The most intimate multi-day cruise option. Remember the Byron Glacier trail is in avalanche terrain. Bring a light jacket, as winds tend to pick up around the face of the glacier itself. This 1.4 mile trail offers an easy walk for all ages. Meander along through the trees and then the trail follows the creek that flows from Byron Glacier. Byron Glacier Trail: Picture Perfect Views - See 256 traveler reviews, 211 candid photos, and great deals for Girdwood, AK, at Tripadvisor. Please check your email to verify your subscription. Please provide details to help us determine the weather and snowpack during the time this observation took place. The truth is that most people stop at the visitor’s center for a quick walkthrough, take a photo on the deck and then get back on the road, to Whittier or elsewhere. Byron Creek is a cascading, whitewater, glacial creek. Important Information. Byron Glacier is a jewel! There is still snow on both sides that could potentially threaten the trail. Byron glacier is located in about 49 miles (79 km) south of Anchorage, not far from Girdwood, Alaska. Definitely a must see! The Byron Glacier Blue Ice Trail is a gorgeous Alaskan hike with mountain and glacier views and you don’t have to enter the ice cave. Byron Glacier is a great place near Anchorage Alaska and even in the winter it provides some spectacular views and adventure! Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. The parking lot is maybe a hundred feet above sea level and Byron Peak is 4,590 feet in elevation, so it is a quite dramatic "bigger than life" landscape to behold. Much of the trail is close to Byron Creek, where kids can play among the smooth stones, but keep an eye because the water is cold and sometimes rapid. The alder/cottonwood forest is lush with ferns for a serene beginning to the hike. It allows a close-up view of a glacier with rugged, mountains in all directions. The Byron Glacier Trail is very flat. Once you get to the trail end, just follow the valley as it bends to the left and you will literally walk into the glacial ice caves. Short day hike outside of Girdwood in Portage Valley 1.4 miles total – easy walk for all ages Budget yourself about 1 hr (20 minutes to walk in, 20 minutes to look and play, 20 minutes to walk out) Offers views of Byron Glacier Close to the Begich Boggs Visitor Center – stop in for […] The 3.2-mile (5.1 km) Byron Glacier Trail is flat and well-maintained. Trips available from Whittier, Homer, Seward, Juneau, and Sitka. North facing slopes with plenty of snow still hanging above the valley and debris piles from the recent avalanche cycle. Oct 12, 2014 - The trail allows a close-up view of a glacier with rugged, mountains in all directions. Photos from the Byron Glacier trail and surrounding avalanche terrain. Alaska Railroad: Adventure Class or Goldstar Dome Car Service? Portage Valley may be one of the most popular visitor destinations in Alaska, but don't let that scare you away. It is an amazing place that constantly changes with the glacier, so get out there and enjoy it! I did a short easy hike (0.8 miles to the end of the trail then some more up the snow fields) to Byron Glacier. The trail is approximately .7 miles in length and it is a moderate walk on a well-established trail. There is still snow that threatens the summer trail. It allows a close-up view of a glacier with rugged, mountains in all directions. Enjoy An Easy Family Friendly Hike To The Gorgeous Byron Glacier In Alaska. Byron Glacier trailhead is near Portage Lake. An easy trail that leads out to views of the Byron Glacier and mountains in the Portage area. We went in November and were really glad we brought the shoe spikes. 27 November 2020 at 19:00-00:00: Cloudy, Temperature -4, 0 mm, Light air, 1 m/s from south-southeast There are large debris piles from both the north and south slopes that slid during the past storm (and earlier in the winter) in the valley. Follow the winding, mostly flat trail through a rocky, verdant alluvial plain that is now interspersed with tall alders and a smattering of cottonwood and aspen trees. Please upload photos below. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. There was a problem with your submission. Find Byron Glacier Trail in Girdwood with Address, Phone number from Yahoo US Local. Need to Know You can park at the visitor center and hike up the road to the trailhead, or you can try to find a parking spot at the beginning of the trail. Please try again. Recommended by 1 other hikers, view 10 photos and 1 tips—and get there with komoot! Choose a round-trip Inside passage or one-way Gulf of Alaska Cruise. When the trees were shorter, you could see the glacier well from the road, but now you have to hike a ways before the ice face comes into view. This 1.4 mile Byron Glacier wilderness trail offers an easy walk for all ages. Travel