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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

  • Thu, Jun 26
    South Fork Valley Trailhead
    Jun 26, 2025, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    South Fork Valley Trailhead, W River Dr, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
    Unwind with us on a peaceful evening hike through the South Fork Eagle River valley—one of TrailMates’ most beloved trails for good reason. This casual, out-and-back adventure offers wide open views, gentle elevation, and a well-maintained path that makes it perfect for all levels!
  • Fri, Jun 27
    Glen Alps/Flattop Parking Lot
    Jun 27, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    Glen Alps/Flattop Parking Lot, Parking lot, Blueberry Loop Trail, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
    Planning to join the Crow Pass Overnight Adventure? Or just curious about how to pack and prepare for your first backpacking trip? Join us for a casual, in-person prep workshop at Glen Alps!
  • Fri, Jun 27
    Glen Alps/Flattop Parking Lot
    Jun 27, 2025, 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
    Glen Alps/Flattop Parking Lot, Parking lot, Blueberry Loop Trail, Anchorage, AK 99516, USA
    Join us for an evening hike under the glow of Alaska’s midnight sun! ☀️🌄Following our Crow Pass Overnight Prep Workshop, we’ll hit the trail at Powerline Pass for a relaxing 4–5 mile out-and-back hike.
  • Thu, Jul 03
    Lionhead View Trail
    Jul 03, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:00 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—a short but steep climb with stunning glacier views! This one’s a local favorite for a reason.
  • Tue, Jul 08
    Palmer Hay Flats
    Jul 08, 2025, 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM
    Palmer Hay Flats, Unnamed Road, Wasilla, AK 99654, USA
    Come enjoy a peaceful evening on the trail with TrailMates on Tuesday, July 8th at 8:00 PM! We’re heading out for a relaxed 2-mile loop at Scout Ridge Trail in Wasilla—perfect for beginners, families, and anyone looking to unwind outdoors after a long day.
  • Fri, Jul 11
    Crow Pass Trailhead
    Jul 11, 2025, 8:00 AM – Jul 12, 2025, 12:00 PM
    Crow Pass Trailhead, 6400 Crow Creek Rd, Girdwood, AK 99587, USA
    Join us as we take on the Crow Pass Trail, a legendary 22.3-mile point-to-point route that winds from Girdwood to Eagle River through some of the most rugged and breathtaking terrain in Southcentral Alaska.
  • Fri, Jul 25
    Hope Point Trailhead
    Jul 25, 2025, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Hope Point Trailhead, Hope, AK 99605, USA
    Ready to take on one of Southcentral Alaska’s most rewarding ridge hikes? Join TrailMates for a full-day adventure up Hope Point, a challenging yet stunning trail that winds through lush forest and alpine terrain.
  • Fri, Aug 08
    Sutton-Alpine
    Aug 08, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Sutton-Alpine, 27650 Glenn Hwy, Sutton-Alpine, AK 99674, USA
    Join us on Friday, August 8th, for a hike to celebrate connection, strength, and new beginnings during the Lion’s Gate Portal! Led by Megan Militello, we'll tackle the 2.1-mile out-and-back Lion’s Head Trail near Chickaloon.
  • 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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