Chena Dome Trail
~3 days · 28.2 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Chena Dome Trail is known for
A strenuous 29-mile alpine loop in the Chena River State Recreation Area near Fairbanks, Alaska, circling high above the tundra on an exposed ridge with sweeping views of the Alaska Range and Interior valleys. The route climbs from the Angel Creek Lower Trailhead along the upper ridge system before descending back to the Chena Hot Springs Road corridor, best attempted over 2–3 days in summer when the long daylight makes navigation above treeline feasible.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,153 ft to 13,681 ft over 28.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 11.6 mi · 42%
- Downhill 15.3 mi · 55%
- Flat 0.8 mi · 3%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Chena Dome Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Chena Dome Trail scores 28/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Chena Dome Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Chena Dome Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 28.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Chena Dome Trail?
The Chena Dome Trail climbs roughly 8,009 ft total — about 284 ft per mile, topping out near 4,255 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.