Lazy Mountain

Trail description:

Lazy mountain, near the city of Palmer, makes an excellent day hike. From the parking lot at the base, the trail ascends through somewhat dense foliage. The trail heads strait up the mountain for a ways, with occasional steps built right into the path. About a third of the way up, a bench is reached. After passing the bench, the trail becomes slightly less steep, and the landscape changes from forest to rocky tundra. Another bench is located just below the actual top of lazy mountain. From the top, and along much of the way, one can see a great view of nearby Matanuska peak, as well as Pioneer Peak, Twin Peaks, and Bodenburg Butte to the south.

Difficulty:

Short but strenous. The first section can seem particularly exhausting because the trail doesn't even bother with switch-backs. It does tend to level off a bit on the last half of the hike, which makes it a bit less rough the further along you go.

Directions:

From Anchorage, head north along the Glen Highway for roughly an hour. Take the Exit towards Palmer, and pass the first major intersection in town. Head to the intersection with West Arctic Road, and turn right. This road becomes the old Glen Highway; follow it across the river and look for Clark Wolverine Road on your left. Turn, and follow it to where the road T's off, take the right turn onto "Huntley road" and follow it until it Y's - take the lower right fork, and you'll find yourself in the Lazy Mountain Recreation parking lot.

Additional Information:

Lazy mountain can also be used as a starting point for climbing Matanuska Peak.