When I arrived a little ahead of our group's meeting time at the Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA) parking lot (near the base of Hatcher Pass) on the Sunday before Labor Day, I was surprised to find that I was the only person there, making me think that GPRA is one of those local gems that hasn't yet been discovered by the masses. Yay! Since this was my first visit, I checked out all the signs while waiting for my fellow hikers, and strolled past the brand new chalet, which was closed and roped off for construction activity. Once everyone arrived, we climbed up the Blueberry Knoll trail, a mere 1.5 miles, but steep with its 1,550-foot elevation gain. Unfortunately, fog shrouded the knoll, so we were denied the view we'd hoped for, yet the fall colors themselves made the outing worthwhile. We'll just have to go back when skies are clear. The GPRA has groomed ski trails in winter, bike trails for summer, equestrian trails, and hiking trails. Parking is $5 or you can buy an annual pass for $40; the money goes to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
Distance one way: 1.5 miles
Distance one way: 1.5 miles