How to get to Crow Pass from Girdwood without a car
Crow Pass is one of the best hikes I have ever done, but the trailhead is a bit difficult to get to without a car. But WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY!
I stayed at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood overnight. I arrived around 2pm on the day of check-in and did a quick hike called North Face, which is just behind the hotel. I left early the next morning on the day of check-out for Crow Pass.
From Alyeska Resort, take the Lower Winner Creek Trail. The trailhead starts at the back of the resort and ends on Crow Creek Rd. This trail is an easy walk on a wooden plank path and is only 3 miles long. It can get muddy in some areas if it has been raining, but just make sure you have hiking boots.
Be aware that this trail involves crossing Glacier Creek using a hand tram, which is super fun and a great experience (as long as you are not terrified of heights)! Although it is scary at first, the hand tram is pretty stable and well developed so you get used to it, and the view is great. Luckily I had some moral support from a fellow hiker that I met along the way!
Once you are at Crow Creek Rd, you can either walk all the way up (past Crow Creek mine) to the end of the road, which is where the Crow Pass trailhead is OR hitchhike. The Crow Pass trailhead will be approximately 3 miles up the road (there is some elevation gain on the road).
When I did the hike, I walked up the road to Crow Pass trailhead. However, hitchhiking is actually a very reasonable option if you did not want to walk. The main reason people drive up that road is to do the hike themselves, therefore most people would happily pick up fellow hikers. The pro of this is that you have a potential hiking buddy/group, which is essential to stay safe in bear country, especially if you are travelling alone. That being said, I did this hike alone but did not come across any bears myself. Better not to risk it though!
The hike itself is 23 miles long in total, however it is only 4 miles to the peak (3500ft). I got up to that point and turned back towards Girdwood. I actually met a local on the way down who offered me a lift back to Alyeska Resort, so I had the luxury of a car ride back! My original plan was to hike back the exact same way I came, which I could easily have done with daylight to spare. Trust me, this whole trip is achievable!
IF you plan to do the entire trail from Crow Creek trailhead to Eagle River , just be prepared. There are a few river crossings and it is likely you will need to camp overnight (although people have done it in one day). You will also need to arrange some sort of transportation from Eagle River, unless you want to hike all the way back to Girdwood. I can only imagine how spectacular the views would be!
Along the way, you will see Crystal Lake, Crow Cabin and Raven Glacier.
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