Snowshoe Anton Larsen Pass

Kodiak, Alaska is known for the trails crawling straight up the side of the mountains. You won’t find a lot of switchbacks or well groomed trails here. Some hikes have basic goat trails while other trails are wide enough for all terrain vehicle access. Anton Larsen is one of those wide open and noticeable trails that you can take for a 5 mile loop in the summer. It’s full of mud, steep hills, and tire marks. 

The winter is a different story. When a blanket of snow falls through Anton Larsen, this trail becomes my favorite on the island. You get to dig out your snow shoes and romp around these fairly tall hills. The first portion or mile into the hills can be steep, but once you get over the front set, you fall into a view that makes you feel like you are in a scene of the sound of music, Alaska style. 

In order to access the trail, take Anton Larsen Bay Road towards Pyramid Mountain. The parking lot for Anton Larsen trail is on the left about a quarter of a mile past the Pyramid Mountain parking lot which is on the right. Anton Larsen parking is easy to access in the summer, but when it snows the parking lot disappears so its easier to park at the Pyramid Mountain trailhead and walk over. 

Same concept with the trail itself. The summer is very open and straightforward that goes out for a 5 mile loop. The trail is deep and defined. Head right at the fork, cross a “bridge” and go on your way through meadows and hills. In the winter, the trail disappears from the snow unless someone marks it down with a snowmobile. Maybe bring a bottle of water with some food coloring in it to mark the trail if it’s fresh powder and you aren’t very familiar.