If you choose to reserve one or more of the cabins, they typically cost $75 per night. Since the last day of our backpacking trip was also the longest, we were on the trail by 9:30 a.m. Trail can be muddyfollowing spring/early summer melt off. Wolf packs live in these mountains, too, along with lynx, marmots, beavers and other wilderness animals. 37.1 km Maps are available online or by calling the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178. The southern half of the trail passes three different lakes with potentially decent fishing. A lot of people mountain bike Resurrection Pass Trail in one day. General Information Directions: At mile 15 Hope Highway in Hope turn south onto Resurrection Creek Road. Dall sheep and mountain goats graze up high, and a small herd of caribou are sometimes sighted meandering the open slopes. 2-5 day small ship explorations. occupancy of eight people. It was a slow morning since we only had 7.2 miles of hiking for the day. Call 907-595-1456 to figure out what makes sense for your particular itinerary and make a reservation. Most sites have a bear resistant food locker and a backcountry toilet. connected to the .gov website. Situated along east shore of Juneau Lake. There is an option to cut your hike short by going down the Devil's Pass Trail. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Tent site with bear locker very close to Trout LakeCabin. Camping and/ or occupying any one Public Recreation Use Cabin for a period longer than seven consecutive days by any person or group including but not limited to family members, members of the same household, and members of the same camping party within a 30 day period, and three consecutive days May 15 to August 31. You can climb the ridges above the pass, or gorge on blueberries in season. The last time I did Res Pass Trail was in 1982 or so. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Trail follows the narrow Resurrection Creek valley through spruce/birch forest, past gold mining areas,gradually climbing into an alpine valley after 17 miles. It also gets most of the climbing out of the way by Mile 13, leaving you with a long mellow descent toward Hope. Sometimes there is firewood left by previous guests but usually you have to go out and gather wood. One of Americas Least-Visited National Parks May Start Requiring Reservations, Dont Fall for These 8 Common Survival Myths. 1,675' Up Box 390, Seward, AK 99664; (907) 224-3374. There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding or cooking utensils at the cabin. Mile 29.2 Resurrection Pass. Summer brings plenty of daylight hours in Alaska, so you have more than enough time to hike long days if you want to. It then levels off as it enters the wide Juneau Creek valley passing by lakes, muskegs and groves of aspens. It has amazing backcountry singletrack both above and below tree-line. The cabin sits on top of a small hill and you have to climb a long set of steps up the hill to reach the cabin. From the Resurrection Pass North Trailhead, at milepost 4 of Resurrection Creek Road, hike 7 miles to the cabin. The last mile to the trailhead is not plowed in winter. Most people plan 3 to 5 days to backpack the entire trail. The middle portion of the trail above tree-line is great! LENGTH: Hope to Cooper Landing is 38 miles. Insider tips to pick the best Alaska cruise. You will also see the trail access to Bean Creek Trail at mile 4.6, which is the common winter route access. Other than that the grade is mellow, mostly smooth. Outhouse and bear locker. Check out this 72.3-km point-to-point trail near Hope, Alaska. The trail intersects the RPT at the entrance to Devils Pass about 21.5 trail miles from Hope and 16.7 trail miles from Cooper Landing. Map Information. This cabin sits at the south end of Juneau Lake. Long riding. 1260.28 m Up Make sure to carry a headlamp with you as the days get darker because its hard to see and feels a little creepy making your way to the outhouse. 20.0 km The Resurrection Pass Trail South in Cooper Landing is located 106 miles, a 2-hour drive, south of Anchorage, and is best used from June to October. I like to pack a lot of water on the first day for convenience and I tend to get thirsty. FAX: (907) 743-9476. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30, and is open to over-snow motorized vehicles from Dec . There is a small sign at the summit that makes for a great photo opportunity. Since we hiked the trail in September and it was lightly raining, we definitely had to navigate some muddy areas. Explore this 44.9-mile point-to-point trail near Hope, Alaska. Starting in mixed spruce and birch forest, the trail gradually breaks out above treeline to reveal panoramas of wildflowers, rolling tundra, and sharp peaks connected by hogback ridges. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Visitors enjoy boating and fishing for rainbow trout, whitefish, burbot and grayling in Juneau Lake. WHERE: From Anchorage, its 85 miles to the trailhead in Hope; 106 miles to Cooper Landing. Location: Between Hope and Cooper Landing, about 100 miles south of Anchorage. It is surrounded by a spruce and birch forest, with views of nearby mountains and meadows. We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. 39 mile through hike to north trailhead requires vehicle shuttle. Start with What to Wear Hiking in Alaska (Summer). 15.8 km However, the trail is open year-round and a lot of people ski or bike to the public use cabins during the winter. Get advice from travelers in our Alaska Travel Club. 3,461' Down Visitors enjoy the alpine vistas, hiking and hunting, among other outdoor recreation opportunities. 