The Trail Through Girdwood

This trail meanders along Glacier Creek between Old Town Girdwood and the New Townsite. This trail is great for all activities (walking, biking, and running) and you will only see about 50 feet of elevation. It winds through the woods and crosses a couple of bridges. The trail was recently upgraded and the traditionally low, muddy spots removed with a hard-bedrock path. At the Old Town Girdwood end of the trail, you will need to veer right towards Alyeska Highway to exit the trail. Once in Old Town Girdwood, go to the Tesoro Mall and enjoy a treat.

Getting There

The lower Historic Iditarod Trail in Girdwood is 45 minutes from Anchorage. The easiest access to the lower Iditarod trail is from the Forest Fair Park grounds. The head of the trail is at the end of Karolius Street. There is parking here but only for a few cars so it’s easiest to park at the Forest Fair Park and start your walk or ride from there. Return back to Forest Fair Park via the Girdwood Bike Path that follows Alyeska Highway

History

The Iditarod National Historic Trail was developed in Alaska as a way for communities and miners to connect especially during the Gold Rush Era Days. Local native trails were used as the guideline and creation for the Iditarod Trail. This network of 2,300 winter trails connected Alaskan villages together to transport needed supplies and mail with dog teams and sleds. The original trail started in Seward and headed north through Girdwood, over Crow Creek Pass to Knik. From there it transitioned over the Alaska Range through Rainy Pass to McGrath and then to Ophir. The trail today is used as a recreation and sports corridor. 

Most people associate Iditarod with the famous dog race. The “Last Great Race” was started in 1973 by Joe Redington, Sr. The event was created to test the best sled dog mushers and teams but evolved into today's highly competitive race. The race starts the first weekend in March in Anchorage. The Iditarod Race ends in Nome after 998 miles of grueling conditions through snow, rain and blizzards. 

Winter use

This trail is used all year long for activities. In the winter, many people will nordic ski it, especially after a beautiful, fresh snowfall. You will also find lots of walkers with their dogs. Since the Municipality has rebuilt the trail, riders using fat bike tires are using the trails more frequently. Be careful in the spring when the bears start to emerge from hibernation.

Activities Related to the Lower Iditarod Trail

If you want a true Iditarod Dog experience, check out some of our vendors that can coordinate a dog experience for you.

If you’d like to rent a bike for the day or week, check out our shops that rent.