This loop from Girdwood makes a fun and unique ride at any time of year, through lush forest and along a waterfall gorge. It follows the Winner Creek trails which are very popular for hiking, but open to bikes as well. It’s suitable for mountain bikes in summer and fall, and best for fat bikes in the winter and spring.

To ride the loop, start from anywhere in Girdwood and ride to Crow Creek Road. This is a gravel road with a gradual incline, providing a nice warm up. Turn when you see the sign for Winner Creek Trail, where there’s a trailhead with kiosk and toilet. From there it’s a fast and fun downhill on mostly smooth track, but with some rooty sections. This takes you to the hand tram over Glacier Creek, where you’ll load your bike and pull yourself across.

Then you’ll begin the uphill along Winner Creek, which remains a wide and mostly smooth path. A short side trail leads a bridge where you can peer into the frothy gorge. The main trail then continues on toward Hotel Alyeska, crossing some boardwalks and one section of stairs along the way. Once at the hotel, simply navigate through town to return to your starting point.

Sources: https://www.alaska.org/detail/winner-creek-trail https://girdwood.com/listing/lower-winner-creek-trail/https://girdwood.com/listing/lower-winner-creek-trail/