19 Best Things to Do in Girdwood, Alaska
Girdwood, Alaska, is a small, whimsical outdoor community at the base of Mount Alyeska - Alaska’s leading ski resort. Towering peaks, glaciers, and rivers surround the town. Many hiking, biking, and Nordic ski trails make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Girdwood is approximately 45 minutes south of Anchorage along the Seward Highway. The town has a population of around 2,500 year-round residents, many of which work in the tourism industry.
The town was initially named Glacier City because there were so many glaciers nearby, but it was renamed to Girdwood after James Girdwood, who had four gold claims on Crow Creek. Gold first drew people to this area in the 1890s. The town served as a supply camp for miners during the Turnagain Arm gold rushes. Because of the tall mountains and significant snowfall, Girdwood is the ideal place for a ski resort. In 1960, the first chairlift and the day lodge were built. Since then, the resort has grown into a world-class ski resort with six lifts (2 high-speed quads, two fixed quads, and two magic carpets), a 60-passenger aerial tram, and trails for all skill levels.
Don’t be fooled by the ski resort, the town of Girdwood is open and active year-round, with a bustling scene during both the winter and summer months. There are many activities, sights to see, and great restaurants. We will share our favorite things to do in Girdwood, some of the best restaurants, and the best places to stay.
Note: A free local shuttle bus travels around Girdwood daily. Visit this website to find current schedules and locations.
Is Girdwood, Alaska worth visiting?
Yes! Girdwood is worth visiting on your trip to Alaska. In Girdwood, you will find a fun year-round scene with many activities.
We are lucky to live so close to Girdwood that we visit a few times each month to enjoy different things such as hiking, cross-country skiing, or even just a day trip to get out of town. We also work with many different businesses in Girdwood, so contact us if you want to add something different and fun to your Alaska itinerary!
Best Things to Do in Girdwood
Take a Ride on the Alyeska Aerial Tram in Girdwood
The Alyeska Aerial Tram is one of the most popular things to do while visiting Girdwood. The tram runs from the base of Alyeska Resort to the top of Mount Alyeska. The ride from bottom to top takes approximately three to seven minutes (the tram runs faster during winter to accommodate more skiers and snowboarders) with 2300 feet of elevation gain. You will have panoramic views over the Chugach Mountains, glaciers, and Turnagain Arm from the top of the mountain. Two cars operate on the tram system, each holding 60 people. The tram operates year-round but can be closed for stretches of time during the spring and autumn off-season.
At the top of the mountain, you will find the gourmet Seven Glaciers restaurant, a small cafe, and access to hiking, biking, and downhill skiing trails. You can visit The Roundhouse at the top of the mountain, originally built in 1960 to serve as a warming hut. Today The Roundhouse is an interpretive center and museum. One good thing to note is that if you hike to the top, it is free to take the tram down to the base of the mountain!
2. Go for a Hike in Girdwood, Alaska
When hiking in Alaska, always remember your bear and wildlife safety. Bears are frequently seen in Girdwood. Make sure that you have the proper understanding of what to do if you encounter a bear. Hike in groups, be loud, carry bear spray, and always tell someone where you are going. Also, be respectful of others and always practice Leave No Trace!
Girdwood is home to many hiking trails accessible for all skill levels. Here are a few of our favorite hikes in Girdwood:
Distance: 2.9 miles one way
Elevation: 866 feet
Notes: This is an out-and-back trail. The hand tram at the end of this trail is not in service.
Distance: 2.2 miles one way (from the base to the tram terminal at the top)
Elevation: 2000+ feet
Notes: This trail is only open from June to October. There is no guarantee that the tram is operating to take a ride down. Check with the hotel before beginning your hike to find out.
Distance: 3.2 miles out and back
Elevation: 787 feet
Notes: This trail is not technically in Girdwood but is approximately a 20-minute drive away. This trail takes you close up to a glacier!
Distance: 23.1 miles one way
Elevation: 2100 feet
Notes: If you choose to hike the entire trail, it will include an overnight. If you’re not up for the entire hike, it’s still a beautiful trail to follow a few miles up and then turn back.
