Why Choose Palmer as Your Base
Day 7 we experienced Palmer Alaska with mountain biking and hiking! Palmer and nearby Wasilla sit just east of Anchorage. We found Palmer offered:
- More accommodation options
- Better value for money than other Alaska locations
- Wasilla’s extensive dining options nearby
- Easy access to outdoor activities
Mountain Biking in Palmer Alaska
Bike Rental Information
The local bike shops in Palmer are super helpful. Our experience:
- Multiple rental shops to choose from
- Friendly staff with detailed local knowledge
- Cost: About $120/day for two bikes with helmets
- Staff provided maps and thorough trail recommendations
Popular Biking Areas
The shop owner spread out a map and showed us several great options:
- Matanuska River Park trails
- Hatcher Pass area
- Various greenways throughout town of Palmer
Hiking Options in Palmer Alaska
Bodenburg Butte Trail Circuit
We discovered Palmer’s hiking trails through AllTrails app, and were pleasantly surprised by the high ratings. We chose to do:
- Up via Bodenburg Butte Trail
- Down via West Butte Trail
- Perfect for families with children
- Well-maintained with wooden steps and handrails
Trail Features
The West Butte Trail offers:
- Gentle descent
- Regular wooden steps
- Handrails for safety
- Family-friendly grade
- First time in Alaska we saw lots of families hiking!
- Much lower chance of wildlife encounters than backcountry trails
Planning Tips
- Consider splitting your group like we did – some can bike while others hike
- Originally planned for Twin Peaks and Eklutna Lake but found these local trails close to town instead
- Great option for a lighter activity day between more strenuous hikes
Our Alaska journey continues as we’ll drive to Denali National Park. We’ll embark on a scenic bus tour, exploring the park’s vast wilderness, stunning landscapes, and incredible wildlife. If you’re planning your own trip, check out our full guide to the Denali National Park Bus Tour for tips on routes, reservations, and what to expect!
