Itching for a road trip? There’s a wonderful backroad 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. The Hatcher Pass scenic drive 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.
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The Hatcher Pass scenic drive is lovely to explore during the limited time 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.
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This depends on how much snowfall the pass receives 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.
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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 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.
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It's a beautiful reminder of this area's wildness 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 you’ll want to pull over if you encounter someone else.

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Driving Hatcher Pass doesn't seem like a major undertaking at first glance. If you travel the entire distance of the road, you will drive about 60 miles. But it won't be quite smooth sailing.
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The gravel part of the drive that cuts through the mountains is about 49 miles long. Gold miners utilized the original road in the 1930s and 1940s, 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 earned its title as one of the "best backroads" in Alaska.
There are hikes, a state park, and unbelievable scenery to be experienced from "Fishhook Road."
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This area has so much to do, especially in the summertime. Make sure to bring your camera and a good pair of hiking boots if you'd like to explore the area more. No matter the season, there’s something gorgeous to behold.
In the fall, I’m a huge fan of getting out and exploring.
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State
Quite a few good hiking trails let you see the autumn colors come alive. And if you hit it just right, the blueberry picking is amazing!
On your way to Fishhook Road, the road winds through stunning mountains, with plenty of pullouts.
Megan McDonald / Only In Your State
It’s perfect for parking the car while you get out and explore and take a fantastic photo.
Hatcher Pass Road is a beautiful drive during your free time this year.
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Put this on a list of easy things to do with the family to get out and explore this year. You won't regret getting out and visiting some of the prettiest spots in Alaska! A drive through these stunning mountains is sure to take your breath away.

 

Don’t just take our word for it – driving Hatcher Pass Road is even more gorgeous than photos can convey! Have you ever taken this Hatcher Pass scenic drive? What stops and sights do you recommend along the way? Let us know in the comments below!

There are so many ways to explore the Hatcher Pass on this Hatcher Pass Scenic drive. Besides spending the night at the Hatcher Pass Lodge, you can also explore the area on foot or by snowboard in the winter.

If you want a great hike in these gorgeous mountains, this hike to an unbelievably beautiful lake high in the mountains is one for the memory books! But stay safe out there – grab a GPS app to help keep on the trail.

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More to Explore

Hatcher Pass Road in Alaska

Megan McDonald | January 19, 2021

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 wintertime. 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 backroads 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.

What's the most scenic drive in Alaska?

It's impossible to pick just one scenic drive! 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 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 see it all on the Sterling Highway, so definitely put it on the top of your list.

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Hatcher Pass Road, Hatcher Pass Rd, Willow, AK, USA