Backdoor Gap, Mint-Bomber Traverse, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Hiking the Mint-Bomber Traverse in Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains

Updated October 2026, Hiking the Mint-Bomber Traverse was originally written in July 2018

The Bomber Traverse, also called the Mint-Bomber Traverse, is one of Alaska’s more adventurous hut-to-hut backpacking routes. Located in the Talkeetna Mountains near Hatcher Pass, the route crosses steep scree and boulder slopes, alpine tundra, glaciers, and high mountain passes before dropping down toward Reed Lakes.

This is not a typical Alaska hiking trail. Parts of the route are unmarked, route finding is required, and conditions can change quickly. You should be comfortable scrambling on loose terrain, navigating off-trail, and traveling across glaciers before attempting the Bomber Traverse.

The route described in this guide runs from the Gold Mint Trailhead to the Reed Lakes Trailhead, passing Mint Hut, Backdoor Gap, Penny Royal Glacier, Bomber Hut, Bomber Glacier, Bomber Pass, and the Reed Lakes.

Start here: The Ultimate Alaska Travel Guide

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Mint-Bomber Traverse Table Of Contents

How Much Time Do I Need for the Mint-Bomber Traverse?
Which Direction Should You Hike the Minnt-Bomber Traverse?
Bomber Traverse Hike
Bomber Hut to Reed Lakes Trailhead via Bomber Pass
Snowbird Hut
Important Waypoints Along the Mint-Bomber Traverse
How to Get to the Bomber Traverse Trailheadss
Camping & Mountain Huts Along the Bomber Traverse
Packing List tor Hiking the Bomber Traverse
Mint-Bomber Traverse Practical Information
Mint- Bomber Traverse Safety
My Final Thoughts on the Bomber Traverse

How Much Time Do I Need for the Mint-Bomber Traverse?

There are several ways to approach the Bomber Traverse, including variations that add Snowbird Hut or other sections of the Hatcher Pass hut system.

The route covered in this guide is:

Gold Mint Trailhead → Mint Hut → Backdoor Gap → Penny Royal Glacier → Bomber Hut → Bomber Glacier → Bomber Pass → Upper Reed Lake → Lower Reed Lake → Reed Lakes Trailhead

We completed this route in two long days. There were two of us, both reasonably fit, although one of us absolutely did not enjoy hiking nearly as much as the other. I’ll let you guess which one.

Most hikers should plan on 3-4 days for the Bomber Traverse, depending on conditions, pace, route-finding ability, and how much time you want to spend at the huts and surrounding areas.

I would not plan your itinerary around my two-day time unless you already have substantial experience with long days in difficult alpine terrain.

Which Direction Should You Hike the Minnt-Bomber Traverse?

Goldmint Trail, Mint-Bomber Traverse, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — On the ascent up to Mint Hut

The Bomber Traverse can be hiked in either direction.

The traditional direction is generally from Reed Lakes Trailhead toward Gold Mint Trailhead, largely because of the way the huts and terrain line up along the route. We hiked it in the opposite direction, starting at Gold Mint and finishing at Reed Lakes.

If you are planning your first Bomber Traverse, look closely at the elevation profile, weather, snow conditions, and your preferred hut locations before deciding which direction to take.

Regardless of direction, don’t assume that this is a straightforward trail. Several sections require route finding and scrambling, and conditions on the glaciers and steep slopes can change significantly during the summer.

Bomber Traverse Hike

Goldmint Trailhead ➤ Mint Hut ➤ Backdoor Gap ➤ Penny Royal Glacier ➤ Bomber Hut ➤ Bomber Glacier ➤ Bomber Pass ➤ Upper & Lower Reed Lakes ➤ Snowbird Mine ➤ Reed Lakes Trailhead

The Bomber Traverse is not one continuous maintained trail. The Mountaineering Club of Alaska specifically notes glacier travel and hazards along approaches to its huts, while Travel Alaska describes the route as including sections without an established trail.

Goldmint Trailhead to Mint Hut

Start at the Gold Mint Trailhead in Hatcher Pass and follow the Gold Mint Trail into the Little Susitna River valley.

The first section is comparatively mellow, with the trail passing ponds and following the river before climbing more steeply toward Mint Hut. The trail becomes narrower as you gain elevation, but this is still one of the more straightforward sections of the Bomber Traverse.

This section is approximately 8 miles to Mint Hut based on our route.

Mint Hut is maintained by the Mountaineering Club of Alaska (MCA) and is one of the key overnight stops on the Bomber Traverse. The hut was expanded in 2024, doubling its capacity.

The hut is first come, first served rather than reservable, so I strongly recommend carrying a tent as backup. Summer weekends can be busy. You need to be a member of the MCA to use the hut, membership is $30 per year.