in the valley is not recommended. Rent a car and travel independently on a set itinerary, with lodging and tours booked in advance. It’s fun to have an impromptu snowball fight in snowfields left over from winter avalanches, or take one of the multiple side trails that will lead you to the edge of the valley where bouldering opportunities abound. The second half of the trail is rocky and features a small stream crossing. North facing slopes with plenty of snow still hanging above the valley and debris piles from the recent avalanche cycle. Avalanche debris forms the popular "snow/ice" caves that are quite dangerous. Avalanche debris from the south facing slopes. These debris caves are very dangerous and could collapse at anytime. If you think a public avalanche center is important please support our organization. Byron Glacier Trail, Girdwood: See 255 reviews, articles, and 210 photos of Byron Glacier Trail, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 18 attractions in Girdwood. 10 Mile drive south of Girdwood. You then break out onto the outwash plains of Byron Glacier and behold a majestic sight. Forest service warns against winter travel due to steep walls of Byron Valley and high snowfall, which makes the area prone to avalanche risks. Car, train, or group tour. Byron Glacier Trail With a close-up view of and access to a glacier, the 1.4 mile Byron Glacier Trail provides a walk that is suitable for all ages. Not a bad way to spend a morning. Be sure to bring rain gear: this valley is known to trap clouds that produce everything from slow drizzles to the less-frequent (but pelting) cloudbursts. Also note the large debris pile that forms the “snow caves” when the creek erodes through. Light easterly winds. The Byron Glacier Trail provides an easy, 1-mile rolling gravel trail that leads out to sweeping views of the Byron Glacier. Stops include Seward (Kenai Fjords), Girdwood, Whittier & Spencer Glacier, Stops include Wasilla, Talkeetna, Denali National Park & Fairbanks. The cave becomes visible when the snowpack melts out enough to exposes the creek that tunnels under years of avalanche debris. Which one is right for you? A good family outing with a variety of things to do for the whole family. Byron Glacier Trail, Girdwood: 256 yorum, makale ve 211 resme bakın. The Alaska Railroad is your transportation method. There wasn't much to see while we were on the trail except the mountains. Self-drive vacations. The trail starts at a well-marked pullout, about half a mile from the end of the road. Alaska Weather and Climate. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. Campgrounds, RV Parks & Public Use Cabins. The views are awesome, and the trail is easy! The first photo looks right at the ‘ice cave’, which is now covered in avalanche debris from this season and not visible. There is still snow that threatens the summer trail. The classic Alaska Cruise, offered by such companies as Holland America, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. Travel on a set itinerary with lodging and tours booked in advance. It's a one-mile scenic walk to the glacier face along Byron Creek. All footage shot … The trail follows a beautiful stream through Chugach National Forest with views of Byron Glacier hanging high up in the mountains. The entire valley that Byron Glacier rests in is a beautiful valley with stunning views, and because of this, what can be planned for a short day hike can easily turn into an all day venture. It allows a close-up view of a glacier. Alaska. Byron Glacier trailhead with two avalanche warning signs. Many families are constantly on the lookout for great hikes to do with kids of all ages. Beginner bike trail in the Moose Flats Recreation Area in the Portage Valley. If you have kids, make sure you check out the fish viewing platform. Head south from Anchorage on the Seward Highway, to the end of the 5-mile Portage Spur Road. Byron Glacier Trail is a 0.8 mile one way hike with 100 feet elevation gain. Comfort zone. Once they form they could collapse at any time. The trailhead is car accessible. A couple members of our party thought we should head back before we even got to the end of the trail, but that would be a mistake. Popular Alaska Itineraries Using In-State Airlines, Anchorage to Denali National Park Driving Map. As you approach the glacier, the forest thins out to display views of the rugged cliffs and glacier and—if you turn around—Portage Lake and Valley. Highlights plus less visited destinations. Portage Glacier; Byron Glacier Trail; Exit Glacier; Mendenhall Glacier; Matanuska Glacier; Columbia Glacier; Search for: Alaska Weather Dennis Zaki 2020-04-02T07:56:06-08:00. Temperatures in the 40Fs First half of trail to the glacier viewpoint is well maintained, with a wide footpath and brush cleared away from trail. Description. This hike is