From Palmer take Glenn Highway to Fishhook Willow Road. Stay on that and it will lead to Hatcher Pass. Before getting to the lodge near the end of the pavement, there is a turn to the left continuing to Hatcher Pass, it is a dirt road. Take that and continue to Hatcher Pass and the trail head parking is right at the pass.
April Bowl trail head it located at Hatcher Pass. It is a great trail with excellent footing. As it begins in the alpine there is no worry about bush whacking or plants, and there is seldom ever wildlife encounters to concerned with. Though the lack of wildlife isn't an addition to the quality of the trail, just a peace of mind for some.
The trail begins with a few wide sweeping switch backs and gets up on a shelf looking on the creek the flows from the lakes. From there the trail takes a sweeping hooks around and up the inside of the bowl. Once past that part it opens up to April Bowl with a series of four small lakes. Many people stop and enjoy the lakes in the bowl and call it good.
The trail proceeds along the ridge of the mountain to the peak. This section of the trail it a moderate climb with continued good footing. It is possible to find a slick place to put your foot but if you're mindful of where you're stepping it should be no problem.
At the peak you can see the end of Knik Glacier, the back of Government Peak, many peaks around Hatcher Pass and even the Alaska Range.
The trail to the peak takes a couple hours at a comfortable pace. From the Peak it is easily possible to follow ridges to get over to Government Peak.
