There are many different ways to experience Girdwood: paved trails, mountain and glacier views, Gold Rush history, and seasonal events. When planning, the type of visit matters too: a multi-use trail, a paid guided tour, and a mine you can explore independently each have different conditions.
Trails, Mountains, and Views
The Girdwood-to-Indian Bike Path is 13.3 miles long, paved, and designed as a multi-use trail. It runs parallel to the Seward Highway in Chugach State Park. Trail conditions and facilities may change; check them before your visit. The Crow Pass Trail connects Eagle River and Girdwood across the Chugach Mountains. There are opportunities to view wildlife along the route, but sightings are not guaranteed. The two trails therefore differ in their stated roles: one is a paved multi-use trail, while the other crosses the Chugach Mountains between Eagle River and Girdwood.
The Alyeska Resort Aerial Tram takes guests 2,300 feet up to the Upper Tram Terminal on Mt. Alyeska. In summer, the tram offers views of Turnagain Arm, seven hanging glaciers, and the Chugach Mountain Range. Seasonal operations may vary. If you’re planning a visit, consider your preferred travel dates rather than assuming the summer views are available year-round.
Veilbreaker Skybridges: Views with Guided Access
The Veilbreaker Skybridges hang 2,500 feet above the valley floor and extend for a total of 410 feet. They offer views of Turnagain Arm, glaciers, and the Chugach Forest. Access is limited to a paid guided tour with an Alyeska guide; tour arrangements may change. This makes the Skybridges quite different from exploring the mine independently: a guided tour is a condition of access to this viewpoint. Check the tour arrangements before planning your visit around it.
Gold Rush History and Girdwood Culture
You can explore the Historical Crow Creek Gold Mine on your own. The site includes historic mining buildings and gardens, as well as mountain, glacier, and forest scenery. Operating details may change; check them before your visit. The Crow Creek Mine was established in 1896. It is a hydraulic gold mining operation associated with Alaska’s Gold Rush history. A visit brings together the history of mining and the features of the site described today.
The Roundhouse also connects a specific place with the history of Girdwood and Alyeska. The building was constructed in 1960 and added to the United States National Register of Historic Places in 2003. The Roundhouse at Alyeska Museum is a mountaintop museum and interpretive center about this history. The museum shop offers works and crafts by local artists; the selection may change.
Different months are relevant for events: the Girdwood Forest Fair takes place every July, and the Girdwood Fungus Fair takes place every August or September. Programs and exact dates may vary. If a festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates for your planned travel period.
Getting There and Finding Accommodation
The Seward Highway connects Anchorage with Girdwood along Turnagain Arm and is designated a National Forest Scenic Byway. Road conditions and drive times vary. You can plan your accommodation search around the days you’ll visit and the type of experience that suits you, without treating these different activities as equivalent offerings.
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