3. Taste the Local Beer at Girdwood Brewing Company
The Girdwood Brewing Company is a local craft brewery that makes all of its beer on-site. The brewery is located in town in a large building with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. You will have peeking views of the surrounding mountains from the outdoor seating. The brewery has a large assortment of beer and local kombucha on tap for those who don’t drink. They are open year-round and have a food truck located in the parking lot daily. The food trucks are yummy too. They change regularly and serve different types of cuisine such as crepes, Turkish cuisine, pizza and wings, Guatemalan street food, Japanese fare, and more.
The brewery is open daily from 12-8 and is a great place to meet friends or take in the local scene. The brewery is easily accessible from the Girdwood bike path, so you don’t need to drive!
4. Pan for Gold at Crow Creek Gold Mine
The Crow Creek Gold Mine is a beautiful, historic, and well-preserved gold mine in Girdwood, Alaska, located on a picturesque property in the mountains. The mine was established in 1896 and produced around 700 ounces of gold per month at its peak! The mine is now a popular place for those visiting Girdwood. You can take a self-guided walking tour around the property and see some of the historic buildings that are in great condition. The rustic structures still house relics from the mining era. In addition to visiting the buildings, you can also try your hand at gold panning! This is an activity that is fun for the whole family! They provide all the necessary equipment and give you a few pointers and techniques before starting.
During the summer months the mine also hosts a salmon bake and live music on Monday nights.
5. Go Biking in Girdwood, Alaska
Girdwood is a popular place for those interested in biking. The Bird to Gird is a 12 mile multi-use trail that connects the communities of Indian, Bird Creek, and Girdwood. The paved trail is lined with beautiful views, lots of trees, little waterfalls, and picnic pavilions along the way. In the winter the trail is often used by cross country skiers.
For those that are interested in mountain biking, the Alyeska Bike Park is a downhill bike park on the mountain that is maintained by Alyeska Resort. Riders can load their bikes on to the resort’s chair lifts to access the park. The bike park has trails for all skill levels and lots of varied terrain. In town, you will also find the Girdwood Bike Park. This area consists of about 2 miles of trails with varied features. This trail is only available to bikers in the late spring, summer, and early autumn as it is strictly for nordic ski use when snow is on the ground.
If you want to try out e-biking, Alyeska Resort offers guided e-bike tours from Girdwood to Bird Point. This is a great option for riders of all abilities.
If you want to rent a bike while you are in Girdwood, visit Powder Hound. They have a fleet of e-bikes, mountain bikes, and fat tire bikes.
6. Have Dinner at the Top of Mount Alyeska
For a unique dining experience, you should visit Seven Glacier Restaurant, located at the top of Mount Alyeska. This fine dining restaurant offers a prix fix chef’s menu, an award winning wine list, and a full bar. The restaurant serves contemporary cuisine with an emphasis on local seafood, wild game, and other locally sourced ingredients.
To reach the restaurant you will travel by aerial tram from the base of the mountain and ascend 2300 feet to the top of Mount Alyeska. While you dine you will have panoramic views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains. The restaurant is aptly named for the seven glaciers that can be seen from the dining room. Be sure to make reservations in advance.
7. Go Dog Sledding on a Glacier
Whether you visit Alaska in the summer or in the winter, you should try dog sledding! There are many companies that operate around Alaska year round offering dog sledding excursions. In Girdwood, between May and August, you can go dog sledding on a glacier. The tour begins at the Girdwood Airport where you will travel by helicopter to Punchbowl Glacier. On the glacier you will have a chance to meet the dogs and travel across the snowy and icy terrain on a sled. The sled dogs here are trained by three-time Iditarod Champion Mitch Seavey. If you visit at the right time of year, you may have a chance to meet (and hold!) some of the sled dog puppies!
Visit the Ididaride website to learn more
8. Soar Above Girdwood on a Flightseeing Tour
Viewing the Chugach Mountains from the air is an incredible experience. From Girdwood, you can travel over the peaks by helicopter with Alaska Alpine Air. This company offers a variety of different flightseeing excursions that include soaring over the local peaks, landing on a glacier, or taking a tour over the waters of Prince Williams Sound. They are also the same company that flies out to the glacier for dog sledding during the summer season.
