Red Shirt Lake Trail

The feel

This is an easy rolling trail over the tops of glacial hills and moraines in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. It starts at South Rolly Lake Campground and runs 3 miles one way to rustic lakeside campsites at Red Shirt Lake. Views take in the area's lakes and the Chugach Mountains on the horizon.

The ground around Nancy Lake is wet and rolling, which limits summer hiking in the area. The trail ends at eight lakeside campsites with a latrine, so it works as a day hike or a short backcountry camping trip.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 6 miles total, with 564 ft of gain; 3 miles one way over glacial hills and moraines to the lake. Rated easy, with a high point of 334 ft.

Time

About 3 hours.

Crowds and best time

Quiet.

Parking

The trailhead is at the end of Nancy Lake Parkway, adjacent to South Rolly Lake Campground.

Fees and passes

A $5 day-use fee or an annual parking pass.

Dogs

Allowed.

Kids

Rated easy.

Hazards

Wet, rolling terrain.

Bathrooms and water

A latrine at the lakeside campsites. There is no well there, so pack or purify your own water.

Season and access

In winter the parkway is not plowed beyond the winter trailhead at Mile 2.2.

Mingo says

Come when the parkway is plowed all the way to its end. Summer hiking here is limited by wet, rolling terrain, so expect soft ground.

Before you go

• Turn west onto Nancy Lake Parkway at Mile 67.3 of the Parks Highway and drive 6.5 miles to South Rolly Lake.
• Pack or purify your own water if you camp at Red Shirt Lake.
• Call the Nancy Lake Ranger Station at (907) 495-6273.
• Campsites are first come, first served with no online reservations.

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