Private Tour

Private Hike and History Trip in Palmer, Alaska

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Join us for a guided hike that combines outdoor adventure with learning. We'll explore a glacial outwash plain, discussing what the landscape looks like today and how we can tell that glaciers were here long ago. Following our introduction to glaciers we will hike 1.5 miles up Bodernburg Butte, a local landmark with an 800-foot summit. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Knik Glacier (weather pending) and discover the region's geological transformation on this educational outing.

Our local guides will offer insight into the history of the area. From the geological transformation to the trees and flowers of the boreal forest - guests will immerse themselves in the story of Palmer.

At the summit, we'll identify clues that tell us glaciers were here before and learn how the Butte exists in an otherwise flat valley. On a clear day we'll enjoy views of the Knik Glacier, both the Knik and Matanuska rivers as well as the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What To Expect

Palmer

We will meet at the Palmer Visitor Center and review our plans for the day. From here we will hop in the vehicle and visit a glacial outwash plain where we will discuss the glaciers that carved the Matanuska Valley.

40 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Bodenburg Butte

We will then head to Bodenburg Butte, a local landmark, ascending about 800 feet to the summit. We'll take pauses along the way to discuss flora, fauna and the boreal forest. At the summit we'll take an extended break soaking in views of the Knik Glacier and surrounding mountain ranges (as weather permits). The Butte is a local favorite - a moderate hike with rewarding views. While visitors could opt to hike this landmark independently, our local guides will offer insight into the history of the area. From the geological transformation to the trees and flowers of the boreal forest - guests will immerse themselves in the story of Palmer. At the summit, we'll identify clues that tell us glaciers were here before and learn how the Butte exists in an otherwise flat valley. On a clear day we'll enjoy views of the Knik Glacier, both the Knik and Matanuska rivers as well as the Chugach and Talkeetna mountains.

3 hours • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Water

Trekking Poles (as needed)

Snacks

Trip Photos

Air-conditioned vehicle

Local Guide

Personal Purchases

Gratuities

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Options

Private Hike and History Trip in Palmer, Alaska

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Highlight of Our Trip
parkthis3,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We booked a last min hike + brewery visit and it was a highlight of our entire Alaska trip. We learned so much about glaciers, local history, culture and breweries. The hike was absolutely stunning.
A really enjoyable experience! Worth the money and time.
Tonya M,Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Susan, our guide, very knowledgeable, interesting and engaging. The sites were incredible. Highly recommended. We lucked out with good weather. A hat and jacket needed at top, layers highly recommended. Susan, being a local, gave us great recommendations for additional hikes, places to eat and history of the area. The hike has a little over 500 steps, but plenty of places to stop and rest along the way. Susan brought items for hot chocolate, tea or cider at the top. It was a great day. Thank you, Susan!
Glad I booked this experience
Jennifer V,Jul 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Kierre was a fantastic guide and provided great hospitality. Meeting up in Palmer was easy. The town has a nice charm to it. I enjoyed the summer Sunday afternoon hike - very fortunate for the ideal weather - and got to use a trekking pole that was provided. The whole experience was pleasant and educational…and chill as well with the breaks. The trail is unique. We did everything within the timeframe, while stopping along the way to discuss the river, plants, and the glacier. Kierre is knowledgeable, passionate and she has a lot of training and experience. I would highly recommend this hike and I’m sure any other tours with Revel Treks and Tours are also up to this high standard!
Twin Peaks
I3018UCkarlp,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Despite the overcast & rainy conditions, this hike at Lake Eklutna was beautiful and peaceful. Kierre and I talked about life's trauma & healing nearly the entire hike and for me that was okay. I did not want to hike in silence. She scheduled this with only a two day notice and made several suggestions on places to hike. The best guided hikes in Palmer, AK.
Butte Hike is fun and informative!
Stu S,Jun 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great hike in Palmer with the best guide, Kierre! Special bonus having Megan join us too 😊. Both know the mountains, edible vegetation, and Palmer so well. There are some hiking stairs to climb, so be prepared for some extra energy. But don't worry, they have snacks! Highly recommend checking it out, especially if you can request Kierre.
Definitely worth it!
Coastal46346188293,Jun 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a wonderful experience on Revel’s Palmer: Rocks, Rivers, Glaciers, and History Guided Hike with Kierre as our guide and Megan (who was training as a guide). Both of them were extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the 4 hour tour, always making sure we were safe, comfortable and enjoying the hike. Our family was joined with another family and the seven of us were able to complete the beautiful hike up to the top of the Butte! We found the hike easy to moderate (the final 505 stairs to the top was a workout for some of us; the hiking poles provided by Revel definitely helped!) At first we were a little worried about going on the hike since it was raining, but we barely noticed the rain under the canopy of trees (we all wore rain gear and layers which helped) and we’re so glad we didn’t cancel! Midway through the hike, the rain stopped and we had the most spectacular view at the top of the Butte! Kierre was so kind to bring along hot tea/ hot chocolate for us to enjoy with the snacks provided by Revel (such as trail mix, chocolate chip cookies, granola bars) as we admired the stunning beauty surrounding us at the top. Throughout the hike, Kierre taught us about the native plants, trees and flowers as well as the glaciers and formation of the surrounding mountains, the butte, glacial silt rivers, and the native Ahtna people. Afterwards we all felt inspired and understood why both Megan and Kierre love Palmer! We also appreciate Kierre’s phone call the morning of the hike to inform us of the stairs leading to the top of the Butte and for taking so many great pictures and emailing them to us the next day. Thanks to the entire team at Revel Treks and Tours for making this one of our favorite experiences in Alaska!
Beautiful & inspiring hike! Revel Treks and Tours
863edieg,May 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Revel Treks and Tours - awesome hike on the Butte! Wonderful Guide shared lots of history, fauna, trees and Glacier information. We went at a nice pace that fit. We are local and enjoyed the experience in a learning, social, incredibly beautiful and exercising (without realizing it) environment. Getting outside and experiencing nature is a must. Thank you Kierra!