Arctic Valley Road

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3.8/5 (10 reviews)
Anchorage, Alaska (Anchorage County)
Last Updated: 06/22/2020

Trail Information

Highlights

Arctic Valley provides a quick jaunt into the wilderness of Alaska tucked in between Anchorage and Eagle River adjacent to JBER (Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson). Near the bottom of the road is a great sledding hill that starts at Waypoint 3 and goes down to Waypoint 2, although a JBER Recreation Pass is required if you want to explore beyond the road, sledding included. Bears and wolves along with other wildlife frequent the area, so keep an eye open and see what may be looking back at you! Along the way, there are great views of the greater Anchorage area, Denali, and the northern lights (aurora borealis) on a clear night sky. At the top of Arctic Valley Road (pay to park) you can pick blueberries, hike up and see an old Nike Missile site, site "Summit" (fenced off) that is still used today as a communications site for various government agencies, or go explore the backcountry. During winter the Arctic Valley Ski Area is a great place to ski, it is run by volunteers and is only open on the weekends. In the winter, 4WD (4x4, 4 wheel drive) or good working AWD (all wheel drive) is a necessity as the road is infrequently maintained and is often snow covered and icy from overflow, especially near the top.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

3.8/5 (10)
Open
Rated 1/5
Visited: 08/20/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Drove this today, Sunday. Had expected heavy traffic. Gravel road was nearly constant washboard with plentiful dust - but no potholes noticed. High clearance not required. Looks like very good road for hiking departures. For much of the drive the view was blocked by adjacent trees. By Alaska standards, there wasn't much scenery to see but, if you're from, say, Kansas, views were pretty impressive. Wasn't a fun drive under the conditions.
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400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/13/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Great Easy Trail. Can be very dusty at times. Excellent views. Most vehicles can tackle this trail.
Trail Review: Arctic Valley Road - Albert
Trail Review: Arctic Valley Road - Albert
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Official Crew
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6300
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/22/2020

I saw a black bear near the Moose Run golf course. The road was pretty wash boarded on the steeper sections.
Trail Review: Arctic Valley Road - Kyle Todd
Trail Review: Arctic Valley Road - Kyle Todd
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Official Crew
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6300
Open
Rated 4/5
Visited: 02/09/2020

The road was icy and snow covered from the base all the way to the top. I wanted to try making it up in 2WD and I might have gotten a little sideways on a few corners on my way to the Ski Area. I passed a yoga photoshoot or something on the scenic S turn at waypoint 4. Keeping it classy Anchorage, I like it.
Trail Review: Arctic Valley Road - Kyle Todd
Trail Review: Arctic Valley Road - Kyle Todd
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Official Crew
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6300
Open
Rated 3/5
Visited: 10/27/2019

Some snow at the top, nothing at the bottom.
Trail Review: Arctic Valley Road - Kyle Todd
Trail Review: Arctic Valley Road - Kyle Todd

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