Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Canada
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Before you go
Your trip to Girdwood.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Girdwood – Alaska Destination Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula about 880 km from Juneau
How to get there
-
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) Anchorage · 65 km
-
Alaska Railroad Girdwood Depot 3 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
From Anchorage via the Seward Highway, about 60 km along the Turnagain Arm, with viewpoints on the way. There are buses between Anchorage and Girdwood. The Alaska Railroad stops in Girdwood on trains to Seward and Whittier.
How many days
One day for the Mount Alyeska tramway and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Skiers usually stay three or more days in winter.
When to go
In the warm months, June to August, for trails and sightseeing; in the snow season, for skiing. The village receives a lot of rain and snow, more than Anchorage.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
Helpful for stops along the Turnagain Arm and for reaching the conservation center and Portage. There are buses and trains to the village. Traffic drives on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Girdwood
-
Morning
Turnagain Arm and Alyeska
Leave Anchorage via the Seward Highway, stopping at Turnagain Arm viewpoints, and ride the Mount Alyeska tramway.
-
Afternoon
Conservation center
Continue to Portage and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Girdwood in summer?
Ride the Mount Alyeska tramway, hike trails in the valley rainforest and visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a few minutes away.
What is the Turnagain Arm?
It is the long fjord that separates Anchorage from the Kenai Peninsula. Tides there vary by several meters and sometimes come in as a single wave, the macaréu. The Seward Highway follows the north shore.
Can you see belugas in the Turnagain Arm?
Belugas often enter the Turnagain Arm in summer, following the salmon, especially on the incoming tide. Seward Highway viewpoints, such as Beluga Point, are the most likely places to spot them.
Is Girdwood a good base for the Kenai Peninsula?
Yes. It is located between Anchorage and Seward, close to Whittier, and avoids part of the outbound traffic from the city.