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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.

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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

  • Sun, May 31
    Eagle River Greenbelt Trailhead
    May 31, 2026, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    Eagle River Greenbelt Trailhead, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
    Join us for the long route to South Fork (Barbara) Falls! Although long, it is not steep, just a gradual elevation gain over about 3.3 miles each way.
  • Sun, May 31
    Anchorage
    May 31, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Anchorage, W River Dr, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
    👋 Get your Spring hiking on with a community hike at South Fork to the bridge and back. About 4.2 miles and 600 feet of elevation.
  • Fri, Jun 05
    Palmer
    Jun 05, 2026, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    Palmer, N Mountain Trails Dr, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
    Take on a rewarding sunset adventure with TrailMates at Blueberry Knoll! This challenging out-and-back hike climbs steadily, offering incredible panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
  • Sat, Jun 06
    Coyote Lake Recreation Area
    Jun 06, 2026, 10:00 AM – 3:30 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 for a Spring hike!
  • Sun, Jun 07
    K'esugi Ken Campground
    Jun 07, 2026, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    K'esugi Ken Campground, Trapper Creek, AK 99683, USA
    Join TrailMates for a stunning hike along the Curry Ridge Trail. One of the most beautiful ridge hikes in Alaska with sweeping views of the Alaska Range and, on clear days, Denali itself.
  • Sat, Jun 13
    Archangel Road
    Jun 13, 2026, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Archangel Road, Archangel Rd, Alaska 99645, USA
    Join TrailMates for a scenic adventure on the Lane Basin Loop! This is a beautiful alpine loop featuring mountain views, wild terrain, and classic Hatcher Pass scenery.
  • Sun, Jun 14
    Lionhead View Trail
    Jun 14, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
    Lionhead View Trail, 22518 Glenn Hwy, Sutton-Alpine, AK 99674, USA
    Join us for an after-work adventure on Thursday, July 3rd as we take on the Lion Head Trail. It's a short but steep climb with stunning glacier views! This one’s a local favorite for a reason.
  • Sat, Jun 20
    West Butte Trailhead
    Jun 20, 2026, 10:30 PM – Jun 21, 2026, 12:30 AM
    West Butte Trailhead, West Butte Trailhead, Mothershead Ln, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
    Celebrate the longest day of the year with a sunset hike to the summit of The Butte! This iconic 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Palmer is a local favorite and there’s no better time to experience it than on the summer solstice.
  • Sat, Aug 01
    Resurrection Creek Road
    Aug 01, 2026, 9:00 AM – Aug 03, 2026, 4:00 PM
    Resurrection Creek Road, Resurrection Creek Rd, Hope, AK 99605, USA
    Join us for an unforgettable 3-day backpacking adventure on the iconic Resurrection Pass Trail from Hope to Cooper Landing (Mile Marker 53). This challenging point-to-point trek takes us through some of Alaska’s most beautiful backcountry terrain.

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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