Trail Overview
The best hikes near Wasilla and Palmer, Alaska, offer a mix of scenic beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and outdoor adventure. One of the most popular trails in the area is the Lazy Mountain Trail, a 4.5-mile out-and-back hike that takes you through a lush forest and ends at a stunning viewpoint with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Another great option is the Matanuska Peak Trail, a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike that takes you to the summit of Matanuska Peak, offering breathtaking views of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Hikers love these trails for their accessibility, scenic beauty, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
What makes these trails special is the unique combination of scenic beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and outdoor adventure. The trails take you through a variety of landscapes, including lush forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain peaks. Along the way, you may see a variety of wildlife, including moose, bears, and Dall sheep. The trails are also steeped in history and offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and mining heritage.
Trail Stats at a Glance
Here are the key stats for the Lazy Mountain Trail and the Matanuska Peak Trail:
- Distance:
- Lazy Mountain Trail: 4.5 miles out-and-back
- Matanuska Peak Trail: 4.8 miles out-and-back
- Elevation Gain:
- Lazy Mountain Trail: 1,500 feet
- Matanuska Peak Trail: 2,000 feet
- Difficulty:
- Lazy Mountain Trail: Moderate
- Matanuska Peak Trail: Hard
- Estimated Time:
- Lazy Mountain Trail: 3-4 hours
- Matanuska Peak Trail: 4-5 hours
- Trail Type:
- Lazy Mountain Trail: Out-and-back
- Matanuska Peak Trail: Out-and-back
- Dog-Friendly?:
- Lazy Mountain Trail: Yes
- Matanuska Peak Trail: Yes
- Kid-Friendly?:
- Lazy Mountain Trail: Yes, for older kids
- Matanuska Peak Trail: No, due to steep terrain and exposure
Getting There
To get to the Lazy Mountain Trail, from Wasilla, take the Parks Highway (AK-3) north to the exit for Hyer Road. Turn left onto Hyer Road and follow it for 2.5 miles to the trailhead, which is located at GPS coordinates 61.5733, -149.4333. The parking lot is large and can accommodate several vehicles. There is a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle, and the trailhead has a vault toilet and a picnic table.
To get to the Matanuska Peak Trail, from Palmer, take the Glenn Highway (AK-1) north to the exit for Smith Road. Turn left onto Smith Road and follow it for 1.5 miles to the trailhead, which is located at GPS coordinates 61.6333, -148.9667. The parking lot is small and can accommodate only a few vehicles. There is no day-use fee, and the trailhead has a vault toilet but no picnic table.
Detailed Trail Description
The Lazy Mountain Trail begins at the trailhead and immediately enters a lush forest of spruce and aspen trees. The trail is well-marked and well-maintained, with a smooth surface and minimal obstacles. As you hike, the forest grows denser and the trees become taller, casting dappled shadows on the trail. At 1.5 miles, the trail crosses a small creek, which may be dry in late summer but can be a significant obstacle in early summer or after heavy rainfall.
At 2.5 miles, the trail begins to climb more steeply, and the forest gives way to alpine meadows and rocky outcroppings. The views become more expansive, with the surrounding mountains rising up on all sides. At 3.5 miles, the trail reaches a scenic viewpoint with panoramic views of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. This is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the views.
The Matanuska Peak Trail is more challenging and begins with a steep climb through a forest of spruce and aspen trees. The trail is rocky and uneven, with several switchbacks and creek crossings. At 1.5 miles, the trail reaches a small alpine lake, which is a great spot to take a break and enjoy the views. From here, the trail continues to climb, with several more switchbacks and rocky outcroppings. At 3.5 miles, the trail reaches the summit of Matanuska Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
As you hike, keep an eye out for wildlife, including moose, bears, and Dall sheep. The trails are also home to a variety of birds, including eagles, hawks, and owls. In the summer, the trails are lined with wildflowers, including lupine, fireweed, and gentian. In the fall, the trails are ablaze with color, as the aspen and birch trees turn golden and the spruce trees turn reddish-brown.
Best Time to Hike
The best time to hike the Lazy Mountain Trail and the Matanuska Peak Trail is from June to September, when the weather is warm and dry. In June, the trails are lined with wildflowers, and the views are particularly scenic. In July and August, the weather is warmest, and the trails are at their busiest. In September, the weather begins to cool, and the trails are less crowded, but the views are still spectacular.
In the winter, the trails are snow-covered and can be challenging to navigate. However, they are still accessible with snowshoes or cross-country skis, and the views are particularly scenic. In the spring, the trails are muddy and can be challenging to navigate, but the wildflowers are beginning to bloom, and the views are particularly scenic.
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the best time to hike:
- June: Wildflowers are in bloom, and the views are particularly scenic.
- July: Weather is warmest, and the trails are at their busiest.
- August: Weather is still warm, and the trails are still busy, but the wildflowers are beginning to fade.
- September: Weather begins to cool, and the trails are less crowded, but the views are still spectacular.
- October: Weather is cool, and the trails are less crowded, but the views are still scenic.
- November: Trails are snow-covered, and the views are particularly scenic, but the trails can be challenging to navigate.
- December: Trails are snow-covered, and the views are particularly scenic, but the trails can be challenging to navigate.
- January: Trails are snow-covered, and the views are particularly scenic, but the trails can be challenging to navigate.