9. Meet the Animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a great place to visit for the whole family. Just a short drive past the Girdwood turn off, the center is located on the right side of the road. This 200 acre land area is home to a number of Alaskan animals including brown bears, muskoxen, moose, lynx, and more. The center is not a zoo, but a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and animal care. Most of the animals here have been injured or orphaned and the center has become their home. There is a one mile loop around the center where you can view all of the animals. This road can be traveled either by walking or by car. The center also offers guided walking tours and educational programs.
10. Sail by Icebergs and Float the Placer River
This unique experience is guided by Chugach Adventures, a Girdwood company that guides rafting, kayaking, and hiking trips. Their most popular tour is the Spencer Iceberg and Placer River Float. This trip begins with boarding the Alaska Railroad Glacier Discovery Train in Girdwood and takes you into the backcountry to access Spencer Glacier. Here you disembark and hop onto an inflatable raft with your guide. You will boat past icebergs of all shapes and sizes. You will then continue down the pristine Placer River for a 7-mile float that offers mountain and glacier views. This trip is suitable for people of all ages and abilities. We send many of our clients on these trips and they always return with rave reviews! Chugach Adventures has a number of other tours so be sure to check out their website.
11. Watch the Bore Tide
According to Alaska Public Lands Information Centers - “The bore is a tidal phenomenon in which the leading edge of the incoming tide clashes with the flow of the outgoing tide to form a wave that travels up a river or narrow bay.” Alaska’s Turnagain and Knik Arm have the second-highest tides in North America. There are certain days of the month when the wave is higher and better visible from the shore. There are a few places to find this information such as the Girdwood website. This website shows the estimated time of the wave as well as the height and other information. On the days when the wave is predicted to be high, you will often see surfers out in the water attempting to ride the wave. There are a few good viewpoints along Turnagain Arm. Some of our favorite spots include Beluga Point, Bird Ridge, or the turnouts between Milepost 91 and 94 on the Seward Highway.
12. Go Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding
Alyeska Resort is the most popular ski resort in Alaska. The mountain has terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. There are 76 named trails, 1,610 skiable acres, and 7 total lifts that reach an elevation of 2.500 feet. The average snowfall is over 669 inches annually. The mountain is also open for night skiing! Ready to go? At the base of the mountain is a day lodge, which also has walk-up ski and snowboard rentals and access to ski and snowboard lessons for people of all ages. There are plenty of options for eating including the day lodge, restaurants at the base of the mountain, the top of the mountain, and the hotel. You can easily spend a full day or a full week on the slopes!
13. Hit the Trails for Nordic Skiing
Nordic skiing is one of our favorite activities to do in Girdwood. The trails meander through the thick forests of Girdwood and in the winter they feel like a snowy fairytale wonderland. The trails in Girdwood are groomed and maintained by the Girdwood Nordic Ski Club. Most of the trails are located close to Alyeska Resort and include Moose Meadows, 5K Nordic Loop, and more. Some of the trails are multi-use (walking, biking, kick sledding, and skiing) while others are strictly for skiing use. Be sure to read the signage and view the maps before heading out on the trail. Also, be sure to practice trail etiquette while you are skiing.
14. Ride the Alaska Railroad
In Girdwood there is an Alaska Railroad Depot where you can board the train to travel to a few different destinations. The Alaska Railroad offers day trips during the summer months that go to places such as Portage, Whittier, Spencer Glacier, and Seward. There are even a number of companies that will pick you up from the depots and take you on guided day trips such as visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, rafting with Chugach Adventures, or going on a wildlife cruise in Seward with Kenai Fjords Tours.
One ideal train day trip from Seward (if you just want to stay on the train) is the Glacier Discovery Train that travels through Portage, Whittier, and Spencer Glacier. From the train you will have the chance to view the Bartlett Glacier and Trail Glacier, the Placer River Valley, and the alpine meadows of Grandview.
15. Take a Boat Cruise to Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier is located just a short distance away from Girdwood. 100 years ago Portage Lake was filled with glacial ice. From the shores of Portage Lake today, the glacier is no longer visible. If you would like to travel up close to the edge of the glacier you will need to take a boat tour. From the boat you will be awarded with awesome views of the face of the glacier. There is an interpreter on board from the National Forest Service that shares lots of information about the glacier and the region. You may have a chance to touch (or taste!) ice from the glacier!
