Girdwood Alaska Travel Guide: Things to Do, Hikes & More

Updated January 2026, Girdwood Alaska Travel Guide: Things to Do, Hikes & More was originally written in February 2020

Girdwood is one of the best places to visit near Anchorage, Alaska. Located about 40 miles south of Anchorage along the scenic Seward Highway, this small mountain town sits in a glacier-carved valley surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm.

Girdwood is best known as the home of Alyeska Resort, Alaska’s largest ski resort, but there’s much more to do here than ski and snowboard. In summer, you can hike through lush rainforest, ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram, visit a historic gold mine, chase waterfalls, explore nearby glaciers, and take flightseeing or glacier tours.

I’ve spent plenty of time exploring Girdwood over the years, and it’s one of my favorite easy getaways from Anchorage. Whether you’re planning a Girdwood day trip from Anchorage, spending a weekend here, a stop on your road trip down the Kenai Peninsula, or using Girdwood as a base for exploring Southcentral Alaska, this guide covers the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, hiking trails, nearby attractions, and everything else you need to plan your trip.

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Girdwood Alaska at a Glance

Location: About 40 miles south of Anchorage on the Seward Highway
From Anchorage: About 45 minutes by car
Best known for: Alyeska Resort, hiking, skiing, glaciers and outdoor adventures
Best for: Hiking, skiing, mountain biking, wildlife, glaciers and weekend getaways
How long to visit: 1 day for the highlights, 2 to 3 days for a deeper trip
Best time to visit: Summer for hiking and long daylight hours; winter for skiing and snow sports
Nearest airport: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
Main road: Seward Highway

How Many Days Do You Need in Girdwood?

One day is enough to see the highlights of Girdwood, especially if you’re visiting from Anchorage. Ride the Alyeska Tram, hike one of the shorter trails, visit Crow Creek Mine or Virgin Creek Falls, and have dinner in town.

Two to three days is better if you want time for longer hikes, skiing, the Nordic Spa, flightseeing or nearby attractions such as Portage Glacier and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

If you’re traveling through Southcentral Alaska, Girdwood also makes a convenient base for exploring Turnagain Arm, Portage Valley and parts of the Kenai Peninsula.

Best Time to Visit Girdwood

The best time to visit Girdwood depends on what you want to do. June through August is best for hiking, sightseeing, mountain biking and long daylight hours. December through April is the prime season for skiing and snowboarding at Alyeska Resort.

Spring and fall can be quieter, but weather and trail conditions are less predictable. If you’re visiting specifically for skiing, check Alyeska’s current operating dates and mountain conditions before booking. If hiking is your priority, summer is the safer bet for accessible trails.

Where to Stay in Girdwood

Girdwood is small enough that most accommodations put you within easy reach of the town’s restaurants, trails and Alyeska Resort. Staying overnight also makes sense if you want to ski, hike, enjoy Girdwood’s restaurant scene, or use the town as a base for exploring Portage and Turnagain Arm.

Midrange
Alyeska Resort
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Splurge
Alyeska Cabin
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Best Things to Do in Girdwood, Alaska

Explore Alyeska Resort

Alyeska Resort, Girdwood, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Alyeska Resort is the heart of Girdwood and the town’s biggest attraction. In winter, the mountain draws skiers and snowboarders to its 1,610 acres of skiable terrain, while summer brings hikers, mountain bikers, sightseeing visitors and anyone who simply wants to take in the views.

Alyeska currently lists seven lifts, 76 named trails and 1,610 skiable acres.

Ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram

One of the easiest ways to see Girdwood from above is riding the Alyeska Aerial Tram. The scenic ride takes about seven minutes in summer and reaches 2,300 feet above sea level, with views across Turnagain Arm and the surrounding Chugach Mountains. At the top, you can visit the Roundhouse Museum, grab a drink or meal, or hike farther up the mountain.

The historical Alyeska Roundhouse Museum (free admission) at the top of the tram is dedicated to the history of Girdwood Valley. Adjoined in the same building is Seven Glaciers Restaurant, among the top wine restaurants in the USA. If you have reservations at Seven Glaciers you will get a complimentary tram ride.

