Mile-High Saddle Trail

The feel

This is a lung-buster. The trail climbs relentlessly through birch forests, a steep, sustained uphill with few switchbacks, and the steeper sections have turned dusty and loose. Cow parsnip and alders crowd both sides, thick enough to hide a moose.

You step out onto an alpine ridge with big Cook Inlet views, and Denali on a clear day. From there a left turn leads to a small knob above Eagle River and Knik Arm, and a right turn follows the ridge toward Mount Tucker and Mount Magnificent.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 1.4 miles total, with 816 ft of gain, from a trailhead at 1650 ft to a high point of 2466 ft. The official trail is three-quarters of a mile to the saddle. Steep terrain and loose rock call for caution.

Time

About 1 hour out and back.

Crowds and best time

Very popular and open year-round. Late summer is ideal, because snow persists into June.

Parking

Roadside parking is extremely limited at the Mile Hi Road trailhead. A gate and a tiny brown Chugach State Park sign mark the turnout, which has room for only a few cars.

Fees and passes

$5 day use, and a state park pass is accepted.

Dogs

Leashed dogs are welcome.

Kids

Kid friendly.

Hazards

The saddle is exposed to weather and wind, and heavy rain turns the trail slick.

Bathrooms and water

No water sources or public facilities, so bring all the water you need.

Season and access

Open year-round; snow persists into June.

Mingo says

Go in late summer, when the snow is gone. Pick a dry day, since wet weather makes the dusty, loose steeps slick.

Before you go

• Pack all your water, since there are no water sources or facilities.
• Arrive early or expect to park elsewhere, because the turnout holds only a few cars.
• Bring layers for the windy saddle.
• Keep your dog on a leash.

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