Get outside in the Mat-Su!
Free and community-driven, Discovery Day at Government Peak teaches avalanche awareness and safe winter travel in the Mat-Su Valley. Meet at Independence Mine for hands-on demos, gear trials, and short guided sessions suitable for families and novice backcountry users.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Basic winter fitness for short hikes or snowshoe loops; able to manage uneven snow and short climbs.
Wildlife
History
The event is organized by Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation with support from the Mat-Su Borough and local partners to highlight regional winter recreation.
Conservation
Organizers emphasize low-impact use—stay on durable routes, pack out trash and minimize disturbance to wildlife during winter months.
Revel Treks and Tours
Get outside in the Mat-Su!
Revel Treks and Tours, based in Palmer, Alaska, offers guided outdoor experiences and cultural tours across the Matanuska Valley and nearby mountain areas. Specializing in private guided adventures and community outings, Revel Treks creates personalized itineraries for half‑day and full‑day guests, tailoring routes to interests such as scenic hikes, farm and brewery visits, and historical walks.
Local guides share glaciology insights, regional history, and flora and fauna identification while leading hikes to landmarks like Bodenburg Butte, Eska Falls, and trails in Hatcher Pass and Eklutna Lake. Trips include private half‑day and full‑day guide services, an interpretive Hike + History to Bodenburg Butte, a full‑day Hidden Waterfall Hike to Eska Falls, a Historic Palmer Walking Tour, mellow Valley hikes paired with brewery stops, and a mix of community hikes and field trips suitable for varying abilities.
Revel Treks works with local partners for behind‑the‑scenes visits and community‑sponsored hikes, connecting visitors with regional stories and sustainable outdoor practices. Group and individual bookings are arranged to match participant goals, from relaxed scenic walks to challenging elevation gains. The business highlights personalized attention, route selection based on conditions, and guides who prioritize interpretation and guest comfort. For travelers seeking guided hiking, local history, and curated outdoor days in Palmer and the Talkeetna Mountains, Revel Treks and Tours provides a range of factual, place‑based experiences delivered by knowledgeable local guides. Reservations and trip details are available through their booking channels directly.
Tours Offered
10
Private and community options
Base Location
Palmer, AK
Located in Matanuska Valley
Guided Areas
Bodenburg & Eska
Local trail landmarks
Trip Lengths
Half to Full Day
Flexible durations available
Choose a private guide or join a community hike — secure a date for Bodenburg Butte, Eska Falls, Hatcher Pass, or a historic downtown Palmer walk.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can swing; wear moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating midlayer and a waterproof outer layer.
Bring traction
Icy approaches are common—carry microspikes or similar traction for safe travel on packed snow.
Start with short loops
Use the event’s short guided outings to practice hazard spotting before tackling longer routes.
Leave a trip plan
Tell someone your plan and expected return time, even for short educational outings.
Insulated waterproof boots
Keeps feet warm and dry during snowfield walks and while standing at demo stations.
winter
Microspikes or traction devices
Improves safety on icy approaches and compacted trail sections.
winter
Daypack with warm layers and thermos
Carry extra insulation, snacks and warm drinks for field exercises and breaks.
winter
Avalanche probe and shovel (intro set)
Useful for hands-on companion rescue demos and to understand basic rescue tools.
winter