Bird to Gird Trail

You can find convenient parking at the Bird Point Access point. This is a popular starting location for many joggers.

The entire trail is paved, making it excellent for jogging. It's generally 8 to 10 feet wide, expanding to 12 feet on its steepest hills. While the first four miles from Indian are relatively flat, the path becomes more challenging after Bird Point with significant uphill sections, including a climb of nearly 270 feet, before leveling out near Girdwood.

The trail offers varying difficulty. The initial miles from Indian are relatively flat and suitable for beginners. However, the full 13-mile one-way route includes extended uphill sections, particularly past Bird Point, which can be moderate to challenging. Beginners might consider shorter segments or an out-and-back from the flatter sections.

The trail is known for its abundant wildlife. You might spot beluga whales in the Turnagain Arm, and on land, look out for Dall sheep, mountain goats, bald eagles, moose, and even bears. Interpretive signs along the way provide more information about the local flora and fauna.

The summer months are ideal for jogging, offering pleasant weather and full access to the paved path. In winter, the trail transforms into a popular route for cross-country skiing, so conditions for jogging would be very different and potentially challenging due to snow and ice.

Yes, the Bird to Gird Trail is dog-friendly. Many people enjoy walking their dogs here. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.

The Bird to Gird Trail is located within Chugach State Park. While there isn't a specific permit required for jogging the trail itself, standard state park day-use fees or an annual park pass may apply for parking at certain access points. It's always a good idea to check the Alaska State Parks website for the most current fee information.

The trail offers breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm, surrounding mountains, and glaciers. You'll pass through areas of birch and spruce trees, and even an ethereal forest of dead, skeletal trees from the 1964 earthquake. There are also interpretive signs providing insights into the area's geology and wildlife. The Bird to Gird Trail (western end) is a key highlight.

Yes, for your convenience, there are restrooms and covered rest areas with picnic tables spaced along the trail. These are great spots to take a break, enjoy the scenery, or have a snack.

Yes, the Bird to Gird Trail serves as a crucial connection between the communities of Indian, Bird, and Girdwood. It also utilizes sections of the official 'Bird to Gird' and '97 (Alaska)' trails, and various segments of the 'Bird to Gird Pathway'.

The Bird to Gird Trail is primarily an out-and-back route, stretching approximately 13 miles (20.9 km) one-way. This means a full round trip would be about 26 miles (41.8 km). There are no loop options for the entire trail, but you can choose to do shorter out-and-back segments.