Mint Hut (MCA)

The feel

Mint Hut stands at the headwaters of the Little Susitna River in the Talkeetna Mountains, at 4,350 ft and 1/2 mile from Mint Glacier. Built in 1971, it is the club's most popular hut because of its ease of access, with no technical travel or large elevation gains.

You reach it from the Gold Mint Trailhead on foot, ski or bike, 9 miles from the parking lot. The trail was cleared and improved for the first 5 miles in summer 2008. The hut is hard to find, especially in the dark. More than one party has spent the night 300 yards from it in the rain.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One hut that sleeps 12, at 4,350 ft, with a stove, pots, pans, cups, a lantern, sleeping pads and a library inside.

Check-in and stay

First-come through the Mountaineering Club of Alaska.

Crowds and best time

The club's most popular hut.

Parking and rig size

Park at the Gold Mint parking lot, 9 miles from the hut.

Hazards

Glacier travel requires glacier-travel skills. Do not approach from the end of the Little Susitna drainage, where slopes are steep and avalanche danger is high. The Penny Royal Glacier route has high avalanche danger, steep slopes and rockfall risk, and the Moose Creek route has crevasse danger.

Bathrooms and water

Water comes from a small creek north of the hut; use the large pot in the hut and treat it. The barrel outhouse is north of the hut: no toilet paper in it (burn the paper) and no urinating in it, as it will overflow.

Season and access

Year-round; winter access needs ski skills.

Mingo says

Winter trips need ski skills for the approach. Plan to arrive in daylight, because the hut is easy to miss after dark.

Before you go

• Bring your own white gas for the stove.
• Burn your toilet paper rather than putting it in the outhouse.
• Carry glacier-travel skills if your route crosses ice.
• Two old sleeping bags are kept for emergency use only, so pack your own bedding.

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