Winter Trails and Parks Guide

This project was made possible thanks to a grant from the United Way of Mat-Su.

Parks and Recreation Areas

1. Talkeetna Lakes Park -

• Located two miles south of Talkeetna, this 1,040-acre park surrounds six lakes. Over the past 15 years, Talkeetna Lakes Park has developed to include over a dozen miles of well-maintained walking and biking trails, as well as a canoe portage route. The trails are groomed in Winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and connect to other ski trails in the Talkeetna area. Access is via the Comsat and Whigmi Trailheads.
• MSB Parking Fees - A parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $40 annual pass is required at both the Comsat and Whigmi Trailheads. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link. https://ecommerce.matsugov.us/Pages/CD/AnnualParking.aspx
• Comsat Trailhead Google Map Directions, Whigmi Trailhead Google Map Directions
• Mat-Su Borough Talkeetna Lakes Website

2. Nancy Lake State Recreation Area -

• The Winter Trailhead, mile 2.2 on the Nancy Lake Parkway, is the focal point for all winter recreational activities in the area. A large parking lot is maintained, and a self-service fee station is located near the winter trail entrance where visitors will also find maps and posted current conditions of the park. Nearly 40 miles of trail are maintained throughout Nancy Lake State Recreation Area including 10 miles of trail only for skiers. With the exception of the ski trail, all trails are multi-use trails, which means that they must be shared by visitors snow machining, dog mushing, skiing, and snowshoeing.
  
• AK State Parks Parking Fee – A Parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $60 annual pass is required at the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm
• Google Map Directions
• AK State Parks Nancy Lake State Recreation Area Website
• Winter and Ski Maps of Nancy Lake State Recreation Area

3. Settlers Bay Coastal Park –

• Settlers Bay Coastal Park is the newest park in the Matanuska Susitna Borough. It is 295 acres of rolling up lands and coastal plain, with most of it being designated as a non-motorized conservation area. This park is a work in progress with new trails and amenities being added over the next few years. The Mat-Su Borough maintains and grooms these trails for winter use.
• Google Map Directions
• Mat-Su Borough Settlers Bay Coastal Park Trails Website
• Map of Settlers Bay Coastal Park

4. Matanuska Greenbelt Trails –

• The largest green space in the core of the Mat-Su, the Matanuska Greenbelt has a variety of trails and uses including horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, dog walks, and more! Access greenbelt trails from the Kin-Win Trailhead, Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, University of Alaska Mat-Su Campus, and Crevasse-Moraine Trailhead (MSB Parking Pass Required). MSB Trail Information.
• MSB Parking Fees - A parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $40 annual pass is required at Crevasse-Moraine Trailhead. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link: https://ecommerce.matsugov.us/Pages/CD/AnnualParking.aspx
• AK State Parks Parking Fee – A Parking fee of $7 per vehicle, or a $60 annual pass is required at the Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm
• Kin-Win Trailhead Google Map Directions, Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area Google Map Directions, University of Alaska Mat-Su Campus Trailhead Google Map Directions, Crevasse-Moraine Trailhead Google Map Directions
• Mat-Su Borough Crevasse Moraine Trails Website
• Crevasse Moraine Trails Map

5. Government Peak Recreation Area –

• Government Peak Recreation Area offers hiking, walking, mountain biking, as well as some of the Borough's finest groomed Nordic skiing trails, all beginning at the Government Peak Chalet, which has restroom and water-fountains when open. There is also an outdoor outhouse. In winter, trails are groomed for Nordic skiing by the Mat Su Ski Club and about half are lighted for night time use. All but one of the groomed ski trails are reserved for skiing only during winter months. The 1.32 mile Pioneer Loop allows walking, dogs, skijoring, fat bike riding, and snowshoeing during winter. Snow conditions are variable, please check https://www.matsuski.org/grooming for information on trail closures.
• MSB Parking Fees - A parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $40 annual pass is required at Government Peak Recreation Area. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link. https://ecommerce.matsugov.us/Pages/CD/AnnualParking.aspx
• Government Peak Recreation Area Google Map Directions
• Mat-Su Borough Government Peak Recreation Area Trails Website
• Government Peak Recreation Area Winter Trails Map

6. Hatcher Pass Recreation Area –

• The 300,000 acre Hatcher Pass Management Area primarily consists of mountainous terrain in the Talkeetna Mountain Range that climb from the 1000 ft. valley floor to summits higher than 6,000 ft. The area includes more than 30 prominent summits and associated glaciers. It also offers mountain skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter.
• AK State Parks Parking Fee – A Parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $60 annual pass is required at the Hatcher Pass Management East Area. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm
• Hatcher Pass Google Map Directions
• Hatcher Pass Winter Recreation Conditions
• AK State Parks Hatcher Pass Management East Area Website
• AK State Parks Hatcher Pass Management East Area Brochure
• AK State Parks Hatcher Pass Area Snowmachine Trails Map
• Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center – Avalanche Forecast

