Outdoor Activities in Girdwood

Girdwood sits at the epicenter of outdoor activities in Southcentral Alaska, surrounded by glaciers, old-growth rainforest, rushing streams, and mountain terrain that provides adventure in every season. Winter draws skiers and snowboarders to Alyeska Resort, which receives an average of 669 inches of snowfall annually and offers terrain ranging from gentle groomers to expert chutes. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and backcountry touring extend the winter adventure beyond the resort boundaries. When summer arrives, the valley transforms into a hiker's and mountain biker's paradise, with trails leading through temperate rainforest to alpine viewpoints, glacier overlooks, and historic mining sites. The Crow Pass Trail is one of the premier hiking routes in Alaska, traversing from Girdwood over an alpine pass to Eagle River. Kayaking and rafting on nearby waterways, fishing for salmon and Dolly Varden, and berry picking in the lush understory round out the summer activity list. The drive to Girdwood along Turnagain Arm is itself an outdoor experience, with frequent stops for Dall sheep viewing on the cliffs and beluga whale spotting in the tidal waters below. Our guide to outdoor activities in Girdwood helps you plan the adventures that make this mountain community one of Alaska's top destinations.

8 Outdoor Activities listings found in Girdwood

Crazy Ray’s Adventures

Lot 9 Harbor View Dr, Whittier, AK 99693

(907) 315-5382

Premier Halibut & Salmon Fishing Charters in Prince William Sound

Chugach State Park Campgrounds

18620 Seward Highway, Anchorage, AK 99516

(907) 345-5014

Alaska's premier wilderness camping destination with 12 developed campgrounds offering mountain views, trail access, and authentic backcountry experiences

Bird Creek Fishing

Bird Creek, Seward Highway Mile 101, Anchorage, AK 99515

(907) 267-2218

Scenic Alaska creek fishing with pink and silver salmon runs, accessible roadside location, and spectacular mountain backdrop views

Chugach Mountains Wildlife Viewing

18620 Seward Highway, Anchorage, AK 99516

(907) 345-5014

Premier Alaska mountain wildlife viewing with Dall sheep, mountain goats, bears, and alpine species across 700,000 acres of wilderness

Girdwood Forest Fair

Forest Fairgrounds, Mile 2.2 Alyeska Highway, Girdwood, AK 99587

Annual summer festival featuring Alaskan artists, live music, and authentic crafts in the heart of Girdwood

Byron Glacier Trail

Byron Glacier Trail, Portage Valley, Girdwood, AK 99587

(907) 783-3242

Family-friendly accessible trail offering spectacular glacier viewing and educational Alaska wilderness experience

Matson Ocean Education Center Grand Opening

Mile 79 Seward Highway, 43520 Seward Highway, Portage, AK 99587

Grand opening of ocean education center focused on endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales with interactive exhibits

Crow Creek Gold Mine

Crow Creek Road, Girdwood, AK 99587

(907) 229-3105

Alaska's Gold Rush history at Crow Creek Mine