By:
Submission
90 minutes north of Anchorage on Fishhook-Willow Road, climbs some 2,900 feet as it follows Little Susitna River back up to its headwaters at Mint Glacier. It passes beneath walls of granite-spired peaks and ridges on its way up to Mint Hut Cabin, a first-come, first-serve cabin where you can spend the night.
You can even spend the night at the cabin if you can find room. If not, many spots nearby make for very comfortable tent sites. Then you can fall asleep amid a great circle of mountains after watching the last golden sunlight pass from their summits.
Nice and manageable gradient on the trail, so the hike isn't all that strenuous up to the 3 mile marker. A lot of fun with some nice views of the valley.
Yes, middle part of trail is muddy and overgrown and easy to wander onto sidetrails that eventually meet back up.... But if you go all way past the hut to Lakes, it's a pretty special place!
Perfect trail! If you like rambling mountain creeks, snow capped mountains, wildflowers and summer sunshine on your face then Gold Mint Trail is your JAM!
Parking lot was huge and plowed. Was a clear night and built snow caves in the snow banks. Plenty of cars going up the hill looking for the Aurora but no lights can out. Called toilets were open and clean. Small trash can but recommend carry out with you.
