Snowbird Mine & Glacier Pass

The feel

The first 1.5 miles follow an easy old roadbed lined with dense willows and fireweed, shared with the very popular Reed Lakes trail. There is one stream crossing, and at normal water levels it is a hop across rocks. At about 1.5 miles you take the left fork and the walk changes character fast.

The path climbs a steep, muddy slope, so muddy that some people wear aggressive ice grippers for traction. By 1.9 miles you start passing rusty relics of the mining days as the trail climbs to a mountain bowl. Old mining shafts and crumbling buildings are still there, so look but leave everything in place.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 4.7 to 4.8 miles round trip, with 1,640 to 1696 ft of gain. Easy roadbed at first, then a steep, muddy slope and unstable footing in the mining area and bowl.

Time

About 3 hours.

Crowds and best time

The first 1.5 miles are shared with the very popular Reed Lakes trail.

Parking

The trailhead is on the right about 2.4 miles up Archangel Road and is rutted. A gravel parking area sits a short distance before it on the left.

Fees and passes

$5 day use; a state park pass is accepted.

Hazards

Old mining shafts and crumbling buildings that may fall. Hatcher Pass is an avalanche hazard area, and weather can change unexpectedly. Past the mine, the Snowbird hut in the pass means boulder scrambling, off-trail navigation and possible water crossings, and the glacier needs proper training and equipment.

Season and access

Typical season is July to October. Archangel Road is unpaved and often rough, usually does not open until June or July, and is gated shut once winter sets in. High ground clearance is recommended.

Mingo says

Go from July through October, once Archangel Road is open. It usually opens in June or July depending on weather. Skip it in winter, because even light snow hides uneven boulders.

Before you go

• Take a vehicle with high ground clearance; past the trailhead the road needs very good clearance.
• Wear boots with real traction for the muddy slope, or bring ice grippers.
• Tell someone where you are going before you head up the valley.
• Pay $5 for day use or bring a state park pass.

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