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Lower Winner Creek Loop
Mountain Biking Trail
Details
8.63 mi
1,055 ft
A fun loop from town that finds views of narrow gorges on two different creeks.
Alert: This route is not currently possible to complete as mapped, due to closure of the hand tram. According to [Anchorage Daily News]( the tram may reopen in the future or be replaced by a bridge. Until that time, however, the creek gorge remains impassable.
This loop from Girdwood makes a fun and unique ride at any time of year, through lush forest and along a waterfall gorge. It follows the Winner Creek trails which are very popular for hiking, but open to bikes as well. It’s suitable for mountain bikes in summer and fall, and best for fat bikes in the winter and spring.
To ride the loop, start from anywhere in Girdwood and ride to Crow Creek Road. This is a gravel road with a gradual incline, providing a nice warm up. Turn when you see the sign for Winner Creek Trail, where there’s a trailhead with kiosk and toilet. From there it’s a fast and fun downhill on mostly smooth track, but with some rooty sections. This takes you to the hand tram over Glacier Creek, where you’ll load your bike and pull yourself across.
Then you’ll begin the uphill along Winner Creek, which remains a wide and mostly smooth path. A short side trail leads a bridge where you can peer into the frothy gorge. The main trail then continues on toward Hotel Alyeska, crossing some boardwalks and one section of stairs along the way. Once at the hotel, simply navigate through town to return to your starting point.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Alert: This route is not currently possible to complete as mapped, due to closure of the hand tram. According to [Anchorage Daily News]( the tram may reopen in the future or be replaced by a bridge. Until that time, however, the creek gorge remains impassable.
This loop from Girdwood makes a fun and unique ride at any time of year, through lush forest and along a waterfall gorge. It follows the Winner Creek trails which are very popular for hiking, but open to bikes as well. It’s suitable for mountain bikes in summer and fall, and best for fat bikes in the winter and spring.
To ride the loop, start from anywhere in Girdwood and ride to Crow Creek Road. This is a gravel road with a gradual incline, providing a nice warm up. Turn when you see the sign for Winner Creek Trail, where there’s a trailhead with kiosk and toilet. From there it’s a fast and fun downhill on mostly smooth track, but with some rooty sections. This takes you to the hand tram over Glacier Creek, where you’ll load your bike and pull yourself across.
Then you’ll begin the uphill along Winner Creek, which remains a wide and mostly smooth path. A short side trail leads a bridge where you can peer into the frothy gorge. The main trail then continues on toward Hotel Alyeska, crossing some boardwalks and one section of stairs along the way. Once at the hotel, simply navigate through town to return to your starting point.
Sources:
Written by Jesse Weber
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crow Creek to Hand Tram | 0.55 mi | -249 ft | -8.6% |
| Alyeska - Hand Tram to Winner Exit | 2.18 mi | -289 ft | -0.8% |
| Hand Tram to Winner Tail Fork | 0.66 mi | 154 ft | 4.2% |
| CPG Bridge to Winner Creek TH | 2.06 mi | -318 ft | -1.3% |
| Winner Creek Descent (Winter) | 1.53 mi | -358 ft | -4.4% |