Hatcher Pass in a car rental?

Question

Hey all,

I'll be in Alaska the 3rd week of May and I was hoping to make the drive up to Hatcher Pass from Wasilla. Right now I'm booked in an intermediate car but I'm wondering if I should change my reservation to an suv (about $70 more for the week). Ideally I'd like to hike April bowl and make it as far as Summit lake. We also plan to head up to Denali the next day, so I'm not sure if the suv is necessary or not. I've read conflicting answers.

Any advice is much appreciated!

Answer

Driving to Hatcher Pass from Wasilla in the 3rd week of May is generally doable in a standard intermediate car, but there are some factors to consider. Snow can linger on certain parts of the pass into May, particularly near Summit Lake, and some dirt or gravel sections may still be wet or icy. Your planned hikes, especially to April Bowl, may require walking through snow patches or muddy terrain.

Considerations for vehicle choice:

Intermediate car: Should be fine for the main paved sections of Hatcher Pass Road (State Route 339 from the Willow side and backroads to Wasilla). Be prepared for slower speeds if roads are wet or partially snow-covered.
SUV upgrade: Provides higher clearance and more traction, which is helpful if you encounter snow patches, wet gravel, or decide to explore less-maintained pullouts near Summit Lake or trailheads. Also gives more comfort if you plan to load hiking gear and luggage.
All-wheel drive vs 2WD: If your intermediate car is AWD, it should be adequate. A 2WD vehicle could struggle on icy or muddy patches.

Other tips:

Check road conditions before departure – Alaska DOT updates Hatcher Pass conditions online.
Park at designated trailheads, as snow can obscure regular parking areas.
Drive slowly through snow and gravel; even a small patch can reduce traction.
If you’re planning to continue to Denali the next day, an SUV may offer added peace of mind for the long drive north, though it is not strictly necessary if the roads are clear and your intermediate car is reliable.

In summary, you can make the trip in your current intermediate car if conditions are favorable, but upgrading to an SUV gives a margin of safety and comfort, especially near Summit Lake and April Bowl. If the $70 difference is manageable, the SUV is a sensible choice for peace of mind and flexibility.

Hatcher Pass in a car rental?

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