Winner Creek Trail

Winner Creek Trail is a popular out-and-back hike in Girdwood, Alaska, running along Winner Creek toward the Glacier Creek crossing. The route is described as an easy-to-moderate rainforest walk with a gentle climb, starting on a wide path and transitioning into wooden boardwalk for the initial stretch.

A wooden bridge appears partway in (about 2.5 miles from the start on the typical route) and is a key turnaround checkpoint for hikers who want the gorge experience without committing to the full out-and-back.

Near Glacier Creek, hikers reach a gorge crossing point that historically used a hand tram. The tram is currently closed, so the crossing is treated as impassable at that point and most hikers turn around at the creek.

Some hikers split the experience into sections, either as a shorter “lower” out-and-back or by pushing farther on the connected trail system toward Upper Winner Creek. Longer options can extend beyond the main gorge area into more remote/less developed terrain.

Typical distance is about 3 miles one-way (6 miles out-and-back) for the core gorge experience, while other mapped/curated variants are shorter depending on where you decide to turn.

Access is from Alyeska Resort near the base of the aerial tram area; parking is in resort lots, and parking can be limited to overnight hotel guests in some areas.

More information: Map, Winner Creek Trail Map - Visit Anchorage, Lower Winner Creek Trail — Visit Girdwood