The Matanuska Greenbelt encompasses some outstanding glacial landforms on lands squeezed between the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Glenn Highway, Parks Highway, and Trunk road on lands owned by Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Crevasse-Moraine Trails = MSB CMT), UAA Matanuska-Susitna College, UAF Matanuska Experiment Farm, and State of Alaska (Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area = MLSRA). The area is known for its challenging trails as well as agriculture and history.
The complete area is non-motorized although there may be authorized vehicles (tractors) working the farm lands. Individual properties may have rules specific to them and not other areas of the Greenbelt. Please respect the desires of individual landowners for the privilege of using these lands so that we may continue using these trails.
Trailheads: Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, Crevasse Moraine trailhead, and Kin-Win trailhead.
Parking: Matanuska State Recreation Area and Crevasse Moraine trailhead require day or annual parking passes.
http://www.matanuska-greenbelt.org/trail-maps
The Morgan Horse Trail travels through aspen, spruce and birch forest and intersects with the Lazy Mountain, Lazy Moose, and Matanuska Peak trails. It can be accessed at the Lazy Mountain Trailhead or the Matanuska Peak Trailhead. It extends past where the maps shows and travels through a neighborhood to connect with the Plumley-Maude trail system. Trail is often muddy in spring. Please respect the privacy of nearby homes.
Directions: From Palmer, go east on the Old Glenn Highway 2.5 miles, take a left on Clark-Wolverine Road. Proceed 1⁄2 mile to a T intersection. Take a right on Huntley Road, follow it to the end, take a right to the Lazy Mountain Recreation Area and trailhead. Google Map Directions
Parking:This is a Mat-Su Borough Trailhead and requires a $5 single use day pass, or an annual parking pass.
https://www.matsugov.us/trails/morgan
Directions: From Palmer take the Palmer-Fishhook Road toward Hatcher Pass. At mile 7, turn left onto Edgerton Parks Road. Drive one mile. Take a right on Mountain Trails Drive, the parking area and main trailhead is past the gate. Google Map Directions.
Gate: The gate at the bottom of Mountain Trails Drive opens at 8 am and closes at 10 pm.
Parking:This is a Mat-Su Borough Trailhead and requires a $5 single use day pass, or an annual parking pass.
https://www.matsugov.us/trails/gpra-summer
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.
Parking: Alaska State Parks annual or day parking pass required.
