Bold Ridge Trail

The feel

You start along the Eklutna Lakeside Trail, an old road bed that follows the lake shore. The first five miles are flat and easy, so you can ride a bike in. At mile 5 the Bold Ridge Trail leaves it and climbs.

Below treeline the trail is wide and looks like an old Jeep trail. At about 1600 ft it narrows and the vegetation opens up. The climb is moderate on a well used trail for the first 3.5 miles, then steep and less developed. The ridgeline looks out on Bold Peak, Eklutna Lake and the glacier, and berry picking on the ridge is good in late summer.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 16.9 miles total, with 3600 to 4140 ft of gain, a trailhead at 1090 ft and a top of 5230 ft. The Eklutna Lakeside Trail is easy; the Bold Ridge Trail is steep and less developed after the first 3.5 miles. The trail forks at about 2.5 miles.

Time

About 9.5 hours out and back.

Crowds and best time

Berry picking is good in late summer, and the area is popular for fall colors.

Parking

Take the Eklutna exit at Mile 26 of the Glenn Highway and follow the park signs ten miles to Eklutna Lake. Park in the large signed lot.

Fees and passes

$5 per calendar day, or an annual day use pass.

Dogs

Pets must be on a leash in the parking lot and campground, and under control on trails.

Hazards

The Eklutna Lakeside Trail is shared with bikes, snowmobiles and ATVs, so watch for other users. ATVs are allowed Sunday through Wednesday, and the speed limit on the lakeside trail is 15 mph.

Bathrooms and water

Vault toilets at the Eklutna Lake parking lot.

Mingo says

Aim for late summer, when the berries ripen on the ridge. Choose a clear day, since the ridge views are the reason to make this climb.

Before you go

• Rent a bike at the Eklutna Lake trailhead if you want to ride the flat first five miles.
• Pay the $5 day fee or bring an annual day use pass.
• File a trip plan with a friend.
• Pack for a full day, because the round trip runs about 9.5 hours.

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