アラスカの峠・トップ12

The view from the summit of AB Mountain just might give you sensory overload. You will have a panoramic view for a full 360° from the actual summit, or equally great views from the earlier two false summits. It's up to you how far you want to go, but keep in mind that weather changes quickly around here and fog can roll in at any time. Be sure you have your maps downloaded and keep track of landmarks for the return trip.

Wolverine Peak is located on the western edge of the Chugach Mountains. The mountain is 4,491 ft (1,369 m) tall, and was named by the Mountaineering Club of Alaska when club members found wolverine tracks near the summit in 1963. The Wolverine Trail provides a great way to view the impressive peak from below.

At an elevation of 3,917 feet, Sable Pass is one of the several high points reaching nearly 4,000 feet along this section of Denali Park Road. This part of the road passes through an area of the park that is not as open to off-road exploring, so it is one of the best places to view wildlife. Likewise, this stretch of road is high enough that there are not many trees to block views, so you get great views of the surrounding mountains and landscape, too.

Polychrome Pass is a popular overlook and observation area along Denali Park Road. It's located at mile marker 45.8 and is the site of new bridge construction. Buses can only get here in the dry seasons, but you can attempt to run up here basically all year long.

White Pass is a legendary mountain pass in Skagway, Alaska, integral to the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800s. This pass, nestled between the Chilkat Range and the Coast Mountains, was a crucial route for prospectors seeking Yukon's gold. Today, it offers a glimpse into the past, allowing you to experience the challenging terrain that shaped the history of the region.

A small sign marks the actual pass here, and there is a small parking area with just enough room for a few cars. Just on the other side of the gravel road you'll find a trailhead for the family-friendly hike up to April Bowl, which in a normal year contains three small lakes. If you're feeling rugged, you can also hike up a rocky ridgeline to the obvious summit of Hatch Peak, which looms over the bowl.

One of the best gravel bike destinations in the Mat-Su Valley! The pass opens when sufficient snow has melted around July 1.

First big view of Denali on a clear day. Also, I place I often see wildlife (grizzly bears, moose and dall sheep).