Knik Glacier

The Knik Glacier trail near Butte, Alaska, is a 38-mile(round-trip), difficult, multi-use trail that leads to the impressive Knik Glacier.

Starting from a large dirt staging area after the Alaska Raceway Park on E Sullivan Avenue, the trail offers varied terrain including open meadows, gravel areas, and wooded trails with deep water and mud crossings - challenging during the spring thaw.

The difficulty and navigation of the trail varies with the seasons. In spring, melting snow creates muddy conditions and deeper water crossings. Summer offers drier conditions but can still present challenges with shifting riverbeds. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and potentially icy conditions, while winter can cover the trail in snow and ice, demanding utmost caution and preparation.

Many sections of the trail are narrow and will undoubtedly make contact with the sides of a full-size vehicle.  Cellular reception fades shortly into the trail and should be planned for in advance.

The Knik Glacier Trail offers a dynamic and memorable off-road experience, blending challenging terrain with the awe-inspiring beauty of the Alaskan landscape. That said, it's a remote trail with unique challenges requiring respect for its changing conditions and wild spaces.

If you're interested in finding out more about what's in store on this trail, check out this great video from MotorTrend as they shared their experience on Knik Glacier as part of the 2019 Ultimate Adventure!