Girdwood, Alaska
Founded as a supply for the pioneers of the gold rush in the Turnagain arm area, Girdwood stayed small and tiny until the creation of the Alyeska Resort. The area grew considerably until the earthquake of 1964 which leveled the town. The town was rebuilt higher up afterwards but there are still some original homes where the original site was established before the earthquake.
Girdwood is located on the Seward highway on Turnagain Arm surrounded by the waters flowing from seven different glaciers. These waters empty into creeks in the Girdwood area or directly into the arm. Girdwood is technically part of Anchorage however it is also classified as a resort town therefore it gets its own page. As an Alaskan, I wouldn’t classify Girdwood as part of Anchorage.
Where to stay
This is a VERY small place so there aren’t a ton of places to stay. If you are not able to find a place from these options, I would recommend staying in Anchorage and visiting Girdwood as a day trip or just on your way to Seward.
Hotels and Lodges:
Alyeska Resort
1000 Arlberg Ave, Girdwood, AK 99587
(800) 880-3880
Most people who go to visit Girdwood end up visiting to ski or visit the spa. Alyeska is open year-round and has over 300 rooms and lots of fun amenities including the spa. Of course there is a lot of ski trails in this area, almost 1600 areas. The reputation is steep and deep. In the summer, you can access the beautiful Chugiak mountains for the trails. This is the perfect basecamp for adventure.
Raven Glacier Lodge
Crow Creek Rd, Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-2636
Touted as a wedding venue, this place is so beautiful. Not only can you get married here but can also stay here, and it’s just as beautiful!
Inns, Cabins and B&Bs:
Carriage House Accommodations
388 Crow Creek Rd, Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 250-1279
A nice stay with great food, a hot tub and comfortable beds. Clean and stocked appropriately, this place is a nice get away. A little difficult to find the lodge so watch for the signs.
Alyeska Hideaway Log Cabin Rentals
150, 164, 171 Doran Ln, Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 317-8833
A cute and cozy alternative to the resort are these little cabins.
RV and Camping:
Alyeska Hostel
227 Alta Dr, Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-2222
A cheaper alternative to the hotel and cabins
Girdwood Campground
Located in Girdwood park
907-343-8373
ONLY TENTS – there are 18 tent sites for $10.00 a night. First come, first serve here and only open from May – September
Girdwood doesn’t have places for RVs in the town however you can pull off on Turnagain Arm and stay there although it is right next to a street so it may be loud. You can also stay at some places that are 15 ish miles away off Portage Glacier Rd.
Black Bear Campground
Mile 3.7 of Portage Glacier Rd.
Only a few spots and not very good RV spots but car and tent camping is great here.
Williwaw Campground
Mile 4.1 of Portage Glacier Rd.
A lovely place to camp with access to hiking, fishing and views of Portage Glacier. Around 15 Miles from Girdwood.
What to See and Do
There are a number of things to do while you are visiting Girdwood. You can find some of the same things listed here, however these things are uniquely Girdwood.
Girdwood bike path – take an afternoon and ride this scenic bike path – connects to the bird to gird bike path.
Bird to Gird bike path – A must see or do while in Girdwood. This paved 12 mile
Take a ride on the Tram – You Can purchase your tickets at this link – I would buy them online as they are pretty spendy but always a great trip. You can ride up (takes about 7 minutes) and can hang out up there. There is a restaurant up there to pick from but again, pricey.
Take a hike – see hike page
Go check out Byron Glacier (20 min drive)
Check out the local beer – you can find more information about the restaurant here
Check out the restaurant on the top of Mt. Alyeska – a little pricey but a lovely time surrounded by views of stunning Alaska.
Sled Dog – you can check out Alaskan Sled dog tours here, or you can check out the tours offered by Alyeska Resort as well.
Flight see – Lots of options with this company, You can flight see or check out a glacier.
Check out the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center – if you are having a hard time seeing all that Alaskan wilderness, you can check this place out to see bears, moose, caribou and slew of Alaskan wildlife.
Float the Placer River – board the train for a ride out to the wilderness of Alaska to stop by Spencer Glacier. Take a trip down the beautiful river.
Check out the Bore Tide! A crazy interesting thing that allows you to watch the tide roll in super face and visibly. Check out that link to learn more about the Bore Tide. – Don’t forget to check out the schedule here
Ski or Snowboard – Alyeska Resort offers World class skiing in the winter. Rentals available.
Ride the Alaska Railroad – click on this link to view the destinations/excursions from Girdwood. Amongst them are a glacier discovery train tour to visit and see a few nearby glacier, a kayak tour.
Check out the Festivals in Girdwood:
Known to be the city that hosts a few fun festivals:
· Alyeska Slush Cup: ski your way down the hill ( in a costume) to try your luck crossing a pool of water at the end.
