9의 탈키트나 산맥가지 명소 & 주요 장소

Rae Wallace Trail is a 2.5-mile (4 km) out-and-back hike that climbs approximately 895 ft through alpine tundra and rocky terrain, offering beautiful mountain views and seasonal wildflowers. Park at the seasonal lot, as the roads do close in winter. Also, watch for a lower section that can be muddy or icy early in the season. The optimal time to hike is between June and August.

Great view of the glacier tongue

The first part of this wildly popular hiking trail is good for running too, with mostly solid dirt tread and enough rocks or streams across to make it feel interesting, but not turn into a full-on steeplechase. Soon after the trail starts up a steep ridge, though, it enters a massive, jungle-gym-like field of boulders that would thwart even the most seasoned of runners. (You could drop out of a run and hike your way through the boulders to continue past this point, if you so desire.)

On a good day, you really can't beat the scenery for this trail run. The trail itself, however, varies from hard-packed dirt to washed-out mud, depending on what the nearby river has been doing. Parts of this trail can also get very brushy toward the middle and end of summer, which increases the ever-present odds of a surprise encounter with wildlife like moose and bears. You should be aware of your surroundings and know how to handle a wildlife encounter if it does happen.

The Mint Hut was built in 1971 at this scenic spot in the upper Mint Valley, a gateway to the majestic Talkeetna Mountains. The hut can be used as a place to rest before starting your journey back, and staying there overnight is permitted on a first-come first-serve basis. The Mint Hut is managed by the Mountaineering Club of Alaska (MCA) and visitors are required to pay for an MCA membership before spending the night here.

The Independence Mine parking area, just on the other side of the road from here, is behind a gate that is closed in the evening. It usually requires a modest fee (it seems to change every few years, but tends to be around $5-$10 per vehicle). If the gate is open you can save some distance by parking here, but otherwise you'll need to walk from the parking lot further down the road.

This pretty alpine lake sits in a mountain bowl, surrounded by boulders — but the approach itself is pretty mild, with just a bit of rocky trail to deal with. This is a very popular destination for families.

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.