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Connecting Alaskans Through the Outdoors 

Join our community to explore the wild beauty of Alaska, build confidence outdoors, and make lasting connections.

Special Event 🎉 Blueberry Knoll / Powerline Pass | Anchorage
Special Event 🎉 Blueberry Knoll / Powerline Pass | Anchorage
19 days to the event
Special Event 🎉 Blueberry Knoll / Powerline Pass | Anchorage
Sun, Sep 07
Anchorage
We’re celebrating the launch of Baffin’s new Terrain Collection (exclusive to Big Ray’s in Alaska) with a community hike, pre-hike boot demo, and a $1,000 gift card giveaway. RSVP + check-in required to enter—don’t miss it.
RSVP
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Our Core Initiatives

TrailMates (formerly Elevated Community) is growing to provide a diverse range of experiences that go beyond the trails.

Free Community Adventures

Explore Together, Build Confidence
 

Our guided adventures bring people together to explore Alaska’s stunning trails, build confidence outdoors, and create genuine connections. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the outdoors, these experiences offer a supportive environment to challenge yourself and discover the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
 

Each adventure is thoughtfully planned to ensure a safe, fun, and meaningful journey. Let’s hike, connect, and grow—one trail at a time.

Workshops & Skill Building

Learn, Grow, and Feel Prepared
 

Knowledge is key to thriving in Alaska’s wild outdoors. Our workshops teach essential skills like winter layering, wildlife safety, navigation, and survival basics, helping you feel confident on the trails.
 

Led by experienced community members and local experts, these hands-on sessions are fun, accessible, and designed to prepare you for any adventure.

Special Events & Social Gatherings

Celebrate Connection
 

TrailMates brings people together beyond the trails with special events like seasonal celebrations, gear swaps, and educational talks. These gatherings strengthen bonds and foster a thriving outdoor community.
 

From swapping trail stories over cocoa to sharing gear tips, these events celebrate the friendships and connections that make our community so special.

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Adventure Together, Grow Together

Building confidence, connection, and community in Alaska’s great outdoors.

Welcome to TrailMates (formerly Elevated Community), where the outdoors brings us together. Founded by Megan Militello in 2021, this community was created to empower people to explore Alaska’s wilderness with confidence and connection.

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At its heart, TrailMates is about inclusion. We believe everyone should feel welcome in the outdoors, regardless of experience, and strive to make our events accessible to as many people as possible.

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Curious about how it all began?

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Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar

  • Sat, Aug 23
    Fishhook-Willow Rd, Palmer, AK, USA
    Aug 23, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:50 PM
    Fishhook-Willow Rd, Palmer, AK, USA
    Join us for a peaceful, family-friendly hike along the stunning Gold Mint Trail in beautiful Hatcher Pass. This out-and-back hike is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy open air, mountain views, and time on trail without a huge climb.
  • Sat, Aug 30
    Hatcher Pass Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
    Aug 30, 2025, 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
    Hatcher Pass Rd, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
    Looking for a high-alpine challenge with serious payoff? Join TrailMates for a bold and beautiful trek to Snowbird Mine, tucked deep in Glacier Pass.
  • Thu, Sep 04
    Anchorage
    Sep 04, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Anchorage, W River Dr, Anchorage, AK 99577, USA
    Looking for a low-pressure, beautiful midweek hike? This one’s for you. Join us for a relaxed evening on the South Fork Valley Trail with volunteer hike leader Kevin Lurie.
  • Sat, Sep 06
    Anchorage
    Sep 06, 2025, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Anchorage, Parking lot, Blueberry Loop Trail, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
    Looking for a gritty climb with epic city-to-alpine views? Join TrailMates for a summit push up O’Malley Peak — one of Anchorage’s most iconic ridges.
  • Sun, Sep 07
    Anchorage
    Sep 07, 2025, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Anchorage, Parking lot, Blueberry Loop Trail, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
    We’re celebrating the launch of Baffin’s new Terrain Collection (exclusive to Big Ray’s in Alaska) with a community hike, pre-hike boot demo, and a $1,000 gift card giveaway. RSVP + check-in required to enter—don’t miss it.
  • Sat, Sep 13
    13500 N Skeetawk Cir, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
    Sep 13, 2025, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    13500 N Skeetawk Cir, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
    Join us for a fun and scenic hike up Frostbite Ridge from Skeetawk on Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 AM!
  • Sun, Sep 14
    Whittier
    Sep 14, 2025, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
    Whittier, Whittier, AK 99587, USA
    Ready to rise to the occasion with a supportive crew? Join TrailMates for a challenging, high-reward trek to the Blackstone Bay Overlook! This out-and-back route is 5.7 miles with 2,719 ft of elevation gain.
  • Sat, Sep 20
    Palmer
    Sep 20, 2025, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Palmer, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
    Looking for a big alpine adventure with a huge payoff? Join TrailMates on one of Hatcher Pass’s most iconic hikes: Reed Lakes.
  • Sun, Sep 21
    Coyote Lake Recreation Area
    Sep 21, 2025, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    Coyote Lake Recreation Area, Jonesville Rd, Sutton-Alpine, AK 99674, USA
    This is a challenging route—expect steep climbs, rocky sections, and rugged Alaskan beauty every step of the way! The 2,339 ft elevation gain is no joke, but the payoff? Totally worth it. September’s crisp air and fall colors make this the perfect time to explore.

Stay Connected, Stay Inspired

Sign up for updates on hikes, adventures, and workshops! Let us know your interests and opt in for text alerts to stay in the loop. 🥾✨

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