Winner Creek Gorge

The feel

The trail runs through a tall spruce and hemlock forest with ferns and blueberry bushes to the gorge, where Winner Creek flows through a small cleft in the rocks. It makes a picturesque series of small waterfalls and cascades on its way down to Glacier Creek. A wooden bridge lets you hear the thunderous roar of fast water that runs blue with glacial runoff.

Moose and bear live along the trail, and in summer songbirds can be seen and heard in the forest. Bridges and boardwalks carry the first three-quarters of a mile from Alyeska Resort, which suits young kids.

What to expect

What it is

The round trip is about 2 to 2.5 miles from the Crow Creek Road trailhead and 4 to 5 miles from Alyeska Resort.

Crowds and best time

Parking and crowds are heavier at Alyeska Resort, so many hikers use the Crow Creek Road side.

Parking

The Winner Creek Gorge trailhead is almost 3 miles up Crow Creek Road. Alternate parking is at the Hotel Alyeska, where the trail begins 50 yards uphill from the lower tram terminal.

Fees and passes

No parking fee.

Hazards

The hand tram is closed. Watch for moose and bear. The snowcat bridge has open slats, so be careful.

Bathrooms and water

Drinking water is not available at the site. Restroom information is not available.

Season and access

Typical season is July to September. Winter brings ski touring and fat biking. From Seward Highway mile 90, 35 miles south of Anchorage, take Alyeska Highway 2 miles and turn left onto Crow Creek Road.

Mingo says

Hike it from July through September, the typical season. With no tram crossing, plan an out and back to the gorge from either trailhead.

Before you go

• Park at the Crow Creek Road trailhead or at the Hotel Alyeska, both without a parking fee.
• Bring your own drinking water.
• Call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.