Challenging Elevation and Stunning Views at North Face Hiking Trail
North Face Hiking Trail in Girdwood, AK offers a steep but rewarding adventure for those seeking a vigorous hiking area. With a 2000-foot elevation gain over two miles, this trail challenges hikers while providing solid footing and well-maintained paths including lumber reinforcements to keep the surface stable.
At the summit, visitors are treated to incredible views of the mountains and inlet, an experience enhanced by the option to take a free tram ride down. Amenities like a bar, deli, museum gift shop, and restrooms at the top make it an inviting place to relax after the hike.
Frequent patrols by mountain rescue staff ensure safety on this popular trail. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or looking for a unique challenge with beautiful scenery, North Face Hiking Trail offers a memorable Alaskan outdoor experience.
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Thomas Moreau
7 months agoGreat trail, kinda steep but not too bad. 2000' in two miles. Surface is solid with lumber to keep things in place. Huge bonus! They'll let you ride DOWN the tram (space available).
Madeline Miller
5 months ago2000 ft elevation gain is no joke but the view is worth it along with the salmon berries, bar and deli and museum gift shop and bathrooms and free tram ride down. A must do!
Robin Dern
2 years agoWas on the trail today to support Let Every Woman Know Alaska, an organization dedicated to helping women who diagnosed with gynecological cancers. The hike up is challenging, even for experienced hikers. I was able to make the over two mile and 2000 ft. of elevation gain trek in an hour and fifteen minutes…but it was tiring. If I wasn’t in a group and in a race, I would have definitely taken it slower. The view is incredible, even on a cloudy day the mountains and Inlet dramatically pop in and out of view. The trail was muddy but not too bad. For as much as it is trafficked it is in great shape. Bring water and be ready for switchbacks and wide stair type sections that can work the strongest of knees. The race is all up, with rides offered down for free on the tram. If you are visiting and wanting exercise and a view and the fun of the tram, this is a great option. You will pass under the ski lift and past the mid section building as you switch toward the top, don’t be fooled into thinking it is over at that first building, you still will have some hiking left after but you’ll be nearing the finish at that point. The trail ends at the museum and gift shop. There are two restaurants and the tram (and restrooms) just up the steps and further out a trail system of the upper mountain. Check hours for everything, but know there will be ways to relax and enjoy the top once you make it there. FYI, the staff of the mountain rescue team frequently patrols all of the trails to make sure folks are safe, be sure to thank them if you run into them!
Paul & Kathy Moore
4 years agoAn awesome trip and even for a novice like me it was so enjoyable with some many great views and moderate hiking paths.
Kyle Rutledge
4 years agoFairly difficult hike if you’ve been hiking all day already. Very beautiful, especially around the top. The last meadow is very scenic