Trail Reviews

On this page you will find reviews for a few of the trails that I have hiked. I have made sure to include trails that are dog friendly and great for hikers with physical limitations.

Mount Healy Overlook

This trail is located in Denali National Park (Healy, Alaska). I have hiked this trail several times both during summer and winter months. During the winter months there is rarely traffic on this trail which is a plus, however, be prepared to be hiking in deep snow that may not be packed down. Hiking Mount Healy in the summer offers great views of the lush green mountains and wildlife. At the top of this trail, there are flat rocks accompanied by fireweed that make perfect sitting areas. The length of this trail is 6.9 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 2,483ft. This trail does not allow dogs and would not be suitable for hikers in need of wheelchair access.

Savage River Loop (♿︎)

This 2 mile loop with an elevation gain of 413ft is located in Denali National Park, Alaska. The trail is along both sides of the Job Savage river. This trail does not allow dogs. Despite the trail being unpaved, I have seen both strollers and wheelchairs used on this trail without issues during the summer and fall months. However, the safety of this trail depending on the mobility device is up to the hiker's discretion. Caribou, moose, bears, and smaller mammals such as marmot frequent this area.

Twin Peaks Trail

Twin peaks trail is located in Chugach State Park, Alaska. This is an out and back 8.4 mile trail with an elevation gain of 4,524 ft. The first bench, which has an amazing overlook of Eklutna Lake, is only about 3 miles into the hike. There are beautiful views throughout this trail, however, if you're short on time the first bench is a great turn around point. Dogs are allowed on this trail although they must be leashed. Considering the incline and scrambled rocks, this trail would not be suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Wildlife is frequently spotted on this trail so please refer to local postings regarding wildlife safety measures. Before or after your hike make sure to stop by the lake and take in the scenery!

Flattop Mountain Trail

This 3.3 mile trail has an elevation gain of 1,430ft. Flattop mountain trail is located in Chugach State Park, Alaska. The trail itself is steep and narrow with loose rocks most of the way up. After the timber steps, the trail becomes much like a vertical climb. Dogs are welcome on this trail, however, they must be kept on a leash. The beautiful ocean views and surrounding mountain peaks are continuous throughout this hike. Thick bushes and wildflowers such as fireweed run along the sides of the trail for the first half a mile or so. An American flag marks the top of the trail. Wildlife such as moose and brown bear (occasionally) can be seen at this location.

Castner Glacier Trail

Have you ever been inside of a glacier cave before? It is definitely something worth seeing for yourself. Located in Delta Junction, Alaska, this trail is a short 2.6 mile hike with an elevation gain of 426ft. I recommend visiting Castner glacier during the winter months (November - April). The trail is not marked and is on the frozen river, you essentially follow the footprints or other hikers to the cave. Sounds sketchy I know, but considering how popular this trail is, being the only hiker would be rare. Views from the trail include the surrounding Delta Mountain Range. When coming up to the cave the ground is solid ice, so be sure to wear a pair of boots with good traction or throw on some yaktrax. I have also seen people switch into a pair of ice skates while in the cave! As you shuffle towards the back of the glacier there are an interesting phenomenon known as hoarfrost hanging from the ceiling. These are fragile and thin, crystal-like ice formations. If you run your hand across them, the echoing sound is much like glass shattering as they break.

Garden Of The Gods (♿︎)

There are multiple trails to explore throughout the Garden of the Gods park, all of which are fairly easy even for beginners. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this park offers sights of several unique rock formations as well as a continuous view of the Pike's Peak summit. Although the park is a heavily trafficked tourist area there are still many opportunities to view wildlife such as mule deer, foxes, big horn sheep, rabbits, and occasionally elk. There are a few paved and leveled trails within the park that would be great for hikers with mobility devices or strollers. The Perkins Central Garden Trail is an easy 1.5 mile trail with surrounding views of the red and orange rock formations. Rock climbing is also a popular activity that is done at Garden of the Gods, however, permits and proper gear are required to access these areas. During the summer months, the vibrant formations offer an interesting contrast to the bright green grass and blue sky.

Isabelle Glacier Trail

Located in Ward, Colorado, this is a challenging 8.4 mile, out and back, trail with an elevation gain of 1,660 ft. Dogs are welcomed on this trail, however, they must be leashed. I recommend this hike during summer and early fall to avoid flooding or Colorado's unseasonable lingering snow storms. Due to the length, incline, and uneven path, this trail would not be suitable for hikers in need of wheelchair access. Elk, moose, mountain lions, bears, and smaller mammals such as marmots frequent this area. The boulders surrounding the sky pond that is located at the glacier exit make a great sitting area to enjoy the quiet scenery and perhaps a small packed lunch.

Bow Summit Viewpoint (♿︎)

This 4.2 mile, out and back, trail is located in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. A paved trail leads to the Peyote Lake overlook within the first mile or so of the hike. This portion of the trail is suitable for those in need of wheelchair access, however, be mindful of the steep incline. The trail continuing past the Peyote Lake is mainly loose gravel, leading up to a beautiful summit view of Bow Lake as well as Vulture Peak, Crowfoot Mountain, Bowcrow Peak, and Bow Peak. The overall difficulty level of this hike is rated moderate. I recommend hiking this trail early in the morning to optimize wildlife viewing as it can get crowded later in the day. Dogs are welcomed on this trail, however, they must be leashed. Snowshoe hares, ptarmigans, and northern pikas can be seen on this trail almost immediately after leaving the parking lot.