Anchor Point to the Homer Spit. The southern leg of the Sterling Highway gives you awesome views of the three volcanoes that make up the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” You’ll kind of see it all on the Sterling Highway, so definitely put it on the top of your list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hatcher Pass Road in Alaska
January 19, 2021
Megan McDonald
Is Hatcher Pass Road in Alaska accessible all year long? Once the snow starts to fall, Hatcher Pass Road is closed. It’s so remote that it’s just too difficult to plow and maintain during the winter time. There is also great avalanche risk when the road heads up towards the mountain tops. For safety reasons, Hatcher Pass Road is only able to be driven when the road is clear. What are the best back roads to take in Alaska? There are so many amazing back roads to take in Alaska. You can find them just about anywhere, too! Besides Hatcher Pass, McCarthy Road is probably the most popular back road, and it is the only road that takes you inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Read about more of our favorite Alaska back roads here. What’s the most scenic drive in Alaska? It’s impossible to pick just one – that’s why we share our favorites scenic drives here! But if you’re looking for the Cliffs Notes version: the Sterling Highway is perhaps Alaska’s most scenic route, as it has two parts, the north and south segments. Both are equally as memorable, offering their own sights and attractions along the way. The northern portion of the Sterling Highway travels from Sterling Wye to Skilak lake covering 38 miles and passing the shocking blue green waters of Kenai Lake. The southern portion travels the 29 miles from Anchor Point to the Homer Spit. The southern leg of the Sterling Highway gives you awesome views of the three volcanoes that make up the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” You’ll kind of see it all on the Sterling Highway, so definitely put it on the top of your list.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Once the snow starts to fall, Hatcher Pass Road is closed. It’s so remote that it’s just too difficult to plow and maintain during the winter time. There is also great avalanche risk when the road heads up towards the mountain tops. For safety reasons, Hatcher Pass Road is only able to be driven when the road is clear.
What are the best back roads to take in Alaska?
There are so many amazing back roads to take in Alaska. You can find them just about anywhere, too! Besides Hatcher Pass, McCarthy Road is probably the most popular back road, and it is the only road that takes you inside Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Read about more of our favorite Alaska back roads here.
What’s the most scenic drive in Alaska?
It’s impossible to pick just one – that’s why we share our favorites scenic drives here! But if you’re looking for the Cliffs Notes version: the Sterling Highway is perhaps Alaska’s most scenic route, as it has two parts, the north and south segments. Both are equally as memorable, offering their own sights and attractions along the way. The northern portion of the Sterling Highway travels from Sterling Wye to Skilak lake covering 38 miles and passing the shocking blue green waters of Kenai Lake. The southern portion travels the 29 miles from Anchor Point to the Homer Spit. The southern leg of the Sterling Highway gives you awesome views of the three volcanoes that make up the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” You’ll kind of see it all on the Sterling Highway, so definitely put it on the top of your list.
