Explore a Classic Hatcher Pass Ridge Hike: April Bowl to Government Peak Traverse
By the Numbers:
Elevation gain: 1,700 feet
Elevation loss: 4,591 feet (descending Government Peak via the Blueberry Knoll side)
Mileage: About 7 miles, one-way
Terrain: Rocky alpine tundra, ridgelines, steep descents, and muddy forest sections
Location: Palmer, Alaska – The trailhead for April Bowl is located at Summit Lake State Recreation Site in Hatcher Pass. Parking is limited, so arriving early is recommended.
Hike Overview: If you're looking for one of the most scenic Alaska hikes, the April Bowl to Government Peak Traverse is a must. This point-to-point alpine route travels along a series of spectacular ridges in Hatcher Pass, offering nearly continuous views of the Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains. Revel offers this trip as a custom guided hiking experience, ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a unique Alaska hiking experience. Plenty of hikers enjoy the route without guide service. Hikers who opt to travel the route independently should have experience with backcountry navigation, as this is an unmarked route.
The route is about 7 miles one-way and is best enjoyed with shuttle service or a friend for pickup. The trail begins by ascending to Hatch Peak from April Bowl. This first section is where most of the elevation gain is completed. From here, hikers can expect a series of ridges - narrow in places- and tundra walking. The April Bowl/Hatch Peak hike is a fantastic short hike and a great option for families or visitors with limited time. For those after a full-day hike, continuing along the ridgeline to Government Peak offers sweeping 360-degree views and an incredible sense of accomplishment.
The ridgeline between Hatch Peak and Government Peak is varied. Hikers will roll along the route, sidehilling the mountains in places, climbing precarious ridgelines in others, and enjoying easy tundra walking through other sections. The final push is the climb to Government Peak (elevation 4,783 feet). There is a bit of exposure during this section, but it doesn’t last too long.
From the Government Peak summit, hikers have two descent options. We prefer descending Government Peak via Blueberry Knoll. It’s easier on the knees!
The route can be hiked in reverse (Government Peak to April Bowl), but this direction is more strenuous as it requires climbing Government Peak first (about 4,000 feet).
Why we love it: Once on the ridge, hikers will enjoy scenic views of the Talkeetna Mountains, the Chugach Mountains, and the valleys below. Nearly the entire hike is above treeline, which means incredible views all day long.
Video footage from a custom guided hike traveling a portion of the April Bowl to Government Peak traverse.
Parking: Summit Lake Recreation Area is in Hatcher Pass, an Alaska State Parks unit, while the Government Peak trailhead is a Mat-Su Borough-maintained trail and parking area. As of 2025, there was no fee station at Summit Lake Recreation Area. Government Peak has an electronic kiosk by the chalet where payment (card only) can be made.
Guide Notes:
Snow tends to hang onto the ridgeline into mid-July, and the Hatcher Pass road to Summit Lake doesn’t normally open until late June/early July, making the best time to reliably hike this route mid-July through early September (pending first snow).
The Government Peak descent is brutal. Alternative options include hiking the trail as an out-and-back or descending Frost Bite Ridge at Skeetawk instead of Government Peak. The Government Peak “Race Trail” aka the west side descent is steeper than the “East Ridge” Bluberry Knoll descent.
The Talkeetna mountains are notorious for afternoon rain and storms as the summer progresses. Mind the weather, and be sure to pay attention to your surroundings when hiking this route.
Helpful Route Info:
Safety & Gear Tips for Hatcher Pass Hikes
Weather in Hatcher Pass can change quickly—even in summer—so preparation is key. Here’s what we recommend for this alpine traverse:
Layered clothing: Include a waterproof shell, warm layer, and wicking base layer.
Sturdy hiking boots: With ankle support and good traction for rocky or muddy sections.
Trekking poles: Extremely helpful for the steep descent from Government Peak.
Navigation tools: A GPS app with offline maps (like Gaia GPS or CalTopo) and/or a paper map and compass.
Extra water and high-energy snacks: There are no reliable water sources on the ridge.
Bear spray: Encounters are rare above treeline, but it's good practice in Alaska.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen are essential in the open alpine terrain.
For custom-guided hikes in Alaska, we provide safety gear and trail expertise, so you can enjoy the scenery with peace of mind.
Our Guided Hikes in Hatcher Pass:
We offer a guided Hike and Brew trip (our Valleys and Hops adventure) that travels along the Gold Mint trail. This is a mellow hike with minimal elevation gain. We love this trail because we get to travel in a glacial valley, chat about flora and fauna, and touch on some of the area’s mining history. At the end of this hike, we visit a local brewery - pint or flight included with your trip fees!
We also offer a Hatcher Pass Hidden Waterfalls hike. Most of the time, this hike takes place just beyond Hatcher Pass in a different part of the Talkeetna Mountains, but depending on our group, we may also hike this trip from Hatcher Pass proper.
Custom guided hikes: If you’re interested in seeing something in particular, reach out. The April Bowl to Government Peak Traverse is one of our favorite custom hikes. We also offer guided hikes on the Reed Lakes Trail and other Hatcher Pass routes.
