Girdwood - Anchorage, AK (2024)

FAQs

Is Girdwood, Alaska worth visiting? ›

Towering peaks, glaciers, and rivers surround the town. Many hiking, biking, and Nordic ski trails make it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

For many, Girdwood is the best place to live in Alaska -- it's within commuting distance to the state's largest city (Anchorage), but it still retains small-town character. You can barbecue with senators, have coffee with judges, and ski deep powder with lawyers.

Originally named Glacier City, Girdwood began as a supply camp for gold miners at the turn of the century. After the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake dropped the coast along nearby Turnagain Arm 10 feet, the town relocated 2.5 miles up the valley to its present location.

Small Town

Girdwood is your typical small ski town and we have about 2500 full-time residents. But since we are visitor destination, we also have a large population of people that live in Anchorage and come down to Girdwood on the weekends to stay in their condos and cabins.

Alaska is an ideal, must-visit location for anyone who loves the outdoors or beautiful scenery. Some of the best things to do in Alaska include spending time in Kenai Fjords National Park, Chena Hot Springs, Denali National Park, Glacier Bay National Park, and Tongass National Forest.

Here are some of the best spots for northern lights viewing in Alaska: Anchorage: Glen Alps trailhead, Point Woronzof. Girdwood: Moose Meadows. Talkeetna: Riverfront Park, Denali State Park.

Girdwood is a neighborhood in Anchorage, Alaska with a population of 1,894.

In mid-April, Safewise released their annual findings on Alaska's five safest city's. For the second consecutive year, Homer ranks as the second safest city in Alaska, behind Sitka. Palmer, Unalaska and Ketchikan finish out the top five slots.

Girdwood is situated in a temperate rainforest which can mean a lot of precipitation.

Is there a shuttle from Anchorage to Girdwood? ›

Girdwood Express offers the only affordable transportation from downtown Anchorage to the town of Girdwood and Alyeska Resort. With four on-time departures daily we can connect you to dozens of activities in the Girdwood area.

Originally called "Glacier City," Girdwood was founded as a supply camp for placer gold miners with claims along the creeks feeding Turnagain Arm.

There is a great detached walking path through the entirety of Girdwood that is pedestrian and bike-friendly. The sidewalks in combination with GVT make all parts of the town highly accessible.

Girdwood is 40 miles from Anchorage and 45 miles from Ted Stevens International Airport.

Ride the Train: Alaska Railroad's Coastal Classic and Glacier Discovery trains travel from Anchorage to Girdwood from May through September.

How far is Girdwood from Denali? Girdwood is 274 miles from Denali. The drive will take you approximately 4.5 hours.

The tram isn't cheap, but it's worth it for anyone who otherwise might not make it to high alpine tundra during an Alaska trip. (In winter, ride on your lift ticket; in summer, ride free with a meal at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant at the top.)