Hike Chutes & Ladders, Girdwood

What: A great obstacle course type hike taking you across a beautiful ravine and waterfall located in Girdwood.

When to go: Ideally accessed in the summer months between May and October.

How to get there: Unfortunately this is one of those local secrets and it’s not well documented; do your research and you find it! I will share a hint to get you started – head towards the crow creek mine and look out for a bench on the right side of the road. Be respectful of not parking on crow creek mine property if not visiting the mine!

Tips:

  • This is not a well marked or established trail. The initial section of the trail is flat in a wooded forest, but you will eventually come to a descent where you will need to climb down trees / rocks to descend into the ravine. From here you may need to hop around obstacles to keep going. Eventually you will get to a waterfall, and will need to climb a steep section just to the left of it. Keep climbing beyond the waterfall and you will eventually get back to the trail to make a loop. There are no guardrails or markers, so be extremely careful and hike at your own risk.
  • This is a potentially bear heavy area, so make sure you take appropriate gear when hiking.