If you’re looking for a great place to watch autumn take over Alaska, the Gold Mint Trail in Hatcher Pass is a stunning way to watch fall arrive! Located in Palmer, this beautiful hike takes you up into the mountains and ends at 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 13.4 miles, out and back, although you can turn around at any time.
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.
This is bear country, so stay “Bear Aware,” and make sure to pack bear spray and keep all smelly items 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.
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 every step you take.
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, and the daily parking fees are $5. That is a small price to pay for enjoying one of the most stunning hikes in Alaska!
Have you ever hiked the Gold Mint Trail? What did you think? Did you make it all the way out to the Mint Hut? Let us know in the comments below!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Richard Moffitt / Google Maps
You can park at the Gold Mint Trailhead, and the daily parking fees are $5. That is a small price to pay for enjoying one of the most stunning hikes in Alaska!
If you’re looking to fuel up after your adventure, check out The Tiny Restaurant In Alaska That Serves Mexican Food To Die For!
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Address: Gold Mint Trailhead, Fishhook-Willow Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
