Get Some Snow on the Tires: Best Off-Road Trails in Alaska

Home to more than 3,000 rivers, 3 million lakes, an estimated 100,000 glaciers, and 17 of the 20 highest mountain peaks in America, the great state of Alaska frankly feels like a bit of a try-hard when it comes to natural wonder. The word itself conjures images of pristine winter vistas and big game destined to wind up on a spinning display of postcards.

Maybe it’s all that sound-dampening snow, but Alaska’s majesty has always seemed to carry an element of mystery with it. To locals it may just be home, but for those of us who still struggle to understand the whole 24-hour daylight/darkness phenomenon, it’s a downright intimidating place.

For off-road nuts though, it’s paradise.

Alaska sprawls out over 663,000 square miles, with nearly half the state’s population residing in the Anchorage metro area – leaving a lot of open space for adventure. Think you’re up for the experience? Check out some of the state’s best off-road trails below, and see how Alaska earned its nickname of The Last Frontier.

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Eureka Trail System – Glennallen

Those who crave deep snow, groomed trails and stunning views will have a good time in Eureka. Popular all year round with all types of vehicles, the Eureka Trail System offers over 150 miles of crisscrossing trails and varied driving conditions. The area sees several feet of snow in the winter, making it a particular favorite among snowmobiling enthusiasts. Once the thaw comes though, expect to get plenty of mud on the tires until everything turns dusty and dry in the summer. That’s when the ATVers descend – as well as wild herd of caribou!

Bald Mountain – Wasilla

Sometimes simply referred to as the “B-29 Trail,” Bald Mountain offers a challenging ride with spectacular panoramic views of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley – as well as a side trail leading to the wreckage of a B-29 bomber plane that crashed in 1956. The main trail stretches 22 miles through Wasilla, with lots of steep hill climbs and a clay surface that quickly turns slick or muddy in the rain. Even if the weather seems dry, it’s not a bad idea to keep tire chains on hand and recovery boards for extra insurance — and don’t go alone.

Bald Mountain Trail is open year-round to all 4x4s, and is one of Alaska’s most popular off-road trails. Because of that, some regulars suggest not leaving your wheeler overnight if it breaks down, as you may not find it come morning.

Knik Glacier Trail – Palmer

Topping many a list of best off-road trails in Alaska, Knik Glacier is a must-see for Jeepers seeking a challenge. The trail runs almost 40 miles from its common starting point at the Jim Creek Recreation Area, following alongside the Knik River and ending at the epic glacier of the same name.

The out-and-back trail meanders through a variety of terrains including silt, sand, rock, forest and meadow, with some wicked (but fun) mud holes as well as tricky water crossings that have claimed more than one careless driver’s rig. Big, reliable tires and a capable winch wouldn’t be out of place here.

Open year-round to all types of 4x4s, Knik Glacier Trail sees a fair amount of traffic. Off-roaders should prepare to share the road with other vehicles, hikers and wildlife.

Caribou Hills – The Kenai

Heading south to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, you’ll find the Caribou Hills – or simply, “the hills,” as the locals would say. This popular recreation area sits about 50 miles south of the coastal city of Kenai, and serves up plenty of rugged old mining roads for your off-road pleasure. Open year-round, it is a favorite among wintertime snowmobilers. Summer and Fall can get very muddy, though, so go prepared. All 4×4 vehicles are welcome, but as the folks at RiderPlanet point out: “The area is best explored on four wheels.”

Beyond trail-riding, Caribou Hills has plenty of outdoor recreation to offer. Being on the water makes the area a world-class destination for canoeing, kayaking and rafting, as well as glacier cruises. And for those itching to see wildlife up close and personal, The Kenai is designated as the ideal launching point for a once-in-a-lifetime bear-viewing experience.

Red Rock Canyon Trail

Would it surprise you to learn that we’re just now hitting the outskirts of the Anchorage area? As we said, Alaska is huge. Red Rock Canyon Trail sits north of Rainbow Ridge and offers a relaxing ride through colorful canyons on packed gravel. Due to high brush, a few creek crossings and some sharp boulders, higher-clearance vehicles are recommended but this trail is technically friendly to all 4x4s. You’ll likely see hikers along the route as well, taking in sights of the jagged mountains and rugged canyons that would have you thinking you’re in the Southwest if it weren’t for that giant glacier hanging out in the background. Since this trail climbs pretty high, plan for snowy conditions outside of summer visits.

If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, Middle Fork Trail isn’t too far south. Just be aware it’s one of the most highly used trails in the area.

Dalton Highway

A highway on the list of best off-road trails in Alaska? Yes, a highway. That’s how you know this state is badass. Originally a service road for the Trans-Alaska pipeline, this famous strip through the heart of the wild is no easy joyride. We’re talking 414 miles of mostly gravel and dirt surfaces with intermittent pavement, shoddy cellphone reception and virtually no travel amenities. Drivers must be prepared for all eventualities – no fuel, wayward moose, snow in July (seriously!), even avalanches. Trust us, this is no ordinary highway and it’s certainly not for beginners.

The Dalton Highway proves a point about off-roading Alaska – that it’s not all that hard to find a stellar off-road experience. When touring The Last Frontier, you simply find a town, take a road out of that town, and then turn left or right off at the end of that road. Practically without fail, you will connect to a network of paths that only locals frequent.

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