Powerline Pass

The feel

A flattish 0.3 mile connector from the pay station reaches the road. From there the route runs up a wide valley toward a windy pass, with moose and marmots along the way and often Dall sheep on the slopes.

Alpine areas here can turn cold, wet, foggy and windy without warning, and the pass itself is a place where avalanche hazard tends to be very high. This is moose and bear country, and the park is major habitat for black and brown bears.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 11 to 12.2 miles, with 1,300 to 1,827 ft of gain, from 2,640 ft up to 3,940 ft. Much of it is old gravel road, with a flattish 0.3 mile connector from the pay station.

Time

About 5.5 to 6 hours out and back.

Crowds and best time

A popular route. The lot fills fast on sunny weekends and evenings.

Parking

The Glen Alps lot is at the end of Toilsome Road. Overflow parking lies east of the main lot, and no-parking signs are enforced.

Fees and passes

$5 day use at Glen Alps, or an Alaska State Parks pass. Credit cards are accepted, and annual passes are sold at the Chugach State Park office and online.

Dogs

Welcome on leash. Dogs must be leashed in the trailhead lot and under control on the trail.

Hazards

Very high avalanche hazard in the pass at the head of the valley, and avalanches can occur further down the valley. Moose and black and brown bears are common, so carry bear spray and make noise. Alpine weather can turn cold, wet, foggy and windy without warning.

Cell signal

Patchy at best at the trailhead.

Bathrooms and water

Toilets and water are at Glen Alps, so fill up there before you start.

Season and access

Open year-round, with a typical hiking season of May to October. Snow can still cover parts of the trail in May and June.

Mingo says

Aim for May through October, and expect lingering snow and sketchy footing early in the season. Check the weather before you head up toward the pass.

Before you go

• Bring $5 or a State Parks pass for the Glen Alps pay station.
• Pack bear spray and warm layers for the pass.
• Keep your dog leashed in the lot and under control on the trail.

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