34.9 km Map Information. Ask me in the comments. You travel through country rich in natural and human history, and then you can usually spend each night either in a campsite with basic facilities or inside a rustic cabin with bunks, table and heating stove. At the halfway point you top out at 2,600-foot Resurrection Pass, then drop back down to 300 feet again at Cooper Landing. Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. Office Hours:8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Creeks line the trail for much of the way, and cabins are situated within earshot of tumbling water, or beside trout-filled lakes. Get to know this 44.9-mile point-to-point trail near Hope, Alaska. If you want to rent one of these cabinsor a succession of cabins for night-after-night staysyou must book well ahead of time. Car, train, or group tour. June and July are the warmest months of the year. This trail is great for backpacking, birding, and camping, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. This was so helpful. Other features include splitting maul and saw, outhouseand arowboat equipped with oars for exploring the lake. ), Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map, Denali National Park Campgrounds & RV Parks. Its really nice to just hop into a car and go after a 4-day backpacking trip. Technical terrain with no alternate lines. Here is a list of cabins with mile markers and GPS coordinates. The Resurrection Pass trail (40 miles one way) is a fairly easy trail, well-maintained, minimal overgrowth, with plenty of streams and lakes for water. I was in my early 20s and my 14 year old sister came from NY to do it with me. With enough time, you would have the option to camp two nights in one spot and spend a full day exploring, fishing or just enjoying the scene. On the north side of Juneau Lake, we finally set our eyes on Juneau Lake Cabin at mile 9.5. Tent site with bear locker and outhouse. 39 mile ride to north trailhead. The photos that I share in this trail guide are from early September. After starting off super cold, the temperature began to rise with the sun. In recent years, several cabins have been renovated with new bunks, furniture, flooring, roofing and windows. Water taken from the lake should be treated or boiled before consumption. This cabin has an oil stove so you will need to pack and carry some oil with you if you want to heat the cabin. Share sensitive information only Moderately steep. Camping, pitching tents, or staying overnight within 300 feet of any public recreation use cabin is prohibited unless you have a valid cabin reservation. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Tent site with bear locker and outhouse near the north end of Juneau Lake. The blue skies started to open up and it really brought some of the colors in the mountains. Official websites use .gov A .gov June can still see snow in the pass and muddy trails take time to dry out, while rain grows more frequent as summer advances. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. Sleeps eight with bunks for six. For more current travel conditions, call the district office. Open every other winter season to motorized use. The climb is 1,600 vertical feet, but the reward is a truly jaw-dropping, 360-degree view stretching from the Harding Icefield 50 miles to the south all the way to Mt. The north trailhead is located four miles up Resurrection Creek Road from Mile 15 of the Hope Highway. Many parties bring two vehicles, dropping one off at the exit trailhead and then returning to the start trailhead in the second vehicle. 26.0 km More Stats for Resurrection Pass Trail mountain bike trail trail Altitude change 9 ft Altitude min 397 ft Altitude max 2,617 ft Altitude start 397 ft Altitude end 407 ft Grade max -50% Grade min 22.2% Distance climb 19 miles Distance down 15 miles Distance flat 3 miles Avg time 06:18:43 Avg reverse time 06:03:59 view trail stats Status: We headed back to grab our packs and started to climb up the valley. You may still find patches of snow in June. Would recommend South to North due to long the 20 mile gradual descent! There are also 19 campsites available along the trail. 437.45 m Down, 10.1 mi Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. It is prohibited to hitch, tether, or hobble any saddle or pack animal including dog teams, within 200 feet of an established trail, water source, or developed recreation site, including Forest Service recreation cabins. Located north of an escarpment overlooking the valley with SwanLake. and reservations. Arustic cabin with counter space, atable, benches and awood stove for heat. The two travel directions offer different flavors of experience. 7-10 days is the most common. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. It offers a wide-ranging wilderness experience coupled with remarkable backcountry camping infrastructure. Recommended winter access is via West Juneau Road just west of this trailhead. Romig Cabin is the second cabin on the Resurrection Pass Trail heading northbound at mile 9.0. 