The Bomber Traverse is an iconic Alaskan journey that embodies the whole lot the state is understood for: uncooked magnificence, difficult terrain, and distant backcountry. The traverse is known as after a B-29 Superfortress that crashed on a routine coaching run in 1957. 4 out of the ten crew survived and the glacier it landed on is now named the Bomber Glacier.
The wreckage stays to today. One of many few hut-to-hut choices within the state, the Bomber Traverse is stewarded by the Mountaineering Membership of Alaska, the American Alpine Membership, and the Hatcher Cross State Recreation Space. Membership to the respective golf equipment is required to remain on the huts.
Situated an hour north of Anchorage within the Talkeetna mountains, the Bomber Traverse is a 20-mile loop incorporating trails, glaciers, boulder fields, and excessive alpine terrain. It options among the most spectacular surroundings Alaska has to supply whereas affording you the satisfaction of seeing all of it below your individual energy. Don’t let the mileage of this journey idiot you, it’s mostly executed in three to 4 days because the rugged terrain requires a sluggish tempo. These taking up this journey needs to be comfy navigating off-trail for prolonged durations as many of the route is off-trail or sporadically marked with cairns.
Like most of Alaska, the Bomber Traverse rewards hikers with spectacular magnificence and a way of accomplishment shifting throughout the rugged panorama. Nevertheless, it is a difficult route with an extended historical past of rescues and shut calls of those that tried it unprepared. Solely hike this route if you’re comfy navigating off path, know cross glaciers and may traverse boulder fields safely.
This journey is very rewarding and is bound to ship a real Alaskan journey. It’s simply one of many dozens of backpacking journey guides we put collectively primarily based on our experiences.
Fast Info
- Distance: ~20 miles
- Days Wanted: 3-4
- Kind of Path: LoopÂ
- Elevation Achieve: ~6,500’
- Greatest Time to Journey: Finish of June to August
- Permits: No permits are required for climbing. Parking go is required for Alaska State Parks. Membership to the Mountaineering Membership of Alaska and the American Alpine Membership is required to remain on the huts.
- Problem: Strenuous
Highlights
- Glacier views
- Distant backcountry
- Wildlife
- Alpine tundra
- Choices to increase journey
- Infinite daylight in summer time
- Wildlife
Lowlights
- Mosquitos
- Difficult climate
- Busy throughout peak season
- Unstable boulders
- Brush and dirt at decrease elevations
- Lengthy-lasting winter snowpack
Greatest Time to Hike
The Bomber Traverse receives a median snowfall of over 300 inches yearly. This snowpack has helped create the Talkeetna Vary’s spectacular glaciers however could make journey by foot difficult. Snow lingers at excessive elevations 12 months spherical and it’s not unusual for your complete path to be below snow properly into June.
The Bomber Traverse is greatest tried beginning in late June usually across the time of summer time solstice. Any earlier you’ll probably encounter deep, unsupportable snow that may drastically sluggish and even halt journey. Peak season is in July and the season begins to wind down by the top of August as fall rains and snow begin to fall. The season is brief, making the route fashionable on sunny weekends in July.
Problem of Path
Round twenty miles lengthy, the mileage of the Bomber Traverse belies its true issue. With the one path at first and finish of the route, the remainder is totally off-trail. Sporadically marked by cairns, these trying this route have to be adept at navigating with a map and compass, and know safely cross off-trail terrain together with glaciers.
Most events take three to 4 days to cowl the route fully and it’s widespread to cowl one to 2 miles in an hour relying on the terrain. The terrain incorporates low-elevation brush and dirt, alpine meadows, excessive mountain glaciers, and notoriously precarious boulder fields. You’re certain to complete every day of this journey drained but happy.
Climate Situations
The Bomber Traverse has an extended historical past of rescues and shut calls from these not ready for the challenges this route provides. One of the important hazards, like in all of Alaska, is the climate. Snow is a chance any month of the 12 months and heavy rain could be very probably in the course of the summer time months. Winter snows linger all summer time and may affect journey. Come ready with ample clothes and equipment that may probably really feel extra heavy-duty in comparison with summer time journeys in different areas.
Wildlife
Throughout summer time salmon runs, most bears may be discovered fortunately eating alongside low-elevation rivers, so encountering a bear close to water is at all times a chance. Moose are discovered alongside creeks and in willow thickets. Calving season is in early summer time and cows are particularly protecting right now.
We strongly suggest bear spray for this journey in addition to a bear can or Ursack for meals storage. It’s also extremely efficient towards pesky ravens, parka squirrels, or marmots.
Terrain
Journey is essentially off-trail exterior of the paths at first and finish of the route. This includes crossing passes with giant boulders. Take care when crossing these quite a few boulder fields and journey with a primary help equipment and technique of communication within the occasion of an emergency.
The route additionally includes crossing glaciers. Whereas these small glaciers (by Alaska requirements) are usually not closely crevassed, there are a number of crevasses and moulins to keep away from. Realizing learn a glacier and keep away from snow- and ice-related hazards might be helpful for this route. We suggest touring with an ice axe and traction units because the route includes some steep ascending/descending of ice and snow, relying on snow protection on the glaciers.
