Trapper Creek & Petersville
Situated at the northern edge of The Mat-Su Borough along the Parks Highway, Trapper Creek is a community where the scale of Alaska is always in focus. Known as the gateway to Denali State Park, this region offers an alternative to the busier hubs, providing travelers with an authentic, end-of-the-road experience. Enter a landscape defined by gold rush legends and massive mountain vistas. This is one of the few places in the world where you can stand on a gravel road and witness the staggering height of Denali, Mount Foraker, and Mount Hunter — the big three of the Alaska Range — towering over the horizon.
Gateway to the State Park
Trapper Creek serves as the southern anchor for Denali State Park, offering access to some of the most spectacular public lands in the north. Just a short drive north, discover the serenity of Byers Lake for kayaking, fishing, and hiking with a constant view of the peaks. Visit the official Denali State Park overlooks for interpretive displays and panoramic views that capture the sheer scale of the Susitna River valley and the Alaska Range.
The Road to the Interior
Stretching nearly 40 miles west from the Parks Highway, Petersville Road is a journey into the heart of the Mat-Su’s mining heritage.
Petersville Road
This is widely considered one of the best spots in Alaska for Denali photography. As the road gains elevation, the mountains appear to rise directly out of the tundra. While much of the area remains active for mining, the history of the Peters Hills is written in the rugged trails and weathered landscapes. In the summer, the road is a hub for off-roaders and hikers. In the winter, Trapper Creek becomes a premier snowmachine destination, offering deep powder and access to the vast Dutch Hills and Peters Hills backcountry.
Frontier Lodging & Backcountry Guides
From rustic wilderness lodges and cozy roadside cabins to expert-led ATV and snowmachine guides, the Trapper Creek and Petersville community is the backbone of the northern Valley. Use the directory below to find the partners and local experts ready to help you navigate the trails and history of this massive mountain landscape.
Denali Brewpub
Talkeetna, AK 99676
AK Sled Dog Tours
Talkeetna, AK 99676
Talkeetna Inn
Talkeetna, AK 99676
Alaska Helicopter Tours
Palmer, AK 99645
Alaska Off-Road Adventures
Backwoods Lodge
Cantwell, AK 99729
Once in a Blue Moose
Talkeetna, AK 99676
Mountain High Pizza Pie
Talkeetna, AK 99676
BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Our multi-day itineraries are filled with helpful suggestions as you sculpt your own Alaska journey. If you’re staying in nearby Anchorage, check out our day-trip ideas.
