Hatcher Pass ATV Ride vs. Knik River Valley ATV Ride: Which ATV Adventure to Choose
You may be an avid off roader with your own ATV, renting an ATV, or choosing between tour companies in Alaska. There are many spots to go ATVing in the state, and we believe that every trail is worth riding down. Some of our favorite trails start in Palmer, Alaska.
If you only have time for one atv adventure, we love riding out of Jim Creek. The trail has beginner friendly sections, offers beautiful views, and can be just a couple hour adventure or full day experience. See views of the Knik Glacier or cross several creeks & reach the terminal lake of the glacier!
Hatcher Pass is another spot that offers fun, moderate trails with beautiful mountain views. See the difference between these two locations so you can choose which ATV ride is right for you!
Why Choose Hatcher Pass for Your ATV Adventure
Hatcher Pass is a well known destination in Alaska. In the Summer these mountains are full of hiking trails, wildflowers, alpine lakes, and off roading routes. The Hatcher Pass Lodge is always a great stop for a snack after a long day of adventure. Head to Willow – the Western entrance of Hatcher to access off roading trails.
Be sure to follow posted signs as ATVs are not allowed everywhere in Hatcher! The trails you do find are worth exploring and can take you to mountain viewpoints. Watch for hikers you may share some trails with, and be on the lookout for wildlife!
Highlights of Hatcher Pass
- Beautiful Talkeetna Mountain Range views from the trail.
- More challenging routes with off camber trails, large rocks, and steep hills.
- Find blueberries, ride through forests, climb up mountains, and cross shallow creeks.
- Chance to see Denali on a clear day.
Trail Length
Trails in Hatcher Pass vary from 2 to 10 miles depending on which one you choose. These trails make for great quick or half day adventures. Choose a few trails to explore for the whole day.
What to Pack
Be sure to check the weather before you go on your adventure to layer properly. When there is rain you will definitely want waterproof layers. How much food and water you pack will depend on how long you want to adventure!
- Rain jacket and pants
- Waterproof boots
- Layers
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Helmet and goggles
- Water
- Snacks
- Your binoculars, camera, and gopro!
More Adventures in Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is full of adventures like hiking, backpacking, or rock climbing. Head up the gravel Summit Road to Summit Lake and hike April Bowl or Skyscraper Peak.
Learn about mining history at Independence Mine and visit what is left of one of the largest gold mining camps in Alaska. Hike to Gold Cord Lake while you’re there.
Head on a more challenging hike to Reed Lakes or backpack out to the Snowbird Hut for incredible views.
In a capable 4×4 vehicle you can drive up Summit Road and out to Willow in the summertime. This can get you away from the crowds and offer beautiful mountain views. It’s a great way to take the scenic route up to Talkeetna!
In the Summer look for wildflowers and swim in alpine lakes. In the Fall pick blueberries and see snow up on summit peaks.
Finish your adventure at the Hatcher Pass Lodge for some great food, drinks, and the chance to catch some live music!
Why Choose the Knik Valley for Your ATV Adventure
The Knik Valley is a beautiful spot full of dynamic trails with terrain, like sand dunes, that you won’t find elsewhere in Alaska, mountain and glacier views, and the chance to spot wildlife. The valley is best accessed from the Jim Creek Trailhead where a number of trails head out into the forests, across the braided river, and along sand dunes. These trails closer to the trailhead can be great for beginners!
Don’t have your own ATV or Side by Side? Book Your ATV Adventure!
The Knik Glacier is the closest glacier to Anchorage, and you can ride right up to its glacier lake with us. Be sure to be good at route finding and river crossing, or ride with a guide to make it all the way to the glacier! Regardless of how far you travel down the valley, the views are incredible.
Be prepared to kick up some dust on your ride! If you’re not riding with us, we highly recommend a dust mask of some kind, we always provide them for our guests. Be on the lookout for moose, bald eagles, Dall Sheep, and bears on your ride.
Highlights of the Knik Valley
- More beginner friendly trails to be found.
- Ride through a huge variety of terrain; forests, sand dunes, and cross rivers.
- See the Knik Glacier and ride all day to reach the iceberg filled glacier lake.
- Beautiful Chugach Mountain views.
- Full day adventure to reach the Knik Glacier.
- Chance to see wildlife along the trail.
Trail Length
The Jim Creek Trail to the Knik Glacier is about 40 miles out and back. You can choose to ride the whole trail and spend the day out exploring, or turn back at any point for a shorter experience.
What to Pack
Be sure to check the weather before you go on your adventure to pack well. You’ll always want waterproof boots (rubber boots are best) and waterproof pants for the various river crossings. How much food and water you pack will depend on how long you want to adventure, we provide a hot lunch for all our full day tours and snacks on our half day!
- Rain jacket and pants
- Waterproof boots
- Layers
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Helmet and goggles
- A dust mask
- Water
- Snacks and/or lunch
- Your binoculars, camera, and gopro!
- A dry bag for your things
Don’t have all the gear? That’s okay we provide everything on our tours
Other Adventures in the Knik Valley
The only other way to feasibly reach the Knik Glacier is by helicopter or jet boat. We recommend a flight with Outbound Heli Adventures or a jet boat tour with Knik Glacier Tours.
You can view the Knik Glacier from nearby hikes like the Butte, or catch a glimpse from viewpoints along the Knik River Highway.
Grab some much earned food at the Butte Burger Place or Mad Chad’s Pizza, or head into Palmer to choose another restaurant.
More Inspiration for Your Alaska Vacation
Meet Your ATV Guides
Meet Your ATV Guides We Have the Best ATV Tour Guides We have the best guides in all of Alaska! They are fun and will make you laugh on your…5 Tips For Planning Your First Trip to Alaska
5 Tips For Planning Your First Trip to Alaska This guide is best suited for those flying into Anchorage who are interested in going on a road trip! Get some…