Ski at Alyeska Resort in Winter

Winter is when Alyeska Resort really comes alive. The resort is Alaska’s largest ski area, with more than 1,600 acres of skiable terrain ranging from beginner runs to steep, challenging lines for experienced skiers and snowboarders. The ski season typically runs from late November into April, although opening and closing dates depend on snow conditions.

Alyeska gets some serious snowfall, and the mountain’s steep terrain makes it a favorite among experienced skiers and snowboarders looking for something a little more adventurous than your average resort. If you’re new to skiing, there are also beginner areas, lessons, and equipment rentals available.

Hike Alyeska in Summer

Winner Creek Trail, Alyeska Resort, Girdwood, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

When the snow melts, Alyeska’s ski runs turn into hiking trails, making summer one of my favorite times to explore the mountain. You can ride the Alyeska Aerial Tram partway up the mountain and hike from there, or tackle one of the trails from the valley.

The North Face Trail is the big challenge, climbing steeply up the side of Mount Alyeska with increasingly impressive views over Girdwood Valley and Turnagain Arm. It’s a serious workout, but the views at the top make the leg-burning worth it.

For something easier, head onto Winner Creek Trail, which winds through lush temperate rainforest near the base of Alyeska. The trail follows Winner Creek through mossy forest and alongside rushing water. Just note that the famous Winner Creek Hand Tram is no longer operating, so check current trail conditions before setting out.

Go Downhill Mountain Biking in Summer

When the snow disappears, Alyeska’s ski runs get another life as a downhill mountain bike park. The Alyeska Bike Park has lift-accessed trails ranging from easier routes to technical downhill terrain, so you can spend the day riding without having to pedal back up the mountain every time.

It’s a fun way to experience Alyeska if you’ve already explored Girdwood’s hiking trails or simply want something faster-paced. Bikes and equipment are available to rent in Girdwood, and the resort operates lifts for bike access during the summer season.

Relax at Alyeska Nordic Spa

If your idea of an Alaska adventure includes soaking in hot water after a day outside, add the Alyeska Nordic Spa to your Girdwood itinerary. The spa sits at Alyeska Resort and uses a hydrotherapy circuit with hot and cold pools, saunas and relaxation areas overlooking the Chugach Mountains.

Go Gold Panning at Crow Creek Mine

Crow Creek Mine, Anchorage, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Crow Creek Mine is one of the most interesting historic attractions in Girdwood. This former gold mine preserves historic buildings and mining equipment, and visitors can tour the property and try their hand at gold panning.

Even if you don’t care whether you strike it rich, the setting is worth the short trip. The historic mine sits in a forested valley beneath the surrounding mountains, making it one of those places where the scenery is almost as good as the attraction itself.

Walk to Virgin Creek Falls

Virgin Creek Falls, Virgin Creek, Girdwood, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Virgin Creek Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes near Girdwood and one of my favorite places to bring visitors. The trail is only about half a mile each way, winding through lush forest to a waterfall tucked into the trees.

The short distance makes Virgin Creek Falls an easy addition to a Girdwood day trip, although the trail can be muddy and slippery after rain. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Take a Flightseeing Tour

Spencer Glacier Helicopter, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Girdwood is surrounded by glaciers, steep Chugach peaks and remote backcountry, making it an excellent place to take a helicopter flightseeing tour. Several operators offer flights from Girdwood that include glacier landings, giving you the chance to see the landscape from above and step onto the ice.

I’ve taken a helicopter to Spencer Glacier from Girdwood, and if you’re looking for one big splurge during an Alaska trip, this is the kind of experience I’d put near the top of the list. Weather can affect flightseeing schedules, so build some flexibility into your itinerary.

Best Things to Do Near Girdwood

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is one of the best places near Girdwood to see Alaska wildlife in a relatively easy-to-access setting. The 200-acre conservation center is home to animals including bears, moose, caribou, muskox, wolves, wood bison and more.

It’s located along the Seward Highway near the entrance to Portage Valley, making it an easy stop when driving between Anchorage and Girdwood.

