Sutton to Lion's Head/Natural History Tour

You'll be able to see some of the Glenn's finest landscapes and enjoy some of Alaska's natural beauty on the 50-mile drive between Sutton and Lion's Head Mountain, and there are numerous stopping points and scenic views along the way.

The town of Sutton is an eclectic little spot, with an aura of true Alaskan individuality. Sutton starts at about Mile 60 of the highway, which is about an hour's drive from Anchorage. The best view of Lion's Head is at Mile 110. Driving from Palmer up the Glenn Highway, your first stop will be the Sutton Visitors Area.

Sutton Visitors Area

Mile 61 of the Glenn, stop in at the visitors area for food and fuel. Here you can turn off to Jonesville Mine Road. Travel down this road until you reach the sites of the old Eska and Jonesville Mines, a great area for fossil hunting. Just a bit further up the highway at Mile 62 is the Sutton Post Office. This is a historic site built in the 1940s.

Chickaloon

The Chickalooon area boasts many scenic viewpoints and cultural history. At Mile 76.2, the King Mountain Lodge provides food, rooms and camping areas. As your drive continues, there are great views of the river and valley along the highway. There are several lakes along here as well that you can access, such as Long Lake (Mile 85) and Weiner Lake (Mile 87).

NOVA River Runners has an office at Mile 76.5, and they are the exclusive guides for whitewater rafting at Lion's Head. Rapids range from class II-IV, with various packages available for all skill levels. Rates start at $75 for adults and reservations are required.

King Mountain Recreation Site

Located at Mile 76, King Mountain Recreational Area sits in the shadow of the majestic King Mountain, on the banks of the Matanuska River. This site offers camping, water and rest facilities for a fee, so it's a great stop for views of the mountain and river.

You will also be able to see Matanuska Glacier from Mile 91 on, and can stop in at the Matanuska State Recreation site at Mile 101. Visit Glacier Park for glacier tours or just a closer view.

Caribou Creek

Caribou Creek and the surrounding area is a good place to try your hand at recreational gold panning. Located at Mile 106, this natural recreational area is full of geological wonders and you will see the evidence of the glacial paths. Your destination is just a few miles down the road, and there are turnouts with photo ops along the way.

Lion's Head

Mile 110 showcases the beauty of Lion's Head, best seen as you turn back towards Anchorage. Its Athabascan name is "Tssisyu Ts'akae" and was once an ancient volcano. Lion's Head showcases the beauty and power of the geological forces that helped shaped the magnificence of the Glenn Highway corridor. The Grand View Café and RV Park are here as well, and you can grab a bite to eat at the café before you head back home.