How to Get a J.B.E.R. Recreation Pass

JBER, or Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, is the Air Force and Army Base located in Anchorage. You may ask yourself: "Why in God's name would I willingly enter into a federal government bureaucracy goat rodeo to hike on a military installation?" Good question, and the answer is that unfortunately JBER owns some really cool Chugach peaks and lakes.

• Peaks: Snowhawk, Ship Creek Hill, Kanchee, Knoya, Tikisla, West Tanaina
• Lakes: Tanaina, Long Lake!
• Peaks straddling JBER / Chugach State Park: Temptation, East Tanaina, Koktoya

Many hikers opt to ignore the permitting process. Typically there are no consequences and everyone has a nice day, but there are potential downsides. The fines suck but seem minor compared to hiking into a military training exercise that is using live ammo. The latter happened to a buddy few years ago in Snowhawk Valley. So now he gets proper authorization and yesterday he walked me through the process.  The entire process is fun, easy, straightforward, and not-at-all frustrating! Hooray!

1. Go to the JBER Recreation Access web page: click here
• This page has general information and links to maps you will need later
2. Register for permit: click here
• Enter your name and they issue you a permit number and PIN 
• This will be your number and PIN for the entire year
• Click on "Permit Card" and print
3. Once you have a permit, you now need to go to the base to get vetted
• Are you kidding me?
• Throw something across the room
• Drive to Boniface Visitor Control Center
• Boniface exit from the Glenn Highway heading away from the mountains
4. Now you are ready to sign in for your planned adventure:
• Click here or call 855-703-9176
• Chose your activity and locations from drop down menus
• Location choices conveniently consist solely of numbers between 402 and 431
• Begin to lose your mind
• Put on 590 AM and listen to the smooth hits and try to control your rage
• Link to the map with decoder ring: click here
• Enter in the area(s) you plan to access
5. Everyone in your party needs a permit number
• Start yelling at inantimate objects
• Break something, anything will do, just smash it good 
• Follow Steps 1 through 4 for each person who plans to hike
6. Well, time for lunch now
• Have about 3 beers and 2 shots
7. It looks like there's some weather rolling in 
8. Try again next weekend
9. Don't forget to sign out when you are done for the day
• Click here or call 855-703-9176

Some tips to enhance your fun:

• The Recreation Area is closed from 11 PM to 6 AM, so no camping!!
• Speed limits on JBER property are strictly enforced!!

Phone numbers for additional information:

• 855-703-9176  Automated sign in / sign out
• 907-384-2916  Visitor Center
• 907-552-4029  Security
• 907-284-0823  Fort Richardson Military Police

It is a toss up whether anyone will answer at these numbers and there is no voicemail either.  

Chose life.

 - U.K.