Check out this AWCC, Portage, & Beluga Point Tour from Anchorage

Explore Portage Valley

Just south of Girdwood, Portage Valley is an easy addition to any Girdwood itinerary. The valley is surrounded by the Chugach Mountains and glaciers, with several short hikes, scenic stops and historic sites packed into a relatively small area. You can easily spend half a day here, or make Portage a stop on your drive between Girdwood and the Kenai Peninsula.

Visit Portage Glacier

Portage Glacier, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Portage Glacier is the star attraction of the valley and one of the easiest glaciers to visit from Anchorage or Girdwood. The glacier sits across Portage Lake, where you can see it from the shore or get much closer on a Portage Glacier cruise. In winter, if the lake is frozen, you can even walk to get a closer glimpse of Portage Glacier’s face.

The glacier has retreated considerably over the past century, so don’t expect the ice to look exactly like old photographs of Portage. Still, seeing a wall of blue-white ice spilling down the mountains into the lake is pretty spectacular, especially when you remember how accessible it is from the highway.

The Begich Boggs Visitor Center sits on the shore of Portage Lake and has exhibits about Portage Valley, its glaciers and the surrounding Chugach National Forest. It’s worth stopping in before heading out to explore the area.

Hike to Byron Glacier

Byron Glacier Ice Cave, Byron Glacier, Chugach State Park, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

If you want to get closer to a glacier without committing to a full-day adventure, Byron Glaciers is one of the easiest options near Girdwood. The trail winds through the forest along Byron Creek before reaching views of the glacier at the end.

You may see ice caves or tunnels around the glacier depending on the season, but do take caution if you choose to enter, they can be dangerous. Glacial ice can collapse without warning, and the area immediately around a glacier is inherently unstable. It’s safest to admire the ice from a safe distance instead.

Walk the Trail of Blue Ice

The Trail of Blue Ice is an easy, mostly accessible trail winding through the forests and wetlands of Portage Valley. Along the way you’ll cross bridges, pass ponds and streams, and get views toward the surrounding mountains and glaciers.

It’s a good option if you’re looking for a mellow walk rather than a strenuous hike, and it pairs nicely with a visit to Portage Glacier or the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center.

See the Portage Ghost Town

Old Portage Townsite, Portage, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Portage was once a small community at the head of Turnagain Arm, but the 1964 Alaska earthquake devastated the town and caused significant land subsidence. What remains today is a reminder of just how dramatically the earthquake reshaped Southcentral Alaska.

The old Portage townsite is located near the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, making it an easy stop if you’re already exploring the area. Don’t expect a preserved historic town with buildings you can wander through. Instead, you’ll find remnants of the former community scattered around the landscape.

Tip: If you’re driving from Girdwood toward the Kenai Peninsula, I recommend combining Portage Valley with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and a stop along Turnagain Arm. It’s an easy way to turn a short drive into a full day of exploring.

Stop at Beluga Point

Bird Ridge Hike, Cook Inlet, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Beluga Point is one of the easiest scenic stops along the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood. Pull over for views across Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains, and keep an eye out for beluga whales when conditions are right.

It’s also a popular place to watch the Turnagain Arm bore tide, so check the tide forecast if you’re timing your drive specifically to see the wave.

Best Hikes in Girdwood

Hiking is one of the best reasons to visit Girdwood in summer. Trails range from easy rainforest walks to serious mountain climbs, so you can find something whether you have an hour or an entire day.

Some of the most popular hikes in and around Girdwood include Winner Creek, Virgin Creek Falls, the North Face Trail, Crow Pass, Bird Ridge and Portage Pass.

