April Bowl Trailhead

Always a beautiful day up there, and the drive to get there is just as much! (I had no idea it was called "April Bowl"😯), always just called it Summit Lake. Regardless, it's always been amazing!

Great views. Some scrambling over rocks required. Moderate climbing/assent.

READ ME.... hey there human. I want to share a little info about this place before ya get there. 1st thing 1st is that it is gorgeous up here. I went on July 3 of 2022. Didn't do a ton of walking as there was plenty of roadway through the park. You could get lost out here if ya wanted to do so. I did not see that many bushes or trees as it is wide open valleys and peaks. Ya have to pay 5 bucks a day for parking and I think that you may camp there as well but it may be limited for ya unless ya know where to do and I can't tell ye that much cus I have only been there this one time so far. The April Bowl must be the valley under Summit Lake. ALLOW ME TO SHOW YOU SUMMIT LAKE.......SEE PHOTOS. at 3400feet above sea-level you will find a waterfall feeding a Lake at the top of a hill/cliff. People kayak and also paragliding or parasail. I am not sure which it was yet but it was awesome to watch the guys take flight upon the winds in the mountains. I bet the view from up there is breath-taking Please go here. We went to the Independence Mine first and then out to see this phenomenally beautiful landscape. Cell phone service was in and out but not too bad. NOTE: help me out please. If you find my reviews helpful then please let Google Maps know by hitting the like button as it helps my Local Guide Status. Be safe out here and remember ...... there is someone in Alaska that cares about you.....Me. be safe and may the odds be forever in your favor.

Hatcher pass summit parking is the most beautiful but get crowded by noon and especially weekend. No matter what time of the day, I encourage hiker's to bring layers and water. No public toilets!!

It's a sunny day and the views were fantastic. There's still some snow on the ground, but the trail is clear. There were several people out today.

Oh my goodness this place is so pretty. I just enjoy being away from the city, the view is amazing and wow. The primitive road is kind of scary especially if it’s rainy or snowy. It takes you approximately 3600 ft above sea level. Make sure you have a good vehicle because the climb is pretty hardcore.

This trail is massively underrated IMO. The views are unbeatable and it’s such a short uphill climb to get to the alpine lakes. Worth the hike to the top for 360 degree views. Follow our fulltime travel adventures at @kateophalen on IG :)

A short but steep hike to a lovely little lake. Optionally continue up the ridge. If you get a sunny, clear day, the views are stellar.

Let's get something out of the way, right away. There is no "s" in Hatcher Pass, between the "Hatcher" and the "Pass". Correct: Hatcher Pass Hatcher NO!: Hatcher's Pass Hatcher's Anyway, this is one of the shortest "real" trails in the large area above/between Wassilla/Palmer/Willow known as "Hatcher Pass". In case you're not confused yet, this trail is located right at the actual pass of Hatcher Pass. That's right. It starts from Hatcher Pass, located in "Hatcher Pass (East Management Area)" Anyway, this trail is about 2.2 miles roundtrip and has 800 ft of elevation gain. It tops out on the summit of Hatch Peak. It's a great hike to take people that are a little bit adventurous, but maybe don't consider themselves "hikers". You'll pass a couple beautiful alpine lakes that are perfect rest stops. The trail eventually gains a rock ridge that leads right up to the summit. On a rare day with good weather, the views are stunning. You can see a large chunk of the greater Hatcher Pass area, Denali, and look back towards the Chugach Mountains near Palmer. (Pioneer Peak is particularly prominent) It's a favorite jumping off point for paragliders. It's a gravel road to get to the trailhead, but it's pretty well maintained. Any car will do.