Most travelers visiting Alaska head toward Denali National Park or the state’s famous cruise ports, but one of the most impressive destinations sits quietly just 40 miles south of Anchorage. Surrounded by glaciers, rainforest, mountains, and wildlife, Girdwood offers a side of Alaska many Americans never see.
The town has a population of about 2,000 people, yet it packs in more outdoor adventure than many cities several times its size. Seven glaciers surround the valley, while Turnagain Arm and the Chugach Mountains create some of the most dramatic scenery in Southcentral Alaska.
Girdwood blends natural beauty with history, year-round recreation, and easy access from Anchorage. From skiing and hiking to gold mining and glacier tours, something is happening in every season. Let’s now explore this hidden Alaska destination in detail.
A former gold rush town was rebuilt after a disaster
Girdwood’s history began during Alaska’s gold rush era in the late 1890s. Early settlers arrived after gold was discovered at Crow Creek, and a small mining community called Glacier City quickly formed in the valley.
The town later took the name of James Girdwood, one of the first prospectors to stake a claim in the area. Crow Creek Mine became one of Southcentral Alaska’s important mining operations and still stands today as a historic attraction open to visitors.
In 1964, the massive Great Alaska Earthquake changed everything. The magnitude 9.2 quake caused land near Turnagain Arm to sink several feet, flooding the original town site and forcing residents to move the community about 2.5 miles farther inland.
Around the same time, skiing was beginning to grow on nearby Mount Alyeska. Over the years, tourism slowly replaced mining as the town’s main industry, helping shape modern Girdwood into one of Alaska’s best outdoor destinations.
Seven glaciers and a rainforest surround the valley
Girdwood stands out because it combines glaciers, mountains, and rainforest in one location. Seven glaciers feed the waterways around the valley, while dense coastal forest covers the lower elevations.
The area sits inside the northernmost temperate coastal rainforest in North America. Moss-covered trees, waterfalls, and wet forest trails give the landscape a completely different feel from the dry mountain scenery many travelers expect in Alaska.
Turnagain Arm adds another dramatic feature to the area. The narrow inlet experiences huge tidal changes, with water levels shifting by dozens of feet during strong tides.
The nearby ghost forest is one of the region’s most unusual sights. Trees killed by saltwater flooding after the 1964 earthquake still stand today, creating a haunting reminder of how powerful the disaster was.
Wildlife sightings are common along the Seward Highway between Anchorage and Girdwood. Travelers often spot bald eagles, moose, Dall sheep, and occasionally beluga whales near the shoreline.
Fun fact: Girdwood’s nearby Turnagain Arm has one of the most extreme tides in the United States, sometimes rising and falling by more than 30 feet in a single day. In the right conditions, you can even see a rare tidal bore wave rolling upstream against the current.
Alyeska Resort brings visitors year-round
Alyeska Resort is the center of tourism in Girdwood and Alaska’s only major ski resort. The mountain offers about 1,610 skiable acres, 76 named runs, and around 669 inches of snowfall annually.
The resort attracts skiers and snowboarders during winter, but it remains busy in summer as well. Hiking, mountain biking, sightseeing, and scenic tram rides keep visitors coming throughout the year.
One of the biggest attractions is the aerial tram, which carries passengers about 2,300 feet above sea level in roughly seven minutes. On clear days, riders can see Turnagain Arm, nearby glaciers, and the surrounding Chugach Mountains.
At the top of the tram sits The Roundhouse, a small museum built in 1960 that highlights local skiing and mountaineering history. Viewing decks and restaurants also give visitors a place to relax while taking in the scenery.
The resort is also home to the Alyeska Nordic Spa, Alaska’s only large Nordic-style spa. Guests move between hot pools, cold plunges, saunas, and steam rooms surrounded by rainforest and mountain views.
Hiking trails and glacier adventures fill every season
Girdwood has become one of Alaska’s most popular hiking destinations because trails are easy to reach and offer impressive scenery. Winner Creek Trail is among the town’s best-known routes and starts near Alyeska Resort.
The trail passes through old-growth rainforest using maintained paths and boardwalks. Families especially enjoy the route because it combines forest scenery, rushing glacial water, and moderate hiking conditions.
The original hand tram crossing over Glacier Creek closed in 2019 due to safety concerns. However, the trail remains heavily used, and plans for a replacement suspension bridge are expected to move forward in 2026.
For more adventurous travelers, helicopter tours fly directly from Girdwood into the Chugach Mountains. Some tours land on glaciers where visitors can walk across the ice with guides.
Dog sledding tours on snowfields are also popular during warmer months. These trips combine glacier landings with traditional Alaska sled dog experiences high above the valley.
Travelers who want glacier views without flying can visit Portage Glacier, located about 22 miles from town. A short boat ride across Portage Lake brings visitors close to the massive wall of ice.
Wildlife, festivals, and outdoor culture define the town
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center sits about 12 miles south of Girdwood along the Seward Highway. The nonprofit facility rescues injured and orphaned animals that cannot survive in the wild.
Visitors can see brown bears, wolves, moose, bison, foxes, and caribou in large outdoor habitats. Educational programs and guided tours help explain Alaska’s wildlife and ecosystems.
Girdwood’s event calendar also reflects the town’s outdoor culture. The Forest Fair in July brings together local artists, live music, handmade crafts, and food vendors from across Alaska.
In August, the Blueberry Festival celebrates the wild berries that grow around the valley. Pie contests, desserts, and community events attract both locals and tourists during the summer season.
One of the town’s most famous traditions is the Slush Cup at Alyeska Resort each April. Costumed skiers and snowboarders race downhill and attempt to skim across a freezing pond at the base of the mountain.
Getting there is easier than many travelers expect
One reason Girdwood appeals to visitors is how easy it is to reach. The town is only about an hour from Anchorage by car along the Seward Highway, one of Alaska’s most scenic roads.
The highway follows Turnagain Arm and offers mountain views, waterfalls, and frequent wildlife sightings. Many travelers consider the drive itself one of the highlights of visiting the area.
The Alaska Railroad also stops in Girdwood on the Coastal Classic and Glacier Discovery routes. This gives visitors a slower but scenic alternative to driving.
Once in town, a free seasonal shuttle connects Alyeska Resort, downtown Girdwood, and Crow Creek Mine. Visitors can explore many of the main attractions without constantly using a car.
TL;DR
- Girdwood is located about 40 miles south of Anchorage
- Seven glaciers surround the valley and feed local waterways
- The town relocated after the 1964 Alaska earthquake
- Alyeska Resort is Alaska’s only major ski resort
- Visitors can hike rainforest trails, ride helicopters onto glaciers, and pan for gold
- Wildlife, festivals, and scenic drives make it a year-round destination
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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