Mineral Creek Trail

The feel

Valdez's gold mining heritage shows up along this old mining road up Mineral Creek Valley, where gold rush ruins sit beside present day mining claims. It begins as rough gravel at Mineral Creek Drive, crosses a bridge over the creek and runs 1.5 miles to a washout at Horsetail Creek Falls.

Past the washout the gravel continues for approximately four miles, with views of glacier-fed waterfalls and wildflowers like western columbine, until a gate. Beyond the gate it is a dirt path on foot that ends at an abandoned gold rush-era stamp mill built in 1913. Motorized traffic is allowed, so you share the route with ATVs and other vehicles.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 12.2 miles round trip with 800 ft of gain. Rough gravel road, then a dirt path on foot past the gate to the stamp mill. The washout at Horsetail Creek Falls can be crossed on foot or in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Time

About 6 hours round trip on foot.

Crowds and best time

Wildflowers bloom from June to August.

Hazards

Watch for ATVs and other vehicles. Wild celery and stinging nettle can irritate skin, and the valley is bear country. Sections are registered mining claims, and no prospecting is allowed.

Season and access

From downtown Valdez, head north on Hazelet or Meals Avenue, turn left onto Hanagita Street, then turn onto Mineral Creek Drive. The gravel path at the end of the neighborhood marks the start.

Mingo says

Aim for June through August, when the wildflowers bloom along the waterfalls. Plan a full day, since the round trip takes about 6 hours.

Before you go

• Bike rentals and guided ATV tours of the trail are available in Valdez.
• Bring four-wheel drive if you plan to cross the washout in a vehicle.
• Respect posted mining claim rules; absolutely no prospecting is allowed.
• Stay bear aware along the whole route.

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