Alaska – Kesugi Ridge, Resurrection Pass and Chilkoot Trail

HikingStore |23/10, 2026

Tent on an alpine ridge with mountains and lake in Alaska

Alaska is the most independent-minded hiking region in the United States. The trails here are often shorter than the great long-distance trails on the continent, but the distances between communities, the rapidly changing weather, and the presence of bears make planning more involved. You need to know how to navigate, handle food, and get back off the trail—even if something doesn’t go according to plan.

Here are three different tours: the high ridges of Kesugi Ridge, the forests and mountain passes of Resurrection Pass, and the historic Chilkoot Trail. The Chilkoot rules and practical information below reflect the information at the time of publication on October 22, 2026. Always check current conditions and rules before departure.

Kesugi Ridge: open views, fog, and limited camping

The Kesugi Ridge Trail in Denali State Park is a trail system, not a single fixed route. The typical hike from Little Coal Creek to Byers Lake is about 28.9 miles, or 46.5 kilometers. If you choose other connections, the hike can be longer; the entire system stretches up to about 37 miles, or 60 kilometers. Plan for the trailheads you will actually use and arrange for transportation or pickup in advance.

Many hike north to south to reduce the total elevation gain. The trail winds through forest and subalpine terrain up to an open ridge with views of Denali. Rock cairns mark some rocky sections, but markings are no substitute for navigational skills. Fog can quickly obscure landmarks, so bring a map and compass and be able to use them.

The most popular season is from late June to mid-September. No backcountry permit is required for the hike itself, but parking at trailheads costs $5. There are public cabins at Byers Lake Campground and a designated backcountry campsite on the trail, at Skinny Lake. Check the camping regulations for the location where you plan to stay overnight. Treat water from streams and lakes.

Bears roam the area, and seasonal closures may be imposed during high bear activity or flooding, so check with Alaska State Parks for current status and any closures before setting off. Just because a trail was open when you planned your trip does not mean it will be open when you arrive.

Hiker on a foggy ridge with a backpack in Alaska

Resurrection Pass: Multi-Day Tour with Bookable Cabins

Resurrection Pass Trail in Chugach National Forest is about 38–39 miles, about 61–63 kilometers, between Cooper Landing and Hope. The trail climbs from about 500 feet to about 2,600 feet at the pass. Allow two to four days one way depending on your pace and how long you want to hike each day.

There are eight public cabins along the route. They are booked through Recreation.gov, usually up to 180 days in advance, and popular dates can fill up quickly. Cabins are not a requirement to hike the trail, but you will need a reservation if you want to stay overnight in one. Also, check the seasonal availability and terms for each cabin before building your itinerary around it. Summer availability is typically listed for the period May 1–September 30.

The trail does not require a special permit for hiking. However, you will need a working plan for overnight accommodations, water, and transportation between trailheads. A cabin reservation does not make the trip self-sufficient: find out what is available on site and what you need to bring with you. The balance between cabin nights and camping depends on your group, weather margin, and how flexible you want to be.

Chilkoot Trail: historic trail with border closed in 2026

The Chilkoot Trail is approximately 33 miles, or 53 kilometers, from Dyea, Alaska to Bennett, British Columbia. The route follows an old Tlingit trade route and later the route taken by prospectors during the 1897–98 gold rush. That history is an important part of the site; hike with respect for its significance to Tlingit and First Nations people.

In 2026, it is prohibited to cross the international border at Chilkoot Pass. You can hike the American or Canadian side separately, but you must turn around at the border and return the same way. So, don't plan the Chilkoot as a cross-country hike. Rules can change between seasons, so check the border status again before your next trip.

On the US side, permits are required for overnight camping during the summer season, June 1–September 12. Reserve dates and designated campsites in advance via Recreation.gov . All group members must attend a mandatory safety orientation at the Trail Center in Skagway for the permit to be validated. The Canadian side has a separate reservation and permit system through Parks Canada .

There is no cell phone coverage along the trail. Transportation to and from Dyea and Skagway, and any onward travel from Bennett on the Canadian side, needs to be arranged in advance.

