Bird-to-Gird Path

The feel

This is a paved trail that parallels the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm, and locals call it the Bird to Gird. Most of it was built on the old highway alignment. It connects Girdwood, Bird and Indian.

Along the way are rest stops, interpretive panels, covered picnic locations and pullouts with telescopes. Look for belugas, eagles and Dall sheep. The surface is easy and wheelchair accessible, though some pavement is broken.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point to point, 13.2 miles, paved, with about 711 ft of gain, along Turnagain Arm from Indian to Girdwood.

Time

About 6 hours on foot.

Parking

Parking areas are near Girdwood, Indian, Bird and Bird Creek Campground. The Bird Point rest stop is at mile 96.1. The Bird Ridge rest stop at mile 101 is free, but crossing the highway there can be hazardous.

Fees and passes

$5 parking at Bird Point.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed, and leashes are required because some bikers travel fast.

Kids

Rated easy.

Hazards

Turnagain Arm wind gusts, broken pavement and fast bikes. Stay off the mudflats, which can suddenly become like quicksand in the rapidly rising tide.

Bathrooms and water

A few restrooms are along the way.

Mingo says

Dress for a wet, windy day, since gusts off the arm can make the ride harder. Keep well clear of the mudflats at every tide.

Before you go

• Pay the $5 day-use fee at Bird Point, or use free parking at the Bird Ridge rest stop.
• Cross the highway carefully at the Bird Ridge rest stop.
• Keep your dog on a leash.

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