Where is Winner Creek Trail located?

Winner Creek Trail is located in Girdwood, Alaska, near the Alyeska Resort, about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage.

How long is the Winner Creek Trail?

The main trail is approximately 3 miles one way to the hand tram crossing, with options to extend further for a longer hike.

Is Winner Creek Trail suitable for beginners?

Yes, the trail is considered easy to moderate and is popular among beginners due to its well-maintained path and scenic views.

Is the hand tram open year-round?

No, the hand tram is typically closed during winter and may be temporarily shut down for maintenance or safety reasons. Always check ahead before visiting.

Winner Creek Trail, Alaska

When it comes to beginner-friendly hikes that still deliver Alaska’s wild beauty, Winner Creek Trail near Girdwood is a quiet standout. Just a short drive south of Anchorage, this rainforest hike winds through lush woods, alongside rushing glacial creeks, and even across a thrilling hand-powered tram. It’s a perfect mix of calm and curiosity—welcoming to newcomers but still packed with memorable moments.

A Trail That Welcomes You In

From the moment your feet touch the gravel-and-boardwalk path, Winner Creek feels like a trail designed to ease you into Alaska’s grandeur. Towering spruce and hemlock trees arch overhead, thick carpets of moss line the trail, and birdsong echoes in the canopy. It’s peaceful, shady, and remarkably approachable—especially for first-timers.

The trail is mostly flat with gentle ups and downs, making it ideal for solo walkers, families with kids, or friends looking for a relaxed day outdoors. There’s no scrambling, no steep switchbacks—just a meandering path that lets you enjoy the journey.

Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss

Hand Tram Over Glacier Creek:
Halfway into the hike, you’ll encounter one of the trail’s most exciting features—a sturdy cable tram that lets you manually pull yourself across a rushing glacial creek. It’s fun, safe, and offers a uniquely Alaskan adventure with epic photo ops.

Rainforest Vibes:
This is one of the few trails in the U.S. where you’ll walk through a temperate rainforest. Everything feels lush and alive, from the mossy trees to the vibrant undergrowth and trickling streams.

Boardwalk Sections:
Much of the trail includes wide wooden planks that keep things dry and level—even after rain. Great for beginners who want sure footing and an easy path.

Need-to-Know Trail Details

Location: Girdwood, Alaska (just south of Anchorage)
GPS Coordinates: 60.9426° N, 149.1129° W
Distance: Approx. 3 miles one way (6 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (suitable for most beginners)
Parking: Free parking at Glacier Creek Trailhead
Restrooms: None at the trailhead
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash
Best Seasons to Visit: Late spring through early fall (June to September)
Entry Fee: None

Note: The hand tram is typically open during summer months—check local forest service updates before you go.

What to Bring

The Winner Creek Trail is beginner-friendly, but the Alaskan outdoors can still be unpredictable. Knowing how to stay safe while hiking and what you should do if you happen to stumble upon some wildlife is cruical to make your visit more enjoyable.

Also, we’ve listed our favorite affordable hiking gear here to help beginners get started with confidence.

Comfortable sneakers or trail shoes
Lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker
Refillable water bottle
Bug spray (especially June–August)
Camera or phone for the tram and forest shots
Daypack with snacks if you plan to go the full 6 miles

Why It Belongs on Your Beginner Bucket List

Winner Creek Trail, Alaska is the kind of place that surprises you—not because it’s intense, but because it shows how approachable Alaska’s wilderness can be. With moss-draped forests, wide paths, and a touch of adventure in the hand tram crossing, it delivers beauty, fun, and peace all in one.

If you’re trying to ease into hiking, introduce someone to nature, or just looking for a low-key trail with high rewards, Winner Creek is an unforgettable way to begin your Alaskan hiking story.