Winner Creek Trail

The feel

The trail begins behind the Hotel Alyeska on a wide, well-developed boardwalk, then turns to firm dirt through the northernmost rainforest in North America.

At Winner Creek Gorge the entire river is forced into a narrow constriction of solid rock only 15 feet wide, and a solid wooden bridge crosses above it. Below it the river goes over a series of 5-10 foot drops. Side trails lead right down to the water's edge, and it is easy to spend 15-20 minutes there. The hand tram just beyond the gorge, which used to carry people over Glacier Creek, is closed.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 4 to 5.5 miles total from the Hotel Alyeska, with about 570 ft of gain. The first 3/4 mile is boardwalk, the next 1.5 miles firm dirt, then the gorge.

Time

2 to 2.5 hours out and back from the hotel to the hand tram and back.

Crowds and best time

The Crow Creek Road side is the way to avoid the crowds and the parking at Alyeska Resort.

Parking

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

Kids

Rated easy, and the first 3/4 mile of boardwalk is great for young kids.

Hazards

The snowcat bridge has open slats, so be careful. The river runs extremely fast through the small canyon. The hand tram is closed.

Season and access

The hand tram is closed. From Seward Highway mile 90, 35 miles south of Anchorage, turn onto Alyeska Highway in Girdwood.

Mingo says

With the hand tram closed, start at the Hotel Alyeska and hike round trip to the gorge and the tram. The tram is the only way across Glacier Creek, so do not plan a crossing.

Before you go

• For the Hotel Alyeska, take Alyeska Highway to the T intersection, then Arlberg Road for 1 mile.
• For the Crow Creek Road trailhead, drive 2 miles up Alyeska Highway and turn left onto Crow Creek Road.
• Share the path with bikes, since this is a multi-use trail.

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