Bonanza Mine Trail from Kennicott is one of the most popular day hikes in the area. A guidebook describes it as "relentlessly uphill," a completely accurate description! The day we hiked it was hot (hot for wimpy Alaskans, anyway) at nearly 80 degrees. As we slowly made our way up-up-up, dripping sweat and sucking down water at equal rates, a local woman with her kids motored by on a 4-wheeler. Next time I visit, I'm going to hire her! After about two hours of huffing and puffing our way uphill through thick alders; past a couple of actual houses--people live up this trail, which is barely wide enough for their trucks and SUVs; and with a rare view of glaciers below, we finally broke out of treeline and ate our lunch with amazing views.
We were only about 2/3s of the way up the 4,000-foot elevation gain to the old mine but could see the trail continue up the green tundra, switchbacking across open scree slopes, and disappearing behind mountain peaks. As strong hikers, we all agreed that if the weather had been cooler, we would've continued, but with the rest of the trail obviously in the open, blazing sun, our smartest move would be to head back down without making it to our goal. Seriously, next time I'd try to find a local to drive me to treeline on a 4-wheeler, then hike the rest of the way.
Distance one-way: 4.5 miles
We were only about 2/3s of the way up the 4,000-foot elevation gain to the old mine but could see the trail continue up the green tundra, switchbacking across open scree slopes, and disappearing behind mountain peaks. As strong hikers, we all agreed that if the weather had been cooler, we would've continued, but with the rest of the trail obviously in the open, blazing sun, our smartest move would be to head back down without making it to our goal. Seriously, next time I'd try to find a local to drive me to treeline on a 4-wheeler, then hike the rest of the way.
Distance one-way: 4.5 miles