Courtesy Ken Graham Photography
girdwood
G
irdwood is a small, mountain community located 40 miles south of Anchorage along scenic Turnagain Arm. As with many towns in Alaska, Girdwood began as a gold mining town but has evolved into Alaska’s only year-round resort community. It is in the northernmost rainforest in the world and is surrounded by mountains and seven incredible glaciers. The Good Friday earthquake of 1964, dropped the coastal edges along Turnagain Arm 8 to 10 feet, putting most of the original town below water. Consequently, the town site of Girdwood was moved 2.5 miles up the valley to it’s present location. The town has much to offer, including gift shops, world class restaurants, a variety of B&B’s, the Alyeska Resort and aerial tram which accesses the high alpine year-round. The side trip to Girdwood is highly recommended for visitors traveling the Seward Highway.
ACCOMMODATION Alyeska Resort is the perfect base camp for your Alaskan adventures. It is Alaska’s premier year-round destination, featuring the luxurious Hotel Alyeska. Take a scenic Aerial Tram ride, indulge in a hot stone massage, go for a wilderness hike or find adventure in the Alyeska Bike Park. 36
Southcentral Alaska
DINING Seven Glaciers is Alyeska Resort’s luxury mountaintop restaurant. Chefs carefully craft the menus with an emphasis on locally available produce, seafood and game. Reservations are recommended and include complimentary Alyeska Aerial Tram tickets. Subway® is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eat Fresh with a Footlong Sub and add chips and a drink for your adventure! Stop and fuel up at the Subway® at the Seward Highway junction. Order online at Subway.com or on the Subway® APP.
Things to Do The Alyeska Aerial Tram at Alyeska Resort is a short ride to a viewing deck at 2300 ft. With breathtaking panoramic views of mountains, Turnagain Arm, seven “hanging” glaciers and an abundance of wildlife, this is a great opportunity to see Alaska from the top. Crow Creek Trail is a 21 mile trail that can be difficult as there are several water crossings. If you’re not up for hiking the whole trail, the four-mile hike to Crow Pass is a great alpine hike with magnificent views. The trailhead is found at the end of Crow Creek Road. Bell’s Travel Guides