Mint Hut to Bomber Hut via Backdoor Gap

Mint Hut, Mint-Bomber Traverse, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — Mint (Rainy) Hut

This was the hardest section of the Bomber Traverse for us, and also my favorite.

I had seen photographs of the view from Backdoor Gap before doing the traverse, and this was one of the sections that originally convinced me I needed to hike the Bomber Traverse.

From Mint Hut, follow the route toward the steep scree and boulder slope leading to the Backdoor Gap. This is where the easy hiking ends and the fun, questionable life decisions begin.

The climb is steep, loose, and off-trail. There are sections of scrambling over unstable rocks and loose scree, so take your time and be particularly careful if other hikers are above or below you.

The Backdoor Gap sits at approximately 5,650 feet elevation; therefore, there is a risk of avalanche conditions on the approach, especially in the early season.

There are two chutes on the approach to Backdoor Gap. When we crossed, we took the chute on the right. I had also been told that there was a rope on the left-hand chute.

Conditions and routing can change, so don’t treat either chute as a guaranteed route. What worked for us on our crossing may not be the safest option when you hike it.

Once you’re at the top of Backdoor Gap, the views are ridiculous in the best possible way. Gold Mint Glacier, Jewel Lake, and Moonstone Lake spread out on one side while Penny Royal Glacier lies on the other.

And yes, the climb is worth it.

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Backdoor Gap to Penny Royal Glacier

From Backdoor Gap, descend toward Penny Royal Glacier.

When we crossed in late July, snow was still covering much of the descent. The slope was steep enough that I put on rain pants and Grant pulled out his air mattress so we could slide down near the edge of the glacier.

Was this elegant mountaineering technique? Absolutely not.

Was it effective? Also yes.

Penny Royal Glacier, Mint-Bomber Traverse, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — Lookung back up at Penny Royal Glacier

Conditions will vary considerably from year to year, so don’t expect the same snow coverage or descent conditions.

Once you reach Penny Royal Glacier, carefully traverse the glacier toward the ridge separating Penny Royal Glacier from Bomber Glacier. There may not be an obvious trail, and glacier conditions can change.

Penny Royal Glacier to Bomber Hut

Continue across the alpine terrain and eventually leave the glacier for softer tundra.

From here, follow the route toward Bomber Hut, which sits in the Bartholf Creek valley.

We decided not to sleep inside Bomber Hut and instead found a nice camping spot overlooking the river.

Bomber Hut is maintained by the Mountaineering Club of Alaska.

Bomber Hut to Reed Lakes Trailhead via Bomber Pass

The final leg. This will take you to Bomber Glacier, named because of the TB-29 Superfortress plane wreckage from 1957, then up and over Bomber Pass to descend down onto Reed Lakes and finally the Reed Lakes trailhead parking lot.

You’ll begin by heading uphill toward Bomber Glacier on the left side of a stream. Once Bomber Glacier comes into sight you should be able to see where the Bomber Wreckage is on the glacier. Make your way up to the wreckage to check it out.

Love to hike? Read the 16 best day hikes in & around Anchorage

Mint Glacier Wreckage, Mint-Bomber Traverse, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — The TB-29 Superfortress wreckage on Bomber Glacier

From the wreckage, you’ll veer toward the right and make your way to Bomber Pass. It can be tricky and slick up there so do take care, trekking poles and even crampons can be helpful here.

There is a rope at the last bit of the pass to help you get up top. Once at the top you’ll have panoramic views over Upper Reed Lake and Bomber Glacier.

Snowbird Hut

Upper Reed Lake, Bomber Pass, Mint-Bomber Traverse, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — Upper Reed Lake viewed from the top of Bomber Pass

Lower Reed Lake, Mint-Bomber Traverse, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — Upper Reed Lake viewed from the top of Bomber Pass

You can trek to Snowbird Hut and Glacier from the Bomber Traverse as well. See the above marking in blue on the map above for routing.

Snowbird Hut was built and is maintained by the American Alpine Club. You cannot reserve it, it’s not available for commercial usage, and it is free to use as well as first come first serve (although donations are welcomed). Read up on and plan for the Snowbird-Bomber Traverse.

Important Waypoints Along the Mint-Bomber Traverse

Goldmint Trailhead: N 61.778476º W -149.196784º
Mint Hut: N 61.856993º W -149.079821º
Top Of Backdoor Gap: N 61.863639º W -149.094879º
Bomber Hut: N 61.879223º W -149.135204º
Bomber Wreckage: N 61.858423º W -149.120714º
Top Of Bomber Pass: N 61.854883º W -149.133533º
Reed Lakes Trailhead: N 61.803902º W -149.20073º

Want to do a variation of this hike? Check out the Snowbird-Bomber Traverse

How to Get to the Bomber Traverse Trailheadss

The Bomber Traverse is located in Hatcher Pass in Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains, roughly an hour and 20 minutes from Anchorage under normal driving conditions. Alaska State Parks places Gold Mint Trailhead at Mile 13.7 of Hatcher Pass Road and Reed Lakes Trailhead near Mile 2.9 of Archangel Road.

