2024 Summer Adventure Series
A series of small group, professionally guided hikes in the Palmer area - for locals!
We're offering 8 moderate to challenging, small-group guided hikes this summer. The series is designed to gradually acclimate adventurers to climbing bigger mountains and longer distances. Join one or all of the hikes! Bring friends, make friends - and get outside!
Book a single hike or purchase a punch card good for any 4 (four) hikes.
Complete 4 or more hikes during the summer season and score some Revel swag!
The Hikes
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![Hikers smile above Eklutna Lake in Chugach State Park]()
June 1: Twin Peaks to First Bench
What makes this hike great:
Twin Peaks trail is a well maintained trail that is generally a snow-free early summer hike due to its south-facing aspect.
What to expect:
We’ll ascend gradually along a wide-berth, well maintained trail about 1,300’ above out starting point. Plan to adventure up to 4 hours.
Hikers can purchase this individual hike or a punch card for for (4) Adventure Series hikes.
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![Summit views from Rendezvous Peak]()
June 15: Rendezvous Peak
What makes this hike great:
This hike offers incredible views the Eagle River Valley and surrounding peaks. The trail starts right around treeline, which means tundra views during the entire hike.
What to expect:
We’ll climb about 1,500 feet on this 3-mile roundtrip hike. Although this hike is short in distance, the climb can be challenging. We will move at a leisurely pace, taking breaks along the way. Plan to hike up to 4 hours.
Hikers can purchase this individual hike or a punch card for for (4) Adventure Series hikes.
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June 29: Eska Falls
What makes this hike great:
This hike offers views of a 100 foot tall waterfall nestled at the end of a valley.
What to expect:
Our hike starts on an old mining road, ascending gradually up the trail until we’re above treeling (about 2,500 feet). If time allows we’ll meander to the base of the waterfall. Depending on trail conditions and our pace we may enjoy the waterfall views from afar. This is an out-and-back hike. Plan to adventure up to 8 hours.
Hikers can purchase this individual hike or a punch card for for (4) Adventure Series hikes.
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![Matanuska Peak Bowl in Palmer, Alaska]()
July 6: Matanuska Peak Bowl
What makes this hike great:
This trailhead is only 10 minutes from downtown Palmer, but quickly feels like a backcountry experience.
What to expect: This trail starts with a bang. The initial ascent is steep and relentless. We’ll move at a leisurely pace, taking breaks along the way. Total elevation gain is about 2,500 feet (the same as 3 Butte climbs) up to the bowl. Plan to adventure for up to 6 hours.
Hikers can purchase this individual hike or a punch card for for (4) Adventure Series hikes.
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![Hikers ascending Pioneer Ridge trail on Pioneer Peak]()
July 20: Pioneer Peak to First Picnic Table
What makes this hike great: This hike offers unparalleled views of the Knik River Valley. If the conditions are right we’ll be able to see Knik River and Knik Glacier throughout our hike.
What to expect: We will climb about 2,000 feet until we reach a picnic table and viewing area. This marks about the halfway point for hikers who wish to ascend to the ridge. Plan to hike up to 4 hours.
Hikers can purchase this individual hike or a punch card for for (4) Adventure Series hikes.
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August 3: April Bowl to Gov't Peak Traverse
What makes this hike great:
This traverse connects two of our favorite play areas-Hatcher Pass and Government Peak Rec. Area. This ridge hike offers stunning views of the Talkeetna Mountains, making you feel as though you are floating over them all!
What to expect: We will hike about 6 miles over a ridge connecting these two peaks. Transportation is provided from GPRA to April Bowl. This route is one-way, plan to hike all day. Transportation is included.
Hikers can purchase this individual hike or a punch card for for (4) Adventure Series hikes.
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![Tundra views from the Mount Eklutna Trail]()
August 17: Mount Eklutna Loop
What makes this hike great: On a clear day, Mount Eklutna feels like another world. Above treeline the terrain is covered with lichen and berries with views of the Knik Arm in the distance.
What to expect: We will start from Peters Creek Valley taking the western-most trail above treeline before traversing to the base o Mount Eklutna. From here we will start our climb up, descending the eastern trail. Plan to hike up to 6 hours.
Hikers can purchase this individual hike or a punch card for for (4) Adventure Series hikes.
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![A hiker on the Pepper Peak trail in Chugach State Park]()
August 29: Pepper Peak
What makes this hike great: Pepper Peak is a challenging, but rewarding climb with incredible views of the Eklutna Valley, Pioneer Peak and the Chugach Range.
What to expect: We’ll start from Lake Eklutna along the Twin Peaks trail. After about 3 miles we’ll leave this trail and head to the less maintained, Pepper Peak trail. The second half of the trails is above treeline with some rocky sections. Plan to hike all day.
Hikers can purchase this individual hike or a punch card for for (4) Adventure Series hikes.
What’s included
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Local, professional guide
Our guides call this area home and love sharing what we continue to learn about the landscape.
Guides carry a minimum Wilderness First Aid certification.
Revel is permitted and insured to operate trips on Mat-Su Borough Trails, in Alaska State Parks and on State of Alaska land.
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Educational component
What does the Butte tell us about glaciers here long ago? What makes the chocolate lily so special?
It’s not just a hike - it’s a chance to connect with where we live and spark some curiosity.
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Summit surprise + social hour
Who doesn’t love a surprise? And on a mountain?! Yes, please! Each hike includes a tasty treat from a local partner.
We’ll also enjoy lemonade and trailhead hang time after each event. This is a great time to connect with other hikers, ask gear questions, and soak in the scenery.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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These hikes range from moderate to challenging, with the more difficult hikes taking place in the second half of the summer. While we hike at a leisurely pace, we recommend you be be able to comfortable hike 3-miles over uneven terrain to be successful with hikes in the series. If you are looking for mellow hiking options, we recommend our monthly Ladies Night Out(doors) hikes, our 50ish and over hikes and our free, quarerly community hikes. Details for these events can be foun here.
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We recommend the following gear for each of our hikes. If you need to borrow something or have gear questions - please ask!
*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)
*Trekking poles (we have some available to borrow if you don’t have your own)
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Summer Adventure Series hikes take place on Saturdays from June through August.
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If you register for a Summer Adventure Series hike:
Cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance of our hike start time receive full refund minus a $10 processing fee
Cancellations made within 48 hours of our hike start time receive no refund.
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Great question! Weather can be tricky. In general, we do not cancel trips due to inclement weather. Occasionally conditions warrant a shift in plans in which case your guide will contact you and a full refund will be issued.
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Revel makes no guarantees that individuals or our group will summit during these adventures. It’s a great goal, but safety remains our top priority. The nature of recreating in Alaska requires flexibility. Weather, wildlife, terrain, injury, etc. can all warrant a shift in plans. Please join our adventures with an open mind.
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You bet! There are a couple local options we have come to love. They include:
Mind & Mountain - Sarah Histand offers flexible, functional fitness programs from the comort of your home. She is an Anchorage-based instructor and outdoor enthusiast. Learn more here.
Mountain Fit - Jenni (Hatcher Pass Yoga) and Kierre (Revel) teamed up in 2024 to offer in-person strength training sessions with small group hikes. Learn more about the Mountain Fit program here.
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We do not offer refunds for unused punches. Thanks for understanding.
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Yes. Punch cards each have 4 uses. How you decide to use them is up to you.
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Yes! We don’t want cost to be a barrier to your adventure goals. Please complete our scholarship form if you could benefit from a community scholarship.