Resurrection Pass to Devil's Creek Trail

This route is generally considered intermediate to difficult, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills. While some sections are flowy, you'll encounter a significant climb along Devil's Creek, which can be a steady grind with some rockier parts. Be prepared for potential bike pushing on steeper sections.

The trail is often ridden as a point-to-point route, connecting to the larger Resurrection Pass Trail system. Shuttle services are available for this type of ride, making logistics easier. Specific trailhead parking details would depend on your chosen start and end points, but common access points are near Hope or Cooper Landing.

As this trail is located within the Chugach National Forest, you generally do not need a specific permit for day-use mountain biking. However, if you plan to stay overnight in cabins along the Resurrection Pass Trail system, you will need to reserve those through the Forest Service. Always check the USDA Forest Service website for the most current regulations and any potential fees.

The ideal time to ride is typically from mid-June through early fall. Snow can persist at higher elevations until mid-June. It's not recommended for winter travel due to avalanche hazards and the route crossing many avalanche paths.

You'll experience diverse terrain. It starts with a slight downhill before a significant climb up Devil's Creek, which can be rocky near Resurrection Pass. Expect numerous creek crossings without bridges. As it transitions into the tundra, it flattens and rolls over rocky sections. Later, you'll find rooty parts in the trees, eventually leading to a fun, flowy finish through spruce, pine, aspen, and birch forests near Cooper Landing. There can also be long, flat doubletrack sections, particularly near Juneau Lake.

The trail offers breathtaking Alaskan scenery. You'll see mountains, high alpine lakes like Devil's Pass Lake, and several waterfalls. Expansive views of the pass and alpine are plentiful. You'll pass through varying vegetation, from tundra to forests. Key landmarks include Resurrection Pass, the Devil's Creek Trail, Devil's Pass Cabin, and Juneau Falls. You'll also ride through remnants of the 2019 Swan Lake fire near Juneau Lake.

The area is rich in Alaskan wildlife. Keep an eye out for moose, caribou, black and brown bears, wolverines, ptarmigan, grouse, and marmots. Always be bear aware and carry bear spray.

While specific regulations for dogs on this particular trail are not detailed, trails within the Chugach National Forest generally allow leashed dogs. It's always best to check current local regulations before heading out to ensure compliance and safety for your pet and wildlife.

Yes, this route is a key way to access the larger Resurrection Pass Trail system. It utilizes sections of the Resurrection Pass Trail and the Devils Creek Trail. At the lower end of the high alpine lakes, there's a significant junction allowing riders to head towards Hope or Cooper Landing.

Given its rating as intermediate to difficult, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills, this trail is not generally recommended for beginners or young families looking for an easy ride. Some sections may require pushing your bike, and the terrain can be challenging.

Many riders choose this route as an alternative to completing the full 38 miles of the Resurrection Trail in one go, as it helps reduce some of the longer, flatter sections. Consider utilizing a shuttle service for the point-to-point ride to maximize your enjoyment of the more scenic and challenging parts.