Pioneer Ridge Trail Stats
Pioneer Ridge Trail Alaska is an intense hike:
- Distance: 22 kilometers round trip
- Elevation gain: 2,023 meters
- Difficulty: Very challenging
- Traffic: None. Mostly local trail runners
- Parking: Small lot (we saw only 3 cars including ours)
Trail Conditions and Challenges
Moose on Pioneer Ridge Trail
Early in our hike, my son had an unexpected eye-to-eye encounter with a moose! We quietly backed away and waited for it to cross the trail. Important safety tip: Keep at least 25 yards away from moose – they can be more dangerous than bears due to their unpredictable nature.
Pioneer Ridge Trail Maintenance
Pioneer Ridge Trail presents several challenges:
- Poorly maintained sections
- Grass growing head-high in some areas
- Muddy and wet spots
- Signs of large animal traffic (flattened grass patches)
- Rain made our hike more challenging
Views and Rewards
Once you get above treeline, the views on Pioneer Ridge Trail become spectacular:
- Clear sightlines to Knik Glacier
- Views of Knik River
- Panoramic mountain vistas
- Worth every challenging step!
Who Pioneer Ridge Trail Alaska is For
This trail isn’t for everyone. We saw only:
- Our group of 5
- One pair of local trail runners
- No tourists – just 2 cars in the parking lot (one is ours)
Post-Hike Dining in Wasilla
After this demanding hike, we met friends just off cruise for dinner.
- First choice: Noisy Goose (40-minute wait on Saturday)
- Ended up at “The Grill”
- Great atmosphere for groups
- Pool tables and darts available
- Menu highlight: 20oz steaks
- Try the tuna salad – it’s excellent!
Planning Your Hike on Pioneer Ridge Trail
Tips for Success
- Start early
- Bring rain gear
- Be prepared for wildlife encounters
- Pack extra water – it’s a demanding climb
- Consider trekking poles for steep sections
Next Adventure
From Palmer/Wasilla, it’s about a 4-hour drive to Denali National Park – our next destination!