161 East 1st Ave., Door 8 It sits in an alpine valley, closely surrounded by mountains and not far from Devil's Pass Lake. Summit Creek Trail peels off in Resurrection Pass, while Devils Creek Trail descends from the cabin area a couple miles south of the pass. 1248.69 m Down, 9.8 mi Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. more. : Trout Lake Mile 7.3N 60 33 05 W 149 53 36Romig Mile 9.0N 60 34 13.4 W 149 52 32.5Juneau Lake Mile 9.5N 60 34 35 W 149 52 16Swan Lake Mile 12.7N 60 36 53.8 W 149 50 29.1, Caribou Creek Mile 7.1N 60 47 01.2 W 149 40 41.4Fox Creek Mile 11.7N 60 43 47.6 W 149 42 33.4East Creek Mile 14.5N 60 42 12 W 149 45 09Devils Pass Mile 21.5N 60 37 17.5 W 149 45 7.9. It was hard to see and get a good photo, which Im actually happy about. Tent site with bear locker and outhouse. The first state cabin on the trail is Trout Lake Cabin at mile 7.3. Resurrection North from mile 3 to East Creek Cabin at mile 14.5 has numerous difficult sections of trail due to narrow side hills between mile 3 and mile 6.5 that glaciate when snow cover is thin. The Resurrection Pass Trail is 39-miles long and the two main trailheads are Resurrection Pass Trail South in Cooper Landing and Resurrection Pass Trail North in Hope. Check Availability (They also offer drop-offs and pick-ups for Kenai River boaters and transportation to and from other area trails.) 1,438' Up 1,379' Up Often to the day. About 7.5 miles from Hope, you will reach Pass Creek. This cabin sits at the edge of Juneau Lake. Designated backcountry campsites are available at the following locations: mile 4; Wolf Creek (mile 5.3); Caribou Creek (mile 7); mile 9.6; mile 12.6; East Creek (mile 14.6); as well as miles 22.4, 24.5, 25.4, 27.7, 28.9, 29.6, 30.7, 31.1, and mile 33.7. For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics, please contact the Seward Ranger District. Shuttle DIY, or hire a cab. Big ship or small ship? Site S11, Loop AREA DEVILS PASS CABIN, Type Cabin Nonelectric, This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of, Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather, This is the Devil's Pass Cabin located on the Resurrection Pass Trail, not the Devil's Elbow Cabin near Kake, Alaska, Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions, Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed, Forest Order (10-04-00-14-47) that limits occupying/renting a public use rental cabin for more than seven consecutive days by any group or person. There is a small trail off to the right and it will take you towards the cliff. Sleeps eight, with bunks for six. If you choose to camp along the trail and are able to run your own car shuttle, this is a very inexpensive trip. 12 by 14 rustic cabin on Resurrection Creek in spruce-birch forest with mountain views. Be careful in the silver canoe because there was a small leak that was filling our boat with water. 2400.55 m Up The trail is closed to motorized use during the 2022-2023 winter season. Most people start biking from Hope or Devils Pass. You could also just climb to the top of one of the nearby mountains and check out the views from the ridge! 27 miles to Devils's Creek Trailhead. Sleeps 6, with table, oil stove, and, 16-x-16 log cabin in an alpine valley nestled amid steep mountain slopes. We made it to the cabin in 4 hours and 12 minutes. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. There are many combinations possible. website belongs to an official government organization in the Devils Pass cabin takes kerosene. Distance: 39 miles (each direction) Extended Trail: Some combine this trail with Russian Lakes Trail for a 60-mile trip between Hope and Cooper Lake. Resurrection Pass Trail is closed to motorized vehicles from May 1- November 30. Resurrection Pass Trail is closed to pack/saddle stock from April 1- June 30. It is unlawful to use a public recreation cabin without a cabin permit, so make sure to book your reservation online. The vendors operation is only a few miles from the south trailhead near Cooper Landing, which makes it easier to coordinate times for catching a ride after dropping off your vehicle. Well worth a look. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, 9.0 km Camping and/ or occupying any one Public Recreation Use Cabin for a period longer than seven consecutive days by any person or group including but not limited to family members, members of the same household, and members of the same camping party within a 30 day period, and three consecutive days May 15 to August 31. At mile 15 Hope Highway in Hopeturn south onto Resurrection Creek Road. Hunting of various wildlife is popular in the surrounding area. The last few miles on the trail are exciting, especially if youve hiked this part of the trail before and know that the Resurrection Creek footbridge marks the end of Resurrection Pass Trail. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. We left the cabin around 12:30 p.m. and headed out in the drizzling rain. Always be prepared for rain or foul conditions, but the Kenai Mountains can experience stretches of dry, sunny weather during summer. 518.58 m Down, 16.2 mi The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback or snowmobiling. That is, travel the Resurrection Pass Trail. Check with Recreation.gov by searching on cabin names. . Plus, the drive between the trailheads is one of the most scenic in the state, with many of its own attractions (wildlife viewing, fishing, lodge visits, gorges, hiking) along the route. Probably. No outhouse. The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback, snowmobile or floatplane. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ On the other hand, a North approach stretches the 2,300-foot climb to the pass over twice the distance, offering a more gradual rise with easier walking and biking, as you slowly move out of the mature forest zone into the alpine realm. more. There are several lakes, rivers, cabins, and tent-sites along the way. Cabin rentals come with use of a canoe or rowboat (depending upon the cabin. But many people simply backpack or bike camp the whole way. RATING: The main trail is easy to moderate, and side trails moderate to strenuous. 