Sights

The six-mile paved Bird to Gird Bike Trail starts from the Hotel Alyeska and continues north all the way to Bird Creek, following Turnagain Arm [1] much of the way.

Adjacent to the Bake Shop, Girdwood Center for Visual Arts (907/783-3209, daily in summer) is a co-op gallery with pottery, paintings, photography, glasswork, jewelry, and other locally crafted pieces.

The Forest Service’s Glacier Ranger District office (907/783-3242) is on the left as you drive into town from the Seward Highway and is open weekdays. It can provide details and maps for hikers, anglers, sea kayakers, and other recreation enthusiasts heading into Chugach National Forest [2].

Stop off at the Alaska Candle Factory (907/783-2354) on the access road a half-mile from Seward Highway. Their candles are not only unique and inexpensive souvenirs or gift items; they also burn until the cows come home.