Summer activities in Girdwood Alaska |
Girdwood is an exciting place during the summer months, offering endless hours of daylight for excursions such as hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking. Summer is short and sweet in Girdwood, forcing plant life to grow quickly and flourish, creating a lush, green carpet speckled with colorful wildflowers on its surrounding majestic mountains. Located in southcentral Alaska, Girdwood's summer climate is mild and pleasant for hiking and biking, and its proximity to Prince William Sound and the Kenai Peninsula makes it convenient to charter fishing, wildlife viewing and kayaking. |
Hiking
The Girdwood valley lies within the Chugach National Forest and the Chugach State Park. It's a hiker's playground through temperate rain forest and high alpine terrain. There is a varied selection of hikes for all abilities and ages.
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Guided Hikes
Chugach State Park
Forestry Service |
Guided Fishing
From May to September, thousands of salmon return to local rivers to spawn. Depending on the time of the season you can catch King, Red, Sockeye, Pink or Silver salmon. All you need is a fishing pole and an Alaska state fishing license.
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Alaska Salmon and Trout Fishing Guides
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Wildlife Center
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is just ten miles from Girdwood. This nonprofit organization takes in orphaned or injured animals, including moose, deer, black and grizzly bears, owls, bison musk ox and a variety of game birds, offering the opportunity to see these animals up close.
Links
Alaska Wildlife Center |
Halibut Fishing
Prince William Sound and the Cook Inlet are hot spots for halibut fishing. Be careful, there are some monsters out there! Charter boats are available.
Links
Honey Charters
Over the Seas
Silver Fox Charters
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Biking
There is a paved twelve-mile bike trail that stretches from Girdwood to the town of Indian along Turnagain Arm, with a stopping point halfway at Bird Point. Eventually the trail will follow Turnagain Arm all the way to Anchorage. There are dozens of mountain biking trails in the valley for the more adventurous.
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Bike Rental
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Sea-Kayaking
Prince William Sound is only a 30-minute drive from Girdwood. Sea kayaking is a great way for energetic people to explore the coves and bays of this pristine environment. View the ancient tidewater glaciers and get up close to the abundant and diverse wildlife.
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Two Legged Tours
Alaska Sea Kayakers
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Flightseeing
Experience the splendor of the Chugach mountain range and its glaciers, along with Prince William Sound aboard an airplane or helicopter. Land on a glacier or fly over completely isolated wilderness areas.
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Alpine Air
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Glacier Cruises
See Prince William Sound's diverse Wildlife and tidewater glaciers. Take a half day cruise or charter a boat for a week or more.
Links
26 Glacier Cruises
Over the Seas
Custom Alaska Cruises
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Rafting
There are several rivers in the area suitable for both mellow travelers and adrenaline junkies. Take a railway/float-trip or a pulsating guided white-water adventure.
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Chugach adventure guides
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Paragliding
Tandem paragliding tours are available from the top of Mt. Alyeska. Fly with an experienced instructor and enjoy the spectacluar views while gliding down to the valley floor.
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Tandem Paragliding
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Mt. Alyeska Tram
A 60-passenger aerial tram is operated by Alyeska Resort in the summer. The tram rises over 2000 ft from the valley floor, offering spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains, Turnagain Arm and the Girdwood Valley from the summit of Mt. Alyeska.
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Alyeska Tramway
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Jet Boating
Experience a thrilling jet-boat ride through some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Enjoy close-up views of glaciers, eagles, waterfalls and icebergs.
Links
Backcountry Tours
Jet Boat Adventures |
Snowmobiling
Snowmachining tours are available year-round in Girdwood. Summer means venturing farther afield to one of the many glaciers.
Links
Summer Snow Machining
Snow Safaris
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Dog Sledding
With the abundance of glaciers around Girdwood, dog sledding is available year-round. Mush along the edge of a snow-covered glacier with the help of an experienced guide.
Links
Summer Dog Sledding |
Glacier Hikes
Hike in awe while taking in breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm and towering alpine peaks. Hiking on a glacier in the Alaskan midnight sun is an amazing and educational experience.
Links
Glacier Hikes |
Ice/Rock Climbing
Instructional climbing excursions designed for interested fit people with little or no climbing experience are available to the adventurous just down the highway from beautiful Girdwood, Alaska.
Links
Ice Climbing
Rock Climbing |
Gold Panning
Girdwood was first established as a gold mining town back in the 1800s. Gold panning is available still to this day right in Girdwood up at the old Crow Creek mine.
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Crow Creek Mine
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Eat & Drink
There are plenty of great places to eat in Girdwood . From fine dining to takeout, there is something for all tastes and budgets.
Links
Restaurant Directory
Chair 5 Restaurant
Double Musky Inn
Alyeska Resort
Jack Sprat
Silvertip Grill
Maxine's Bistro |
Free Booking Service
To save you time and hassle we can book you on any of the above tours, cruises and charters, or organize your lift pass so you're ready to go when you get here.
There is no cost to you and you can pay for most things when you check out (credit card number is required for security).
Most activities are very popular with limited spaces available, and it pays to book in advance. |
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