Crow Pass Trail
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Considered to be one of the best trails to hike in the Chugach mountain range, this epic 23 mile hike takes you from Girdwood to the Eagle River Nature Center. Following part of the Historic Iditarod Trail, this trail offers diverse scenic sights including glaciers, alpine lakes, waterfalls. wildlife, and so much more! Most people take two to three days to finish the trail, however, one day traverses are possible (plan for it to take you at least 12 hours for the average hiker).
NEW! Order a Crow Pass T-shirt from the Nature Center! |
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Trail Overview |
- Access: Trailheads at Girdwood (Crow Creek) and Eagle River (Eagle River Nature Center). *Please note: There is NO public transportation to either end of the trailhead. You can arrange for a taxi drop-off/pick-up, leave a parked car, or have a friend help out. Parking is free on the Girdwood side of the trail. There is a $5/day parking fee at the Eagle River Nature Center.
- Travel means: Foot traffic only.
- When to hike: June - September (Winter travel not recommended due to high avalanche danger on the Girdwood side of the trail).
- Difficulty: Moderate to somewhat Difficult.
- Distance: 23.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2,100 feet from Crow Creek trailhead; 3,100 feet from Eagle River Nature Center.
- Suggested Map: National Geographic 764 Chugach State Park, Anchorage Trail Map.
- Trail info contacts:
- Eagle River Nature Center: 907-694-2108
- Chugach State Park: 907-345-5014
- Chugach National Forest Girdwood Ranger Station: 907-783-3242.
Trail Challenges:
Distance. uphill travel, weather changes (rain, snow, sleet, fog, sun), snowy slopes, rock scree, eroded trails sections, river crossings, dense vegetation, ladder/ropes, wildlife, and occasional sections of trail closed due to wildlife activity (e.g. bear kill of a moose on or near the trail).
Fording Eagle River:
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About half-way through the hike, you will need to ford/cross Eagle River. The crossing is generally 150-200 feet across and the water height varies from knee-high to waist-high on a daily basis. There are established white stakes at either side of the river crossing. These stakes are there to guide you where to cross the river. Start at one white stake and aim for the white stake on the other side of the river. Be prepared, the water is COLD and depending on the water height, the current can be swift.
Please watch the below video from Chugach State Park for some great info on fording Eagle River: Fording Eagle River Video |
Above photo: Hikers in front of Raven Glacier.
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