Summer Solstice on the Butte: A TrailMates Hike to Celebrate the Midnight Sun
- Sara Burda
- Jul 18
- 4 min read
There’s something about climbing a mountain with strangers that doesn’t feel so strange once your boots hit the dirt. That was the vibe on June 21st as we gathered at the base of Bodenburg Butte for our TrailMates Summer Solstice hike, led by volunteer Leo Overdyun.
We came for the sunset—but left with something even better: connection.
🥾 Trail Details
📍 Location: Bodenburg Butte, near Palmer, Alaska
↔️ Distance: ~3 miles roundtrip
⬆️ Elevation Gain: ~900 ft
⚡ Rating: Moderate — steep in spots, but short and incredibly rewarding
The trailhead starts just down the road, leading to a gravel path that gently climbs to the first overlook bench. That’s where the warm-ups end and the real fun begins: 505 wooden stairs (yes, we counted!) that zigzag their way up the mountain like a natural StairMaster—with better views.
From there, you’ll wind through switchbacks, dirt, and wood-planked sections before popping out into a wide-open meadow that feels like a secret tucked into the hillside. The final push includes a rocky scramble and a panoramic summit that makes every step worth it.
🫶 Starting Together
You could feel the mix of excitement and curiosity as hikers arrived—some familiar faces, others brand new to TrailMates. First-time jitters faded quickly though, replaced by laughter and easy conversation.
One hiker admitted,
“I wasn’t sure I could keep up… but I didn’t feel rushed once. It’s such a good crew.”
Another smiled and said,
“This trail feels so different with other people. Way more fun.”
That’s the thing about TrailMates—you don’t have to do it alone. From the first switchback to the final summit selfie, there’s always someone walking beside you.
🌥️ No Sunset, Still a Hiking Win
By the time we made it to the top of the Butte, the clouds had fully committed. No golden Solstice glow. No postcard-worthy sunset. Just soft gray skies stretching over the valley.
But honestly? No one really cared.
Packs came off, snacks came out—and we all kind of flopped down wherever looked comfiest. Someone even pulled out a photo from last year’s sunset like, “Look what could’ve been,” and we all cracked up.
People lounged on the rocks, shared whatever was in their snack bags, and just... hung out. The kind of chill, end-of-the-day vibe that makes you forget your legs are tired and reminds you why you showed up in the first place.
We snapped a group photo (classic), traded a few trail stories, and took in the fact that it was practically midnight and we had the opportunity to hike with the midnight sun.
We didn’t get the sunset. But we got something better: good people, a good climb, and the kind of easy connection that makes a hike feel like a hangout. That’s what TrailMates is really about anyway.
🌼 Why We Keep Showing Up
It’s not just the mountains. It’s the moments.
Like a first-timer being cheered up the last stretch.
Like two hikers realizing they live in the same neighborhood.
Like someone passing you a snack and asking how your week really went.
TrailMates hikes are about showing up as you are—muddy boots, awkward silences, funny trail stories and all. We don’t care if you’ve summited the highest peak or just bought your first pair of hiking shoes. There’s space for everyone here.
On this hike, people swapped weekend plans, asked about gear, and helped each other navigate the rocky descent like it was second nature. It wasn’t just a climb—it was a community in motion.
🌱 New Here? You’re in Good Company!
We get it—showing up to something new can be a little nerve-wracking.
“Do I need the right gear?”
“What if I don’t know anyone?”
“Am I going to be the slowest one?”
Here’s the truth: you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to belong here. You don’t need a fancy backpack or trail experience. You just need a little curiosity and the willingness to take that first step.
TrailMates is full of people who once felt unsure—and now can’t imagine their weekends without this crew. We’re all just here to move our bodies, breathe some fresh air, and connect with good humans along the way.
So whether it’s your first hike ever or your 50th of the season, there’s a place for you right here on the trail. Just come as you are—we’ll take care of the rest. 💛
👟 Come Hike With Us
Visit our TrailMates events page to RSVP for our next hike. Or join Basecamp and meet other TrailMates, ask questions, and get insider scoop on upcoming hikes.
Support the Movement
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🥾 Feel Like Leading a Hike?
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