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Pass route / through-hike · Chugach State Park
Crow Pass Trail
The Iditarod-trail crossing from Girdwood to Eagle River, with glaciers, mine ruins, and a real river ford.
- Season
- Summer. USFS lists mid-June to October and warns that snow can last into late June. ERNC advises against winter travel because of avalanche danger on the Girdwood side.
- Distance
- Sources differ. The State Parks brochure gives 23.1 mi one way, measured by GPS, while its trail guide says 21 mi and the USFS page says 23 mi.
- Elevation
- Crow Pass is at 3,550 ft. Gain is 2,100 ft from Crow Creek Trailhead or 3,100 ft from Eagle River Nature Center (State Parks).
- Cabin
- Crow Pass Cabin (USFS), about 500 yards off the trail
- Booking
- Recreation.gov. $75/night. Open June 1 to Oct 31 only.
- Avalanche center
- CNFAC. USFS sends hikers to cnfaic.org for avalanche conditions.
Overview
Crow Pass follows part of the historic Iditarod supply route. The first roughly 4 miles from Girdwood are in Chugach National Forest, and the rest of the trail is in Chugach State Park.
Most people take 2–3 days. ERNC says a one-day crossing is possible, but the average hiker should plan on at least 12 hours. The crux is fording Eagle River, about halfway.
Huts and cabins
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Crow Pass Cabin
Near Crystal Lake, about 3 mi up from the Girdwood trailhead. USFS closes it Nov 1 to May 31 because of avalanche danger. USFS says the cabin has no heating stove.
Source: USFS Chugach NF: Crow Pass Cabin · USFS Chugach NF: Crow Pass Trail (INHT)
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Eagle River side campsites and ERNC rentals
State Parks lists backcountry campsites by distance from the Nature Center: Rapids Camp (1.7 mi), Echo Bend (3), Heritage Falls (5.5), Icicle Creek (6), and Twin Falls (9).
Source: Alaska State Parks: Crow Pass Trail guide (PDF) · Alaska State Parks: public use cabins and reservation rules
Rules, permits, and etiquette
- Respect the cabin renters' privacy at Crow Pass Cabin. Use the trail outhouse if you aren't renting the cabin (USFS).
- Store food in the bear boxes at Crystal Lake.
Access, trailheads, and fees
- Girdwood (Crow Creek Trailhead): From Seward Highway mile 90, take the Alyeska Highway about 2 mi, then Crow Creek Road to the end. USFS calls the road narrow and winding. ERNC says parking is free on this end.
- Eagle River Nature Center: Mile 12 of Eagle River Road. ERNC lists a $5/day parking fee.
- Shuttle: No public transit serves either trailhead (ERNC). Plan a car shuttle or a ride.
Hazards
- Eagle River ford. It's cold and glacial, about 150–200 ft wide, and ranges from knee to waist deep from day to day. Cross between the white posts. Water is usually lowest in the early morning. Unbuckle your hip and chest straps. If in doubt, turn back (State Parks, ERNC).
- Other crossings. The State Parks guide notes a Clear Creek ford with no bridge.
- Snowfields and avalanches. Snow can linger on the pass into late June. In winter and spring this terrain is avalanche country, which is why the cabin closes Nov 1.
- Bears. USFS lists black and brown bears, wolves, and moose.
- Water. Treat your water, because Giardia is present.
Avalanche: before any snow-season trip, check our avalanche conditions page and the full CNFAC.
Skills you need
- Swift, cold river fording
- Long-day or multi-day backpacking
- Bear-country camping
Gear
Bring trekking poles for the ford, a dry layer you can reach quickly, and a way to call for help, since State Parks suggests a satellite device.
Our lists: Backpacking kit
Map: huts, cabins, and trailheads
Cabin and hut points only. No route line is drawn. For the official trail map, use the State Parks Crow Pass guide. Basemap: USGS The National Map. Don't navigate with this map.