TAKE A BREAK FROM MAIN STREET AND EXPLORE THE REAL TALKEETNA.
Stop by the shop to pick up a FREE copy of these maps and check in with our staff on the latest trail conditions and reports!
WINTER TRAIL MAP
SUMMER TRAIL MAP
Trail descriptions
Talkeetna Lakes Park (year round)
There are two trailheads to access Talkeetna Lakes Park. One at Whigmi road at mile 10 and one at Comsat road at mile 12 of the Talkeetna Spur Hwy. (The highway begins at Mile 1 where it meets the Parks Highway and ends at Mile 14 in downtown Talkeetna). This expansive park is a tranquil retreat offering a variety of trails amidst unspoiled landscapes and clear lakes. There are several loop trails leading you around the lakes. In the summer, all trails are open to both bikers and hikers. In the winter, there are several trails that are only accessible to nordic skiers (no dogs or bicycles). The parks lakes are also accessible with canoe portages connecting all four lakes. In the winter, the circumference of the lakes are groomed for multi-use.
The X Lake Loop (Red) is 3.4 miles and circles X lake. This two way trail is flowy and fun. The trail climbs up a ridge near the center and has some fun downhill great for all levels of mountain biking. This trail is usually groomed in the winter and typically sees more hiking foot traffic than others in the park.
The Ermine and Mink loops are 0.7 miles each respectively. They are relatively flat and wide. All users are welcome to use this trail in the summer and it’s a great for families or people looking for a laid back trail. Usage in winter is nordic skiing only.
The Z Lake Loop (Marten Loop) is 3.14 miles and circles Z lake in the center of the park. Access to this loop from either trailhead. All users are welcome to use this trail in the summer. Usage in winter is nordic skiing only.
The Tigger Lake Loop (Otter Loop) is 1.9 miles beginning from the Whigmi trailhead. This flat and easy loop is great for kiddos and families. All users are welcome to use this trail in the summer. Usage in winter is nordic skiing only.
Ridge Trail System (year round)
The Ridge trail system is an ongoing expanding trail project connecting Beaver road and the end of Comsat road. This is the most adventurous and highest elevation in the immediate Talkeetna area. There are several awesome loops with decent climbs and fun descent for mountain biking, hiking and nordic skiing. With expansive views of the Alaska Range and dense forests, this is one of the most scenic trails in the area. There is typically less traffic than the Talkeetna Lakes Park, so watch closely for bears and moose.
There are two types of trails in this system: multi-use motorized and multi-use non-motorized. In the summer, you’ll see ATV’s utilizing the motorized portions of the trail and in the winter, you may see snow machines and dog teams.
This trail is continuing to expand and is mostly well marked but is missing signs at a few of the intersections. Keep an eye on a GPS for your accurate location.
Access this trail 2 miles down Beaver road and look for a small black sign on the right side or access via the end of Comsat road and stay left until you see signs for the ridge trail.
Chase Trail (year round)
The Chase trail is a flat and graveled 8 mile out and back. This multi-use motorized trail sees users year round on all forms of transportation. Great for families or users who are looking for the least amount of elevation change. The trailhead begins in the Chase trail parking lot in downtown Talkeetna. From here, a short meander through the woods will bring you to the railroad trestle bridge where a fenced pathway will cross over the Talkeetna river. Once you cross the river, stay straight and explore until you reach the Chase community or take an immediate left and explore the usually accessible sandbar. (In seasons of heavy rain, this may be inaccessible due to flooding).
Swamp Trail (winter only)
The closest trail to Talkeetna Gear Shop is the swamp trail. This winter only trail is typically accessible in later months of winter once we have enough of a base to safely cross the swamp. This trail is about 5.2 miles out and back connecting Second st. and Old Lake road. This trail winds around the airport and through the swamp that follows Twister Creek. Gorgeous views of the Alaska range and the spruce tree swamp on a clear day make this one of our favorite trails to send people to. It’s flat and easy.
Expanded Winter Trails (winter only)
The Denali Nordic Ski Club grooms and maintains a variety of trails for winter use. These trails can be accessed from both the Comsat and Whigmi trailheads.
These trails cross a variety of swamps and lakes and are best accessed once the lakes fully freeze over.
Inlet and Heart lake are the closest to the Whigmi trailhead and offer a quiet and serene access to gorgeous open landscapes.
The Erratic trails are best accessed later in the season when we have a solid base of snow. These trails meander through the forest and feature large glacial erratic rocks placed in the dense forests.
Christiansen lake is a float plane landing in the summer and in the winter is groomed for multi-use.
River Trail (year round)
Deceptively named, this trail is essentially a walk in the woods. The trail can be bumpy and muddy in the summer and in the winter usually has a snow machine track to follow. There is no river access from this trail, however it’s a nice alternative to access the Ridge trail instead of using Beaver road.
Ski Hill (year round)
This hilly trail is accessed via the Overlook parking lot (mile 12.5) You need to walk the bike path south to the trail entrance which is almost opposite the entrance to the Talkeetna Alaska Lodge. This trail is nordic only in the winter.