Suntrana Canyon Healy Alaska

Suntrana Canyon – Healy Alaska

The Trek Details

The Trek in a snapshot

Location

Healy, Alaska

Managing Agency

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

Fees

None

Restrooms

None

Camping

Allowed

Trail Condition

No set trail. You will be walking on rocks and dirt the entire way

Sights

Interesting canyon, Suntrana Creek

Water Info

Bring a bottle of water if needed

Best Season

Spring, summer, fall

Distance

Lots of sun exposure

Time Required

1+ hour

Parking Elevation

1503 ft

2 miles roundtrip. You can just hike as far as you'd like and turn back

3174 ft

Elevation Difference

1671 ft

Trek Planner Maps

Trail Map

Trail Map for Trek Planner Insiders only

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GPS Coordinates

GPS coordinate for Trek Planner Insiders only

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Experience. Discover. Explore.

The Trail

Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!

Be a responsible explorer



I asked a local about some of his favorite places to hike in the Healy area and he suggested this “secret” canyon called Suntrana Canyon.

The name Suntrana comes from the Athabaskan (Native Alaskan) language meaning, “burning hills,” from fires coming from the coal seams.  Now days, there isn’t much, if any, fire coming from the ground but there is an active coal mining operation nearby.

Suntrana Canyon is a great place to hike and see many different types of rock including the thick black bands of coal visible at the surface.  I love this canyon because it is something totally different than the tundra landscapes nearby and all of the different colors from the rocks make this hike very interesting.



You start off at the base of Suntrana Creek – this is the trailhead!  You simply hike up the canyon as far as you’d like.  I’ve never actually hiked to the top of the canyon but it’s something I plan on doing.

This canyon is quiet!  Meaning, you will probably have it all to yourself.  This entire area in general doesn’t get many visitors unless it’s moose hunting season.

A few years back, some friends and I went gold panning here at the creek.  We didn’t find any gold but it was fun to try anyway.

This is just a fun and unique place to leisurely hike and explore.

You will see many rock formations that strangely resemble some sandstone features of the western United States.



Personal Thoughts

Personal Thoughts

I love discovering the local hikes that the locals do. This hidden gem is a great place to stop while you travel along the Parks Highway.

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