Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska: ATV Tours

Very few ATV tours get you up above tree line—but that’s exactly where you’ll find dramatic, 360-degree views. Snowhook Adventure Guides knows where those spectacular views are, and you’ll witness them, too, on a half- or full-day adventure to Hatcher Pass, in the Talkeetna Mountains. On a clear day, it’s an amazing opportunity to gaze out at iconic Denali and the stunning, snow-capped Alaska Range—and an adventure to get there.

Never driven an ATV before? No problem! Anyone 16+ can drive, and anyone 4+ can ride; the ATVs even have power steering, making operation super-easy. You can steer your own ATV or ride in a side-by-side, which can hold 4 adults or 5 people comfortably, making it great for groups or families with kids. And Hatcher Pass is the perfect place to off-road; you can choose easier or more adventurous trails.

You’ll meet in Willow, get outfitted, transit to the basecamp, and learn how to safely operate your machines before hitting the trail. Besides the views, on the longer tour, you’ll also do a walking tour of the mine at Independence Mine State Historical Park, which was once home to more than 200 workers. You may even go berry picking or panning for gold. And you’ll be out with local, professional guides that may include Snowhook Adventure owners Justin and Rebecca. You’ll come away with the knowledge and confidence to operate an ATV, as well as spectacular photos and unforgettable memories!

Tour Options

Hatcher Pass ATV Half-Day

This 4-hour experience gives you 3 hours of driving your ATV and taking in the sights and sounds of the Alaskan wilderness. The route starts out easy, and your guides will work with you to help get a feel for the machine and build your skills as you go. Drive through the woods and follow a creek as you slowly climb higher into the mountains. Soon, a scenic vista emerges, with jaw-dropping views everywhere.

Independence Mine Full Day

Spend an amazing day—around 6 hours—driving over the tundra. You’ll stop at the top of Hatcher Pass for lunch at Summit Lake. Then drop over the pass on your way to Independence Mine State Historical Park. Walk the walking trails through the historic buildings, then head back over the pass and back down into Willow, hitting more trails along the way. You may stop for berry picking or go panning for gold. You’ll be done by 3:30 or 4 p.m., giving you enough time to get cleaned up for dinner and enjoy the rest of your evening!

About Snowhook Adventure Guides of Alaska

Snowhook’s husband-and-wife owners, Justin and Rebecca, graduated college in Utah and moved to Alaska immediately. They pursued the sport of dogsledding, growing their canine family from just two dogs to more than 50; Justin has run the Iditarod six times. They decided to expand out their tour offerings to include ATVs as another way to share their love for the beautiful area of Alaska they live in.