Crow Pass Trail
An epic Alaskan trail offering stunning glaciers, rugged mountains, and challenging river crossings for adventurous hikers and backpackers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for lower river levels
Crow Pass Trail
Best Time
Best chance for lower river levels
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An epic Alaskan trail offering stunning glaciers, rugged mountains, and challenging river crossings for adventurous hikers and backpackers.
"The trail is incredibly gorgeous and a beautiful experience in the Chugach Mountains."
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Alaska's weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Essential
Waterproof boots are highly recommended due to potential wet conditions and river crossings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Raven Glacier
End of the Girdwood to Eagle River section
Witness the stunning beauty of Raven Glacier, a rewarding sight after a challenging ascent.
Crow Pass Cabin
Midway point from Girdwood
A cozy public use cabin offering a warm respite, perfect for overnight stays or a break.
Eagle River Crossing
Between Crow Pass Cabin and Eagle River Nature Center
A significant river crossing that can be challenging but offers a sense of accomplishment.
Mountain Goat Sightings
Various points along the trail
Keep an eye out for majestic mountain goats often spotted along the rugged terrain.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Be Prepared for River Crossings
This Trail is Not for Beginners
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Alaska's weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Essential
Waterproof boots are highly recommended due to potential wet conditions and river crossings.
🐻 Bear Safety Awareness
Be aware of your surroundings and carry bear spray. Black bears are common.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Ensure you have downloaded maps for navigation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack for All Weather
Alaska's weather is unpredictable. Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection.
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Boots Essential
Waterproof boots are highly recommended due to potential wet conditions and river crossings.
🐻 Bear Safety Awareness
Be aware of your surroundings and carry bear spray. Black bears are common.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Ensure you have downloaded maps for navigation.
💧 Trekking Poles for Rivers
Trekking poles can be very helpful for stability during river crossings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery of Crow Pass Trail, with its glaciers, mountains, and rivers offering a true Alaskan wilderness experience. While the challenging terrain and river crossings can be demanding, many find the effort rewarding, especially those who reach Raven Glacier or complete the full traverse. Some find the river crossings to be a significant obstacle, requiring careful planning and assessment.
"Made it halfway from Girdwood to Eagle River (about 11 miles) and attempted to cross Eagle River on a rainy day but had to turn back. For many people, this trail ends at Crow Pass Cabin or Raven Glacier, which is perfect for a day hike
Crossing Eagle River has been done, but only if the water level is low enough (usually thigh or lower). It can get dangerous quick if attempting to cross when the water level is higher and faster. Aside from the Eagle River roadblock, the trail is incredibly gorgeous and a beautiful experience in the Chugach Mountains"
Tyler Norris
"We didn’t make it to the “top” but the views over the 1/3 mile or so we hiked were spectacular. Here are a couple photos showing the change as you move up in elevation. The drive to the hiking base alone is worth the trip."
Allen Miskowiec
"We had a fairly easy trek up to the cabin from Girdwood for a warm, dry night while it snowed outside. Our early fresh start the following morning saw us through some sketchy but majestic spots down to Eagle River for our crossing where the water was ankle deep. After changing socks and shoes and repositioning gear for the final leg, we set off toward Eagle River nature center to finish our hike."
Heath Andres
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Crow Pass Trail has trailheads accessible from both Girdwood and Eagle River. The Girdwood trailhead is often considered the starting point for the full traverse. Access involves driving on gravel roads, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended.
Public transport options directly to the trailheads are limited. Most visitors drive their own vehicles or arrange for private transportation.
The drive to the Girdwood trailhead can be scenic but involves some rougher sections. Be prepared for a bumpy ride.
Yes, you can start from the Eagle River Nature Center side. This section is often considered more accessible for day hikes.
Yes, parking is available at both the Girdwood and Eagle River trailheads, though it can fill up during peak season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no permit is required for day hiking. However, for overnight stays or camping, you may need to check with the Chugach National Forest for specific regulations.
