Girdwood: Trails, Mountain Views and Culture

When looking for a hotel in Girdwood, it’s worth deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: Would you like to make time for trails, mountain and glacier views, history, or a seasonal festival? The destinations offer different ways to plan your visit.

Trails between the Valley and the Mountains

The Girdwood-to-Indian Bike Path is 13.3 miles long, paved, and designed for multiple uses. In Chugach State Park, it runs parallel to the Seward Highway.

The Crow Pass Trail connects Eagle River and Girdwood across the Chugach Mountains and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing; sightings are not guaranteed. The two trails have different features to consider when planning your outings: the Bike Path is defined by its length and paved surface, while the Crow Pass Trail crosses the mountains and may offer wildlife sightings.

Mountain Views and Skybridges

The Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram carries guests 2,300 feet up to the Upper Tram Terminal on Mt. Alyeska. In summer, it offers views of Turnagain Arm, seven hanging glaciers, and the Chugach Mountain Range. Since seasonal operations may vary, check the latest operating information before making plans.

The Veilbreaker Skybridges hang 2,500 feet above the valley floor and span a total length of 410 feet. From there, you can enjoy views of Turnagain Arm, glaciers, and the Chugach forest. Access is limited to a paid guided tour with an Alyeska guide. Since tour arrangements may change, check the latest details before your visit.

Festivals and History

The Girdwood Forest Fair takes place annually in July. The Girdwood Fungus Fair is held annually in August or September. Exact dates and programs may vary; keep this in mind when planning a stay around either event.

The Historical Crow Creek Gold Mine can be explored independently. The grounds include historic mining buildings, gardens, and mountain, glacier, and forest landscapes. Operating details may change; check them before your visit. The Crow Creek Mine was founded in 1896. Its hydraulic gold-mining operation is connected to Alaska’s gold rush history.

The Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum is a mountaintop museum and interpretive center about the history of Girdwood and Alyeska. Its shop offers works and crafts by local artists; the selection may change. The Roundhouse building was constructed in 1960 and added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

Getting Your Bearings Between Girdwood and Anchorage

The Seward Highway connects Anchorage with Girdwood along Turnagain Arm and is designated a National Forest Scenic Byway. Road conditions and travel times may vary; factor both into your plans.

Anchorage offers a complementary urban perspective: the city has 227 municipal parks and 250 miles of trails. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs for 11 paved miles along the coast of Cook Inlet, connecting Downtown Anchorage with Kincaid Park.

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