Abe's Trail

The feel

Abe's Trail leaves the Beaver Pond Trail and rises through the forest toward tree line. It is a short but steep, leg-burning climb, and the payoff is the view over the Girdwood valley and Cook Inlet.

Higher up, the alders take over and the trail gets thick, and vegetation has grown over the end of it. Bears and moose share these valley trails, so stay alert as you climb.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, about 2 miles total, with 505 to 800 ft of gain. The trail begins at the junction with the Beaver Pond Trail and climbs steeply through forest to the alder zone.

Time

About 1.5 hours.

Parking

The Beaver Pond Trailhead is 0.5 miles up Crow Creek Road, just before the bridge over California Creek.

Fees and passes

$5 day use.

Hazards

Bears and moose live in the valley. The upper end is overgrown with alders, and reaching the mapped end point takes substantial bushwhacking.

Season and access

Non-motorized use only. Access is from the Beaver Pond Trail, 0.5 miles from its trailhead.

Mingo says

Consider stopping at the views, since the upper trail is overgrown and the mapped end takes substantial bushwhacking. Make some noise on the climb, since bears are in the valley.

Before you go

• Pay the $5 day use fee.
• Park at the Beaver Pond Trailhead on Crow Creek Road, just before the California Creek bridge.
• Walk 0.5 miles on the Beaver Pond Trail to the junction where Abe's Trail begins.
• Leave motorized vehicles at home; the route is non-motorized only.

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