Wolverine Peak

The feel

From the Basher trailhead the route winds along small trails and through moose-inhabited meadows to the Wolverine Bowl trail. Once you turn onto the Wolverine Peak Trail it is uphill the whole way, and it is a straightforward Class 2 hike rather than a scramble.

The first stretch climbs about 1,200 feet up an old glacial moraine into the Wolverine Bowl, and a large cairn marks the crest where many people stop. Above treeline the view is unobstructed over the entire Anchorage bowl and across the inlet to the Aleutian and Alaska ranges. It is a long tundra ascent to a commanding summit.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 10.5 miles total, with 3400 ft of gain. Class 2 hiking from the Basher trailhead through meadows to the Wolverine Bowl trail, then a steady tundra climb.

Time

About 6.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

The best months are April through September.

Parking

The Basher Trailhead lot holds only 16 vehicles and routinely fills on busy weekends and holidays. Overflow parking lines Campbell Airstrip Road and Basher Drive, and Basher Drive is the only way in.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome on a leash.

Hazards

Moose and bears are sometimes spotted along the trail. Avalanches can occur on steep, snow-covered slopes.

Season and access

April through September; berry picking in fall.

Mingo says

The payoff is the unobstructed view of the whole Anchorage bowl once you clear treeline. Come in fall if you want berries.

Before you go

• Carry bear spray and make noise on the trail.
• Arrive before the busy weekend crowd, or expect to park along Campbell Airstrip Road and Basher Drive.
• Keep your dog on a leash.

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