Iditarod Trail: Nash Rd to Bear Lake

The feel

Few tourists drive down Nash Road, and a marked entrance a few miles along leads onto a section of the Iditarod Trail that makes great walking in summer. The route is mostly flat and ends at Bear Lake.

The Iditarod National Historic Trail is Alaska's sole National Historic Trail, a network that connected Alaskan Native villages and carried the dog-team mail and supply route during the Gold Rush. In winter the trail goes onto Bear Lake, which is groomed for classical skiing, skate skiing and snowmachining.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 8 miles, mostly flat, with about 450 ft of gain. Bear Lake is 4 miles from the Nash Road access.

Time

About 3.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Public use is moderate on the Bear Lake Trail.

Parking

The exit from Nash Road is at mile 2.1. Turn east at mile 3.2 Seward Highway onto Nash Road.

Hazards

The Bear Lake Trail has many steep up and down grades.

Season and access

Best from June to October. Closed to motorized vehicles May 1 to November 30 and to saddle and pack stock April 1 to June 30. In winter not all parts are groomed.

Mingo says

Summer is the time to walk it. Come in winter if you want to ski onto groomed Bear Lake.

Before you go

• Watch for the marked entrance at mile 2.1 of Nash Road.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178, open Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• Expect no motorized vehicles on the trail from May 1 to November 30.

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