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Photo by Jay Mantri on Unsplash
Easy

Hickel Highway

Bettles Field, Alaska · Yukon-Koyukuk County

Built in 1968 and not manitained since 1974, the road has faded and is now barely viible on Bing. It ran from Livengood through Bettles and Anaktuvik Pass to Sagwon

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66.56530, -150.89185
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Hickel Highway

Built in 1968 and not manitained since 1974, the road has faded and is now barely viible on Bing. It ran from Livengood through Bettles and Anaktuvik Pass to Sagwon

⚠ Note from contributors: Roughly aligned using Bing imagery. Not sure if this is actually the Hickel Highway but it seems to be following its original route

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Alaska

Trail conditions in Alaska change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Hickel Highway?

Hickel Highway is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

When is the best time to hike Hickel Highway?

Alaska has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.