Departing past mile 99 of the Glenn Highway, Hicks Creek Trail is an often-muddy multi-use trail with lots of potential for good hiking and backpacking. The trail provides access to other trails deeper in the Talkeetna Range. Park at pull-out along the highway, or drive in Pinochle Lane to a public parking area next to a private campground. The trail braids frequently as alternate routes are established to avoid boggy areas created by ATV use.

The first miles of the trail are over short rolling hills, then the trail climbs steeply up to a ridge and down to a scenic broad and boggy pass before descending along Divide Creek to the beautiful Caribou Creek and the Caribou Creek Trail.

Hicks Creek Trail is part of the 40 mile Chitna Pass backpacking loop as described in 55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska. Beginning on Hicks Creek Trail, the challenging route then follows Caribou Creek Trail up to Chitna Pass (4800') before descending Boulder Creek.