- February: Trails are snow-covered, and the views are particularly scenic, but the trails can be challenging to navigate.
- March: Trails are still snow-covered, but the weather is beginning to warm, and the views are still scenic.
- April: Trails are still snowy, but the wildflowers are beginning to bloom, and the views are still scenic.
- May: Trails are still muddy, but the wildflowers are in bloom, and the views are particularly scenic.
What to Bring
When hiking in Alaska, it’s essential to be prepared with the right gear and clothing. Here are the Ten Essentials, adapted for Alaska:
- Navigation: Map, compass, GPS device, and/or GPS app on your smartphone.
- Hydration: Water bottle or hydration bladder, and a water treatment method, such as a filter or purification tablets.
- Shelter: Tent, sleeping bag, and a warm hat and gloves.
- Extra Clothing: Extra socks, underwear, and a change of clothes in case you get wet.
- First Aid: First aid kit, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any medications you may need.
- Headlamp: Headlamp or flashlight, in case you’re hiking late in the day or in low light conditions.
- Food: Energy-rich snacks, such as nuts, dried fruit, and jerky, as well as a sandwich or other lunch.
- Emergency Shelter: Lightweight emergency shelter, such as a space blanket or a bivy sack.
- Fire Starter: Fire starter, such as a match or lighter, and a small supply of tinder and kindling.
- Repair Kit: Repair kit, including duct tape, safety pins, and a small knife or multi-tool.
In addition to the Ten Essentials, it’s also a good idea to bring bear spray, as well as layers of clothing, including a warm hat and gloves, and trekking poles, which can be helpful on steep or uneven terrain.
Wildlife & Safety
When hiking in Alaska, it’s essential to be aware of the potential wildlife hazards, including bears, moose, and Dall sheep. Here are some tips for staying safe:
- Bears: Make noise while hiking, to avoid surprising bears, and carry bear spray, in case of an encounter.
- Moose: Be aware of moose on the trail, and give them a wide berth, as they can be unpredictable and aggressive.
- Dall Sheep: Be aware of Dall sheep on the trail, and give them a wide berth, as they can be unpredictable and aggressive.
- Weather: Be aware of the weather forecast, and be prepared for changing conditions, including rain, snow, and high winds.
- River Crossings: Be careful when crossing rivers, and use caution when navigating steep or uneven terrain.
- Avalanche Zones: Be aware of avalanche zones, and avoid hiking in areas with steep slopes and deep snow.
Photography Tips
The Lazy Mountain Trail and the Matanuska Peak Trail offer some of the most scenic views in Alaska, and are a photographer’s paradise. Here are some tips for capturing the best shots:
- Golden Hour: The golden hour, just before sunset, is the best time to capture scenic views, as the light is soft and warm.
- Lens: Bring a wide-angle lens, to capture the expansive views, and a telephoto lens, to capture wildlife and distant landscapes.
- Iconic Shots: Look for iconic shots, such as the summit of Matanuska Peak, or the scenic viewpoint on the Lazy Mountain Trail.
- Wildlife: Be patient and quiet, to capture shots of wildlife, including moose, bears, and Dall sheep.
- Landscapes: Look for interesting landscapes, including rocky outcroppings, alpine meadows, and scenic vistas.
Some of the best viewpoints on the trail include:
- The summit of Matanuska Peak, which offers breathtaking views of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
- The scenic viewpoint on the Lazy Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- The alpine lake on the Matanuska Peak Trail, which offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
History & Background
The Lazy Mountain Trail and the Matanuska Peak Trail have a rich history and cultural significance. The trails were originally used by indigenous peoples, including the Athabascan and the Inupiat, who hunted and gathered in the area. In the late 19th century, the trails were used by gold miners and prospectors, who came to the area in search of riches.
In the early 20th century, the trails were developed and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, which built the trails and established the Matanuska-Susitna Valley as a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Today, the trails are managed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, which works to maintain and protect the trails and the surrounding landscape.
The trails are also home to a variety of historical and cultural sites, including old mining camps, cabins, and other structures. The Matanuska Peak Trail is named after the Matanuska River, which flows through the valley and was named by the indigenous peoples. The Lazy Mountain Trail is named after the nearby Lazy Mountain, which was named by early settlers and prospectors.
Nearby Trails & Campgrounds
There are several nearby trails and campgrounds that offer additional opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. Some of the nearby trails include:
- The Matanuska Lakes Trail, which offers a scenic hike to a series of lakes and wetlands.
- The Knik River Trail, which offers a scenic hike along the Knik River and surrounding landscape.
- The Eklutna Lake Trail, which offers a scenic hike to a beautiful lake and surrounding landscape.
Some of the nearby campgrounds include:
- The Matanuska-Susitna Valley Campground, which offers campsites and amenities, including restrooms and potable water.
- The Knik River Campground, which offers campsites and amenities, including restrooms and potable water.
- The Eklutna Lake Campground, which offers campsites and amenities, including restrooms and potable water.
For multi-day adventures, consider combining the Lazy Mountain Trail and the Matanuska Peak Trail with other nearby trails and campgrounds. For example, you could hike the Lazy Mountain Trail one day, and then camp at the Matanuska-Susitna Valley Campground, before hiking the Matanuska Peak Trail the next day. Alternatively, you could hike the Knik River Trail one day, and then camp at the Knik River Campground, before hiking the Eklutna Lake Trail the next day.