Matanuska Peak, One Mountain many approaches...

Matanuska Peak aka Byers Peak

The fair brings hordes of people to Palmer, but it also brings a temporary job with the amazing Alaska Chicks.  Seeing the beautiful weather (best in years), made my hiking feet cry for the mountains that call for me.  However, we had set September 10th for the ascent.

Like other large mountains, this one has rewards all the way you climb it.  On the day we hiked, we saw people with toddlers who didn't summit, but enjoyed the tundra meadow!

My husband is a fair weather hiker, and thankfully it was a STUNNING day.  We got a later start instead of 7am, we launched at 9 am.

Many Routes to the same Peak.

1)  McRoberts Creeks approach
Trailhead:  Smith Road

2) Matanuska Peak Trail
Trailhead: Smith Road but after

3) Summit Lazy then go down the backside of Lazy toward the valley and connect with the Mat Peak trail. (Matanuska Peak Race)
Trailhead:  Huntley Road Lazy Mountain Trailhead

4) Lazy-Matanuska Peak Connector Trail : Summit Lazy and follow the ridge line to ascend to Matanuska Peak
Trailhead:  Huntley Road Lazy Mountain Trailhead

connector trail

* via Retherford: The ridge works right into a boulder climb and it's similar to the normal route.  At a point about 500 feet from the top you do cross over to the normal trail unless you have ropes.

McRoberts Creeks approach vs.  Matanuska Peak Trail

Left is the start of Mat Peak Trail (in the woods) : Right is the gravel "intake" road to McRoberts Creek route

The McRoberts Creek is shorter by about 1.5 miles so, it is the most direct route.  However, it can be muddy/icy because it follows the creek and there is drainage that crosses the trail.  Depending on the summer, can be buggy.  It can be overgrown in late summer and nettles and cow parsnip frequent the trail.  *recommend long pants

YES, THAT Is Denali poking out behind our heads!

Matanuska Peak Trail
It starts at the same Smith Road, Palmer Alaska but after you pass Morgan Horse Trail and then at about .32 miles you'll see a definite left turn up into a dirt packed forest.  You will then see trail markers indicating the feet.  About three years ago, erosion made it so that the trail had to be redirected.  The trail has some roots and sometimes overgrown.  I enjoyed the field of fireweed.  Nevertheless, if time is not your issue, this trail is easier on the knees.


Notes for this trail:  The top is long. After you pass the picnic table and head down the creek (most of the year has water).  It can be discouraging as the pebbles/gravel tends to give.  The route can be easily lost at the top, but try to look ahead and see the Plastic Trail markers and try to stay a closer to the edge on the left.

The newest brochure for this trail is here!  CORRECTION: They say it is "Easy to Difficult" I would say this is not an easy trail.  It is a clear one to follow, but since the steep start and a steeper ending with moving rocks, Not for the faint hearted.  However, the easy part is the middle section that you can find blueberries if you time this right.

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