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Backcountry trail · Kenai Peninsula
Johnson Pass Trail
A 23-mile Iditarod National Historic Trail segment over an open subalpine pass, rideable end to end with a car shuttle.
- Distance
- 23 mi one way
- Elevation gain
- About 1,000 ft
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Trail type
- Backcountry singletrack and old wagon road (Iditarod NHT)
- Season
- Year-round trail. Muddy until about mid-June
Overview
USFS lists Johnson Pass for hiking and mountain biking, with forest at both ends and open subalpine country in between. Expect mud until about mid-June. Our Johnson Pass trip page covers the hiking side.
Rules and closures
Land manager: USDA Forest Service, Chugach National Forest (USFS Chugach NF: Johnson Pass Trail (INHT)).
- Closed to motorized use May 1–Nov 30. The north end to mile 3.6 is closed to motors year-round.
- Closed to stock (horses) Apr 1–Jun 30.
- Wilderness-style travel: pack out everything.
Season and winter fat biking
Year-round trail. Muddy until about mid-June.
No grooming. Past mile 3.6 the trail is open to winter motorized use. Check the CNFAC avalanche forecast before any winter trip.
Winter riding near avalanche terrain: check our avalanche conditions page first.
Bears
Bears are common on the Kenai. Ride loud on brushy sections, and store food properly if you camp.
Source: ADF&G: The essentials for traveling in bear country (statewide guidance)
Parking and trailheads
- North trailhead: mile 64 Seward Hwy.
- South trailhead: mile 32.5 Seward Hwy, at Upper Trail Lake.
- Shuttle: leave a car at each end.
Gear
Carry bear spray where you can reach it, a pump and tube, and layers for rain. For hiking, cabins and hazards on this route, see our Johnson Pass Trail trip page.
Our lists: Gear kits · Small-shop skis & splitboards · Alaska shops
Map: trailheads and parking
Points come from the sources listed. Basemap: USGS The National Map. Don't navigate with this map. Use the official trail map.