Planning Your Journey & Methods to Get There
Ted Stevens Worldwide Airport (ANC) is the closest giant airport to the route situated roughly an hour away in Anchorage. It has day by day service from many main airports within the Decrease 48. Public transportation is restricted in Alaska so plan on renting a automobile to get to and from the trailhead. Rental automobiles ebook up and may be costly in the summertime so plan accordingly.
Control the climate properly upfront of your journey to get an thought of the situations. There are climate stations on the close by Independence Mine State Historic Park and park rangers are at all times pleased to supply info. Climate is notoriously fickle in Alaska, so take climate apps with a grain of salt and pack such as you anticipate opposed situations.
The Bomber Traverse Route
The Bomber Traverse is a loop that usually begins on the Gold Mint Trailhead and ends on the Reed Lakes trailhead, each situated off Willow-Fishhook Highway on the best way to Hatcher Cross. Situated roughly three miles aside, you’ll be able to both stroll the extra distance or depart a second automobile or bike to get again to your automobile on the finish.
Begin up the Gold Mint Path which is initially vast and graveled. The farther up the path the narrower and muddier it turns into. The path parallels the gorgeous Little Susitna River that gushes with aquamarine glacial meltwater. Be ready to must beat some brush because the path turns into grown-in later within the season. Beavers even have the behavior of forming dams alongside the river which often flood the path.
Your ft are more likely to get moist inside a number of miles of leaving the trailhead. After about 7.5 miles of winding via the comb, the path begins to climb steadily into the alpine. The paths braids, however take essentially the most traveled one which typically developments up and proper. You’ll finally attain the Mint Hut at roughly 4,300 ft. Its iconic crimson partitions are a welcome sight to weary vacationers. In peak season anticipate to share the hut and produce a tent in case it’s full. There may be nice tenting above the hut with loads of working streams and tranquil alpine tarns for water. Most events spend their first night time of the journey right here.
After leaving the hut, intention for the distinguished go within the background: Backdoor Hole. Right here you’re going to get your first style of boulder hopping as you ascend the steep go. Be ready for unfastened scree and huge, wobbly boulders on a steep slope. After a couple of 1500’ climb you’ll attain the highest of the go greeted by expansive views of the Penny Royal glacier. On a transparent day, you’ll have breathtaking views of Denali and the Alaska Vary.
From there, the route descends onto the Penny Royal, typically following the circulation of water downhill. Pay attention to many alternatives to cliff out as you decide your method downhill. You’ll finally see the inexperienced Bomber Hut within the distance at an elevation of roughly 4000’ throughout the valley.
From the Bomber Hut, you’ve choices to both shorten or lengthen your journey. To elongate, head to the Holden Hut for extra journey. To shorten, head up the Bomber Glacier (the positioning of the crashed bomber) over Bomber Cross and down the steep boulder area to Reed Lakes and take the well-traveled path again to the trailhead.
To proceed to the Snowbird Hut, proceed down in direction of Bartholf Creek, being certain to sidehill excessive to keep away from brush. At an elevation of roughly 3400’, cross Bartholf Creek and begin to climb uphill, following the glacier stream that pours from the Snowbird Glacier. After a couple of 1400-foot climb on an intermittent path and boulders, you’ll arrive on the Snowbird Glacier. The hut is situated alongside the left aspect of the glacier atop a lateral moraine.
The Snowbird Hut has expansive views of its namesake glacier surrounded by jagged peaks. Dip water straight from the glacier’s floor for refreshing and pure Alaskan glacier water. Head up the comparatively flat glacier to achieve Glacier Cross, the excessive level of the journey at 5,100’.
From there it’s a 2500’ descent again all the way down to the valley flooring to intersect with the Reed Lakes Path. You’ll go many elderly mine stays alongside the best way, full with deserted shafts and buildings (we suggest retaining a protected distance from any open mines).
As soon as hitting the valley flooring, take a proper on the Reed Lakes Path for a straightforward, couple-mile hike again to your automobile.
Permits
No permits are required for this route. Nevertheless, you do must be a member of the huts to remain in them in a single day. The Mint/Bomber huts are each managed by the Mountaineering Membership of Alaska ($30/12 months) and the Snowbird hut is managed by the American Alpine Membership ($45/12 months). A day by day parking go is required for Alaska State Parks.
Backpacking Gear – What to Pack
Gear Checklist
Make sure that to take a look at our Final Backpacking Guidelines so that you don’t overlook one thing necessary.
Beneath you’ll discover our present favourite backpacking gear. If you wish to see extra choices, our curated gear guides are the results of a few years of in depth analysis and hands-on testing by our workforce of out of doors specialists.
BACKPACK
Conclusion
The Bomber Traverse is a difficult route that embodies a typical Alaskan journey. The climate is fickle, the surroundings wonderful and the terrain difficult. As in any backcountry journey, please adhere to Depart No Hint ideas to go away as little affect as doable.
Deal with the huts and people staying there with respect and turn into a member of the respective golf equipment to help of their stewardship. Count on to share the huts throughout peak season and it’s extremely really useful to pack a tent in case they’re full. With correct planning, preparation, tools, and abilities, the Bomber Traverse is a world-class journey that’s certain to please anybody wanting a difficult and rewarding expertise within the backcountry.
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