Overview

Upper Winner Creek Trail is a 9 miles hike to Twentymile River that opens into spectacular mountain views and beautiful valley vistas. Originally built to provide pack-rafters and kayakers access to the headwaters of Twentymile River, it now has more traffic from hikers and bikers wishing to experience the high, wild country. This trail is not nearly as busy as the Lower Winner Creek trail and offers the solitude and remoteness that many people crave with easy access.

Getting There

This trail is approximately 45 minutes from Anchorage and can be accessed from two different locations. There is an Alyeska Resort Access and a Crow Creek Road Access. Most people start their hike at Alyeska Resort because it is easier and they don’t have to take the hand tram or deal with climbing out of the gorge.

Alyeska Access

Park your car in one of Alyeska Resort’s parking lots and walk to the tram base. Once at the tram, take a right towards the pond and head uphill to the closest chairlift (Chair 7). Opposite chair 7 base, to the left, and directly behind the tram base, is the Winner Creek Trailhead. The first ¾ mile is quite easy as you will cross a few wooden bridges and walk on wooden boardwalks as you gain elevation. This part of the trail is great for young kids as the local Trail Crew Committee has done an excellent job building the wooden path over wet areas. The next ¾ mile winds along a dirt path and boardwalks to a “T” intersection. The path to the right will take you to Upper Winner Creek and the trail to the left takes you down to Winner Creek

The Upper Trail

Hiking: This trail is typically an out and back trip with most people making their destination Berry Pass. It is approximately 14 miles round trip and can take a full day to hike. The first part of the trip meanders through the woods full of old-overgrowth and waist-high foliage. There are small stream beds that cross the path and trail crews have placed boardwalks over the muddiest, boggy locations. The trail follows Winner Creek and is fairly flat for a couple of miles and then starts increasing in elevation.

There are a few streams to cross with the most significant one at mile 5.5. Fording technique is not necessarily required and in some cases, you’ll be able to find skipping stones to keep your feet dry. Once this trail breaks out of the trees, the beauty is on full display. Many have described the gorgeous alpine meadows similar in appearance to the Highlands of Scotland. Once you make it to Berry Pass, be on the lookout for bears. This area is loaded with berries and bears love their berries. The majestic views from the pass are some of the best in all of South Central Alaska. From Berry Pass, rafters will descend down the other side to reach the head of TwentyMile River.

Biking: As a biking trail, it is very difficult. While every year the trails committee makes improvements, there are still large roots and rocks to navigate making it an extremely technical ride. Trail Forks rates it as a Black Dimond. Here’s a quick video made by a local resident displaying the technicality of biking this trail; Extreme Biking: Upper Winner Creek

Winter Conditions

This trail doesn’t see as much traffic as lower Winner Creek Trail, so it’s much more difficult to hike/walk it in the winter. Recommend snowshoes or skis.

Activities

If Rafting Twenty Mile River is on your bucket list, check out Chugach Adventure Guides or Alpine Air for guided tours.