3,013' Up Ironic, because in a state buzzing with bush planes, the RPT is easy-access and much longer than a dayhike. Designated backcountry campsites at Juneau Falls (mile 4.3), Shaft Creek (mile 6.9), Falls Creek (mile 8.4), Juneau Lake (mile 9.1), mile 10.3, Swan Lake (mile 12.6), mile 13.6, and mile 15.6. 4,097' Down Private parties camping in tents do not need permits in advance. ) or https:// means you've safely (The trail intersection is about 2 miles south of Resurrection Pass near the Devils Pass Cabin.) Check Availability Snow can remain in the pass until mid-June. The view from the windows of the cabin is amazing since Juneau Lake sits below. ), Contact the Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur (mile marker 23.5), Seward, AK 99664. Most of them feature campfire rings, bear-proof lockers and outhouses. The middle portion of the trail above tree-line is great! A 39 mile trail that climbs from 500 to 2600 feet, visitors can reserve one or all of eight public use cabins along the route. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=13398, 10-04-30-22-12 Russian River Campground Area Closure. With only a few steep grades and a generally smooth walking surface, the trail does not require special preparation or gear beyond what you need for regular backpacking. Located about 4 miles from the south trailhead (34 miles from the north), the falls is about 50 yards off the main trail about quarter mile south of the Mile 4.27 campsite. The south trailhead is at Mile 53.2 of the Sterling Highway (106 miles from Anchorage.) Backpacking Resurrection Pass Trail in Alaska, How to get to Resurrection Pass Trail South, Day 1 Cooper Landing to Juneau Lake Cabin, Day 2 Juneau Lake Cabin to Devils Pass Cabin, Day 3 Devils Pass Cabin to Fox Creek Cabin, (Visit Native-Land.ca to identify whose land you live, work, and play on. An hour south of Anchorage, seven of its 39 miles cruise above the trees on either side of the pass, with snowy peaks all around. Spam? The prime time to do a summer trip could fall on any week between mid-June through early September, with the heaviest use occurring in July and August. The trail is well maintained and starts to gradually incline as you make your way through the forest. 3,419' Up 2023 Andrea Kuuipo Abroad | All Rights Reserved. Adding extra time also makes the shuttle easier. Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. From the Resurrection Pass South Trailhead, at milepost 53.2 on Sterling Highway, hike 31.8 miles to the cabin. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. Thank you for all the great information Andrea. Heres How it Went. Travel 4 miles to trailhead parking. 7-10 days is the most common. But if youre backpacking the full route one-way for fun and adventure, consider taking a five-day trip that allows you to divide the journey into roughly four segments of 8 to 10 miles each and one rest day. Most sites have bear resistant food lockers and some sites have box toilets. So you can likely count on a clean and secure (if not gorgeous) shelter for your visit. If you travel mid-week, you may be very lucky and see few other people. Site S07, Loop AREA ROMIG CABIN, Type Cabin Nonelectric, This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of. No personal flotation devices are provided with the boats. 526' Down Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 19 h 5 min to complete. Office Hours:8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Hiked w/Alaska District annual teen trip. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. At the halfway point you top out at 2,600-foot Resurrection Pass, then drop back down to 300 feet again at Cooper Landing. Do you have any questions on backpacking Resurrection Pass Trail in Alaska? Closed to snowmachines winter 2022-2023 season. And thats before you start hiking! This is another benefit to hiking the trail during fall because that means its berry season. Backpackers? You may see construction equipment along the trail. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. Supervisor's Office Resurrection Pass South Trailhead is not recommended for winter snowmachine travel. The first four miles of this trail are not recommended due to steep, narrow sidehills. The one-way distance between the two main trailheads via Hope, Seward and Sterling highways is about 43 miles. 32 miles to Devil's Creek trailhead. We left the cabin around 10:30 a.m. For more current travel conditions call the district office. We made it to the Resurrection Pass trailhead around 12:30 p.m. and started the first leg of our hike from Cooper Landing to Juneau Lake Cabin. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! Simple is good. Hitchhiking from Hope with 2 bikes was easy. Most of the campsites are located near the public use cabins and a water source. It is prohibited to hitch, tether, or hobble any saddle or pack animal including dog teams, within 200 feet of an established trail, water source, or developed recreation site, including Forest Service recreation cabins. Check out our Seward Highway Drives or adventure links. People are asked to camp at least 300 feet from any cabin reserved by other travelers. Campsites are available on a first-come basis and there is almost always space to accommodate late arrivals. (Some 85 miles from Anchorage.) The trail is mostly non-technical, there was one climb going south to north after swan lake up to devil's pass that was the most technical for the ride in terms of rocks and elevation gain. The folks at the Wildmans store at Mile 47.5 of the Sterling Highway offer a shuttle or taxi service to and from Resurrection Pass trailheads for a group rate of $125 per hour.