Girdwood hikes

Hike	Distance	Elevation gain	Difficulty	Best for
Winner Creek	4 miles one way	1,200 feet	Moderate	Rainforest
Virgin Creek Falls	1 mile round trip	120 feet	Easy	Waterfall
Moose Meadow	1.6 mile loop	120 feet	Easy	Families
North Face Trail	2.2 miles one way	2,000 feet	Strenuous	Mountain views
Crow Pass	22 miles one way	3,290 feet	Strenuous	Experienced hikers

Nearby hikes

Hike	Distance	Elevation gain	Difficulty	Best for
Bird Ridge	5 miles round trip	3,215 feet	Strenuous	Steep climbs
Byron Glacier	1.6 miles round trip	120 feet	Easy	Glacier views
Portage Pass	4.5 miles round trip	1,580 feet	Strenuous	Portage Glacier views

For even more hiking ideas check out my 16 best day hikes in & around Anchorage post

How to Get to Girdwood

Girdwood is about 40 miles south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway, making it one of the easiest mountain getaways from the city. The drive usually takes around 45 minutes without stops, although summer traffic, construction and scenic pull-offs can make the journey longer.

By car: Driving is the easiest way to explore Girdwood and the surrounding Turnagain Arm and Portage Valley.

By train: The Alaska Railroad connects Anchorage with Girdwood during the summer season.

By shuttle: Several shuttle and motorcoach services connect Anchorage and Girdwood, which can be useful if you don’t want to rent a car.

Anchorage to Girdwood

The drive from Anchorage to Girdwood follows the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm, and the journey is part of the experience. Give yourself extra time for scenic stops at places like Beluga Point.

Girdwood Festivals & Events

Slush Cup & Spring Carnival

Girdwood’s spring carnival wraps up the ski season with the famous Slush Cup, when costumed skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim across a pond without taking an unexpected swim. Events typically take place in April at Alyeska Resort.

Forest Fair

The Girdwood Forest Fair is one of the town’s biggest summer events, bringing Alaskan artists, food vendors, musicians and entertainers to Girdwood over a July weekend.

Blueberry Festival

Alaskans go nuts over blueberry season. Head out on many an alpine hiking trail and you’ll find heaps of us out there with 5 gallon buckets collecting as many of these tart little berries as we can. Every mid-August Girdwood holds a weekend Blueberry Festival dedicated to Alaskan’s favorite fruit. You’ll find blueberry dish and dessert cooking demonstrations, pie-eating contests, music, arts, and crafts.

Best Restaurants & Bars In Girdwood

Girdwood punches above its weight when it comes to food. For a town this small, there’s a surprisingly good mix of casual restaurants, bars, breweries and higher-end dining. You’ll find everything from pizza and sandwiches to sushi and fine dining at Alyeska.

Cheap Eats

Bake Shop: Located at the base of Alyeska near chair 3 the Bake Shop serves up breakfast, coffee, pizza, and my favorite: soups and sandwiches.

Girdwood Brewing Company: Technically it’s a brewery, but thanks to Alaska’s ridiculous rules placed on breweries they cannot serve food unless they purchase a full-blown liquor license. Not to fear, it’s perfectly legal to have a food truck rocked up outside. Girdwood Brewing has a rotating selection of food trucks. Click here to see a list of food trucks you can find rotating through the Girdwood Brewing Parking Lot

Midrange Options

Sitzmark: A favorite to head for aprés ski at the base of Alyeska right next to Chair 3. With a full bar and serving up yummy sandwiches, hamburgers, nachos, and more. All winter long there’s live music every weekend evening.

Chair 5: Is a restaurant and bar serving up pretty good pizzas, hamburgers and bar food in Girdwood.

Fine Dining in Girdwood

Seven Glaciers Restaurant: At the top of the tram on Mt. Alyeska, Seven Glaciers is ranked among the top wine restaurants in the USA. Serving up contemporary American and Alaskan dishes. Aside from the wine, order a Fizz… it’s not on the menu, and they’re delicious.

Double Musky Inn: Known for the French pepper steak, Double Musky serves up great steaks and seafood with a Cajun twist. I’m not a big red meat eater, but the French pepper steak here is to die for. Double Musky does not take reservations.

Jack Sprat: Serves up a creative menu of world food, with great vegan and vegetarian options and focuses on healthy cooking and raw ingredients. On weekends and especially in summertime try to make reservations a day in advance cause this place books up quickly.

Have Questions About Girdwood?

Planning a trip to Girdwood? Leave your questions about things to do, hiking, getting around, where to stay or anything else in the comments below. I’ve spent a lot of time exploring this part of Alaska and I’m happy to help where I can.