If you’re looking for a great place to watch autumn take over Alaska, the Gold Mint Trailhead in Hatcher Pass will take you up into the mountains and is a stunning way to watch fall arrive! Located in Palmer, this beautiful hike takes you all the way to the infamous Mint Hut.

Autumn swoops in spectacularly in Alaska and Hatcher Pass offers incredible colors for you to enjoy.
Kiela Cott / AllTrails
The Gold Mint Trail is the perfect way to stroll through all the fall splendor, while also getting in a great workout. The mountains and plants in the area turn red in such a beautiful way.
The Gold Mint Trail is approximately 16 miles, out and back, although you can turn around anytime.
Valerie Krozel / AllTrails
You won't want to miss the views at the end of the trail, so it is highly recommended to hike all the way to the top. You'll spend the first couple of miles hiking along the Little Susitna River, which is beautiful in its own right.
At the end of the trail is the iconic Mint Hut. You’ll want to make it all the way there if you can; it was my favorite part of the hike!
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State Author
The views up here are spectacular, so bring a camera. Keep it close to your body; our camera got very cold, and the quality of photos was compromised.
This is bear country, so stay "Bear Aware," and make sure to pack bear spray and keep all items with strong smells packed up tightly.
Kristina Fidler / Google Maps
Luckily, you are less likely to run into a bear during the autumn months. And since many of the leaves have fallen off of the trees, you can see farther into the distance, which will give you longer to react if you do see one.
The trail itself is well maintained and flat as it follows the river towards Mint Glacier and the mountains at the end of the valley.
Valerie Krozel / AllTrails
It fact, it can be fairly easy until you reach the elevation gain towards the end of the trail. There's 2,119 feet of elevation gain, most of it in the last mile, which can prove to be a strenuous workout.

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If you choose to go in the spring or summer, you may have to do some river or stream fording.
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State Author
It’s not too difficult, although I could see after a heavy rain it getting a little more slippery.
The Mint Hut at the end of the trail is a stunning final destination.
Matt Petruso / AllTrails
Sitting at what feels like the edge of the world, the Mint Hut offers incredible views of the valley below. You can even spend a night here, although you may end up sharing it with fellow hikers, as it's rented on a first come first serve basis.
The views of the jagged peaks above the valley floor are worth the sometimes strenuous hike.
Greg Santanna / AllTrails
During autumn, the green on the sides of the mountains glow red. The panorama is enough to take anyone's breath away, even though the last mile or so of the hike is a scramble up the side of the mountain, and you have to pick your way through the boulder field.
This hike is open all year long, although we are partial to the autumn views.
Richard Moffitt / Google Maps
You can park at the Gold Mint Trailhead; the daily parking fees are $5.00. That is a small price to pay for enjoying one of the most stunning hikes in Alaska!
This is one of those Alaska “bucket list” items. Hiking out to the hut, spending the night in the glacier, and grabbing your photo in the morning!
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State Author

Have you ever hiked from the Gold Mint Trailhead? What did you think? Did you make it all the way out to the Mint Hut? Let us know in the comments below! Need to gear up for your adventure? We’re a fan of REI.

If you’re looking to fuel up after your adventure, check out The Tiny Restaurant In Alaska That Serves Mexican Food To Die For!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Gold Mint Trailhead

Megan McDonald | February 23, 2024

How long is the Gold Mint trail?

The Gold Mint Trail is located in the Hatcher Pass area of Alaska. It is a popular hiking trail known for its stunning alpine scenery, including views of the Talkeetna Mountains, valleys, and potentially even wildlife. 

The trail length is about 8 to 10 miles one way, leading to the head of the Mint Glacier Valley. This makes for a round trip of approximately 16 to 20 miles if hikers choose to go to the end of the trail and back. The trail's difficulty is often rated as moderate, though conditions can change with the weather, and the length of the hike can make it a challenging day trip or a manageable overnight trek.

What is the elevation of the Mint Hut?

The Mint Hut, located at the end of the Gold Mint Trail in the Hatcher Pass area of Alaska, sits at an elevation of approximately 4,300 feet (about 1,310 meters). This backcountry hut is part of the Mountaineering Club of Alaska's hut system. It serves as a base for hikers, skiers, and mountaineers exploring the Talkeetna Mountains and the Mint Glacier area. The elevation provides stunning views of the surrounding alpine landscape, making it a popular destination.

What are the best hikes in Hatcher Pass, Alaska?

Hatcher Pass, located in the Talkeetna Mountains of Alaska, offers a variety of stunning hikes that cater to all levels of hikers, from easy walks to challenging mountain treks. The area is renowned for its beautiful alpine scenery, wildflowers, mining history, and panoramic views. Here are some of the best hikes in Hatcher Pass:

  • Gold Mint Trail: This trail is one of the most popular in the area, leading hikers through a beautiful valley toward the Mint Glacier. It's a long hike, with the option to go 8 to 10 miles one way, depending on how far you venture toward the glacier.
  • Reed Lakes Trail: A moderately challenging hike, this trail takes you past Lower and Upper Reed Lakes, offering stunning views of alpine lakes and rugged mountain scenery. The round trip is approximately 9 miles and includes some steep, rocky sections.
  • April Bowl Trail: This is a shorter hike, about 1.5 miles round trip, that offers quick access to alpine terrain with spectacular views. It's relatively easy and leads to a small lake and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Independence Mine State Historical Park Trails: The trails around Independence Mine offer a blend of both for those interested in history and nature. You can explore the historical mine buildings and enjoy the scenic views of the valley. There are several easy-to-moderate trails in the area.

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Gold Mint Trailhead, Fishhook-Willow Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, USA