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Perseverance Trail
Activity:
Hiking, biking, winter use, cultural/historical
Summary:
Considered by some to be the first road in Alaska, this trail was originally constructed in 1889 as a road to Last Chance Basin and eventually Silverbow Basin; it was known as the "Gold Canyon Trail." Today, the broad trail is very popular with locals and visitors who can walk side-by-side up through a narrow valley with rugged mountains on both sides. Along the way, many relics of the gold mining era can be seen ranging from broken bottles, to tools and water wheels, to foundations, old mill sites and glory holes. These relics are intermixed with a diversity of vegetation, waterfalls, snow slide gulches, majestic views, wildflowers and bird watching opportunities. Highlights include passing Snowslide Gulch over look, Ebner Falls, old growth rainforest, subalpine, Gold Creek and Granite Creek before you get to the Big Glory Hole, a 700-1000' vertical drop. Perseverance Trail starts on Basin Road near the Last Chance Mining Museum, and the trail is the main access to destinations including Mt. Juneau, Red Mill, Granite Creek, Glory Hole and Mine Camp Ruins.
Length:
3.5 miles one-way
Elevation:
1000 feet elevation gain
Difficulty:
Some exposed areas with steep slopes
Starting Point:
Walk or drive from downtown Juneau to the end of Basin Road where the trailhead and museum access trails are located.
The Perseverance Trail Guide is available at the City Museum for a nominal fee. The 19-page booklet gives a history of the mining in the area along with photos, a map and information on birds and wildflowers that can be seen along the trail. The Perseverance Trail is jointly managed by Alaska State Parks and The City and Borough of Juneau Parks and Recreations Department with help from the nonprofit organization Trail Mix, Inc. and many volunteers.
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