Boat tours to Portage Glacier with Grayline.
16. Attend a Festival
As you may know by now, Girdwood is a vibrant community that always has something going on. Throughout the year there are a number of different festivals held that draw lots of visitors to this little town. The Slush Cup is held at the end of the ski season, and at this event, skiers and snowboarders dress in costume and attempt to ride across a slushy snow and water filled pond. Though it’s a chilly event for the participants, it’s fun for the attendees cheering them on! The biggest festival of the year in Girdwood is the Girdwood Forest Fair. This fair has been held in Girdwood for almost 50 years. This is a joyful family friendly festival that welcomes entertainers, vendors, and more from all over Alaska. This is a fun event that the brings the whole town of Girdwood together and everyone is sure to enjoy.
In addition to festivals, there is always plenty going on in Girdwood including live music, New Year’s Eve festivities, and a 4th of July Parade.
Festivals in Girdwood
17. Relax at the New Nordic Spa
The Alyeska Nordic Spa is a project that has been in the works for a few years and has finally come to fruition. The Alyeska Nordic Spa is a part of Alyeska Resort and is only open to adults (18+). The spa includes outdoor hot and cold pools, saunas, and steam rooms. At the spa you can practice the Nordic art of hydrotherapy, where you move between hot and cool soaking pools. You can also book spa services such as massages. There is a restaurant strictly for spa guests called the Two Trees Bistro with dishes to help you refuel during your spa services. This brand new nordic spa offers a unique, healing, and restorative environment for visitors.
18. Shop for Gifts at Local Stores
If you want to purchase gifts for friends and family while visiting Girdwood we recommend shopping at some of the locally owned stores. One of our favorite shops is Slack Tide Gallery that sells locally made items such as jewelry, clothing, books, pottery, artwork, and other gifts. Everything in the shop is designed and handmade by artists.
There are also a few. h as Powder Hound Ski Shop, where you can purchase or rent ski equipment, bikes, and other outdoor gear. Alyeska Resort also haslocal shops, suc selling souvenirs and outdoor equipment.
19. Visit Virgin Creek Falls in Girdwood, Alaska
If you’re seeking a tranquil retreat in nature, you must visit Virgin Falls. Nestled in the forest, this trail is still a hidden treasure waiting to be explored. The Lower Virgin Creek Falls trail is one of the easiest hikes in Girdwood, covering approximately a half-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 180 feet. The trail is very well-marked and winds through an enchanting forest. There is no parking lot, but some street parking is available. Please keep in mind that this is a residential area with a gravel road so follow the speed limit and respect private property.
Read more about visiting Virgin Falls here.
The Best Restaurants in Girdwood, Alaska
There are many good restaurants and cafes in Girdwood. Here are a few of our favorites!
As mentioned earlier in the article, the Girdwood Brewing Company is one of our favorite places to visit for food and drink in Girdwood. They make local craft beer on site. There is plenty of outdoor and indoor seating year round. They have different food trucks located in the parking lot daily.
The Bake Shop is a Girdwood staple and has been serving tasty food for over 40 years. It is located at the base of the ski mountain making it a great place to stop in the winter to warm up and have lunch. They serve breakfast and lunch which includes and assortment of pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, soups, cinnamon rolls, and fresh baked buns.
The Double Musky Inn is a famous restaurant in Alaska known for its world class New Orleans dishes and Cajun cuisine that uses fresh Alaska ingredients such as crab, halibut, and shrimp. The original building was constructed in 1962 and used as an après ski bar for many years. There menu is heavy in steaks and seafood, so we might not recommend for vegetarians!
Jack Sprat is a restaurant located near the base of the mountain that serves dinner using plenty of fresh local ingredients. The restaurant has a cozy ambiance with mountain views. Their menu is diverse and they guarantee using sustainably caught seafood and humanely-raised meats.
Spoonline is restaurant in Girdwood that serves diverse and international cuisine, while also providing plenty of options for those who follow certain diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.). They are open for brunch and dinner and located in the Girdwood “downtown” or on Hightower Road.
We hope this information is useful in planning your trip to Girdwood, Alaska. If you have any questions about visiting Girdwood, please contact us!
