Girdwood

Winner Creek Trail in Alaska is a favorite place for locals and visitors to head out to when they’re in the mood to enjoy Girdwood’s natural beauty. Though there is an upper 9-mile trail that offers spectacular views of the mountains, it’s the lower 3-mile trail that is the most popular. The trails are well developed and a short while in, you’ll be able to get on an exciting hand tram to slowly pull yourself over the thrashing Glacier Creek. Though it’s completely safe, the creek roars a hundred feet below you, making it an exciting experience in the metal-caged tram that takes you across.

The Byron Glacier Trail is one of the most family-friendly trails in Girdwood>; it is suitable for hikers of all ages and is only 1.4 miles long. You’ll go through the serene alder/cottonwood forest before heading toward the cascading whitewater creek to get up-close views of the Byron Glacier and the rugged mountains that surround it. There are so many things to see and do within the trail area, including bicycling, fishing, hunting, and picnicking as well as partaking in water and winter sports activities. Camping is also allowed there; you can choose to pitch your own tent or rent out one of the many isolated cabins scattered throughout the area.

Portage Glacier is one of Alaska’s most popular attractions, and rightly so as it’s a towering relic of the last ice age that is sure to take your breath away. Portage Glacier Cruises takes you within 300 yards, right to the face of the glacier, on the MV Ptarmigan, which is the only boat licensed to operate on Portage Lake. You’ll have a fully narrated experience so that you gain an in-depth knowledge of the glacier and its surroundings during your tour. The boat is fully enclosed and heated but has expansive windows for you to enjoy the views as ice breaks off the glacier and crashes into the water below. If you’d prefer being outdoors, opt to sit on the topside view deck so that you’ll get panoramic views while enjoying the fresh air.

Phone: 800-544-2206

The Alyeska Aerial Tram offers a fun, family-friendly way for you to spend the day in Girdwood. The tram is a 5-minute scenic ride from Hotel Alyeska all the way to the top of Mount Alyeska. During the ride you’ll be able to see gorgeous 360-degree views of the surroundings, which include the peaks of the Chugach Mountain range, various glaciers, and the Turnagain Arm. During the summer months, be sure to keep an eye out for bear and moose sightings, which are common from the aerial tram. Once you’re at the peak’s observation deck, you’ll get an even clearer view of the sparkling streams, majestic mountains, and resident wildlife; it’s a great place to enjoy your lunch or take in the glowing sunset.

Comprising around 495,000 acres of land, Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States. The park’s rugged topography and diverse landforms have made it popular with nature lovers and adventure seekers. There are many aspects of the park that shouldn’t be missed, such as the Wrangell Mountains and the expansive ice fields. There are over 280 miles of trails that allow you to explore the park; popular activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, and exploring with ATVs. There are many camping sites where you can pitch a tent as well as several cabins that can be rented out for an overnight stay.

18620 Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99516, Phone: 907-345-5014

The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a lovely facility that takes care of orphaned and/or injured animals of all sorts in a 200-acre habitat that is spacious and mimics the natural wilderness. It’s a great place for visitors of all ages to learn about how they preserve Alaska’s wildlife, while getting to see many of the furry residents “in the wild.” It is not uncommon to see wood bison roaming on pastures and brown bears playing in the water during your visit. You can tour the vast acreage via car or on foot; there is a scenic 1.5-mile loop that encircles a variety of animal enclosures. At the end of it all, be sure to get some great souvenirs to take back with you from their gift shop.

Mile 79 Seward Highway, Portage, AK 99587, Phone: 907-783-2025

The Alyeska Resort Ski Area is a winter wonderland for visitors of all ages. No matter if you’re a beginner or an expert skier, you’ll find the perfect spot for you in the 1,610 acres of skiable area. With nearly 700 inches of snow annually, the ski area houses 76 named trails that are fun and exciting. You’ll be able to challenge yourself on the several ski trails, which are reputed for being steep and deep. There are seven lifts, which take you 2,500 feet in the air, as well as two fixed quads, two high-speed detachable quads, two magic carpets, and a 60-passenger aerial tram.

Relive the historic gold rush of Alaska at the Crow Creek Gold Mine, which was established in 1896. The mine was one of the most renowned hydraulic gold mining operations in the state as well as one of the largest gold deposit producers. Though it has since shut down, the historic mining camp is well preserved and gives you an in-depth look at how it once ran. The authentic experience is perfect for visitors of all ages, and you will get to see rare mining equipment, explore the antiquated buildings, and take in the beautiful gardens that surround it. The hiking trail accessible from the gold mine will put you on the renowned Iditarod Trail and give you amazing views of the mountain scenery.

601 Crow Creek Rd, Girdwood, AK 99587, Phone: 907-229-3105

Alpine Air Alaska was established in 1991 to provide incomparable flightseeing tours as well as air transport services to locals and visitors. Their helicopter tours are sure to be unforgettable; places you can explore include one of the most glaciated mountain ranges in the US, the Chugach Mountains. There are 30-minute tours, 60-minute tours, and 90-minute tours, all of which include a guide teaching you about the history of the area along with several little-known facts. The 60 and 90-minute tours also feature a landing either directly on a glacier or right beside it, depending on weather conditions.

599 Mt Hood Dr, Girdwood, AK 99587, Phone: 907-783-2360

The Girdwood Brewing Company was founded by a group of friends who were enthusiastic about creating fresh, flavorful beer. Their 3,040-square-foot brewery and taproom is a place for locals and travelers to come together, relax, and have memorable conversations on mountain biking, catching a trophy fish, and other Alaskan adventures. The beer is concocted in a 10-barrel premier stainless brewing system using recipes perfected by brew engineers and twin brothers, Rory and Brett Marenco. Popular choices include the house IPA, the IP-AK, their chocolatey coffee stout, the Hippy Speedball, and their fruity and dry saison, the Salmon Slayer.

2700 Alyeska Hwy, Girdwood, AK 99587, Phone: 907-783-2739