Johnson Pass Trail (Full Traverse)

The feel

The full traverse runs 23 miles between two Seward Highway trailheads. The trail is mostly forested for the first 4 miles on the north end and the first 10 miles on the south end, and the higher middle section is open subalpine terrain of meadows and brushy areas with views of nearby mountains.

Gains are gradual with a few steep sections. The trail is very busy on weekends because it is an extremely popular mountain bike trail. Wildlife includes moose, wolves, black and brown bears, Dall sheep, ptarmigan and spruce grouse.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point-to-point, 23 miles, with 1000 to 2700 ft of gain. Grade runs 5 to 20 percent with a few steeper sections. Forest at both ends and open subalpine meadows in the middle. Bench Creek Bridge is at mile 3.9 and Bench Lake at mile 9.3.

Time

About 11 hours for the full traverse; the trail is also described as a 2 to 3 day trip.

Crowds and best time

Very busy on weekends because of bicycle use.

Parking

The north trailhead is at mile 64 Seward Highway, east of Granite Creek Campground; turn south on a signed gravel road for 1/4 mile to parking. The south trailhead is a signed pullout at mile 32.5 Seward Highway, west of Upper Trail Lake. Set a shuttle between the two.

Hazards

The south trail passes through beetle-killed spruce, a major fire hazard. Downed trees can impede travel year round, especially from the south trailhead to Johnson Lake. Use caution with bear and moose.

Bathrooms and water

Filter surface water because of giardia.

Season and access

Open year round. Snow can remain at higher elevations until mid-June, and the trail may be muddy until mid-June. Closed to motorized vehicles May 1 to November 30, and the first 3.9 miles from the north trailhead are closed to motorized vehicles year round. Parking areas may not be plowed in winter.

Mingo says

Wait for the mid-June mud and snow to clear before you start. Bikers should avoid going too early, when the trail is muddy, or too late, when vegetation hides the trail.

Before you go

• Arrange a shuttle between the mile 64 and mile 32.5 trailheads.
• Filter surface water, and use caution with bear and moose.
• Plan on two to three days if you are hiking rather than biking or running.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178.

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