There are typically no entrance fees for hiking the Crow Pass Trail itself. Parking at trailheads is usually free.
The trail is open year-round, but accessibility and safety vary greatly with seasons. Summer offers the best conditions for the full traverse.
Yes, the Crow Pass Cabin is available for rent through Recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to book well in advance due to its popularity.
For overnight trips, dispersed camping is an option in designated areas, but always check current regulations with the Forest Service.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The full Crow Pass Trail is approximately 24 miles one-way, typically traversed from Girdwood to Eagle River or vice versa. Day hike options are also popular.
The trail involves significant elevation changes. The ascent to Raven Glacier from Girdwood is around 2000+ feet.
Expect varied terrain including rocky paths, muddy sections, alpine meadows, and riverbeds.
Yes, parts of the Crow Pass Trail are popular for mountain biking, especially the sections that were part of the old Iditarod Trail.
Restroom facilities are generally limited to the trailhead areas and potentially near the Crow Pass Cabin. Plan accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
The trail offers stunning views of glaciers, mountains, rivers, and alpine lakes. Raven Glacier and the surrounding Chugach Mountains are prime subjects.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, with golden hour illuminating the glaciers beautifully.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife like mountain goats. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
The area around Raven Glacier and the viewpoints overlooking the valleys offer spectacular photographic potential.
Drone usage is subject to regulations in national forests. Always check current FAA and Chugach National Forest guidelines before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, older children or teenagers who are experienced hikers might enjoy shorter, well-chosen day hikes. The drive to the trailhead from Girdwood offers scenic views that can be enjoyed by all. If attempting a shorter hike, consider the initial miles from the Girdwood trailhead towards the Crow Pass Cabin. This section offers beautiful scenery without the most extreme challenges. Always assess your children's hiking abilities and be prepared to turn back if conditions become too difficult or unsafe.
💰 Budget Travelers
The main costs would be transportation to the trailhead and any food or gear you need to purchase. For overnight trips, consider dispersed camping instead of booking the public use cabin, which incurs a rental fee.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The interplay of light on Raven Glacier, especially during sunrise and sunset, is particularly breathtaking. Don't miss the chance to capture wildlife, such as the mountain goats frequently spotted along the higher elevations.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for sweeping vistas, while a telephoto lens can bring distant peaks and wildlife closer. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely be taking many photos. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Eagle River Crossing
For those attempting the full traverse, crossing Eagle River is a necessary step. Hikers often change into water shoes or sandals for the crossing and then change back into dry socks and boots afterward to prevent blisters and discomfort.
If the river is too high, consider it a sign to turn back and enjoy the stunning scenery you've already experienced. The views from the Girdwood side, up to Raven Glacier, are spectacular on their own and make for a rewarding day hike.
Backpacking Crow Pass: A Multi-Day Adventure
Many choose to backpack from Girdwood to Eagle River, utilizing the public use cabin at Crow Pass for an overnight stay. This cabin is a popular amenity and requires advance booking through Recreation.gov. When planning an overnight trip, be prepared for variable weather conditions. Even in summer, snow can fall at higher elevations.
Carry essential backpacking gear, including shelter, sleeping bag, food, water purification, and navigation tools. Bear safety is paramount; always carry bear spray and know how to use it. For those looking for a more challenging multi-day experience, the trail continues beyond Eagle River, connecting to other trail systems. However, the most commonly discussed backpacking route is the Girdwood to Eagle River traverse.
Remember to leave no trace and pack out everything you pack in to preserve the pristine beauty of the Chugach Mountains. Day Hiking Crow Pass: Accessible Beauty
Another accessible day hike is from the Eagle River Nature Center. This side of the trail offers beautiful scenery and is often less challenging than the Girdwood approach.
Many day hikers aim for the Crow Pass Cabin or the area around Raven Glacier, turning back after reaching their chosen turnaround point. Regardless of which section you choose for a day hike, proper preparation is key. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, carry plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for changing weather.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit