Hatcher Pass Drive and Glennallen Hwy Drive

Question

Hello All! We are spending a week (6/14-21) doing our own land vacation the week before a cruise. Coming back from Denali to Palmer, we would like to drive Hatcher Pass from Willow to Palmer. I have read it is sometimes closed in June but haven't seen an update on the road this year. Does anyone know if it is open and advisable to drive yet? Or would it be better to drive up the Wasilla-Fishhook Rd from Wasilla and then down the Fishhook Rd to Palmer?

The next day we plan to drive to Matanuska Glacier and then maybe a bit further towards Glennallen depending on the time. You all have made us aware that we need to allow plenty of time due to road construction, traffic, etc. anywhere we go. How long would it take to drive from Palmer to Glennallen?

Thanks for any and all help!

Answer

Great question. Short answer: Hatcher Pass is risky to rely on in mid-June, and using the Palmer–Fishhook route rather than the Willow–Pass route is likely safer and more reliable. Here’s a detailed breakdown plus guidance for your Palmer → Glennallen drive.

Hatcher Pass Road Status & Risks

The Hatcher Pass Road over the summit (from Willow to Palmer) often remains closed into June, depending heavily on snowpack and avalanche risk.
The Alaska Department of Transportation notes that the middle portion of the pass (around mile 17.5 to 32.5) is “not maintained nor open in the winter,” and typically opens around July 1, depending on conditions.
In early 2025, heavy avalanche danger caused road closures in the pass area, especially near mile 14.
According to the Mat-Su Borough visitor guides, the pass “opens to traffic around the Fourth of July … weather permitting.”

Conclusion on Hatcher Pass: Attempting to drive the full pass from Willow to Palmer in mid-June is risky, and there’s a good chance that sections (especially the summit) may remain closed or unplowed. If your itinerary is tight, it’s more reliable to go via the Palmer–Fishhook Road instead.

Alternatives: Fishhook Road Route

The Palmer–Fishhook Road provides a paved (or better-maintained) access route up into the Hatcher Pass / Independence Mine area.
Reddit and local sources often recommend using the Wasilla–Fishhook up to Palmer Fishhook for safer and easier access to the mine area rather than risking the summit pass early in the season.
According to the DOT fact sheet, there is a planned repaving of a stretch of Palmer-Fishhook Road, but it's still accessible.

Drive from Palmer to Glennallen

The distance from Palmer to Glennallen is about 137 miles (220 km).
The typical driving time is approximately 2 hours 25 minutes, assuming normal summer conditions.
Because this is a scenic byway (Glenn Highway), allow extra time for stops, viewpoints, and slower traffic.

Recommendations for Your Trip:

Plan to use the Palmer–Fishhook route to access Hatcher Pass/Independence Mine. It’s more reliable earlier in the summer and avoids the risk of snow or road closures over the summit.
Check Alaska DOT & PF road condition updates before you go, especially for Hatcher Pass. Use Alaska 511 or DOT alerts.
If you are set on driving *over* Hatcher Pass (for the full scenic pass drive), consider delaying that segment of the trip until early July, when it's more likely to be open.
When driving from Palmer to Glennallen, budget for at least 3 hours including scenic stops — the route is beautiful and worth lingering over.

In summary: mid-June is borderline for a full Hatcher Pass crossing. For safety and reliability, take the Fishhook route. And for your Palmer → Glennallen leg, plan on a little over 2 hours of driving plus extra time to soak in the views.