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Girdwood, originally named Glacier City due to its proximity to several stunning glaciers, has carved a reputation for being a hub of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Originally established as a gold mining town in the late 19th century, Girdwood transitioned into a popular recreational hub over the last half century.
In 1954, Alyeska Ski Resort opened in Girdwood, with a 12-story hotel, extensive trail network, and fully-enclosed gondola coming in the decades to follow. With a variety of terrain, Alyeska offers some of the best skiing in the world, including the opportunity to ski under the Northern Lights in the winter.
With a hip downtown, relaxing resort scene, and extensive public lands surrounding the town, Girdwood offers countless opportunities for those visiting for just the day or those planning to spend weeks exploring this picturesque town.
Getting There
From Anchorage to Girdwood:
- Transportation: While public transit is available, a day trip to Girdwood is best enjoyed by private vehicle, allowing you the freedom to stop along the way and explore beyond the town’s boundaries.
- Distance: Approximately 36 miles
- Driving Time: Around 45 minutes
Route: Head out on the Seward Highway (AK-1 S), a designated Scenic Byway, and enjoy the spectacular views as you drive down south to Girdwood.
Itinerary for Your Day Trip
While Girdwood is a fabulous destination in its own right, on your drive there you will be passing some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska and some of the best opportunities to spot wildlife in the state. Here’s a few stops to add to your itinerary as you head out of Anchorage:
- Beluga Point: A popular stop to potentially spot Beluga whales, especially during July and August. Text “BELUGAS” to 33-222 to receive text updates when whales are spotted in the inlet.
- Dall Sheep: The cliffs along the Seward Highway between Anchorage to Girdwood offer one of the best places in the state to spot the elusive dall sheep. These white mountain sheep often hang out close to the road on the cliffs, offering easy viewing from one of the many pull-offs along the road. Keep a close eye on the rocks, especially in the first 15 miles.
- McHugh Creek Recreation Area: Ideal for short hikes and picnics, McHugh Creek is a great place to stop for photos and look for moose, especially in the early morning or late evening.
- Bird Creek: A favorite among fishermen, this spot offers salmon fishing opportunities during the season and a perfect place to pull over to see salmon swimming up river. The salmon run typically occurs from June to August.
Things to See & Do in Girdwood
Alyeska Resort Tram
Take the Alyeska Tram (gondola) to the mountaintop to enjoy jaw-dropping vistas of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. You might even spot bears, moose, or eagles during your ride. In the summer, the tram operates at a slower speed, allowing hikers and sightseers a longer journey to look for wildlife and enjoy the stunning mountains around them.
In the winter, the tram mostly carries skiers from the base of the mountain to the network of ski trails at the top. The summer trip lasts about 7 minutes and travels over 2,000 vertical feet up. The tram operates throughout the year, with a brief pause in the fall and spring for maintenance.
Alyeska Nordic Spa
In addition to riding the tram, you can also spend a few hours relaxing at the renowned Alyeska spa, which offers a range of treatments and massages to cater to your every need. Be sure to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the resort’s outdoor pools and saunas.
Gold Mine Tours
Girdwood’s history is steeped in the gold rush era, and the gold mine tours offer a hands-on experience into this rich past. Here are your options for a journey back in time:
- Crow Creek Gold Mine: A historic mine set up in 1896, it offers a realistic glimpse into the life of a miner during the gold rush era. Besides guided tours around the preserved buildings and the original mining areas, you can even try your hand at gold panning. Remember to wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking on uneven terrain.
- Girdwood Gold Pan Tours: If you're looking for a more extensive exploration, opt for these tours. You can learn about the history of gold mining in the region while enjoying beautiful scenic routes. These tours often offer the opportunity to pan for gold, providing all the necessary equipment and guidance for a fulfilling experience.
- Indian Valley Mine: Situated a short drive away from Girdwood, this national historic site offers not only gold panning experiences but also showcases historic mining equipment and various miner cabins from the 19th century, giving you a comprehensive glimpse into the miner’s life during the gold rush period.
For all gold mine tours, it’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability. These tours are generally family-friendly, offering a fascinating insight into the history of Alaska for all age groups.
Hiking Trails
One of the biggest attractions to Girdwood is the vast trail network extending just outside of the downtown and via the Alyeska Tram. Here you can hike along roaring rivers, on glaciers, through alpine meadows, and in moose-filled meadows. Some local favorite treks include:
- Winner Creek Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6.4 miles round trip
- Features: A popular choice, it offers scenic vistas and passes through lush rainforests.
- Crow Pass Trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 23 miles (multi-day hike) but day-trippers can enjoy shorter segments
- Features: Offers stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows.
- North Face Trail
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 2.2 miles one way
- Features: A steep trail offering panoramic views from the mountain top.
- Virgin Creek Falls Trail
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.5 miles round trip
- Features: A short trail leading to a stunning waterfall, a perfect photo opportunity.
Glacier Sightseeing
Living up to its reputation, Girdwood is a perfect base camp to explore the numerous glaciers surrounding the town. You have several options, from adrenaline-pumping aerial tours to easy hikes in Portage Valley.
- Flight Tours: For an aerial view of the breathtaking glaciers, consider booking a helicopter or plane tour. Companies like Alpine Air Alaska offer various packages, including glacier landings where you can walk on a glacier and experience its grandeur up close. Remember to book in advance and always be prepared for changes in schedule due to weather conditions.
- Dog Sledding: Experience the age-old Alaskan tradition of dog sledding with a modern twist. Several operators offer tours that combine helicopter rides with dog sledding adventures on glaciers. It not only gives you an opportunity to mush your own sled but also interact with the incredible sled dogs.
- Hiking: If you prefer ground adventures, numerous trails take you closer to the glaciers, offering stunning viewpoints. Trails such as the Byron Glacier Trail are relatively easy and family-friendly, leading you to beautiful spots to admire the glaciers.
- Kayaking & Ice Climbing: For the more adventurous souls, guided kayaking tours provide a unique perspective of the glaciers, navigating through iceberg-laden waters. Ice climbing expeditions are also available, offering a thrilling way to experience the glaciers up close. Tours are available from Girdwood or from Anchorage with a shuttle to the resort town.