Lazy Mountain Trail is one of the steepest trails I climb. It is an instant calf burner and a great trail for intense incline. However, to add some variety and easier way to Lazy, the Lazy Moose Trail was added. I don't know all the history, but it is a nice gem of a trail. To the top it is 3.6 miles if you take the Lazy Moose one way.
To get to the trailhead: From Palmer, go east on the Old Glenn Highway 2.5 miles, take a left on Clark-Wolverine Road. Proceed ½ mile to a T intersection. Take a right on Huntley Road, follow it to the end, take a right to the Lazy Mountain Recreation Area and trailhead. There is a outhouse and a fee $5 per day or you can get the yearly pass for $40
You start up the "Lazy Mountain Trailhead" arch and cross a short wooden bridge over a creek. Take a few erosion proof steps and as it heads up the mountain you will see a clearly marked sign that says "Lazy Moose Trailhead" take a right and enjoy a leisurely way up the mountain.
As the trail meanders, you will see the nice posted signs of the feet. It is not an elevation sign, but you will see progress. There are two little benches which offer a stunning view of the Matanuska River and Butte. You can also see the Knik Glacier on a clear day as well. In the winter or night time, you can see the lights from the Glenn Hwy crossing the Knik River Bridge.
When you get to the end of the trail it intersects with the Main Lazy Mountain Trailhead. If you want to continue to the summit turn right and Up. If you want a little break turn left and a few feet you will reach the Picnic Table.
THE LAZY MOOSE ALBUM WITH TRAIL MARKER
The map below, you can see the zig zag switchbacks that make up the Lazy Moose trail. Our distance and time is from hiking up the Lazy Mountain trail to the summit and then we took the Lazy Moose to run down.