Bear safety and food storage

Alaska is bear country, with both black and grizzly bears. Carry bear spray easily accessible in a holster – not packed in your backpack – and learn how to use it before your trip. It is highly recommended, but not required by law in all areas. Also follow local advice on how to move and store food.

Denali National Park requires an approved Bear Resistant Food Container (BRFC) when camping overnight in designated backcountry areas of the park. This rule applies to food, trash, and other odorous items. This is a requirement, not a recommendation. Check the list of approved models before you leave; containers can also be borrowed from the park's Backcountry Information Center. Dry bags and coolers do not count as approved containers.

Denali National Park is not the same area as Denali State Park, where Kesugi Ridge is located, so check the rules for your route and don't confuse the rules between the parks.

Weather and safety margins

Alaska's summer is short. Even in the middle of the season, nights can be cold and wet, and the weather can change quickly. On high ridges, fog can completely eliminate visibility. Allow for extra time in your stages and be prepared to cancel or change plans if conditions deteriorate.

Cellular networks are lacking in many places. A satellite communicator is a wise extra protection, especially when hiking alone or far from roads and buildings. The emergency number in the US is 911, but help in the wilderness can be delayed and evacuation can be expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical care and possible evacuation.

Sleeping bag in tent at a cold and damp campsite in Alaska

Logistics and equipment: prioritize protection and sleep

Anchorage is the most common starting point. Kesugi Ridge is accessed via Denali State Park, about a 2.5-3 hour drive from Anchorage. Resurrection Pass is accessed from Cooper Landing or Hope on the Kenai Peninsula. For the Chilkoot, Skagway is the starting point; many visitors arrive by ferry or cruise. Roads, ferries, and shuttles may be seasonal. Confirm transportation before locking in your itinerary.

Pack for cold nights and exposed weather, not just for the warmest forecast. A wind-resistant tent, an insulating sleeping pad with a high enough R-value, and a sleeping system that is suitable for the expected lowest temperature are more important than chasing the lowest possible pack weight. A sleeping pad that is too thin can let in ground chill and cause poor recovery. Choose your sleeping bag based on comfort temperature and realistic conditions; our guide to bird down explains the difference between down quality and actual fill weight.

Also bring water purification, rain cover for your pack, reinforcement clothing, map and compass. A wind-resistant tent solution , a backpack that fits well ( backpacks ), a warm sleeping pad and a sleeping bag that suits the trip ( sleeping bags ) solve different tasks – no single gadget compensates for a weak whole. Feel free to use our packing list for summer hiking as a starting point and adapt it to Alaska.

If you are flying to Alaska, plan on getting bear spray locally. Denali National Park states that spray cannot be taken on planes or trains and cannot be transported by car through Canada; check the transportation regulations for your own itinerary before departure.

Sleeping mat in a tent at a cool and damp campsite

Alaska compared to Swedish mountain hiking

Swedish hikers often recognize the rapidly changing weather and the need for good rain gear. The differences lie in the details that have big consequences: Alaska has bear-specific food regulations in some areas, weak or non-existent trail markings on some stretches, and longer distances to help. There is also no general right of way that gives the same free access to nature as in Sweden. Check land ownership, local regulations, and any permits for each area.

Final checks before takeoff

Check trail status, weather, flooding, and any bear closures.
Confirm permits, campsites, and cabin reservations – especially for Chilkoot.
Arrange pick-up and return transportation, including ferry or shuttle if the route requires it.
Share your itinerary and estimated return time with someone back home.
Test navigation equipment, water purification and satellite communications.
Make sure that food storage follows the rules for the specific area you are visiting.

Alaska requires more forethought than many hikes in Sweden, but that doesn't have to mean unnecessary gear. Choose what will help you sleep, stay dry, and make decisions when the weather changes. The best pack is the one that works when conditions don't go according to plan.

The US part ends here

Thank you for following the US part of the World's Hiking Trails series. The five articles have taken us from the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail to the Continental Divide Trail, the national park trails in the Southwest, and now Alaska. The US part is now complete. The next step in the series has not yet been decided – we look forward to exploring new countries and continents together when the time comes.