an easy, fun, fully accessible family-friendly trail that leads to overlook of Byron Glacier through lush forest. July and Augus The weather here in Alaska can be lethal! At the Glacier viewing area, … See Alaska's highlights by railroad or motorcoach in a group of up to 50, Travel in small groups, stay at exclusive wilderness lodges, and spend more time outdoors, All-inclusive multi-day vacation packages at a remote wilderness lodge, Travel with a professional photographer to the best photo locations around the state, Trips range from backpacking, rafting, to upscale remote lodge retreats, Cruises depart Juneau or Sitka. Get out of the city and deeper into the Alaskan wilderness than is typical on a sightseeing tour. Overwhelmed by choices? Make a purchase from our Affiliate Partners and CNFAIC will receive a portion of the sales. 7-10 days is the most common. Avalanche debris from the south facing slopes. Find how many days you need based on what you want to see and do in Alaska. Bike Friendly Trail 10 Miles Round Trip add another 4 miles if going to Bryon Glacier. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights, Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse!). Byron Glacier Trail: An inspiring hike in good weather - See 256 traveler reviews, 211 candid photos, and great deals for Girdwood, AK, at Tripadvisor. Use our calculator to find out, Stay casual, dress in layers, and get proper footwear, Guides to the best locations around the state to view wildlife. The Byron Glacier Trail in Portage, Alaska is an uncomplicated trail with fabulous views that the whole family can easily hike. Alaska Tourism Alaska Hotels Alaska Bed and Breakfast Alaska Holiday Rentals Let us simplify it for you, How much does an Alaska summer vacation cost? Free personal GPS–driven travel guide to Alaska. Located 6 miles west of Whittier Alaska. Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Second half becomes rocky with small stream crossings some standing water. Alaska’s climate is determined by average temperatures and precipitation received statewide over many years. The trail head is located near Begich Boggs Visitor Center. Just be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and bring the usual necessities such as water/ snacks etc. A good family outing with a variety of things to do for th If the lake isn’t fully frozen then I wouldn’t take the risk and recommend heading to Byron Glacier instead of Portage Glacier. Maximum of 5 megabytes per image. Remember the Byron Glacier trail is in avalanche terrain. As you approach the glacier, the forest thins out to display views of the rugged cliffs and glacier and—if you turn around—Portage Lake and Valley. Visit the hiking attraction Byron Glacier Trail on your next hike. 2-5 day small ship explorations. This short day hike—with an easily accessible trailhead a few hundred meters from the Begich Boggs Visitor Center—offers you big views of the Byron Glacier. Byron Glacier Trail, Girdwood: See 258 reviews, articles, and 215 photos of Byron Glacier Trail, ranked No.5 on Tripadvisor among 18 attractions in Girdwood. Make sure you check the Portage Glacier Weather and Conditions or ask in a Facebook Group to see if someone has done it recently! Byron Glacier Trail is a hiking trail near Whittier, Alaska, United States - Description With sunshine and warm temperatures travel is not recommended on the summer trail. Byron Glacier trailhead with two avalanche warning signs. Discover the optimal month due to daylight, temperature, and rain. Cruises and land tours are great ways to see Alaska. Trail offers an easy walk for all ages. The 1.4 mile Byron Glacier Trail is easily accessible. Walked in on the paved road to look up Byron Glacier valley to assess avalanche hazard. Includes Byron Glacier Trail Reviews, maps & directions to Byron Glacier Trail in … We'll match you with a local itinerary expert to help you plan your trip. Near Girdwood, Alaska. The Byron Glacier trail is a great hike near Anchorage. Boutique, small ship adventure cruises in Alaska's Inside Passage, Cruises depart from Whittier, a 1 hr drive from Anchorage. Mostly clear skies This small-group tour takes you to Chugach National Forest, Beluga Point, Portage Glacier, and more to spot brown bears, wolves, bison, and belugas. And while it’s true that the valley's blue ice and glacial scenery is outstanding from Portage Glacier Rd, it gets even better if you take the short hike to Byron Glacier. Portage Glacier Weather can be DANGEROUS! Avalanche warning sign on the road closed barrier. The trail features stones that children and adults can use for creative activities. Much of the trail is close to Byron Creek, where kids can play among the smooth stones, but keep an eye because the water is cold and sometimes rapid. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip.