Trail

Government Peak Rec Area

Trail conditions are constantly updated by the local community through Snowio.  Please visit the Mat-Su Ski Club's website or Facebook page for more information regarding grooming of the ski trails and learn to ski lessons. 

Please visit Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers website or their Facebook page for more information regarding the mountain biking trials.

The Government Peak Recreation Area in winter offers groomed, lighted recreation trails for some 4.5 miles. The Matanuska Loop is 1.36 miles. The Susitna Loop is 1.29 miles. In the summer of 2017 the Mat Su Ski Club added 3.9 miles of unlit, challenging, advanced level trails, featuring long,steep up hills and fast technical down hills.  These new trails are called the Denali/ Competition loops.

The Pioneer Loop is 1.32 miles and is the only winter trail that allows skijoring, fat bike riding, and snowshoeing. The night ski area is the first of its kind for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.  In winter, the fatbike gains freedom on the two singletrack trails that travel for 4.2 miles over snow. The South Loop is for riders of all abilities. The North Loop offers terrain for more experienced riders. From a bike seat you can see clear views of Pioneer Peak and the Chugach Range. After working up hill, the downhill ride is an adventurous thrill. Two-way traffic is allowed on the trails. Runners and hikers share the path. Please be courteous and anticipate bikers descending the trail and pedestrians on the trail.

The Government Peak Recreation Area in summer offers a variety of recreation. Enjoy the wide grassy paths to walk, steep trails to hike, singletrack trails to ride by mountain bike, and equestrian trails to follow. The Chugach Range is in bold view. The chalet offers restrooms.

Three ski trails turn into walking trails by summer that start and end at the chalet.

Two hiking trails lead you up steep Government Peak in the Talkeetna Mountains. The Government Peak Race Trail begins on the Matanuska Loop. The 3.5-mile trail travels through forest until it reaches the start of an incline. The unrelenting slope up Government Peak Trail is a mental test of endurance. Up top, the payoff is a far-reaching alpine view of Knik Arm, a vast valley floor, and the Knik Glacier. At your back, the countless ridges of the Talkeetna Mountains are visible. The Blueberry Knoll Trail is a gentler hike for some 1.5 miles.

Two singletrack mountain bike trails begin near the stadium, traveling for 4.2 miles. After working up hill, the downhill ride feels adventurous. Two-way traffic is allowed on the trails. Please be courteous to bikers and pedestrians.

Equestrians can ride for a five-mile adventure on the Backcountry Horseman Trail.