Pioneer Loop

The feel

The Pioneer Loop is a gentle rolling trail beside the Government Peak chalet, through forest and with the Chugach Range in bold view. It is easy and quiet, and it suits kids.

It is open all year for hiking, walking, biking and skiing, and it is enjoyed by both beginners and advanced skiers. In winter it is groomed for cross-country skiing, and it is the only winter ski trail here that allows skijoring, fat bike riding and snowshoeing.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of 1.3 to 1.32 miles with about 108 ft of gain, gentle and rolling, beside the chalet.

Time

About half an hour.

Crowds and best time

Quiet.

Parking

The trailhead is at 10690 North Mountain Trails Drive, Palmer. No camping or overnight parking is permitted.

Fees and passes

A Mat-Su Borough trailhead requires a $5 single-use day pass or an annual parking pass.

Dogs

Keep dogs on a leash and clean up after your pet.

Kids

Rated easy and kid-friendly.

Bathrooms and water

The chalet has restrooms.

Season and access

Open all year. The recreation area opens at 8 AM and closes at 10 PM in summer, 9 PM in winter.

Mingo says

Pick this loop in winter if you want to snowshoe or skijor. It is the one ski loop here that allows both.

Before you go

• Buy a $5 single-use day pass or carry an annual parking pass.
• From Palmer, take Palmer-Fishhook Road to mile 7, turn left onto Edgerton Parks Road, drive one mile, then turn right onto Mountain Trails Drive.
• Leave before closing at 10 PM in summer or 9 PM in winter.

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