Lower Winner Creek Trailhead — Attraction in Alaska

7-15-24

Stayed at the Alyeska Hotel as the trail is accessible from the hotel rear. AllTrails shows this as an out and back trail, and that is accurate. Strava put the trail at 4.2 miles one way, starting at the back of the hotel and ending at a lot on Crow Creek Road.

As mentioned, we started from the hotel and moved north all the way to Crow Creek Road. We then returned the same route but veered off a tad on Nordic Ski Loop (which intersects Winner Trail at a few spots) just to change up things. Our total mileage was 8.5 miles with a cumulative elevation gain of 901 feet.

In general, expect a wide, well-formed trail consisting of gravel and dirt with occasional roots. All canopy is very high with the appropriate trees and plants for Chugach National Forest. The trail has quite a bit of wooden boardwalks/bridges and a few creek crossings. The trail is also uneven with a deceiving amount of elevation gain at spots. Would consider this easy to moderate.

Expect all kinds of traffic with dog walkers, bikers, and hikers, you name it. Traffic heavier closer to Alyeska Hotel. Expect mosquitoes even in 45-degree weather as well. They are here!

Decent trail for scenery...

Not a lot of bugs! You haven’t been to Costa Rica or other places! Lol. Yes they have mosquitos. Amazon “LA Fresh” wipes. Smell good and do well with insects. Anyways, this trail is nice for everyone of all ages. Off-road Strollers can make it- I’m pretty sure. Pretty gradual with resting places along the way. Nothing crazy or step. True to distance. Nice bridge for...

Pretty trail, but NOT stroller friendly. We followed an earlier review that said that it was, but unless you consider tons of large tree roots, gravel terrain, and a section of narrow boardwalk stroller friendly, I wouldn’t recommend bringing one. Stroller possible, not friendly ☺️ other than that, the trail was pretty with lots of dense vegetation....