Location: Alyeska Resort
Distance: 2 miles uphill one way
Difficulty: Somewhat difficult
Two miles uphill from Alyeska Resort to the top of the tram. Nice view of Cook Inlet, and you can take the tram down for free...so yes, you are kinda getting paid to hike (save 20-something dollars)! Two thumbs up!
The photo below is from August 2014.
Location: From Girdwood to Eagle River Nature Center
Distance: About 25 miles one way
Difficulty: Somewhat difficult due to length and river crossing
This is a phenomenal hike if you are up for the challenge. Be prepared to pace, problem solve and hopefully not panic!
Great backpacking hike to complete over 2+ days. Some people also enjoy running the hike, but that is a little too intense for me. The only time I ran was when we were nearing the end and I wanted to eat real food!
Double thumbs up for this hike! It is a must do and rite of passage to many.
For more info on this hike, please visit the original blog at http://torturebyrunning.blogspot.com/2015/09/other-long-distance-adventures.html
The picture below is from August 2015.
Jewell Glacier
Location: Crow Pass Trailhead
Distance: 4 miles one way
Difficulty: Moderate
We completed this trail a few years after hiking Crow Pass because we wanted to explore more of the area and possibly stay at the Crow Pass cabin next summer. However, I'm not sure I will veer off Crow Pass trail towards Jewell Glacier again for a few reasons.
The first three miles of this trail are on Crow Pass (constant incline but manageable). Before the cabin, you veer right to go towards Jewell and eventually Milk glacier. We had only planned on eight miles RT, so the added distance to get to Milk Glacier was not part of the plan for us.
The mile from Crow Pass trail to what's left of Jewell Glacier was not easy footing--lots of large sharp rocks we were not expecting and weren't prepared for. We could see the glacier for the last half mile or so and kept thinking we were bouldering for a great view, but Jewell Glacier was not what we had hoped for--small and somewhat depressing (especially considering that it was probably notably larger just a few years ago).
We hadn't planned on hiking up Jewell Mountain because it requires two extra miles, more scrambling and going over Jewell Glacier. And frankly, the hike to Jewell Glacier was not well marked and easy to lose. We simply weren't prepared to continue on that kind of terrain and therefore turned around.
I have, however, heard that Milk Glacier is worth the trek; just be prepared to go all or nothing. Hiking up Jewell Mountain would be another good option, and if you take the south ridge route, you should be able to see Milk Glacier on the way up (no view of Jewell though). Maybe that is what I'll try next time. For now, one thumb up.
My husband took a few pictures on his phone but I didn't take any. View this website for more info: https://www.summitpost.org/jewel-mountain/913481
Virgin Falls
Location: Girdwood
Distance: Five minute walk to falls; one mile to top
Difficulty: Easy to falls; Someone difficult to top
Easy walk to falls--you are there before you know it. Lots to explore, but the waterfall (main attraction) takes only a few minutes to get to and is worth a pic. Two thumbs up! Bring the kids and a hammock :)
We continued past the waterfall for a bit but decided to turn around to set up the hammock near the falls. The pic below is from April 2016.
Location: Alyeska Resort
Distance: 4 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
I've only ever gone from the resort to the tram. The trail is flat and easy. Great for families, but I generally seek a little more thrill when I hike (peaks, scrambling, etc.). One thumb up.
This pic is from October 2010.
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