The Resurrection Pass Trail is the premier multi-day backpacking route on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, stretching 38.5 miles (62 km) one-way from the Resurrection Creek Trailhead at Mile 16.2 Hope Highway near Hope, AK 99605, to the southern terminus at the Sterling Highway near Cooper Landing. From Anchorage, the northern trailhead is reached by driving approximately 90 miles south on the Seward Highway to the Hope Highway turnoff, then 16.2 miles to the parking area. A vehicle shuttle or pre-arranged pickup at the Cooper Landing end is required for a one-way traverse; the trail can also be hiked as a partial out-and-back from either terminus.
The route follows Resurrection Creek upstream from Hope, gaining elevation gradually through boreal forest, spruce-fir woodland, and open alpine tundra before crossing Resurrection Pass at 2,600 feet (792 m) — the high point of the trail. Total cumulative elevation gain is approximately 3,100 feet (945 m). The surface varies: lower sections near Hope consist of packed gravel and dirt; upper sections near the pass cross tundra and rocky terrain; the descent to Cooper Landing passes through wet, rooted forest. Stream crossings throughout require waterproof footwear.
The trail is managed by the Chugach National Forest and served by a series of eight USDA Forest Service rental cabins spaced approximately 4-6 miles apart along the full length. Cabins must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov at $45-65 per night; reservations are competitive and should be booked months ahead for summer weekends. Dispersed camping is permitted between cabin sites; a bear canister is required for all overnight trips. Water sources — springs, creeks, and river crossings — are plentiful throughout; all water must be filtered or treated. The trail is a designated National Recreation Trail with a rich gold-rush history in the Resurrection Creek drainage, and is popular with cross-country skiers in winter.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Hope to Cooper Landing (Kenai Peninsula)
- Best season
- June-September
What to bring
- Backpack 50-70L
- Backpacking tent
- Rain gear
- Bear canister (required)
- Bear spray
- Water filter
- Warm layers
Location
Resurrection Creek Trailhead, Mile 16.2 Hope Hwy, Hope, AK 99605
60.9208, -149.6398 View on map
Highlights
- One of Alaska's most celebrated multi-day backpacking routes, spanning 38.5 miles of Kenai Peninsula wilderness
- Eight USDA Forest Service rental cabins available along the route, providing shelter alternatives to backcountry camping
- Dramatic alpine crossing at Resurrection Pass (2,600 ft) through open tundra above the treeline
- Rich wildlife corridor — grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and bald eagles regularly sighted along the route
- Designated National Recreation Trail in Chugach National Forest with gold-rush history in the Resurrection Creek drainage
Tips for visiting
- Book Forest Service cabins on Recreation.gov as early as possible — popular summer weekends fill months ahead and cancellations are rare
- A bear canister is required for all overnight trips; carry bear spray accessible at all times throughout the route
- Arrange a vehicle shuttle between the Hope and Cooper Landing trailheads before departure; no public transport connects the endpoints
- Water is plentiful from springs and creeks but must be filtered; a pump or squeeze filter handles the volume needed over a multi-day traverse
- The lower sections near Hope can be muddy in June; late July through August offers the driest trail conditions
When to visit
Late June through early September is the prime season, with July and August offering the driest conditions and best wildflower displays on the alpine tundra near Resurrection Pass. Avoid early June when the lower sections can be saturated with snowmelt.
Accessibility
Resurrection Pass Trail is a wilderness backpacking route with no accessible sections. The trailheads at Hope and Cooper Landing have basic parking but no accessible facilities. The natural surface, stream crossings, rooted terrain, and extended length make the trail entirely unsuitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility-limited visitors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to hike Resurrection Pass Trail end to end?
Most backpackers complete the 38.5-mile route in 3-5 days, averaging 8-12 miles per day. Fit hikers can cover the distance in 2 long days, while a 4-day itinerary allows time for exploration and photography at the pass.
Are the Forest Service cabins easy to book?
Cabins are listed on Recreation.gov and should be reserved as early as the booking window opens — typically 6 months in advance for summer dates. Weekends in July and August fill within hours of opening.
Is a permit required?
No hiking permit is required for day use or dispersed camping on the Resurrection Pass Trail. A paid reservation is required to use any of the eight Forest Service cabins along the route.
Is the trail accessible in winter?
The trail is used for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog mushing in winter. Snow conditions vary and avalanche risk exists near the pass; winter travelers should check current conditions with the Chugach National Forest office in Anchorage.
What wildlife is commonly encountered?
Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, Dall sheep, caribou, beaver, and bald eagles are all regularly observed. Wildlife encounters are frequent throughout the route — bear spray is considered mandatory equipment for all trips.