TrailMates Hike Lion’s Head Trail Alaska | Glacier Views & Local Vibes

On July 3rd, eight TrailMates laced up and headed out for an adventure on Lion’s Head Trail—a short but mighty climb with seriously big views. The sun was out, the wildflowers were popping, and the mud? Oh yeah, it was definitely part of the experience. We had everything from solo hikers to parents with little ones leading the charge, and everyone moved at their own pace—exactly how we like it.

What started as “just a weekday hike” turned into one of those golden evenings where you forget your to-do list and remember how good it feels to move your body, breathe fresh mountain air, and laugh with people who just get it.

Because that’s what TrailMates is all about—connection, fresh air, and Alaska-sized joy.

📍 Quick + Dirty Trail Deets (aka What You’re Getting Into)

Distance: About 2.3 miles round-trip

Elevation Gain: ~1,100 feet—yep, your legs will notice this hike a bit

Trail Vibe: Muddy in spots, steep switchbacks, wildflowers galore, and a bit of scrambling near the top.

This hike is short but spicy—and totally worth it for those glacier views that hit differently when you’ve worked for them.

🥾 Post-Work Vibes + Glacier Views

A few TrailMates rolled in straight from work—day bags swapped for backpacks, office vibes replaced with alpine air. Four hikers (including some tiny trailblazers) set the pace early, while the rest of us found our groove in the mud, swapping stories and laughs on the way up. Turns out, nothing hits the reset button for a long holiday weekend, like a midweek mountain trek.

Lion’s Head isn’t a long hike, but it definitely makes you earn the views. One of us called it “leg day disguised as fun”—and they weren’t wrong. The trail was slick in spots, wildflowers were popping, and everyone got a little dirty in the best way.

No one was watching clocks—we were just excited to be up there together. That’s the TrailMates vibe: whether you're first, in the middle, or bringing up the rear, you're part of something bigger. We wait, we encourage, and we celebrate every single summit.

🌼 Mud, Scrambles, and Stories

The trail gave us all the good stuff: big views, a little challenge, and a lot of connection.

“I think I just found my new favorite post-work ritual”

We all agreed—there’s something about tackling a climb after a full day that feels extra satisfying. The wildflowers helped, too. We passed pockets of blooming fireweed, blueberries (yes, we sampled), and tiny trail-side surprises that made us slow down and look around.

“It’s wild how a short, steep hike can feel like a full-blown summit”

At the top, everyone relaxed with snacks, swapped stories, caught our breath, and laughed about the muddy spots we’d just conquered. The glacier was there, sure, but honestly, it was the easy company and shared relief of making it that made the moment feel like the best part of the day. Just a bunch of regular people hanging out, enjoying a break together after a solid climb.

That’s the TrailMates way—no fuss, no pressure, just good people, good snacks, and good vibes.

💛 The Trails are Better Together

TrailMates isn’t just a hiking group—it’s a place to belong.We’re here for the connection. For the people who didn’t think they’d “fit in” but came anyway. For the parents with kids in tow, the solo hikers looking for community, and anyone who needs a breath of fresh Alaska air after a long day.

🧢 Speaking of Community… TrailMates Merch Is Here!

Whether it’s a cozy hoodie for chilly mornings or a sticker that reminds you of your favorite trail, our merch helps fund future hikes and spreads the TrailMates mission one snapback and hoodie at a time.

Join Us for More Alaska Group Hikes

Ready to take on your next challenge and meet incredible people? Head to our Events Page to RSVP for future hikes and workshops.

If you loved this hike and want to support our mission of making the outdoors accessible and inclusive, consider making a donation to TrailMates. Your contribution helps us keep these community-led hikes free, cover essential expenses, and build a stronger outdoor community in Alaska. Every dollar goes directly into creating more opportunities for connection and adventure!

Donate here to support TrailMates and be part of something bigger 💛

See you on the trail!