Now Health Free Community Hike: Pioneer to the first picnic table

What to expect: Towering over the Matanuska and Knik valleys, Pioneer Peak is the Palmer’s most prominent mountain. On this hike, we will climb about 2,100 feet to the first picnic table, located about 2.5 miles up the mountain. From here, if conditions permit, we will see Knik Glacier off in the distance as well as wide, vast views of the Knik River, Matanuska Valley, and Talkeetna Mountains in the distance. We will rest here and take in the sights before heading back down the mountain.

This trail is a Mat-Su Borough trailhead. Participants are responsible for paying applicable parking fees if they do not have an annual Mat-Su Borough parking pass. Annual permits can easily be purchased online here or by visiting the Borough office in downtown Palmer.

🥾 Mileage: Approximately 5 miles (2.5 miles to the first picnic table and 2.5 miles return)
🥾 Elevation Gain: About 2,100 feet
🥾 Estimated Hiking Time: About 5 hours
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