Trapper Creek Petersville Winter Trail System

The feel

Over 50 combined miles of trail cross large swamps and black spruce forest toward the Petersville mining district. The trails are generally 3 to 5 feet wide, enough for one snowmachine, with some sections wide enough for two to pass. On clear days the Alaska Range and Denali are visible to the north.

Snowmachiners, dog mushers, skiers and skijorers use the system, and many local recreational and professional dog mushers train here. In summer the ground is largely unrideable by bike, so this is a winter-only proposition for a fat bike.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Over 50 combined miles in three routes: two north-south trails and one east-west. Packed or groomed snow in winter across swamp and black spruce, rated Advanced for a fat bike.

Crowds and best time

Dog teams and snowmachines share the trails.

Parking

Trailheads are at Milepost 121.5 on the Parks Highway (East-West Express Trail), Milepost 11 on Petersville Road (Safari Lake Trail) and Milepost 11.5 on Petersville Road (Kroto-Bunco Trail).

Dogs

Dog teams have right of way; snowmachiners pull over, shut off the engine and wait for them to pass.

Hazards

Large swamps and dense spruce make the terrain demanding.

Season and access

Winter only. The Mat-Su Borough page is marked Closed and ungroomed, last updated 11/15/24.

Mingo says

Treat this as a winter-only ride on groomed or packed snow. Confirm grooming first, since one listing shows the trails ungroomed.

Before you go

• Ask the Mid-Valley Trail Club or the Petersville Community Non-Profit Committee for trail updates.
• Pick the trailhead that fits your route: Parks Highway Milepost 121.5, or Petersville Road Milepost 11 or 11.5.
• Pull over, stop your engine or bike and wait when a dog team approaches.

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