Blueberry Hill Trail Alyeska Upper Loop - Image 1
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Blueberry Hill Trail Alyeska Upper Loop

4.8
·18 reviews·Anchorage, United States

A scenic 3.5-mile loop trail featuring a dramatic gorge, a unique hand tram, and abundant wild blueberries in season.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, ripe berries

CrowdLow
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Blueberry Hill Trail Alyeska Upper Loop - Image 1

Blueberry Hill Trail Alyeska Upper Loop

Best Time

Summer mornings

Fewer crowds, ripe berries

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A scenic 3.5-mile loop trail featuring a dramatic gorge, a unique hand tram, and abundant wild blueberries in season.

4.8
(18 reviews)

"Enjoy a delightful forest walk with a chance to pick blueberries and see a dramatic gorge!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Tram Status

The hand tram is frequently down for maintenance. Confirm its status before your hike if it's a must-see!

Berry Picking Season

Visit in late summer for a chance to pick fresh blueberries right off the trail!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Winner Creek Gorge

Winner Creek Gorge

Mid-trail

Experience the dramatic gorge and the (often non-operational) hand tram for a unique perspective.

Abundant Blueberries

Abundant Blueberries

Along the trail

During season, the trail is lined with delicious wild blueberries – a sweet reward for your hike.

Scenic Forest Walk

Scenic Forest Walk

Entire trail

Enjoy a delightful walk through the woods, with a mix of gentle inclines and boardwalks.

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Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Access

The Blueberry Hill Trail Upper Loop offers a moderate hike with beautiful scenery. Be aware that the hand tram across the gorge is often out of service, but alternative routes are usually available. Check recent trail reports for the most up-to-date conditions before you go.

Best Footwear & Gear

This trail features a mix of gravel, boardwalk, and some rooty sections. Sturdy hiking shoes or boots are recommended for comfort and stability. While generally well-maintained, carrying water and snacks is always a good idea for longer hikes.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ripe berries
Crowd
Low
When
Late summer afternoons
Why
Golden light, fewer people
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Added another waterfall to our list today! The Winner Creek Trail is an easy 3-mile hike on a wide, well-developed trail that begins just behind the Alyeska Tram building! This was such a beautiful hike! I will post more about it soon and the actual trailhead! #alaska #alaskalife #wanderlust #wander #explorer #waterfalls #explore #hike #Summer #waterfall #girdwood
@wanderlustinalaska
4.4K likes • 44.8K views

Check Tram Status

The hand tram is frequently down for maintenance. Confirm its status before your hike if it's a must-see! Reddit

Berry Picking Season

Visit in late summer for a chance to pick fresh blueberries right off the trail! TikTok

reddit.com

Best solo-friendly hike near Anchorage with calming views?

reddit.com

Winnner creek - bridge or no bridge

Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail has gravel, boardwalks, and some roots. Good footwear is key for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:

Easy to Moderate Hike

This 3.5-mile trail is generally well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. :hiking_boot:

reddit.com

Looking for easy hikes

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Tram Status

The hand tram is frequently down for maintenance. Confirm its status before your hike if it's a must-see! Reddit

Berry Picking Season

Visit in late summer for a chance to pick fresh blueberries right off the trail! TikTok

Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail has gravel, boardwalks, and some roots. Good footwear is key for a comfortable hike. :athletic_shoe:

Easy to Moderate Hike

This 3.5-mile trail is generally well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. :hiking_boot:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(18 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Blueberry Hill Trail for its beautiful forest scenery, the unique Winner Creek Gorge, and the abundance of wild blueberries in season. The trail is generally considered easy to moderate and well-maintained, making it accessible for many. However, the frequent unavailability of the hand tram is a recurring point of disappointment for some.

"Excellent trail of 3.5 miles for moderate to easy hike. Hand operated tram and river gorge were the highlight."

Ed Blocker

"Beautiful trail, fairly moderate difficulty. Looks like the hand tram is expected to be working by summer 2027."

Rebekah McCormick

"Easy walking path. Generally either gravel or boardwalk. Easy grade. A few roots a one point but not for long. I only walked to the T intersection, 1.5 miles. Lots of ppl walking."

