Pioneer Peak (Alaska)

Pioneer Peak (Ahtna: Tnel'aay; Dena'ina: Dnal'iy) is a 6,398-foot (1,950 m) mountain in the Chugach Mountains in the U.S. state of Alaska. Located beside the Knik River just nine miles (14.5 km) south of Palmer and about six miles outside the Municipality of Anchorage limits, it is a prominent landmark in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, as well as a popular hiking destination. Its Ahtna name means "the object is standing still" and its Dena'ina name means "the one that watches us".[3] The name was given in 1939 in honor of the pioneers of the Matanuska agricultural colony of the mid-1930s.[2] The Pioneer Ridge Trail leads up the eastern shoulder, beginning below 200', it allows access to the South summit. The North summit, and true summit of Pioneer Peak does not have a trail, and advanced mountaineering techniques are required. The first ascent of this peak was made June 1936 by Vernon Haik and John Wolffe via the Northwest Face.[4]

This article is about Pioneer Peak in Alaska. For other peaks by this name, see Pioneer Peak (disambiguation).
Pioneer Peak
Pioneer Peak, northwest aspect
Highest point
Elevation6,398 ft (1,950 m)[1]
Prominence1,798 ft (548 m)
Coordinates61°28′32″N 149°01′59″W[2]
Naming
Native name
Geography
Pioneer Peak is located in Alaska
Pioneer Peak
Pioneer Peak
Location in Alaska
LocationMatanuska-Susitna Borough
Alaska, U.S.
Parent rangeChugach Mountains
Topo mapUSGS Anchorage D-6
Climbing
First ascent1936

Climate

Based on the Köppen climate classification, Pioneer Peak is located in a subarctic climate zone with long, cold, snowy winters, and mild summers.[5] Weather systems coming off the Gulf of Alaska are forced upwards by the Chugach Mountains (orographic lift), causing heavy precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. Temperatures can drop below −20 °C with wind chill factors below −30 °C. The months May through June offer the most favorable weather for climbing or viewing.

See also

References
  1. "Pioneer Peak, Alaska". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2020-03-18.
  2. "Pioneer Peak". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  3. Kari, James; Pete, Shem; Alex, Daniel (2016). Shem Pete's Alaska: The Territory of the Upper Cook Inlet Dena'ina. University of Alaska Press.
  4. Vincent Hoeman, The Western Chugach Range, Alaska, American Alpine Journal, 1966
  5. Peel, M. C.; Finlayson, B. L. & McMahon, T. A. (2007). "Updated world map of the Köppen−Geiger climate classification". Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. 11. ISSN 1027-5606.
  • Looking south at Pioneer Peak, as seen from the east of Palmer, Alaska.
    Looking south at Pioneer Peak, as seen from the east of Palmer, Alaska.
  • Twilight lights up Pioneer Peak before darkness ensues
    Twilight lights up Pioneer Peak before darkness ensues


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