Girdwood Alaska

Girdwood: Alaska's Resort Town

Originally called “Glacier City” for the icy behemoths that rim the surrounding mountains, Girdwood began as a gold-mining town in 1900 when James Girdwood hit pay dirt in Crow Creek. The ‘64 Quake sunk the town into Turnagain Arm, and it was moved two miles further inland where it’s nestled today in an idyllic valley next to Alaska’s premier ski area, Mt. Alyeska. With fine dining and luxury accommodations, Girdwood is an ideal base camp for exploring Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula.

The fastest way to get a bird’s eye view of Alaska’s stunning geography is the Alyeska Tram. Four minutes and 2,000 vertical feet later, you’ll be looking down on Turnagain Arm and distant glaciers. Enjoy lunch or dinner at the top at Seven Glaciers Restaurant, hike around for a while, or even paraglide down with Alaska Paragliding.

Want to feel Alaska's rugged beauty in your legs? Hike the legendary Crow Creek Trail, part of the historic Iditarod Trail, and take in great valley views. If you're feeling lucky, take a detour on the way to the trailhead and try your hand at gold panning at the historic Crow Creek Mine. Once back on the trail, the four-mile ascent up open hillside to Raven Glacier and shimmering mountain lakes takes 4-7 hours roundtrip.

For a walk in the woods, try Winner Creek Trail, which winds through Alaska’s northernmost rainforest. In late summer, blueberries abound on this and the Glacier View Trail. Call the ranger station for information (907-783-3242). For a leisurely stroll, walk the bike path that connects most of town. Or rent a bike from Mike at Girdwood Ski & Cyclery (907-783-2453) or The Hotel Alyeska to pedal six miles out to Bird Point on the newly paved path with sweeping inlet views. After a day outdoors, poke around the town’s eclectic gift shops or try one of the renowned local restaurants.

Just over an hour’s drive away lies the Kenai River. It’s Alaska’s most famous fishing locale and a turquoise-blue rafting river. Alaska Wildland Adventures can take you on a 2-hour scenic float or a 7-hr Kenai Canyon float. Other operators take you down the challenging whitewater Sixmile River near Hope, a scenic float by Spencer Glacier or through Portage Valley, or jet boat the remote Twenty Mile River.

Nestled at the base of the mountain, Alyeska Resort has upscale accommodations and features among its amenities classic Japanese cuisine at Katsura Teppanyaki and the world-class Seven Glaciers Restaurant, so named for the staggering views from this 2,000-foot elevation dining chalet. A number of charming B&B’s are also available for booking.

Get up close and personal with Alaska’s most magnificent animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a wildlife refuge for injured or orphaned creatures, located 10 miles south of Girdwood. With bears, musk ox, deer, and moose among its residents, you’re sure to get a clear photo of these otherwise elusive Alaskans.

Girdwood is the perfect launch point for nearby Prince William Sound, the best place in the world to see calving glaciers. You’ll also see marine birds, mammals, and often whales. For an epic Alaskan glacier cruise, go with Phillips Cruises & Tours 26-Glacier Cruise, Prince William Sound Cruises & Tours, or Major Marine Tours. All three leave from Whittier (click here for drive highlights) and cover miles of untouched beauty in just a half-day, with amenities such as on-board saloons, heated cabin areas, excellent meals, and natural-history narration. To get more hands-on and intimate with Prince William Sound, go kayaking or take a boat charter with Honey Charters.

Another unique glacier experience is Glacier Jet Alaska’s jetboat tour up the Twentymile River Valley. In fact, it’s one of our favorite tours in the entire state of Alaska.