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Government Peak Rec Area

Palmer

The feel

Government Peak Recreation Area is a Mat-Su Borough area in the Fishhook community on Hatcher Pass, with views of Pioneer Peak and the Chugach Range. Two singletrack mountain bike trails begin near the stadium and run 4.2 miles. The surface varies and the trails are ungroomed in summer.

Two-way traffic is allowed on the trails, so riders and walkers share them and are asked to be courteous. The area has groomed ski loops in winter. Other trails include the Government Peak Race Trail through forest and the steep Government Peak Trail, which has an alpine summit view.

What to expect

Route and terrain
Two singletrack mountain bike trails of 4.2 miles, starting near the stadium. The surface varies and is ungroomed. Two-way traffic is allowed.
Crowds and best time
Open spring, summer and fall. Bikers and pedestrians share the trails.
Fees and passes
Parking is a daily or annual pass, $5 per day or $40 for the annual pass.
Bathrooms and water
The chalet has restrooms and there is a trashcan at the trailhead.
Season and access
Spring, summer and fall.

Mingo says

Ride it in spring, summer or fall, when the trails are open for bikes. In winter the loops belong to skiers.

Before you go

  • Buy a day-use pass ($5) or an annual pass ($40) for parking.
  • Be courteous to walkers on the two-way trails.
  • Use the chalet restrooms before you start.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.

Today

Getting there

Season
May-Oct
Drive from Anchorage
50 min to Palmer
Drive from Fairbanks
Full day, 5h58 to Palmer
Distance
~13 mi network
Surface
Singletrack + gravel
Difficulty
Easy-Mod
Elevation
1018 ft
Open in Maps ↗

Part of Mat-Su Valley.

What it is like

Aurora outlook for Palmer

Nearby

Sources