· Girdwood Forest Fair: probably the biggest festival in Girdwood, happening annually first part of July featuring local artists and food vendors.
· Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival: Blueberry inspired family friendly festival second weekend in August.
Check out the Nordic Spa – Located at Alyeska Resort and is only open to adults. You can expect to find hot and cold pools outdoors and saunas and steam rooms. A beautiful place to relax
What to Eat
194 Olympic Mountain Loop
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-2831
A great shop to stop before your fun adventures in the Girdwood area. Good ambiance and great coffee. Great food, prices and environment. Definitely worth stopping on your way to Homer area too.
165 Hightower Rd,
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 865-8193
Great music, coffee and food. Really great breakfast foods and the people here are great.
36511 Seward Hwy Suite 9,
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-0122
Interesting pizza choices and great sides. Good atmosphere and the pizzas themselves are super good. Great crust and great environment to hang out and eat.
171 Lindblad Ave,
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-2500
Pizza, Fresh fish and burgers with a lovely list of whiskey and beer. Nice atmosphere, very Alaskan, kid friendly and a great place to eat.
165 Olympic Mountain Loop,
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-5225
A place where meat and vegan come together. Both options, both amazing to eat. Great Aesthetics, the food is so good, a great atmosphere and the food is tasty.
2700 Alyeska Hwy,
Girdwood, AK 99587
Just the best place to get a beer. They have food trucks outside and outdoor seating around fire pits. Great views, amazing service and friendly atmosphere.
194 Hightower Rd.
Girdwood, AK 99587
Right across from Crow Creek Mercantile this place is a great place to sit back and relax. Lunch and Dinner is available. A great atmosphere for eating after a nice long hike or ski. The food is good and served quickly.
Mile, 3 Crow Creek Rd,
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-2822
Not only does this place carry a great Alaskan tale of creation, but they also offer classic New Orleans style dishes including seafood but also serving a great array of appetizers and desserts. The food tastes great and the staff and atmosphere are friendly.
174 Hightower Rd,
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-8122
Diverse dishes paired well with a variety of wine selections. Known for using locally sourced products, this place is always working towards dishes that accommodate most diets. The atmosphere is great and the views are beautiful.
1000 Arlberg Ave,
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 754-2232
When you eat here, you must know that there will be a wait. The prices are a little steep so I would recommend you getting the ride and dine offer to save some money. This little place offers beautiful views and is a must stop while in Girdwood for the views specifically. You can hike up or ride the tram.
36511 Seward Hwy Suite 7,
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-1008
Great flavors, gluten free options, a little pricey but worth it. There isn’t a lot of seating inside so be prepared to take your ice cream to go. Try the fireweed icecream!
36511 Seward Hwy Suite 3,
Girdwood, AK 99587
(907) 783-2550
Probably one of the first places you see when heading down to Girdwood. Great fruit smoothies, service and fun baked goods. Croissants and doughnuts alike!
Where to Hike/Camp
There are a lot of great places to hike/bike in the Girdwood area. Although its important to note that they differ in the season.
Upper Virgin Creek Trail – .2miles to the waterfall. A small little hike beginning at the end of residential Timberland Road. There is minimal parking at the trailhead.
Winner Creek Trail – This 3 mile trail leads to Winner Creek Gorge. The beginning of this trail starts on the developed boardwalk behind Alyeska. You will cross a bridge and experience a hand tram to cross the creek.
Upper Winner Creek Trail – A less developed trail forking off the original Winner Creek Trail – follow the signs to upper winner creek. Snowpack might be there in the summer as this trail crosses avalanche run outs.
Crow pass Trail – This 23 mile hike connects to other trails and will end up being a nice overnight hike. If you don’t want to stay overnight you can still go up a few miles and head back down.
National historic Iditarod Trail – this 6 mile trail follows the Girdwood portion of the Iditarod. Great views
California Creek Trail -this less than a mile trail follows a creek through the forest. Use the beaver pond trailhead on crow creek Rd.
Nordic Loop – a little more than 3 mile multi use trail you can bike on, hike on. Great views
Girdwood to Indian bike path – a paved 13+ mile trail with scenic views through Chugach state park. The trail includes benches, information signs and also connects to Alyeska’s multiuse pathway.
Alyeska North Face Trail – a short little 2.2 miles and an elevation gain of 2000ft, you really get your work out on this one. Starting at the base of the ski resort, you’ll take switchbacks up the trail and be rewarded with spectacular views and can even ride a gondola back down if you’d like.
Moose Meadow Trail – a cute little trail off the main Nordic loop. Hike, Bike, Run or walk.
Look into those links as well for other trails, I only listed the main ones.