Winter Wonderland

Moose Meadows is a local favorite winter-time trail system. As a multi-use trail, you’ll see people walking dogs, skiing, and bicycling. This easy, flat, 2-mile trail is perfect for families wanting to get out and enjoy the beautiful Girdwood valley. While this trail is awesome in the winter, it can be wet in the summer and is not recommended. But if you do plan on walking it during the summer, wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet from the soft bogland.  

How to Get There

Moose Meadows is only a short 40-minute drive from Anchorage and is right next to Alyeska Mountain. The parking lot is on Arlberg Drive right next to the soccer fields next to Aspen Mountain Road.  You can also access the trail from the parking lot at the end of Arlberg Road. Both parking lots are small and can get a little busy in the winter. 

Trail System

There are multiple trails within the system and some of them are solely dedicated to nordic skiing. So, be aware of what type of activity is allowed on the trail you are cruising on. Moose Meadow is part of a larger system of Nordic Ski Trails in the Girdwood valley. Closer to the resort, at the end of Arlberg Road, Moose Meadows connects with the 5K Nordic Loop. The Girdwood Nordic Ski Club maintains these wonderful trails and regularly grooms many of them.  The weather plays a strong factor in the grooming operation. To learn more about the extensive Nordic Skiing in Girdwood refer to the Nordic Ski Trails in Girdwood article

Considerations

Trails are maintained by volunteers so please respect the area.  Pack out trash and pick up after your dog.  Don’t walk on the “for only” Nordic Ski Trails. Please wait a few hours before using newly groomed trails to allow the path to harden.

Summer Conditions

Moose Meadows is basically a bog area so in the summer it’s wet. Most people don’t use it for recreational use nor is it recommended. However, you will see an occasional photoshoot in the meadows because of the surrounding beauty.