If you are anywhere around Anchorage and want a stunning day trip I highly suggest driving through Hatcher Pass. Now this road is only open after the first part of July and closes down once there is snowfall so you have to time it just right but if you are looking for a road trip that offers you some stunning views then I highly suggest it. During the summer your views are filled with every color of green you can imagine and wildflowers are everywhere.

L288Hatcher Pass

F193Floral carpet

When you get closer to fall the mountains seem to become a picturesque combination of reds, oranges, yellows and browns as the alpine landscape changes colors, this is also a popular place for berry picking in the fall.

L123Fall in Hatcher Pass.

I make this trip a couple times a year and every time I go up there I see something new. This last time we went up after almost a week of rainy dreary weather, we finally had a semi nice day and jumped on the chance to get into the mountains.

Now before I get to into this I better make sure you know how to get there! There are two ways to get up to Hatcher Pass; through Palmer and Willow. If you want start out in Palmer then head east on the Glenn Highway, when you get on the other side of Palmer you will see signs directing you to turn left to head to  Hatcher Pass and the Independence Mine. Follow those signs and you will be entering the pass from the South East. The other entrance is just past Willow, heading north on the Parks Highway there will be a sign telling you to turn right, once you are past Willow, that take you to the entrance west.

Now that that is cleared up, let's talk a little about the road. If you are coming from the Palmer side the road is paved all the way up to the Independence Mine. It is maintained year around and while it is curvy and sometimes steep it is a road that pretty much any vehicle can be driven on. Now if you are a coming from the Willow side the road is paved from your turn off the Parks Highway for a ways but then it becomes a dirt road from the base of the pass up past Summit Lake Rec area all the way until you get to Independence Mine. Every time we have gone up this way the road has been pretty smooth, no gaping pot holes or anything like that, so while I would say you could take any car up there I would just be cautious if you do. This is actually the portion of the road that gets closed when the snow starts to build up. Also, if you are not use to driving on dirt roads a word of caution, they can be slick when you go around corners so take it easy. We had a startling experience of watching a car come around a corner sideways, almost go off the sharp drop off, correct itselt and end up in the ditch on the other side of the road. Directly in front of us. So please people, take it easy!

Now let's talk about what you will see. This drive offers such amazing views I don't even know how to describe them. The mountains seem to reach way into the sky, almost cuddling with the clouds. L287Hatcher Pass in late summer

Once you have driven up into them the views to the valleys below take your breathe away. L286View from Summit Lake

Don't be afraid to stop at pullouts and explore a bit. A favorite place for people to stop is up at Summit Lake Rec area, which offers opportunities to hike a little, sled a little (snow permitting), and possibly watch some paragliders do a jump of two. L195Summit Lake at the top of Hatcher Pass.

Along with all the scenic views there is a bit of wildlife as well. If you are lucky you will spot a moose or bear along the mountain sides but if you slow down and get quiet you will also be able to see some of our smaller wildlife. Like this hoary marmot and arctic ground squirrel. A158Hoary Marmot taking in the view

The arctic ground squirrels can be very entertaining to watch if you have the time.

So here is my suggestion to you; pack a lunch and some snacks, fill up the car with gas, load up the family and your camera and pick a good day and head up to Hatcher Pass and spend the day being amazed by the beauty of Alaska!