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West Butte Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 310 Google reviews · Running trail in Palmer, Alaska · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from West Butte Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area featuring a trail and 500-plus steps that lead to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
What runners say about West Butte Trail
“This is a beautiful, well-maintained trail and there were many other hikers that day.”
“Hiked this trail for the first time with my son on a gorgeous day.”
“Some have it listed as an easy hike, I would say more medium.”
Really fun trail. While not super long, it gains a decent amount of elevation and there’s a ton of stairs. The boys loved the views hike even though we had bad luck with weather with socked in clouds at the top.
Wonderful hike - spectacular views!! The hike itself took about 1.5 hours to get to the top, going at a slower pace. Some areas were a little muddy, and there was a section that was a little slippery, but overall it was not too difficult. It was a nice easy to moderate hike if you're in a decent shape.
What an amazing hike! I went on April 1. Although the snow was up to the top of the hand rails in some areas, it was pretty well packed, so for the most part, we didn't have to worry about falling in the drifts. The view from the top is spectacular. I'd hike this trail again in a heartbeat.
Easily one of the best hikes in the valley. The west trail is the most maintained and hiker friendly. The trail begins on a wide trail through the forest with a gentle incline but quickly becomes steep.
Trail conditions & character
“There’s 505 total steps you’ll have to take to the top, but it’s all under a canopy of trees and the summit has views stretching in literally every direction.”
“The stairs/incline made for a good workout, and we were rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains as well as the Knik glacier.”
“3 miles round trip from the West Butte trailhead.”
“Some areas were a little muddy, and there was a section that was a little slippery, but overall it was not too difficult.”
Plan your run at West Butte Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitematsugov.us
- Phone(907) 861-7661
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Reflections Lake Trail
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