About the Summer Adventure Series:
Interested in exploring local trails, but need adventure buddies? Looking to make new friends? Curious about the area we call home or after a summer challenge? These are all great reasons to join our adventure series. We're offering 8 intermediate/challenging, small-group guided hikes this summer. This series is designed to gradually acclimate adventurers to more challenging hikes over the course of the summer. Join one or all of the hikes! Bring friends, make friends - and get outside!
As a professional guide service, Revel is permitted and insured to operate trips in Alaska State Parks, on Mat-Su Borough Trails and on State of Alaska Land. Our apprentice guides carry Wilderness First Aid training at minimum. Our backcountry guides hold current Wilderness First Responder certification. The Summer Adventure Series hikes are a maximum of 10 participants per hike to keep our impact small.
What’s included with the Matanuska Peak/Bowl hike?
Local guide(s) with (at minimum) Wilderness First Aid training
An educational component. Each hike in our Summer Adventure Series will incorporate an educational component - from history to flora and fauna, we’ll make sure you’re learning along the trail.
Summit surprise - at our turnaround point we’ll have a tasty, local treat
Post-hike lemonade at the trailhead
What’s not included with this hike?
Parking fees
Transportation
Lunch, water, snacks
Personal gear
About the Matanuska Peak Bowl:
The Matanuska Peak trail begins with a steep climb through boreal forest. After about 2 miles, the trail arrives above tree line in the upper McRoberts Creek Valley. The valley offers stunning views of peaks in the Matanuska Bowl. We will be hiking the Matanuska Peak trail and the McRoberts Creek trail (old Mat Peak trail) during the hike. Hikers can expect an elevation gain of approximately 2,800 feet over about 3 miles. A picnic table is located in the bowl begins a steep ascent to the Matanuska Peak summit.
The trailhead is a very small Mat-Su Borough trailhead at the end of Smith Road in Palmer. Participants are responsible for paying applicable parking fees if they do not have an annual Mat-Su Borough parking pass. Annual permits can easily be purchased online here or by visiting the Borough office in downtown Palmer.
What to expect:
We will hike at a leisurely pace and stick together as a group. We'll stop for snack breaks and educational opportunities along the way. We'll eat lunch and soak in the sights before returning back to the trailhead. This is an out-and-back trail.
Mileage: Approximately 6 miles
Elevation Gain: About 2,800 feet
Estimated Hiking Time: 6 hours
Maximum group size of 10 hikers. Must be 18 years or older to participate unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We ask folks to leave their 4-legged friends behind for this trip. Thanks for understanding.
When does it start?
We will meet at the trailhead at 9:00am and promptly begin the hike.
How much does it cost?
$99 standard price per person, $89 per person for Adventure Club Members
Buy a punch card (good for any 4 hikes in the series) for $349 standard price per person, $299 for Adventure Club Members
Do you offer scholarships or payment plans?
Yes and yes! Anyone can apply for a scholarship here. Additionally, if you’d like to set up a payment plan (for no additional fee) please reach out.
What to bring:
Comfortable trail shoes or hiking boots
Small daypack
Warm, breathable layers (try to avoid cotton)
Hat and a light pair of gloves
Rain gear (we recommend carrying both a rain jacket and rain pants if you have them)
Water and snacks as desired
Lunch as desired
Trekking poles (we have some available to borrow if you don’t have your own)
Routine medications
Positive attitude and open mind
A note on flexibility and weather:
The nature of adventuring outside requires some flexibility. We do our best to follow the itinerary as outlined, but trail conditions, wildlife, etc. can all impact our plans. Please know if we need to shift plans your guide will communicate with you in a timely manner. Safety is our priority, and we use our best judgment when making trip adjustments.
We rarely cancel due to inclement weather. Please bring gear to adventure in the elements. If you need to borrow something, let us know! We have lots of extra supplies and are happy to loan items out if needed.
Will we summit?
Revel makes no guarantees that individuals or our group will summit during these adventures. It’s a great goal, but sometimes we need to make adjustments while in the field. The nature of recreating in Alaska requires flexibility. Weather, wildlife, terrain, human factors, etc. can all warrant a shift in plans. Please join our adventures with an open mind.
Is there a reward for completing all the adventure series hikes?
Complete 4 out of 8 hikes and get a free pair of Revel merino socks.
Complete all 8 hikes, will receive a Revel swag pack
How can I support Revel community events and courses?
Revel is committed to offering Ladies Night Out(doors), 50ish and Over Hikes, Hike and Learn events and other community engagement activities for locals in our community. Our dream is that our guided adventures for visitors will help fund these offerings. This continues to be a work in progress. You help can support these programs through the following ways:
Join the Revel Adventure Club!
If you like what we’re doing for the local community, consider leaving a review on Trip Advisor or Google.
Help spread the word about us. Have friends or family visiting? Know someone who could benefit from attending a community event?
Collaborate with us. If you’re a local business owner, teacher or have creative ideas on how you can help support these community-focused activities, reach out.