Girdwood

About

Tucked into the Chugach Mountains just 40 miles south of Anchorage, Girdwood is a small alpine community that punches well above its weight when it comes to outdoor recreation. Originally a mining town, it's grown into one of Alaska's most beloved year-round destinations, and it's more accessible than many visitors expect.

The town is best known as home to Alyeska Resort, Alaska's largest ski area, which also operates a scenic aerial tram during summer months. The tram whisks visitors up 2,300 feet to a mountaintop viewing deck where glaciers, ocean inlets, and endless peaks stretch out before you. It's the kind of view that stops conversations mid-sentence.

Beyond the resort, Girdwood offers a surprising range of activities. Crow Creek Mine, one of Alaska's oldest gold mines still in operation, lets visitors try their hand at gold panning while learning about the region's mining heritage. The Winner Creek Trail winds through old-growth rainforest - yes, Alaska has rainforest - past mossy Sitka spruce trees and rushing streams. In winter, the area transforms into a snow sports playground with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking.

The town itself is compact and walkable, with a handful of excellent restaurants that go far beyond typical mountain-town fare. Fresh Alaskan seafood is a highlight, and the local brewery is a favorite gathering spot. Accommodations range from vacation rentals tucked among the trees to the full-service Alyeska hotel.

Girdwood sits along the Seward Highway, one of America's most scenic drives, making it an easy addition to any Anchorage-based trip. The drive itself passes along Turnagain Arm, where you might spot beluga whales from pullouts along the road. Whether you're spending a full week or just a day trip from Anchorage, Girdwood delivers authentic Alaska without the extreme remoteness that can make other destinations challenging to reach.

Accessibility

Girdwood offers several accessible features for visitors with mobility considerations, though the mountainous terrain does present some limitations worth planning around.

Crow Creek Mine has wheelchair-accessible pathways and ADA-compliant facilities, making it one of the more reliably accessible attractions in the area. Visitors can enjoy the historic grounds and gold panning areas with relative ease.

Nearby Chugach State Park features some paved trail sections and accessible restroom facilities. The Bird Ridge Trailhead, located along the Seward Highway near Girdwood, has a paved lower section extending approximately 0.3 miles with viewing areas at both ends and accessible restrooms at the upper area. These paved portions offer mountain and valley views without requiring backcountry travel.

The Seward Highway pullouts along Turnagain Arm provide paved parking areas where visitors can take in ocean and mountain views from their vehicles or nearby flat surfaces.

For getting around, Anchorage (40 miles north) offers ADA paratransit services, wheelchair-accessible taxis, and non-emergency medical transportation that can be arranged for day trips to Girdwood. Some local tour operators cater specifically to visitors with mobility needs.

It's important to note that many of Girdwood's backcountry trails, including the popular Winner Creek Trail, involve uneven natural surfaces and elevation changes that present significant challenges for wheelchair users. Contact Alyeska Resort directly for current details on tram accessibility and mountaintop facilities. For the most up-to-date information on specific trail conditions and facility access, contact the Girdwood Chamber of Commerce or Alaska State Parks before your visit.

More accessible places in Alaska

• Alaska SeaLife Center (Seward)
• Alaska Aviation Museum (Anchorage)
• Alaska Botanical Garden (Anchorage)
• Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center (Fairbanks)
• University of Alaska Museum of the North (Fairbanks)
• Gates of the Arctic National Park (Gates of the Arctic NP)