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Palmer, Alaska

Looking for the best backpacking in Palmer? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Palmer. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Backpacking Spots in and near Palmer

  • Palmer, Alaska

    Hike to Alaska's Mint Hut

    5.0
    9 mi / 2500 ft gain
    Start your adventure by driving 1.5 hours north of Anchorage to the Gold Mint Trailhead about 20 mins away from the town of Palmer. Pay for parking, there is a day fee and a camping (choose either depending on your ambitions).  This trail can be broken down in four (unequal) sections.  The easy s...
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  • Palmer, Alaska

    Hike the Gold Mint Trail

    16 mi
    Hiking through this valley really shows off the amazing landscape of Alaska.The trailhead starts at mile 13.7 on Hatcher Pass Rd. There is a big parking lot ($5 for a day pass). The trail has mile markers for the first 5 miles and is fairly well groomed, although you do have to do a little bushwh...
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  • Palmer, Alaska

    Hike Reed Lakes, AK

    5.0
    18 mi / 1850 ft gain
    The trail head starts at the small unpaved parking lot which is free, (it was very full though because of berry picking). The trail starts off wide and flat as you walk through a beautiful valley surrounded by trees and giant granite mountain peaks. The trail changes to an upward climb with lots...
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  • Palmer, Alaska

    Hut to Hut Across Alaska's Talkeetna Mountains

    31 mi / 4800 ft gain
    Cooling temps and changing colors often prompt us to squeeze in one more trip. And in the mountains of Alaska, it really is a squeeze. The time from peak fall colors to the first snow cover can be as short as a week. This autumn we chose to expand on a popular trek in the Talkeetna Mountains nort...
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  • Anchorage, Alaska

    Hike the Crow Pass National Historic Trail

    4.0
    22.6 mi / 3100 ft gain
    Starting at an elevation of 600 feet from the Eagle River Nature Center, the trail runs through the Eagle River Valley and climbs over Crow Pass to Girdwood.The trail follows the river for almost 12 miles before requiring a ford. Fords can be very dangerous and it is very important to understand ...
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  • Anchorage, Alaska

    Camp at Chugach State Park

    3 mi
    All trails start from the Eagle River Nature Center, located in the Chugach Forest. There are many different trails and loops (from less than a mile to 25 miles), so no matter your experience, there is a good trail for you. A trail map of the area is available here.There are cabins located about ...
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  • Anchorage, Alaska

    Hike to Rabbit Lake & McHugh Peak

    4.5
    5 mi / 200 ft gain
    Rabbit lake and McHugh peak easy way in trail starts at Canyon Road off DeArmoun. This road is still not completely paved and I recommend you drive slow. You must arrived early to obtain parking spots on the weekends otherwise you'll be fine. Parking is free. The change of elevation is minimum ye...
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