Winner Creek Trail Guide
Turnagain Arm's most iconic temperate rainforest hike. Cross glacial canyons via the 130-foot suspension bridge beneath ancient hemlock and spruce canopies.
Interactive Elevation Profile (One-Way)
Hover or tap along the graph below to inspect waypoints, trail surface, and elevation markers along the 3-mile corridor.
130-Foot Suspension Bridge
High-tension pedestrian cable bridge spanning the gorge, replacing the decommissioned hand tram.
How the Winner Creek Suspension Bridge Was Built
Following the safety closure of the historic hand tram in 2019, the Girdwood Board of Supervisors (GBOS) and Girdwood Trails Committee (GTC) collaborated with the USFS to design and fund a permanent crossing.
- 2017: USFS & MOA execute cooperative corridor stewardship agreement.
- January 17, 2022: GBOS adopts Resolution 2022-02 formally endorsing the 130-foot suspension bridge alternative.
- May 15, 2023: GBOS approves Resolution 2023-18 for State of Alaska Recreational Trails Program (RTP) matching grant.
- 2025: Bridge construction completed and opened to public hikers and trail runners.
Trail Waypoint Guide
Key landmarks and transition points along the route from Hotel Alyeska to Crow Creek Road.
Alyeska Resort Trailhead
Start behind Hotel Alyeska tram building. Marked by wooden trailhead kiosk and boot-brush station.
Moose Meadow Connector
Spur trail joins from Arlberg road. Lush Sitka spruce and western hemlock canopy overhead.
Rainforest Boardwalks
Elevated treated cedar boardwalks protect salmonberry patches and sensitive muskeg wetland soils.
Winner Creek Gorge Overlook
Roaring glacial meltwater rushes through a sheer bedrock chasm beneath wooden safety railings.
130-Foot Suspension Bridge
High-tension pedestrian cable bridge spanning the gorge, replacing the decommissioned hand tram.
Crow Creek Road Trailhead Junction
Trail meets Mine Road near Crow Creek. Transfer point or turn around to return to Hotel Alyeska.
Rainforest Hiking Essentials
- EPA-Approved Bear Spray: Carry in an accessible chest or hip holster (not packed inside your backpack).
- Waterproof Rain Shell: Girdwood receives over 70 inches of precipitation annually; weather shifts rapidly.
- Sturdy Trail Runners / Hiking Shoes: Boardwalks and roots can be slick when wet.
- Trekking Poles: Helpful for balance along uneven roots and gravel descents.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, food scraps, and dog waste.
Winner Creek Trail FAQs
Is the Winner Creek Hand Tram still operating?
No. The historic manually pulled hand tram was decommissioned by the Municipality of Anchorage and USFS following safety reviews. It has been replaced by a permanent, state-of-the-art 130-foot pedestrian suspension bridge spanning high above the gorge.
Are bears common along Winner Creek Trail?
Yes. Both black bears and coastal brown bears (grizzlies) frequent the Winner Creek and Glacier Creek river corridors, particularly during late summer and autumn when salmon spawn and berry crops ripen. Carry EPA-registered bear spray, hike in groups, and make frequent vocal calls.
Can I hike Winner Creek Trail in the winter?
Yes. In winter, Winner Creek becomes a popular route for snowshoeing, winter fat-tire biking, and cross-country touring. Microspikes or ice cleats are strongly recommended for hardpack and icy boardwalk sections.
Where should I park to hike Winner Creek?
Free public parking is available in the paved lower lots of Hotel Alyeska (near the tram loop) or at the Winner Creek Trailhead kiosk lot off Crow Creek Road for an uphill-to-downhill hike.