Shannon Keller

What People Like

Beautiful forest walk
Winner Creek Gorge
Wild blueberries in season

What People Dislike

Hand tram often closed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The trailhead for the Blueberry Hill Trail, which includes the Upper Loop, is located behind the Alyeska Tram building. Parking is available nearby. TikTok

Yes, parking is generally available near the Alyeska Tram building, which serves as the starting point for the trail. TikTok

Absolutely! The trail begins just behind the Alyeska Tram building, making it easily accessible from the resort area. TikTok

The Winner Creek Trail is part of the Blueberry Hill Trail system and starts behind the Alyeska Tram building. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Blueberry Hill Trail is a public hiking trail and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. Reddit

There are no admission fees for hiking the Blueberry Hill Trail. It's a free public access area. Reddit

The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours year-round, though winter conditions may affect accessibility. TikTok

The hand tram is frequently out of service for maintenance. While some expect it to be working by summer 2027, it's best to check recent reports or be prepared for it to be closed. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The Upper Loop is considered a moderate hike, approximately 3.5 miles long, with a mix of gravel, boardwalk, and some rooty sections. Reddit

Key highlights include the scenic Winner Creek Gorge, the hand tram (when operational), and the abundance of wild blueberries in season. TikTokReddit

Yes, the trail is generally family-friendly due to its moderate difficulty and well-maintained paths, though younger children might need assistance on rootier sections. Reddit

The trail can be quite popular, especially during peak summer months and on weekends. You'll likely encounter other hikers. Reddit

Expect a varied terrain including gravel paths, wooden boardwalks, and some sections with exposed roots. The grade is generally easy to moderate. Reddit

🍽️ 🫐 Food & Dining

Dining options are available at the nearby Alyeska Resort, which is just a short walk from the trailhead. TikTok

While there are no designated picnic areas on the trail itself, you can enjoy a picnic at the base area near the Alyeska Tram before or after your hike. TikTok

Restroom facilities are typically available at the Alyeska Tram base area, which is where the trail begins. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the dramatic Winner Creek Gorge, the unique hand tram structure, and the lush forest scenery. Don't forget to photograph the blueberries when they're in season! TikTok

Yes, the gorge and surrounding mountainous terrain offer excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. TikTok

Morning light offers softer shadows and fewer crowds, while late afternoon provides warm, golden light. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Blueberry Hill Trail Upper Loop is a great option for families looking for a moderate outdoor adventure. The 3.5-mile trail is generally well-maintained with a mix of gravel and boardwalks, making it manageable for most children. Reddit While there are some rooty sections, they are usually short-lived. The chance to see the Winner Creek Gorge and, if you're lucky, the hand tram, adds an element of excitement. Reddit In late summer, the abundant wild blueberries offer a fun and tasty activity for kids to discover. TikTok Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, and check the tram's status beforehand if it's a key attraction for your family.

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Blueberry Hill Trail is an excellent choice as it's a free public access area with no entrance fees. Reddit You can enjoy a significant natural experience without spending a dime on admission. The main costs would be transportation to the trailhead and any personal gear you might need. TikTok Packing your own snacks and water is also a cost-effective way to enjoy the hike. It offers a substantial outdoor activity that rivals more expensive attractions in the area. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Winner Creek Hand Tram

The Winner Creek Trail is famous for its hand-operated tram that crosses a deep gorge. This unique feature allows hikers to traverse the gorge without descending into it. However, as many visitors have noted, the tram is frequently out of service for maintenance. Reddit While some reviews mention it being operational, others report it being down. There's even a mention of it being expected to be working by summer 2027. Reddit If the tram is a primary reason for your visit, it's wise to check recent trail reports or be prepared for it to be unavailable. Even without the tram, the gorge itself is a dramatic sight. TikTok

Despite the tram's status, the gorge offers a spectacular view and a sense of adventure. The trail leading to it is well-maintained, making the journey accessible. The surrounding forest is lush and provides a beautiful backdrop for the gorge. TikTok The experience of reaching this natural wonder, even with the tram out of commission, is a significant part of the hike's appeal for many visitors. Reddit

Seasonal Delights: Blueberries and Scenery

One of the most delightful aspects of the Blueberry Hill Trail, especially during the late summer months, is the abundance of wild blueberries that line the path. TikTok Hikers often report finding plenty of these delicious berries, making the walk a rewarding culinary experience as well as a scenic one. Remember to forage responsibly and enjoy the natural bounty. TikTok

Beyond the berries, the trail offers a consistently beautiful forest experience. The path winds through mature trees, with sections of boardwalk making for easy walking. Reddit The interplay of light filtering through the canopy and the varied terrain creates a visually appealing environment throughout the hike. Whether you're seeking a peaceful nature walk or a chance to connect with Alaska's wild edibles, this trail delivers. TikTok

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