This half-day trip out of Anchorage kicks off with a drive that is especially scenic, traveling along the Chugach Mountains on the way to Hatcher Pass Road. From here the road winds next to the tumbling, boulder-strewn Little Susitna River before climbing above tree line and into the alpine bowl in which Independence Mine sits.
The views are astounding in every direction
The trip continues with an interpretive tour of the mine. A thriving gold mine in the early 1900s, the mine was abandoned in 1951 and left to the elements for another 30 years before becoming a state historic park. Following along the Mill Loop Trail you'll learn about the mine's residents, buildings, and the mammoth effort it took to operate. Keep your camera close: The views from up here are astounding in every direction.
After the interpretative tour, roll your sleeves up for a chance to find your own bit of gold during a gold panning demonstration. You'll have some free time to gold pan on your own before the return ride to Anchorage.
The Hatcher Pass History & Hike Tour includes roundtrip transportation from Anchorage by van, a guided walking tour of Independence Mine, and gold panning. The full tour lasts five to six hours.
Proper gear is critical for comfort and safety in every Alaskan environment. Dress in layers and wear sturdy walking shoes. Bring a rain jacket, warm hat, and an extra pair of socks.
This is an active excursion. Guests must be comfortable climbing several flights of stairs and walking on uneven, sometimes slippery trails.
The Hatcher Pass History & Hike Tour picks up and drops off guests at their Anchorage hotels.
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
| Dates | Adult | Child | Infant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/18/24 (Tu) to 9/30/24 (M)6/18/24 (Tu) to 9/30/24 (M) | Adult: $129.00 | Child: $79.00 | Infant: $0.00 |
| The rates above are subject to change without notice. | |||
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
| Depart | Location |
|---|---|
| Depart: 12:45 PM | Location: Courtyard Marriott Anchorage |
| Depart: 12:45 PM | Location: Fairfield Inn and Suites |
| Depart: 12:45 PM | Location: Holiday Inn Express Anchorage |
| Depart: 12:45 PM | Location: Lakefront Anchorage Hotel |
| Depart: 12:45 PM | Location: Residence Inn Anchorage |
| Depart: 12:45 PM | Location: Springhill Suites Anchorage Midtown |
| Depart: 1:00 PM | Location: Hotel Captain Cook Anchorage |
| Depart: 1:00 PM | Location: Wingate by Wyndham Anchorage |
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
"We could not have had a better start to our vacation. The guide was outstanding, and we thoroughly enjoyed this adventure."
~Wanda from Indiana~
