Lazy Moose & Morgan Horse Trail

The feel

This is the gentler way up the Lazy Mountain massif. The Lazy Moose Trail zigzags up the hill, and the lower slopes are forest of cottonwood, aspen, spruce, birch and tall fireweed. At about 1,500 feet the trail crosses into alpine tundra with sweeping views of the Knik and Matanuska Rivers, and a picnic table waits at the halfway mark.

The Morgan Horse Trail runs between the Lazy Mountain Recreation Area and Maud Road, through large cottonwood, white spruce and birch. It passes close by homes and can be muddy in the spring.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 5.5 miles, with about 1801 ft of gain, topping out at 2481 ft. Lazy Moose zigzags up for three miles and reconnects with the steeper Lazy Mountain Trail above the first picnic table. Forest below, alpine tundra above.

Time

About 3.5 hours.

Parking

Paved parking at the Lazy Mountain Recreation Area, reached from Palmer by the Old Glenn Highway, Clark-Wolverine Road, then Huntley Road to its end.

Fees and passes

The Lazy Mountain Trailhead requires a Mat-Su Borough parking pass. The kiosk sells day passes only; display the pass on your dashboard.

Dogs

Allowed, on a leash.

Hazards

Possible encounters with bears and moose. Mud in spring on the Morgan Horse Trail. Icy conditions in winter.

Bathrooms and water

Toilets and picnic tables at the recreation area.

Season and access

Open year round and non-motorized.

Mingo says

The newer of the two is the gentle one. In icy winter, microspikes are what hikers wear on these slopes.

Before you go

• Buy a day pass at the kiosk.
• Take the Lazy Moose Trail when you want the gentler grade; the Lazy Mountain Trail climbs 3,000 feet in less than two miles.
• Pack microspikes if the trail is icy.
• Pack out your litter.

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