 |
        |
| Home > Alaska > Pinochle Creek Trail |
Pinochle Creek Trail
Thursday, January 4, 2024
| Other Names | Hicks Creek Trail, Knik-nelchina Trail, Purinton Creek, Eureka Trails, Belanger Pass, Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina |
| Last Known Status | Open |
The Pinochle Creek Trail is about 16 miles long and starts off north of the Glenn Highway and follows Hicks Creek. The terrain is mostly easy but can be very difficult during wet weather or summer months which can create large mud bogs and deep water crossings that require a winch.
The Pinochle Trail Campground is located right across the main trailhead and offers easy access. The campground opened to the public during the summer of 2020 and currently has no hookups but offers seven sites with picnic tables and BBQ grills, one cabin rental with electricity (bring your own blankets, pillows and drinking water) plus plenty of room to park.
The trail is open year-round and during the winter months snowmobiles are permitted. The trail also ties into the nearby Eureka and Puritan areas.
REGULATIONS
| Permit Required | ||
| Dates Open | Year-Round | |
| Other ATV Stickers Accepted | Unknown | |
| Spark Arrestor | Yes | A spark arresting exhaust silencer or end cap is required for all vehicles. |
| Noise Limit | ||
| Whip Flags | Not Required | |
| Maximum Vehicle Width | No Restriction | |
 Motorcycles & Dirt Bikes | Permitted | |
 Four Wheelers | Permitted | |
 UTV & SXS | Permitted | |
 4x4 & Jeeps (registered) | Permitted | |
| Dune Buggy & Sand Rail 4x4 (unregistered) | Permitted | |
| 2 Stroke Engines | No Restriction | |
 Camping | Some Areas | (camp in developed sites only) |
 Campfires | ||
| Night Riding | Unknown | |
| Trail Blazing | Prohibited | stay on trail |
| Rule Enforcement |
TERRAIN
| Miles Of Trail | 16 | |
| Climate Type | Forest | |
| Elevation | 1780 to 3348 ft. | |
| Trail Maintenance | Unknown | |
| Loose Dirt |  Little | |
| Hard Pack |  Some | |
| Sand | Little | |
| Mud |  Mostly | |
| Dust | Some | |
| Rocks | Some | |
| Trees | Some | |
| Steep Hills |  Many | |
| Water Crossings | Some | |
| Small Jumps |  None | |
| Large Jumps | None | |
| Berms | None | |
| Sand/Gravel Pits | None | |
| Single Track | None | |
| Roads | Some | |
| Shade | Some | |
| Hazards |  Few | (hazards assumed marked but use caution) |
 Novice | Some | |
 Amateur | Mostly | |
 Expert | Little |
TYPE OF AREA
| Area | Motorized Trails |
| Land | DNR, Private |
GPS POINTS
KEY SERVICES
 Gasoline | 5-20 Miles (W) | Tesoro (907) 746-6706 |
| Diesel | 30+ Miles (SW) | Fred Meyer Fuel Center (907) 746-4244 |
 Water | 1-5 Miles (E) | Grand View Cafe and RV Park (907) 746-4480 |
 RV Hookup | 1-5 Miles (E) | Grand View Cafe and RV Park (907) 746-4480 |
 RV Disposal | 1-5 Miles (E) | Grand View Cafe and RV Park (907) 746-4480 |
| Campground | On Site | Pinochle Trail Campground (907) 707-6228 |
 Conv Store | 5-20 Miles (W) | Tesoro (907) 746-6706 |
FEES & PASSES
| Parking | (None) |
| Entry | (None) |
| Riding | (None) |
| Camping | Yes Tent: $20.00 RV: $20.00 Addtl. Vehicle: $0.00 Pinochle Trail Campground Fee |
RATINGS
| Our Rating |  Good |
| Recommended Stay | 1-2 Days |
| Comments | (Scroll Down For Rider Reviews & Comments) |
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
| Nearest City | Glacier View, AK | ||
| Address | Pinochle Lane, Glacier View, AK 99674 | ||
| From: Anchorage, AK
1) AK-1/Glenn Highway North about 90 miles 2) Pinochle Trail Campground is on the right (south). |
OFFICIAL CONTACTS
| Contact Info | Alaska DNR - Southcentral Regional Office 550 West 7th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 269-8564 kyle.kidder@alaska.gov aws.state.ak.us |
| Contact Info | Pinochle Trail Campground Pinochle Lane Glacier View, AK 99674 (907) 707-6228 info@pinochlecamp.com www.pinochletrail.com |
| Comment | call or text for rates and availability |
Pinochle Creek Trail Photo
This is the main entrance for Pinochle Trail Campground. Photo Submitted 6/17/2020 (Thanks!)
Pinochle Creek Trail Photo
Another view of the Pinochle Trail. There is plenty of panoramic views to be seen from here. Photo Submitted 6/17/2020 (Thanks!)
Pinochle Creek Trail Photo
Some sections of the trail can get waterlogged. Bring a winch. Photo Submitted 6/17/2020 (Thanks!)
Pinochle Creek Trail Photo
This is a view of the Pinochle Trail. This section is hard packed but during wet weather can be very muddy. Photo Submitted 6/17/2020 (Thanks!)
Pinochle Creek Trail Photo
The Pinochle Trail is open year-round. During the winter months snowmobiles are permitted. Photo Submitted 6/17/2020 (Thanks!)
Pinochle Creek Trail Photo
This is a map of Pinochle Trail Campground. Photo Submitted 6/17/2020 (Thanks!)
Pinochle Creek Trail Photo
Photo Submitted 6/17/2020 (Thanks!)
RIDER COMMENTS & REVIEWS