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Connecting Alaskans Through the Outdoors 

Join our community to explore the wild beauty of Alaska, build confidence outdoors, and make lasting connections.

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Our Core Initiatives

TrailMates (formerly Elevated Community) is growing to provide a diverse range of experiences that go beyond the trails.

Free Community Adventures

Explore Together, Build Confidence
 

Our guided adventures bring people together to explore Alaska’s stunning trails, build confidence outdoors, and create genuine connections. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the outdoors, these experiences offer a supportive environment to challenge yourself and discover the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
 

Each adventure is thoughtfully planned to ensure a safe, fun, and meaningful journey. Let’s hike, connect, and grow—one trail at a time.

Workshops & Skill Building

Learn, Grow, and Feel Prepared
 

Knowledge is key to thriving in Alaska’s wild outdoors. Our workshops teach essential skills like winter layering, wildlife safety, navigation, and survival basics, helping you feel confident on the trails.
 

Led by experienced community members and local experts, these hands-on sessions are fun, accessible, and designed to prepare you for any adventure.

Special Events & Social Gatherings

Celebrate Connection
 

TrailMates brings people together beyond the trails with special events like seasonal celebrations, gear swaps, and educational talks. These gatherings strengthen bonds and foster a thriving outdoor community.
 

From swapping trail stories over cocoa to sharing gear tips, these events celebrate the friendships and connections that make our community so special.

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Adventure Together, Grow Together

Building confidence, connection, and community in Alaska’s great outdoors.

Welcome to TrailMates (formerly Elevated Community), where the outdoors brings us together. Founded by Megan Militello in 2021, this community was created to empower people to explore Alaska’s wilderness with confidence and connection.

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At its heart, TrailMates is about inclusion. We believe everyone should feel welcome in the outdoors, regardless of experience, and strive to make our events accessible to as many people as possible.

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Curious about how it all began?

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Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar

  • Thu, May 22
    South Fork Valley Trailhead
    May 22, 2025, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    South Fork Valley Trailhead, W River Dr, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
    Join us on Thursday, May 15th, at 5 PM for scenic spring hike along the South Fork Eagle River Trail, led by Kevin Lurie! We’ll hike the first 2 miles (to the bridge), where we’ll take a moment to soak in the views before heading back, making this a 4-mile round-trip adventure.
  • Sun, May 25
    Harp Mountain Trailhead
    May 25, 2025, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Harp Mountain Trailhead, 601 Hiland Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577, USA
    Join us for a challenging and rewarding adventure up Harp Mountain, one of Eagle River’s most scenic ridge hikes! This 3.2-mile out-and-back trail climbs 2,600 feet and offers panoramic views of South Eagle River, the Chugach Range, and—on a clear day—distant peaks like Denali and Foraker.
  • Sat, May 31
    Basher Trailhead
    May 31, 2025, 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
    Basher Trailhead, 9001 Basher Dr, Anchorage, AK 99507, USA
    Join us for an unforgettable adventure up Wolverine Peak, starting from the Basher Trailhead! Led by community member Pete Devaris, this hike promises breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and a steady climb that will leave you feeling empowered.
  • Sat, Jun 21
    West Butte Trailhead
    Jun 21, 2025, 10:30 PM – Jun 22, 2025, 12:30 AM
    West Butte Trailhead, West Butte Trailhead, Mothershead Ln, Palmer, AK 99645, USA
    Celebrate the longest day of the year with a sunset hike to the summit of The Butte! This iconic 2.3-mile out-and-back trail near Palmer is a local favorite—and there’s no better time to experience it than on the summer solstice.
  • Fri, Aug 08
    Sutton-Alpine
    Aug 08, 2025, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Sutton-Alpine, 27650 Glenn Hwy, Sutton-Alpine, AK 99674, USA
    Join us on Friday, August 8th, for a hike to celebrate connection, strength, and new beginnings during the Lion’s Gate Portal! Led by Megan Militello, we'll tackle the 2.1-mile out-and-back Lion’s Head Trail near Chickaloon.

Stay Connected, Stay Inspired

Sign up for updates on hikes, adventures, and workshops! Let us know your interests and opt in for text alerts to stay in the loop. 🥾✨

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