If you’re hiking the traverse as a point-to-point route, transportation is one of the biggest logistical headaches.

I recommend using two vehicles, leaving one at the trailhead where you’ll finish and driving the other to your starting point. Otherwise, you’ll need to arrange transportation between Gold Mint and Reed Lakes after finishing the hike.

Gold Mint and Reed Lakes are both popular areas, so don’t assume you’ll have unlimited parking space. Alaska State Parks specifically notes that parking at Reed Lakes is limited and congestion is common on summer weekends

Camping & Mountain Huts Along the Bomber Traverse

Mint-Bomber Traverse, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — Good morning from Hatcher Pass

You can hike hut to hut while taking on the Bomber Traverse. Huts are first come, first serve and you cannot reserve them. This is a popular hike on weekends especially, so it is recommended to bring a lightweight tent just in case there is no more space in the huts.

You can easily camp in many places along the trek, but take care to camp responsibly and not leave anything behind.

For those staying at Mint and Bomber Hut, you’ll need to join the Mountaineering Club of Alaska by paying a yearly $20 membership fee. Snowbird Hut is free to use, but the American Alpine Club who cares after it welcomes donations.

Spending time in Anchorage before or after? Check out the Anchorage Travel Guide for ideas and the best hotels in Anchorage for the best places to stay

Packing List tor Hiking the Bomber Traverse

Recommended Gear

Inreach Explorer
Bear spray
Backpack (I personally recommend the Osprey Ariel 65 and an attaching daypack)
Hiking boots (My favorite are the La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX)
Waterproof sandals
Katadyn water purifier
Sleeping mat
3-season tent
Hydration Pack
Sleeping bag cold rated to -5ºC/20ºF
Bear canister– keep bears and other animals from getting into your food and other scented items
Silicone squeeze tubes (for cooking with sauces, olive oil, etc.)
Campstove and Cooking set
Propane/butane canister- buy once in Alaska, you cannot take these on a plane
Trekking poles
Headlamp
Crampons– Helpful on glacier crossings
Mosquito Repellant Let’s be real, Alaska’s state bird is the mosquito, not the ptarmigan

Toiletries

Sunscreen
Biodegradable shampoo bar
Biodegradable soap
Toothbrush
Biodegradable wipes
Toilet Paper
First Aid Kit
Hand sanitizer

Electronics

Camera/lenses and necessary accessories
Battery Bank
Solar Panel
Phone and charging cables

Food

Dehydrated meals (you’ll need to stock up before leaving home)
Trail mix
Jerky
Dried fruit and nuts (easily purchased at a bazaar)
Peanut butter
Spice packets
Olive oil for cooking
Hot sauce (bring from home to jazz up bland food)
Instant mashed potatoes (so unhealthy, but I love them after a long trekking day)
Fresh veggies, noodles, bread, rice, and more can be purchased at a bazaar prior to setting out for your trek)

Mint-Bomber Traverse Practical Information

The best time of year to do the Bomber Traverse is between July and September.

While being so close to Palmer & Wasilla, areas of Hatcher Pass can feel quite remote so take precautions.
Open campfires are not allowed within Hatcher Pass Recreational Area

Click here to download a topographic map of the Bomber Traverse area

Mint- Bomber Traverse Safety

Bears, moose, and more can be found along the Bomber Traverse Hike much like anywhere else in Alaska. Being loud on the trail to help prevent run-ins with wild animals is helpful. I recommend carrying a can of bear spray with you in the event you are someone in your group is charged/attacked.
This trek can get downright dangerous with loose scree and boulders, steep areas, animal encounters, cold temperatures, and glacier crossings.
Bring proper gear to keep yourself dry and warm.
This trek does involve glacier crossings. Having knowledge of glacier crossing skills is recommended.

My Final Thoughts on the Bomber Traverse

The Bomber Traverse is one of those Alaska hikes where the route itself is as memorable as the destination. You get river valleys, tundra, glaciers, steep alpine passes, mountain huts, an airplane wreck, and the kind of enormous Talkeetna Mountain views that make carrying a heavy backpack seem briefly like a reasonable hobby.

It is also a route that deserves respect. This isn’t a trail I’d recommend tackling casually. The combination of route finding, loose rock, steep terrain, glacier crossings, and rapidly changing weather means you need to come prepared and know your limits.

But if you have the skills and experience for it, the Bomber Traverse is an incredible way to experience the Hatcher Pass backcountry beyond the area’s more accessible trails.