Mat-Su Trail News: Summer 2026
As avid trail users, the Revel team is always excited about trail improvements, signage, and fun opportunities to recreate in the area. Between new programs, ongoing maintenance, fresh ways to explore, and work happening across the Mat-Su, there’s a lot of exciting updates on trails and recreations areas around the Mat-Su.
Whether you’re a longtime trail user or looking for new ways to get outside this summer, here’s what’s happening around the Mat-Su trail system in 2026.
A New Way to Explore: The Borough Trails Passport
If you’ve been looking for motivation to branch out beyond your usual loop, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has launched a new Trails Passport program.
The challenge is simple: visit participating trails, collect passport stamps, and get entered into a raffle for prizes donated by community partners. It’s an easy excuse to finally check off those trails you’ve been saying you’ll visit “someday.”
The passport is also a fun way for families, visitors, and locals to experience different corners of the Mat-Su. The challenge runs through July 19 with the prize drawing on July 22.
Learn more through the Borough’s Trails Passport information and trail resources:
Mat-Su Borough Trails Passport
Mat-Su Borough Trails Page
Friday Evening Fun at the Matanuska River Park
Also new this summer, the Mat-Su Borough Parks & Recreation is offering summer programming at Matanuska River Park. Every Friday (May 29 - Sept 4) the Borough is offering free educational chats from 6PM-7PM in the River Park Amphitheater. Check out this Facebook post with the details.
Located just outside downtown Palmer, the River Park offers easy-to-moderate walking and biking trails making it a great place for families, newer hikers, or anyone seeking a shorter outdoor outing.
More about the park:
Matanuska River Park Trails
Summer Trail Expansion at Government Peak
The Mat-Su Ski Club (MSSC) is known for winter grooming, but the organization also works hard during our snow-free months.
This summer, the club reports that dirt work and summer trail improvements are underway at Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA). The MSSC continues expanding and improving trail infrastructure to support year-round recreation, from skiing and biking to hiking and walking.
If you recreate at GPRA, it’s worth checking trail updates periodically—conditions, maintenance work, and improvements can shift access and usability throughout the season.
Stay updated here:
Mat-Su Ski Club GPRA Trail Expansion
Government Peak Recreation Area
New Trail Stewardship Opportunities
The Borough is on a ROLL this summer. Their (new?) Trail Care Program partners with local trail user groups to maintain hundreds of miles of trails across the Mat-Su, helping keep routes usable and sustainable. Businesses, organizations, and agencies are encouraged to apply and choose a trail to help maintain.
Learn more and apply to join their Trail Care program here:
Mat-Su Borough Trail Care Program
Alaska Trails in the Mat-Su
Statewide nonprofit Alaska Trails again has a spread of volunteer opportunities this summer.
Their crews support trail maintenance and stewardship efforts that help keep recreation routes accessible and resilient. Depending on seasonal priorities, this work can include tread repair, drainage improvements, brushing, and rehabilitation projects.
Volunteer Opportunities with Alaska Trails:
Hatcher Pass: Road Construction Ahead
In addition to road construction on Palmer Fishhook that will impact trail users ability to Hatcher Pass trails, roadwork also lies ahead for portions of Hatcher Pass road (beyond Skeetawk). Not many details to report at this time, but be prepared to be flexible with Hatcher Pass plans this summer!
Skeetawk Events
Just up the road in Hatcher Pass, Skeetawk continues to grow as a year-round recreation destination.
While many Alaskans know Skeetawk as a community ski area, the mountain has become a hub for summer events, trail running, hiking, live music, and outdoor gatherings. The summer calendar includes community favorites like Recycle Revival, monthly Valley Car Club Meets, and the return of Hatcher Romp!, a two-day music festival featuring Alaska artists, camping, food vendors, and mountain adventures.
Later in the season, trail runners can tackle the challenging Skeetawk Scramble, a multi-day mountain running festival that showcases the rugged terrain and stunning views of Hatcher Pass. Pair your weekend outings with a stop at the Skeetawk Yurt Café!
The Revel Crew has a community hike up Frostbite Ridge in July. Check out our locals events for more info.
Learn more:
AKtive Soles Adventure Book: Get Out and Explore
One of our favorite ways to discover new trails through the Aktive Soles Adventure Book, a family-friendly challenge that encourages participants to visit parks, trails, and outdoor destinations throughout the Mat-Su. Similar to the Borough's new Trails Passport, the Adventure Book helps residents and visitors branch out beyond their usual routes while learning more about the Mat-Su’s incredible outdoor recreation opportunities.
Whether you're introducing kids to hiking, looking for a weekend adventure, or checking off new destinations with friends, the Adventure Book offers a great excuse to explore somewhere new. Combined with the Borough's Trails Passport, it may be the summer of discovering trails you never knew existed.
Learn more:
Revel Events: All Year Long
And of course - be sure to keep an eye on Revel upcoming events and adventures! The summer adventures are filling quickly, so we plan to add a few pop-up events to the calendar :) Stay tuned!
