April Bowl & Hatch Peak

The feel

You park at the summit of the pass and cross the road, where the trail starts with switchbacks. It runs through a small valley with a cirque lake and several small ponds, and at 0.5 mile it forks.

The right branch drops into the bowl with two or three small lakes, a good stop with kids. The left branch climbs a narrow ridge toward Hatch Peak, which is extremely narrow and rough. The trail is among the most popular in Hatcher Pass, and it is a particular hit with families.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 2.2 to 3.5 miles total, with 800 to 1250 ft of gain. Switchbacks into the bowl, then a narrow, rough ridge toward Hatch Peak. Rated moderate.

Time

About 2 hours.

Crowds and best time

Among the most popular trails in Hatcher Pass.

Parking

At the summit of the pass, with the trail starting across the road. Access is at mile 19 of Hatcher Pass Road.

Fees and passes

A $5 day use fee applies.

Kids

Families favor the trail, and the bowl with its small lakes makes an easy stopping point.

Hazards

The ridge is narrow and rough. Beyond the peak, a loop descends a barely-there path through steep, loose rock that is not for everybody. Snow can fall any month of the year at this elevation.

Season and access

Road access is limited to summer, usually July through late September. The road from mile 17.5 to mile 32.5 is rough, gravel, narrow and steep, and RVs are not recommended.

Mingo says

Go in July through September, once the summer road is open. Check the forecast before the ridge, since snow is possible in any month.

Before you go

• Plan on the $5 day use fee.
• Leave the RV at home, since the pass road is steep, narrow and rough.
• Turn right at the 0.5 mile fork for the bowl if you want to skip the narrow ridge.
• Skip the loop beyond the peak if steep, loose rock is not for you.

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