Vertical Mountain Ascent · Quad-Burner

Alyeska North Face Trail

Girdwood's ultimate vertical challenge. Power-climb 2,000 vertical feet up Mount Alyeska directly beneath the aerial tram cables, then reward yourself with a complimentary tram ride down.

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HIKER PERK · FREE AERIAL TRAM DOWN-RIDE:

Hike up on your own power, ride down in style! Alyeska Resort allows all ascending hikers to board the tram for a free scenic ride back to Hotel Alyeska.

One-Way Distance 2.2 Miles Direct vertical mountain ascent
Vertical Elevation Gain +2,000 Feet Climb from 250' to 2,250' summit
Average Grade 20% – 45% Relentless mountain switchbacks
Average Duration 1.0 – 2.0 Hours Steep cardio power-hike
Down-Tram Policy FREE Down-Ride Ride aerial tram down with proof of hike
Down-Hiking Rule Strongly Discouraged Protects knees and alpine slope soil
VERTICAL RELIEF

North Face Steep Ascent Profile (2.2 Miles)

Summit: 2,250 ft Climb: +2,000 ft in 2.2 mi

Inspect the relentless 20–45% gradient from the valley floor to the upper tramway terminal below.

2,250 ft 1,750 ft 1,250 ft 750 ft 0.0 mi (Daylodge) 0.6 mi 1.2 mi 1.8 mi 2.2 mi (Summit)
MILE 2.2 · 2,250 FT SUMMIT ELEVATION

Upper Tramway Terminal & Seven Glaciers

Summit platform! Restrooms, Bore Tide Deli, glacier viewing decks, and the boarding queue for the free tram ride down.

MOUNTAIN GUIDELINES

North Face Rules & Down-Tram Guidelines

Important details on lift boarding, trail safety, and wildlife encounters.

Free Aerial Tram Down-Ride

Alyeska Resort proudly rewards hikers who complete the 2,000-foot climb on foot: you can ride the aerial tram back down to the valley floor for free! Simply enter through the upper terminal gate. No ticket purchase required for descending hikers.

Down-Hiking Prohibited / Discouraged

Down-hiking the North Face is strictly discouraged by mountain patrol due to severe risk of slips on loose shale, acute joint stress, and accelerated soil erosion on the steep switchbacks. Take advantage of the free tram down.

Moose & Bear Safety on the Mountain

Bears forage in the high alpine blueberry patches on North Face during July and August, while moose browse in the lower willow brush. Make frequent vocal noise on blind switchbacks and carry bear spray.

ROUTE STATIONS

Trail Waypoint Directory

Key landmarks and progression points up the face of Mount Alyeska.

01 0.0 mi · 250 ft

Daylodge Trailhead & Sitzmark Base

Start near the Alyeska Daylodge ticket office and Sitzmark patio. Look for the yellow North Face trailhead marker.

02 0.6 mi · 750 ft

Lower Hemlock Switchbacks

Steep climbing through coastal temperate hemlock forest. Roots and crushed rock steps.

03 1.2 mi · 1,350 ft

Waterfall Chute & Mid-Mountain Ridge

Trees begin thinning into subalpine meadows. Spectacular views opening up across Turnagain Arm.

04 1.8 mi · 1,950 ft

Tram Cable Crossing & Alpine Chutes

The aerial tram cabins glide overhead. Rocky switchbacks cut directly into the mountain face.

05 2.2 mi · 2,250 ft

Upper Tramway Terminal & Seven Glaciers

Summit platform! Restrooms, Bore Tide Deli, glacier viewing decks, and the boarding queue for the free tram ride down.