Angel Rocks

The Angel Rocks are large granite spires and outcroppings scattered on the hillside. The shapes these rocks make almost look like angels standing above the trees. The trail is nice and flat at the beginning then it gets steep towards the top of these giant rocks! This is a great and fun adventure for the whole family! Kids would love climbing all over the Angel Rocks and exploring on their own. There are some steep areas, but you can find plenty of flat areas full of alcoves and fun looking rocks to explore. This is a popular trail and has the parking to accommodate large crowds. There are restrooms (outhouse style), picnic tables, and a drinking fountain at the trailhead. There is a sign that says this water is drinkable but you may want to filter it to make sure it is safe. The trail is very used and easy to follow. You will follow the Chena River for a little ways on the left hand side until you get to the wooden boardwalk. At the beginning of the boardwalk you will see a fork in the path where the trail will go left or right. This is where the loop begins - I would recommend going right first! The wooden boardwalk provides your first view of the Angel Rocks in the distance. You will begin your elevation gain at this point. It isn't too bad. I found plenty of spots to take pictures of the valley and beautiful landscape. A little ways up from the boardwalk you will see another sign. This sign is for a water source. I would purify your water here or maybe even ignore it all together. The side trail to the water source is about 40 feet. From this water source head back to the main trail and this is where it gets steep, but you will be rewarded fast with your first major overlook of the valley and Angel Rocks. From this point the trail winds around up on top of the Angel Rocks and then meets up at another fork in the trail that leads to Chena Hot Springs or back to the Angel Rocks trailhead. Turn left to complete the loop trail. The trail then comes below the Angel Rocks and goes through a dense forest. Angel Rocks is a fun trail that I plan on doing again! It isn't too long and there are lots of cool things to see along the way. I would highly recommend this trail to anyone coming to the Fairbanks area and has a few hours to kill. After your hike, drive to the end of Chena Hot Springs road to Chena Hot Springs resort where you can soak and relax!