Bodenburg Butte

The feel

The trail begins as a wide gravel path through boreal forest, so wide at first that families can walk up to four abreast, with periodic benches and interpretive signs. Then the climb turns to stairs: about 0.25 miles of them up the steep north face, built into the granite and backed by a rope or wooden railing.

The summit is a wide, rounded rock top at 874 feet, with 360 degree views of the Knik Glacier, Pioneer Peak, the Talkeetna Mountains and the valley farms. It is the Mat-Su Valley's most popular hike.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 1.5 to 2.6 miles total, with 650 to 725 ft of gain. Wide gravel and forest first, then about 0.25 miles of stairs up the north face to a rocky summit. One boulder between stairs is a short scramble with a cable for support.

Time

About 1 to 2 hours out and back.

Crowds and best time

The most popular hike in the Mat-Su Valley.

Parking

A Mat-Su Borough trailhead on Mothershead Lane. From Bodenburg Loop, drive .5 miles and turn left onto Mothershead Ln; the lot is on the left in .3 miles, and the trail starts across the road.

Fees and passes

$5 single use day pass or an annual parking pass; credit cards accepted.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome.

Kids

The wide gravel start and short length make it a fine family outing.

Hazards

Parts of the cable beside the boulder are loose or unanchored. Winter conditions can be icy.

Season and access

Open year-round; it can be hiked in winter or summer.

Mingo says

Go from April through October for the best conditions. In winter the trail stays open but can be icy, so bring ice cleats.

Before you go

• Have $5 for the day pass (credit cards accepted), or carry an annual parking pass.
• Hold the cable with care at the boulder; parts of it are loose or unanchored.
• Hike down the way you came up; the trails on the opposite side are unmaintained.

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