Frostbite Ridge: TrailMates Take on a Hidden Gem in Hatcher Pass

Sara Burda
Sep 20
3 min read

Updated: Sep 23

🤝 Sponsored by Ameriprise Financial

A huge thank-you to Ameriprise Financial for sponsoring this hike. Their support helps TrailMates continue to create accessible, inclusive outdoor adventures for our community.

Group of hikers and two dogs on a grassy mountain with cloudy sky. One person takes a selfie, smiling and flashing a peace sign.

🥾 Hike Overview: Frostbite Ridge from Skeetawk

Location: Hatcher Pass, Alaska
Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Hike Leader: Megan (TrailMates founder)
Distance: 2.2 miles (one way)
Elevation Gain: ~2,400 feet
Trail Type: Steep, rugged ridge climb — not marked on AllTrails

🌟 A Last-Minute Twist, An Epic Payoff

Saturday, September 13,, will go down as one of those TrailMates adventures no one forgets. What started as a plan for a different trail turned into an unexpected climb up Frostbite Ridge, thanks to Megan our fearless hike leader and founder of TrailMate.

An hour before the hike, Megan decided the original route would be too muddy. Driving past the Frostbite Ridge trailhead, she noticed it packed with cars and made the call: let’s go for it. And wow—what a call it was.

Mountain landscape with a dirt path leading to distant hikers. Lush greenery and colorful wildflowers surround, under a bright, sunny sky.

🥾 The Trail Less Traveled (Literally)

Frostbite Ridge isn’t even on AllTrails, and access is only through Skeetawk. That means you never really know what you’re signing up for. The ridge made us earn every view! Steep? Absolutely.

Worth it? Without a doubt.

The thing about Frostbite Ridge? It doesn’t ease you in. From the very start, the trail tilted up, up, and up. Over just 2.2 miles, we climbed nearly 2,400 feet, which meant there wasn’t much in the way of “flat recovery sections.” Instead, we relied on each other — encouragement, laughter, and a few “are we there yet?” jokes — to keep climbing.

“When there’s no trail, you just follow the person in front of you and hope they know what they’re doing!”

The trail itself faded in and out, sometimes clear, sometimes just a faint track through the brush. That’s part of the charm of this hike — it’s not on AllTrails, it’s not heavily trafficked, and you’ve got to stay present and connected to the group.

A group of hikers forages among green brush on a sunny day in the mountains, with backpacks and hiking gear. Majestic peaks in the background.

🌞 Sunshine, Blueberries, and Big Smiles

Despite the tough climb, the day was packed with little trail treasures. The sun broke through, warming tired shoulders and lighting up the Chugach all around us. Blueberries—both high bush and low bush—lined parts of the trail, offering a sweet snack and a perfect excuse to pause. Bowls weren’t necessary—just berry-stained fingers and big grins.

Someone joked:

“This is the only hike where you can call snacking part of your strategy.”

Mountain range view with lush green valleys, distant peaks, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A serene and expansive landscape.

🏔️ Views Worth Every Step

When the group finally crested Frostbite Ridge, the payoff was immediate: panoramic views that stretched across Hatcher Pass and beyond. The kind of views that make you forget your burning calves and remind you why you showed up in the first place.

Hikers celebrated with high fives, photos, and that quiet awe that comes when a group collectively realizes: we did that.

Megan summed it up perfectly,

“I’m so proud of how this crew pushed through. Frostbite Ridge made us work, but the reward was absolutely worth it.”

Hikers climb a colorful, grassy hill with trekking poles, set against a backdrop of majestic, striped mountains and patchy clouds.

💬 Community First, Always

What made this hike special wasn’t just the steep climb or the jaw-dropping ridge views—it was the people. Many came not knowing what to expect, but left with new friends, new confidence, and a story to tell.

🌲 Ready for Your Next Adventure?

TrailMates hikes are about more than just trails—they’re about connection, resilience, and the joy of discovering what you’re capable of. Whether it’s a hidden ridge like Frostbite or a familiar favorite, every hike is a chance to grow and connect.

🛍️ Did You Know? We Have Merch!

Rock your TrailMates pride on the next hike or around town with our cozy hoodies, hats, and stickers! Every purchase helps keep our hikes free and supports our mission.

👕 Shop now: trailmates.online/shop

Because nothing says “I hike with awesome people” like a matching hoodieand a smile.

🌱 Help Us Keep the Movement Going

Want to give back to the group that gives you summit smiles and trail joy? You can help keep our hikes free and inclusive for all. Your gift trains leaders, supports beginners, and fuels this movement.

🎁 Donate: trailmates.online/donate