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Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Peak Trail

Palmer Alaska Hikes

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Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Peak Trail - Palmer Alaska Hikes

Half-day to overnight hikes to the high country and peaks of the Chugach Mountains “front range” outside Palmer. Lazy Mountain (3,720 feet) and Matanuska Peak (6,119 feet) are the prominent peaks east of Palmer. Lazy Mountain is the rounded peak nearer town, and Mat Peak is the tall, stately peak behind it. A trail leads to each summit, and it’s possible to connect the two trails for a very long high-country adventure just a stone’s throw from Palmer. These trails are a bit rough. Lazy Mountain is extremely steep in places and can be very slick when wet. The lower 2.5 miles of the Mat Peak Trail are thick with tall grasses and cow parsnip by late summer, and if the vegetation is wet even with dew, you’ll be soaked to the neck if you don’t have rain gear on. Watch for cow parsnip and stinging nettle on both trails; long pants are a good idea. Special features: High ridges and peaks, fine views, wildflower meadows.

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Published by Falcon Publishing. All Rights Reserved.

Trail Statistics & Information

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Palmer
Length: 17 total miles
Elevation Gain: 8,800 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Skill Level: Strenuous
Season: Mid-June through mid-September
Trailhead Elevation: 750 feet
Top Elevation: 3,700 feet
Local Contacts: Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Local Maps: USGS Anchorage C-6 (SE)
Topo Map: Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Peak Trail Topographic Map
Guide Book: Hiking Alaska Guide Book
Driving Directions: View Guide
Trail Directions: View Guide
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Weather Conditions

  1. Tonight
    Snow likely by midnight. Snow accumulation around 1 inch. Lows around zero. Light winds.

  2. Saturday
    Snow likely. Snow accumulation up to 3 inches. Storm total snow accumulation up to 4 inches. Highs 15 to 20. Light winds.

  3. Saturday Night
    Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow in the evening. Lows 5 to 15 above. Variable wind to 10 mph.

  4. Sunday
    Cloudy with a chance of snow. Highs in the mid 20s to lower 30s. Southeast wind 10 to 15 mph.

About This Trail Guide

Hiking Alaska
Hiking Alaska

by Dean Littlepage (Falcon Publishing)

This is a comprehensive guide, featuring 100 hikes with more than 200 optional destinations and side…

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