If you’re anywhere in the Anchorage municipality, a day trip to Girdwood should be on your to-do list this autumn. From hikes, to dog sledding, to waterfalls galore, this tiny town is filled with great things to do during a day of exploring. And when you’re finished, hit one of the many award-winning restaurants!

There’s a small, unique town just 40 minutes outside of Anchorage.
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Girdwood is home to Alyeska Resort, seven gorgeous glaciers, and plenty of hiking trails and a gorgeous valley to explore.
Hiking in Girdwood is pretty much fantastic all year long.
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Girdwood is actually located inside the northernmost temperate rainforest, so autumn is a great time to get out and explore the trails in the area. It tends to be a little bit drier, a little less buggy, and a whole lot of beautiful.
Because of its rainforest status, there are stunning waterfalls all over the town.
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The most popular ones are Virgin Creek Falls and Winner Creek Falls. Both are easily accessed by well-maintained trails, and a breeze to find.

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If the snow hasn’t fallen yet, you can explore Mount Alyeska on foot. And sometime in early winter, Alyeska Resort will open up for skiing.
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You’ll have the chance to ski or snowboard 1,610 skiable acres. There are 76 named trails and over 669″ of snow that falls annually.
And if you’re looking for something especially memorable? Try a dog sledding tour on a nearby glacier.
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There are a number of dog sledding options in Girdwood, some even available in the summer time. And Alpine Air Alaska will take you to dog sled on a glacier!
And of course, don’t forget to stop by one of the many award-winning restaurants in town like Jack Sprat.
Jack Sprat / Google Maps
There’s also great pizza at Chair 5, fine dining at Seven Glaciers at the top of Mount Alyeska, and more. You’ll find whatever you’re looking for in this tiny little town in Alaska.
If you have the pleasure of being in Girdwood late enough to watch the sun set, you may be treated to the aurora borealis.
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It makes for a spectacular show when it dances over the mountain tops. In fact, this town is so much fun, you may find yourself extending the day trip to a multi-day trip to truly take it all in.

Have you ever taken a day trip to Girdwood? What was your favorite thing to do? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want a great list of places to eat, read all about how to Eat Your Way Through This One Tiny Town In Alaska.B

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Girdwood, Anchorage, AK, USA