Hatcher Pass Recreation Access Map - pdf

Acreage

The Government Peak Unit contains about 7,860 acres, of which 985 acres is within the Hatcher Pass Public Use Area. Ownership in the Government Peak Unit is split between the State (4,570 acres) and the Borough (3,290 acres).

Access

The Goverment Peak Unit is easily accessed by the Palmer-Fishhood and Willow Fishhook Roads (Hatcher Pass Road). The Unit is located adjacent and to the west of the Hatcher Pass Road and north of the Edgerton Parks Road on hilly terrain, although some fairly level benches occur. Deciduous forest occurs adjacent to portions of the Hatcher Pass Road while other areas are covered by shrub at lower elevations and by shrub and dwarf shrub at middle elevations and alpine vegetation in the higher elevations. Most of the unit consists of uplands (99%) with the remainder either wetlands or streams. The majority of the wetlands and streams are in the southern portion of the Unit.

Winter Activities

Because of favorable terrain and ready access, the entire unit is very popular for winter sports, including alpine, nordic and backcountry skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and snow shoeing.

Summer Activities

During the summer and fall, the entire unit is popular for a variety of activities including hiking, mountain biking, equestrian activities, mountain running, paragliding and sailing, hunting, berry picking, and mountaineering.

Northern Area

The northeastern slopes of Government Peak and Bald Mountain Ridge contain terrain suitable for alpine skiing. An access road and primitive parking facility was partially developed at Mile 11.2 of the Hatcher Pass Road by the Borough in the late 1990's.

Southern Area

The topography in the southern portion is suitable for nordic skiing, sledding and some beginner alpine ski areas as well. The terrain is also suitable for equestrian uses, mountain biking and general hiking with good views of the lower Matanuska Valley. 

Also read FAQs about Area Uses and Regulations