Joy G's review is bang-on!…read more There is so little info (beta, as we say in climbing) about this hike, that I'm shocked it is actually marked on google maps. (the previous map-marker was off, I put in a fix, you should be able to navigate to this spot from Yelp now) Not only is the trailhead marked, so is the trail! (on google maps, NOT in real life) I did this on a frigid winter day. The (very short) road to the trailhead is not plowed, so use good judgement if you don't have good: tires, clearance, etc. (but it's so short, you can park on a pullout and walk in) There is no sign marking this trail either. Most of the falls was under snow when I was here. The falls were at least partially frozen underneath. Still, this is a nice place to go. It's shockingly short and feels shockingly remote. I'll be back in the summer, I wonder how far up you can wade?

I have no idea why, but Pioneer Falls is one of the best kept secrets in the valley. People who've…read morelived here their whole lives have never heard of it, it's not in any guidebooks, it doesn't have an address, and the sign is so inconspicuous it's like they WANT you to miss it. The falls is absolutely lovely and is very very close to the road, but not visible from the road. From the little parking lot, it is a Very short walk to the base of the falls. The walk to the base is an easy walk less than a city block's distance the should be accessible to anyone on foot. The falls is (guessing here) is probably about 800 feet, but cannot be viewed in its entirety from any one vantage point. The trail isn't maintained, but if you have good footwear and a walking stick if you like, you can leapfrog over rocks and fallen logs up a few hundred feet (less than a half mile) to the widest part of the falls. At this point you can go no further because the canyon walls close in. I would LOVE to see these falls from above. We did find ourselves in need of bandaids after this little jaunt due to bare legs and leaping over fallen logs. I've got crappy knees and the was also one little spot I had to scooch down on my but because if I had tried to step down I probably would have blown out my knee (hence why I use a walking stick ) I think most people wouldn't have this issue though. These falls are exceptionally beautiful in my opinion, second in the Anchorage area, only to Thunderbird Falls. However, I wouldn't make the trip to the Valley solely for the falls, since it's such a short little hike. I suggest if you drive out that way, visit other nearby sites such as Knik River Public Use Area, Eklutna Tail race, the reindeer farm, Pyrah's U-pick, or Austin Helmers Pioneer Ridge Trail. Enjoy.

I really like this trail. It's the type of trail that you can't pin the direction it's going to go…read more You're kind of just weaving your way up and around. The trail (in October when we went) gets progressively more muddy as the you get higher. Most of the first couple miles are in the trees and shrubs. Around the 2.4 mile mark you come to a picnic table and an open viewing area. All that said, it's really not a great trail when it's muddy. Scary in places really. Especially coming down. Excited to try it out in summer after a couple really warm, really dry days.

Probably the most brutal hike in the Anchorage bowl!…read more It's short on mileage but HEAVY on gain. Trail has great views of the Knick Glacier as well as some nice wild flower-sprinkled tundra near the end. The trail ends at a ridge that eventually reaches the shorter of Pioneer Peak's two summits. I would not recommend this section unless you are very comfortable with exposed scrambling and/or you are a confident rock climber. Once on the South Summit you can glimpse at the slighty taller, "true" summit: the North Summit. Our intentions were to downclimb from the South Summit and then go upthe North...but after climbing down the ball bearing scree with sickening runouts, we decided to go get breakfast in Palmer instead. It's very tough to get to the true summit from this trail head, best options would be: 1) Do it when there is snow on the summits, might be easier to downclimb and then climb up the other side if there is enough snow. At least you could arrest a fall with an axe. 2) Climb the North Face route, which leads directly to the North Summit. This is best done in late spring. There is considerable avalanche risk if conditions aren't perfect. 3) Have bigger balls than us and just go for it when it's dry.

Lion's Head looks brutal from The Glenn…read more It looks like there is absolutely no way to get to the top without some technical rock climbing. Lies. It's a front! There is a hiking trail to the summit, and it's pretty short. It does get quite steep in parts though. However the path is pretty easy to follow. Walk up the service road for a little bit, when you near the big antenna, fork right. You'll see a cairn (hiker speak for a pile of rocks) marking the start. The trail(s) wind up the west side of Lion's Head. It splits at points, but don't fret about which way to go: all roads lead to the top! There are stunning views of the Matanuska Glacier from the top. It's about 2 miles round trip, it's the perfect hike to breakup your drive down the Glenn Hwy. Just be warned, this is AT&T land, you gotta call the number on the gate and get permission.

From the gate and the phone number, about 1/4 of a mile to a Y. Take the right, and brushy road…read more(much less used one). Lots of trails that get you to the top. Just keep heading up. Use the trees and plants to help stabilize. Or bring some Kahtoolas to help with avoiding of pulling up trees and shrubs. Not a long hike, but it is steep. The views from the top are superb. Great views of Matanuska Glacier and the River. It is a shear drop off at the top. Be careful. After the hike go drive in toward Glennallen and look back to see just how shear. This hike is certainly worth the 75 minute drive from The Valley. Bring a lunch and enjoy the views. Lots of rocks and places to sit. There's even space to throw a tent up for the night if you want. Bet the stars would be marvelous.

Lovely ice climbing area that I just learned is also a recreational gold mining spot!…read more I've only been here to ice climb. Since it's at a high elevation (for the Alaska road system), it's often one of the first places "near" Anchorage to offer reliable ice climbing. The favorite moderate route is called "Kid's Corner", it's a 3-pitch WI3. The start can be kinda spicy early season though, so be careful. To access it, you can either hike up the frozen creek or take the game trail up the hill and rappel down into it. The scary thing about rapping in is...you HAVE to climb back out if the river isn't frozen. *gulp* OK, ok, you can do some sketchy vertical-frozen-dirt moves to get out, but I wouldn't recommend it. Haven't been here in the summer, but looks like a great place to explore the creek.

Warning: This is NOT an easy or "lazy" hike. There is one area that flattens out for a little…read morereprieve after about a mile and a half and another somewhat flat area around 2 miles in. There are several false summits. Which is a challenging mental battle after the first 2.0 miles of going consistently UP! The first false summit comes somewhere around the time you exit from the trees and shrubs about 1.2 miles in. Around this point you will arrive at a picnic table. The natural instinct on your first trip up is to look up and see rocks and think "I'm almost there!" You're not. You're only about halfway there. But keep going because. This segment is above the tree line and affords some spectacular views of Pioneer and Matanuska Peaks. This is a superb trail to hike year round. It receives a great deal of foot traffic even through the winter which means the trail is easy to follow and the snow is packed down. Note: If you see a smooth surface of snow on part of the trail in the winter, this is from people sliding down the trail on their butt! Fun times! Enjoy that! Note: Moose frequent this area and are far more prevalent in the winter. Keep and eye out! Note: This parking lot has a good deal of crime. I'd suggest not leaving no anything valuable. I often leave a window down or a sign saying it's unlocked so my windows don't get broke.

You wanna get high in Palmer?…read more This is a safe bet. Fantastic views of Pioneer Peak and Palmer. This trail is actually pretty steep, don't be fooled by the "lazy" moniker! Don't be too intimidated though, this trail is pure hiking. It's got a 'Merikan flag at the top, like many AK hikes. Like many AK summits, this flag is also usually frayed.

We did the Ice Fall Trek today and had a fantastic time. Noah was a great guide. He made sure we…read morewere all safe and taught us a lot about the glacier. All of the formations on the glacier were beautiful and the ice fall at the end of the trek was incredible. I'd highly recommend taking this tour!

A fantastic Ice Fall Trek experience with Noah. Tons of knowledge and patience as he guided our…read moreparty of 8 people to and across the glacier. A truly memorable trip.

We were just visiting Alaska and wanted to ride horses. 3 of us were beginners and Katie was very…read morenice and explained to us what we needed to know. Gorgeous view and everyone was so kind

We had a 1.5 hour horseback ride with my family. It was a beautiful Alaskan ride. The wranglers…read morewere friendly and informative. I highly recommend the ride especially for beginners

This historical park is so great! In summary:…read more - There is hardly ever anyone here (immediate win) - The entire area gets fabulous sunshine - It's free! (There is a donation box which I suggest utilizing if you enjoy the park because that's what keeps it going) - The birds will be chirping and the flowers will smell wonderful; take Claritin if you have allergies :) - There is a lot to learn about the original coal mines that are now this historical park. - There is a great playground for kids to burn off energy - There is a small outdoor exercise equipment area - There are picnic tables and a large grill! The end.

A lot of history here. I really like all the equipment and the buildings with all the old timers…read morephotos on the wall. Thank you to everyone in the community that has donated their time and energy maintaining this this park.