Reed lake trail or April Bowl Trail and Curry Ridge Trail
Hi. We will be in Alaska for the first time this July. We have an itinerary that will allow us to hike Curry Ridge Trail in the morning and April Bowl Trail in the afternoon or skip both and go for Reed Lake Trail. We only have this one day to do it. What would you recommend? We are saving a trip to Danali NP for a year when the road is open again.
Thanks.
Visiting Alaska for the first time is exciting, and July is a fantastic month for hiking with long daylight hours and generally good weather. Since you only have one day for a hike near Willow, choosing between Curry Ridge Trail with April Bowl Trail or Reed Lake Trail depends on your priorities for scenery, difficulty, and time commitment.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:
- Curry Ridge Trail + April Bowl Trail: These trails can be combined for a moderate to challenging day hike. Curry Ridge Trail starts near Willow Lake and offers forested paths, rolling ridges, and expansive views of the surrounding mountains. April Bowl Trail connects nearby, providing alpine meadows, wildflowers in July, and more panoramic vistas. Together, you’re looking at roughly 6–8 miles total with some elevation gain.
- Pros:
- Variety of scenery: forests, ridges, and alpine bowls.
- Moderate challenge suitable for active hikers.
- Less crowded than Reed Lake Trail, offering a more secluded experience.
- Cons:
- Longer day with significant elevation changes, which may be tiring if you want a more relaxed experience.
- Trailheads are less developed, so navigation is important.
- Reed Lake Trail: This is a single, well-maintained trail offering a moderate hike with scenic views of Reed Lake and surrounding forested areas. The loop is shorter than doing both Curry Ridge and April Bowl, generally 3–5 miles round trip.
- Pros:
- Shorter, more manageable hike if you want a relaxed pace.
- Great for wildlife spotting, lake views, and photography.
- Accessible trailheads with clear markings and maintained paths.
- Cons:
- Less variety in scenery compared to combining Curry Ridge and April Bowl.
- Can be busier with local hikers.
Recommendation:
If you are comfortable with a longer, moderately challenging day and want to experience the full range of Alaska’s backcountry scenery, doing Curry Ridge in the morning and April Bowl in the afternoon is highly rewarding. You will see ridges, alpine meadows, and potentially spectacular views of surrounding mountains. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
If you prefer a more relaxed, single trail with less elevation and a shorter day—ideal for taking photos, enjoying the lake, and conserving energy for the rest of your Alaska trip—Reed Lake Trail is an excellent choice.
In summary, for a first-time Alaska experience in one day:
- Choose Curry Ridge + April Bowl for a full-day, scenic, and varied hike.
- Choose Reed Lake Trail for a moderate, shorter, and less strenuous hike.
Whichever you choose, start early in the morning to maximize daylight, bring layers for variable weather, and carry a map or GPS since trail conditions in Alaska can change quickly. Enjoy your hike!
