Recreation Region: Eastern Kenai Peninsula

Johnson Pass Trail - INHT

The Johnson Pass Trail is a segment of the longer Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT).

It is a 23-mile multi-use trail from mile 64 Seward Highway in the north to mile 32.5 Seward Highway in the south. The trail is mostly forested for the first 4 miles on the north end and first 10 miles on the south end. The higher middle section is mostly open subalpine terrain of meadows and brushy areas with views of nearby mountains. Elevation gains are gradual with a few steep sections. Snow can remain at higher elevations until mid-June.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

310

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

Click here for an information brochure on the Johnson Pass Trail of the Iditarod National Historic Trail.

Click here for the Johnson Pass Trail Map and Recreation Opportunity Guide

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 23 miles (one way)

Time: 2-3 days

Elevation Gain: 1000 feet

Season: Year-round

Public Use: High

Grade: 5-20%, a few steeper sections

Trail Condition: Gradual uphill with short, steep sections. May be muddy until mid-June.

Getting there: North Trailhead is at mile 64 of the Seward Highway: head south on signed gravel road. South Trailhead is at mile 32.5 of the Seward Highway

Johnson Pass Trail is closed to motorized vehicles from May 1- November 30. The north end to mile 3.6 is closed to motorized vehicles year round. Johnson Pass Trail is closed to pack/saddle stock April 1- June 30.

Getting There

Directions

North Trailhead: At Mile 64, Seward Highway, (east of Granite Creek Campground) turn south on Forest Service signed, gravel road for 1/4 miles to trailhead parking.
South Trailhead: At Mile 32.5 Seward Highway, pull into Forest Service signed pullout for trailhead (west of Upper Trail Lake). Parking areas may not be plowed in winter. Trail is closed to saddle/pack stock from April 1-June 30 and motorized vehicles from May 1-November 30 between miles 3.3 on the north clear to the southern trailhead. The first 3.9 miles of the trail from the north trailhead is closed year round to motorized vehicles. The Johnson Pass Wagon Road at the western edge of the parking area for North Johnson Pass trail should be used for winter access instead of the hiking trail. Winter access from the south is via the Johnson Creek winter route, which begins 1 mile up Trail Creek from the end of frozen Upper Trail Lake and connects with the Johnson Pass Trail south at mile 7.88.

Visit the nearest office for more information.
Office Page Here