Johnson Pass Trail (bike)

The feel

Johnson Pass is a 23 mile multi-use trail in Chugach National Forest, running between mile 64 and mile 32.5 of the Seward Highway near Moose Pass. It is open to mountain biking and crosses subalpine meadows on an easy grade with simple routefinding.

The southern half of the trail is muddy and overgrown. Public use is high. Other permitted uses include hiking, horseback riding, camping, fishing and snowmobiling, so expect to share the corridor.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point to point, 23 miles one way on singletrack, with 1000 feet of elevation gain. Grade runs 5-20% with a few steeper sections.

Time

2-3 days.

Crowds and best time

Public use is high.

Parking

The north trailhead is at Seward Highway mile 64, down a gravel road about 1/4 mile long. The south trailhead is a signed pullout at mile 32.5, west of Upper Trail Lake. Parking may not be plowed in winter.

Hazards

Snow, mud and a few steeper sections. The southern half is muddy and overgrown.

Season and access

The trail is listed as open year-round, and snow can remain at higher elevations until mid-June. Motorized vehicles are closed May 1 to November 30, and the north end to mile 3.6 is closed to them year-round. Pack and saddle stock are closed April 1 to June 30.

Mingo says

Ride after mid-June, once the snow at higher elevations has melted. The trail may stay muddy until then.

Before you go

• Arrange transportation at both ends, since the trailheads are at mile 64 and mile 32.5 of the Seward Highway.
• Plan on 2-3 days for the full 23 miles.
• Call the Chugach National Forest Supervisor's Office at 907-743-9500 for current conditions.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.