Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Bear, Moose, Fox Trails and Matanuska Greenbelt - Open

Bearberry Bluff is a dirt, single-track trail that carves a flowing path through forest, banking around neatly groomed corners in a 1.1 mile loop. Bearberry Bluff, Bearbottom, and Rootbear are Mat-Su Borough trails. The latest Borough additions include Fox Run and Foxtrot trails, all north of Long Lake.

These easy to moderate single tracks are a fun, hoot-worthy ride. In the fall, leaves spatter the trail with color. The Bear and Fox trails tap into a network of some 33 miles of trails within the Matanuska Greenbelt network. The Greenbelt are loops of trails between the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, the Glenn Highway, Parks Highway, and Trunk Road. There's four land owners collaborating: the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, University of Alaska-Mat-Su College, University of Alaska Fairbanks-Experiment Farm, and the State-Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area. Some 100 posts with 300 directional signs and 12 gateway posts with small maps help you get around this undulating, looping, and curving trail network.

This trail system has been brushed for the season by the MSB Trail Crew. Enjoy

This is a non-motorized trail network. Bugs can be heavy. Horses are welcome when trails harden after wet spring. Be prepared for moose nearby. A bear bell on a bike alerts others to your arrival around curves.
Last Update:  07/10/25

Seasons

Winter Spring Summer Fall

Amenities

Public Toilet Facilities

Uses

Hiking Mountain Biking Snow Shoeing Walking
Trail Length: miles
Snow Depth:
Difficulty:
Surface:
Status: Ungroomed
Community: Palmer

Morgan Horse Trail - Open

The Morgan Horse Trail is a non-motorized year round trail, which is located between the Lazy Mountain Recreation Area on the north end and Maud Road on the south. It provides connections to the Lazy Mountain Trail (non-motorized), Matanuska Peak Trail (non-motorized) and the Plumley-Maud Trail (multi-use). It traverses the lower slope of Lazy Mountain and can be muddy in the spring.

The trail travels southeast through the recreation area and follows a section line easement going due south to Maud Road. The area is forested with large cottonwood, white spruce and birch. The trail passes close by homes, so please respect private property.

This trail was brushed by the MSB Trail Crew on 6/24. Enjoy.
Last Update:  06/24/25

Seasons

Winter Spring Summer Fall

Amenities

Parking Area Public Toilet Facilities Trashcan at Trailhead

Uses

Hiking Jogging Mountain Biking Skiing Snow Shoeing Walking
Trail Length: 2 miles
Snow Depth: 1
Difficulty:
Surface: natural surface
Status: Ungroomed

: Big Lake Area Snowmachine Trails - Closed

Big Lake Trails Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the maintenance and  preservation of  the Big Lake area snowmachine trails. 

Maps of local snow machine trail are on their website https://biglaketrails.org/ or visit their Facebook page.

Winter trails are closed.

Up-to-date conditions can be found at www.biglaketrails.org and the Big Lake Trails, Inc. Facebook page
Last Update:  04/04/25



Seasons

Winter Spring

Amenities

Parking Area Public Toilet Facilities Trashcan at Trailhead

Uses

Ice Fishing Jogging Mountain Biking Mushing Skiing Snow Machines Snow Shoeing Walking
Trail Length: miles
Snow Depth:
Difficulty:
Surface: Snow
Status: Ungroomed
Community: Big Lake

Government Peak Recreation Area Summer Trails - Open

The Government Peak Recreation Area in summer offers a variety of recreation. Enjoy the wide grassy paths to walk, steep trails to hike, singletrack trails to ride by mountain bike, and equestrian trails to follow. The Chugach Range is in bold view. The chalet offers restrooms.

Three ski trails turn into walking trails by summer that start and end at the chalet.

Two hiking trails lead you up steep Government Peak in the Talkeetna Mountains. The Government Peak Race Trail begins on the Matanuska Loop. The 3.5-mile trail travels through forest until it reaches the start of an incline. The unrelenting slope up Government Peak Trail is a mental test of endurance. Up top, the payoff is a far-reaching alpine view of Knik Arm, a vast valley floor, and the Knik Glacier. At your back, the countless ridges of the Talkeetna Mountains are visible. The Blueberry Knoll Trail is a gentler hike for some 1.5 miles.

Two singletrack mountain bike trails begin near the stadium, traveling for 4.2 miles. After working up hill, the downhill ride feels adventurous. Two-way traffic is allowed on the trails. Please be courteous to bikers and pedestrians.

Equestrians can ride for a five-mile adventure on the Backcountry Horseman Trail.

 

 

 

Last Update:  07/04/24

Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Amenities

Parking Area Public Toilet Facilities Trashcan at Trailhead

Uses

Hiking Jogging Mountain Biking Walking
Trail Length: 8 miles
Snow Depth:
Difficulty:
Surface: Varies
Status: Ungroomed
Community: Fishhook

: Aurora Dog Musher Trail System - Closed

Aurora Dog Mushers Club Inc., Race Track

Aurora Dog Mushers

Check this site for updated trail conditions

The access road for the Aurora Dog Mushers race staging area is gated and closed in the summer.

As of April 2025, all winter trails are closed.

Regular updates are posted on the Aurora Dog Mushers Club Inc Facebook page.
Last Update:  04/01/25



Seasons

Winter Spring Fall

Amenities

Parking Area Public Toilet Facilities Trashcan at Trailhead

Uses

Mushing Skiing
Trail Length: 16 miles
Snow Depth:
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Surface: Snow - groomed for dog sled racing – 3’- 8’ wide
Status: Ungroomed
Community: Big Lake
  1. Lake Louise Snowmachine Trails
  2. Ayrshire Road Winter Snowmachine Trailhead
  3. Fish Lake Multi-Use Trails
  4. Skeetawk Hatcher Pass Mile 10.6 Alpine Area