The name was given in 1939 in honor of the pioneers of the Matanuska agricultural colony of the mid-1930s. 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.
Pioneer Peak was designated in 1939 as a tribute to the founders of the Matanuska agricultural settlement during the 1930s. The Pioneer Ridge Trail leads up the eastern slope, starting at an elevation below 200', providing access to the South summit. Notably, the North summit and true summit are inaccessible via trail, requiring experienced mountaineers.