Summary:
A longer day hike or possible overnight on a steep trail to the shoulder of Pioneer Peak, a prominent Chugach Range peak.

Location:
Anchorage, AK

Lenght:
5.5 miles one way

Difficulty:
Strenuous

Trail Type:
Developed, Forest, Mountain

Total Elevation Gain:
5100 ft.

Trail Profile:


Special Features:
Great Views

Best Season:
Mid/Late Summer

Directions to Trail Head:
Turn east from Glenn Highway onto the Old Glenn Hwy, 30 miles north of Anchorage, drive 8.5 miles to Knik River Road. Go 4 miles to the marked trailhead on the right.

In-depth Description:
A long, steady, uphill hike, the Pioneer Peak Trail climbs to a spectacular view of Knik Glacier, and higher up, of the Matanuska Valley. With a few flat places to recoup your energy, expect a slow hike; breaking a mile an hour is a good pace going up.

Camping is possible in the high country, with some water available from snow and snow-melt ponds around 5000 ft elevation. The last push to Pioneer Ridge is worth the extra effort. Views of the steep country around Goat Creek open up, and the ridgeline toward Pioneer Peak makes a good walk if you haven't had enough.