Hiking and Vegan Food in Girdwood, Alaska

It’s easy to see why Girdwood and the Alyeska Resort are destinations all on their own. In this video, we take a couple of beautiful hikes and found surprisingly good vegan options at a local restaurant.

Winner Creek Gorge Trail

The Winner Creek Gorge Trail is part of the historic Iditarod Trail.

winner creek gorge trailhead information sign.

The trailhead we chose winds through the woods and takes you to the Girdwood Hand Tram over Glacier Creek, but you can also access it from the Alyeska Resort. And there’s a more extended version that’s 8 miles.

winner creek gorge trail.

winner creek gorge trail.

You might have to wait in line to take the hand tram across the gorge, and then wait in line to take it back. But this is such a unique experience it’s worth the wait!

girdwood hand tram information sign.

girdwood hand tram.

girdwood hand tram.

Jack Sprat

Jack Sprat’s slogan is “Fat & Lean World Cuisine.” If you have a group with different dietary needs, this is your place.

jack sprat in girdwood alaska.

They have meat, but they also have loads of well-marked vegan and gluten-free options on the menu.

jack sprat in girdwood alaska.

jack sprat menu in girdwood alaska.

jack sprat menu in girdwood alaska.

And these weren’t afterthoughts; they were stars in their own right. We tried the house kombucha, nachos, yam fries, pad thai, green curry, and cheesecake – all vegan!

jack sprat kombucha.

jack sprat vegan nachos.

jack sprat yam fries.

jack sprat pad thai.

jack sprat green curry.

jack sprat vegan cheesecake.

If you are a foodie, you will love this place. Bring patience because it was busy.

Virgin Creek Falls Trail

We heard about Virgin Creek Falls Trail from our dry camping neighbors at Alyeska Resort Evelyn & Steve Bolton. They convinced us we would be full of regret if we missed it and we knew we couldn’t leave without going. So we headed over there the before we hit the road.

virgin creek falls trail sign in girdwood alaska.

virgin creek falls trail in girdwood alaska.

They were not wrong! There were so many falls that just went on and on!

virgin creek falls trail in girdwood alaska.

virgin creek falls trail in girdwood alaska.

virgin creek falls trail in girdwood alaska.

Bring waterproof shoes if you’ve got them. The trail can be pretty squishy in places.

virgin creek falls trail in girdwood alaska.

The water was crystal clear. There was probably almost no giardia in it. 🙂

virgin creek falls trail in girdwood alaska.

virgin creek falls trail in girdwood alaska.

Don’t do this hike without your favorite camera. There’s plenty of beauty to capture!

I’m so glad we went hiking in Girdwood. We would’ve kicked ourselves if we missed these.

Next post: viewing Alaska wildlife at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Check out all the videos in our Alaska 2018 adventure here.

Laura Nunemaker

About the Author

Laura Nunemaker

vegan. full-time traveler. rv dweller. food lover. cow petter.

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  • […] We’re not done in Girdwood yet! In our next post, we’ll show you some beautiful hikes nearby. […]

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