Can’t Miss Winter Trails

7. Lucky Shot Trail –

• The Lucky Shot Trail is popular, all-season trail within the Willow Creek State Recreation Area. Summer use is limited to non-motorized travel while winter use is used by snowmachines as well as non-motorized use such as dog mushers, skiers and fat tire bikers. The winter trail is approximately 3.5 miles long and terminates at the Susitna River. This trail is part of the Pat Newman Memorial Park Trails, all of which can be accessed by turning west on the Willow Creek Parkway (near mile 71 of the Parks Highway) and traveling approximately 1 mile before turning left on the driveway to the Newman Memorial Park.
• Lucky Shot Trail Google Map Directions

8. Gold Mint Trail –

• The Gold Mint trail is a beloved Hatcher Pass hike. It begins as a wide gravel path and becomes increasingly narrow and steep as it goes miles deeper into the valley. Snow conditions vary, but the trail is used in winter to access the valley as well.
• AK State Parks Parking Fee – A Parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $60 annual pass is required at the Gold Mint Trailhead. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm
• Gold Mint Trailhead Google Map Directions
• AK State Parks Hatcher Pass Management East Area Brochure
• Hatcher Pass Winter Recreation Conditions
• Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center – Avalanche Forecast

9. Lazy Mountain Trails –

• Close to the town of Palmer, the Lazy Mountain Recreation area is the home to the popular Lazy Mountain Trail, the newer, meandering Lazy Moose Trail, 2.4 miles of looping winter ski and snowshoe trails foothills of the mountain, and the Morgan Horse Trail, which intersection with the Plumley Maude trail. There is an outhouse near the parking area.
• MSB Parking Fees - A parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $40 annual pass is required at the Lazy Mountain Trailhead. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link. https://ecommerce.matsugov.us/Pages/CD/AnnualParking.aspx
• Lazy Mountain Trailhead Google Map Directions
• Mat-Su Borough Lazy Mountain Trails Website
• Lazy Mountain Trails Map

10. West Bodenburg –

• Bodenburg Butte is the Mat-Su valleys' most popular hike - for good reason. A moderately steep, well-constructed trail leads two miles to the top of Bodenburg Butte, where one can experience stunning 360 views of the Knik glacier, Pioneer Peak, Talkeetna Mountains and valley farms below. The trail begins a wide path through boreal forest with periodic benches and interpretive signs, then reaches sets of stairs that switchback uphill. A dusty path through rose bushes and small trees reaches the open, rocky top of the Butte. Great photo opportunities can be had from the summit. When descending, be sure to hike down the way you came up. A variety of unmaintained trails descend the opposite side. The trail can be hiked in winter or summer. Winter conditions can be icy - consider bringing ice cleats.
• MSB Parking Fees - A parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $40 annual pass is required at West Bodenburg Butte Trailhead. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link. https://ecommerce.matsugov.us/Pages/CD/AnnualParking.aspx
• West Bodenburg Butte Google Map Directions
• Mat-Su Borough West Butte Trail Website
• West Bodenburg Butte Trail Map

11. Kroto Creek Winter Trailhead –

• A winter trail system consisting of two north-south trails and one east-west route that allow snowmachiners, dog mushers and skiers to travel the area lying north of Petersville Road and west of the Parks Highway. The combined mileage of the trails is over 50 miles. The trails traverse large swamps and Black Spruce forests and are generally wide enough for one snowmachine (3-5’). In some places along the trails the tracks are wide enough for two machines to pass. On clear days the trails offer spectacular views of the Alaska Range and Mount Denali to the north.
• Kroto Creek Winter Trailhead Google Map Directions
• Mat-Su Borough Petersville Trails Website
• AK State Parks Petersville Area Snowmachine Trails Map

Sledding Adventures for the Whole Family

12. Wonderland Park, Wasilla (Mild)

13. Independence Mine, Hatcher Pass (Spicy)

• Visit Hatcher Pass for family-friendly sledding close to the parking lot! A longer uphill hike results in more thrill-seeking downhill adventures, while lower-angle slopes closer to the parking lot are perfect for the less adventurous. The sledding hill access from Lower Independence Mine Parking Lot is on the right side (as you drive up the parking lot) above the fee station and outhouses.
• AK State Parks Parking Fee – A Parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $60 annual pass is required at the Hatcher Pass Management East Area. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/fees.htm
• AK State Parks Hatcher Pass Management East Area Brochure
• Hatcher Pass Winter Recreation Conditions
• Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center – Avalanche Forecast

14. Water Tower Hill, Trunk Rd (Extra Spicy)

15. Crevasse Moraine, Matanuska Greenbelt (Extra Spicy)

• MSB Parking Fees - A parking fee of $5 per vehicle, or a $40 annual pass is required at the Crevasse MoraineTrailhead. Parking passes can be purchased at trailhead or through this link. https://ecommerce.matsugov.us/Pages/CD/AnnualParking.aspx
• Crevasse-Moraine Trailhead Google Map Directions
• Mat-Su Borough Crevasse Moraine Trails Website

Winter Trail Conditions Can Change Quickly!

• Research the area you're visiting
• Bring the proper gear, clothing, navigation, & communication devices for your location & activities
• Make a plan & share it with close friends & family
• Be aware of past, current, & future weather conditions
• Destination Trailhead - a great day ends safely back at the trailhead!

Check hpavalanche.org for Recent Avalanche Forecasts & Observations for Hatcher Pass recreation area