Lion’s Gate Portal Hike: Celebrate Strength, Connection & New Beginnings

On 8/8, TrailMates took on Lion’s Head Trail in Sutton-Alpine during the peak of the Lion’s Gate Portal. Guided by TrailMates founder Megan, this challenging 2.1-mile climb mixed breathtaking views, community connection, a guided meditation, and a powerful ritual of release.

Trail Details

Trail: Lion’s Head Trai

Location: Sutton-Alpine, AK

Distance: 2.1 miles (out-and-back)

Elevation Gain: 977 ft

Difficulty: Challenging

Time: ~1 hr 38 min

🌟 A Cosmic Hike for Courage, Connection & Clarity

There are hikes that challenge your legs… and then there are hikes that challenge your spirit. On Friday, August 8th, TrailMates gathered at the base of Lion’s Head in Sutton-Alpine, ready for more than just a workout. This was the Lion’s Gate Portal Hike, a special climb aligned with a powerful astrological event believed to bring courage, clarity, and transformation.

Led by TrailMates founder Megan, our crew showed up with open hearts, sturdy boots, and a willingness to explore both the trail ahead and the deeper terrain within ourselves.

The Lion’s Head Trail is short but spicy—just over two miles, but with 977 feet of elevation packed into a steep, rocky climb. Add in a touch of Alaskan mud and the occasional scramble, and you’ve got a trail that wakes you up fast. The reward? Views that make you pause mid-breath and remember exactly why we live and hike here.

🦁 Why the Lion’s Gate Portal Matters

For those unfamiliar, the Lion’s Gate Portal peaks every year on August 8th, when the sun in Leo aligns with the star Sirius and the Earth. Many see it as a time of heightened energy—a “cosmic doorway” for transformation, setting intentions, and stepping into your power.

As Megan put it: “The Lion’s Gate Portal reminds us that the mountains we climb on the outside often mirror the ones we climb within. Both require courage, patience, and trust in the process.”

It’s not about whether you read your horoscope daily or haven’t thought about astrology since high school—it’s about harnessing a moment to pause, reflect, and intentionally choose what you want your life to look like. For TrailMates, it was the perfect excuse to blend our love for the outdoors with our commitment to personal growth and community connection.

🚶‍♀️ The Climb: Steep, Scenic & Soulful

The trail wasted no time getting down to business—steep switchbacks, rocky sections, and that exhilarating feeling of gaining elevation fast. Conversations wove in and out as hikers alternated between catching their breath, swapping stories, and taking in the views of the Matanuska River winding far below.

The weather, as Alaska often likes to tease, started with clouds threatening rain. But by the time we reached the midpoint, the sky had shifted—sunlight spilled over the peaks, the wind calmed, and it became one of those perfect hiking evenings that feel almost cinematic.

By the final push to the summit, the group had found its rhythm. Some powered up the climb, others took their time, and yet no one hiked alone. That’s the TrailMates way—no one gets left behind, and there’s always someone ready with encouragement just when you need it.

🧘 A Summit Ritual for Letting Go

At the top of Lion’s Head, with panoramic views stretching across the valley, Megan gathered the group in a quiet circle for a guided meditation. Eyes closed, hearts open, we reflected on what was holding us back—fears, doubts, old narratives we’d outgrown.

Then came the ritual: each hiker wrote their chosen “release” on a small slip of paper. One by one, we fed them into a Solo Stove at the summit, watching as the smoke carried our old baggage into the sky. It was simple, but powerful.

As one participant shared afterward: “I didn’t realize how much I needed that moment until I was standing there, watching the paper burn. It was like unclipping a heavy pack I’d been carrying for years.”

💫 Space for the New

The power of releasing something isn’t just in letting it go—it’s in what you make room for. After the ritual, Megan invited everyone to set an intention for what they wanted to welcome into their lives: confidence, peace, adventure, abundance.

It was a reminder that the outdoors has always been a place for renewal. Whether it’s a tough climb or a quiet walk in the woods, nature offers us space to hear ourselves think and the courage to act on what we hear.

🎯 Why This Matters: Outdoors & Mental Health

Events like the Lion’s Gate Hike aren’t just about pretty views. They’re about the mental and physical reset we all need. Studies show that time in nature lowers stress, boosts mood, and strengthens our sense of connection—not just to the earth, but to each other.

When you combine movement, fresh air, and shared experience, something shifts. You leave lighter, calmer, and more grounded than when you arrived. And sometimes you also leave with a renewed sense of purpose.

🙌 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Thrive Integrative Medicine

This hike was made possible by our friends at Thrive Integrative Medicine, a local wellness hub committed to whole-person care. From naturopathy and acupuncture to mental health support, massage therapy, and yoga, they’re passionate about helping Alaskans feel their best—inside and out.

Their belief in intentional, root-cause healing aligned perfectly with the spirit of the Lion’s Gate event. We’re grateful for their support in keeping TrailMates hikes free and accessible to all.

Learn more at www.thriveak.com

💛 You Can Help, Too!

If TrailMates has impacted your life, consider making a small donation to help us keep building this community. Every dollar goes toward creating more inclusive, welcoming spaces for people to connect in Alaska’s great outdoors. Donate Here

Your Own Lions Gate Meditation

Couldn’t make the hike? You can still soak in the energy of the Lions Gate Portal wherever you are. Here’s a simple version of the meditation we shared at the summit:

1. Ground Yourself – Stand or sit somewhere you can feel connected to the earth. Take a few deep breaths, letting the air fill your lungs and slowly release.
   

2. Release – Write down something you’re ready to let go of—maybe a fear, habit, or belief that’s been holding you back. Safely burn it, tear it up, or bury it in the ground.
   

3. Set Your Intention – Place a hand on your heart and envision what you want to invite into your life. Feel it as if it’s already yours.
   

4. Close with Gratitude – Thank yourself for showing up, and thank the universe (or whatever you believe in) for the path ahead.
   

Even without the mountain view, you might be surprised at how much lighter you feel when you give yourself this time.

📅 Join Us for Future Alaska Group Hikes

The Lion’s Gate hike was just one of many TrailMates adventures happening year-round. Whether you’re into steep summit scrambles, mellow valley walks, or unique themed hikes like this one, there’s a place for you here.

Check out our Events Page to RSVP for upcoming hikes, and make sure you’re following us on social for real-time updates, photos, and trail tips.

✨ Check out our photo gallery from this hike and we might just find you on our next adventure.