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Gold Rush Canyoneering

Journey into Alaska's gold rush for canyoneering, rappelling and prospecting at Crow Creek Gold Mine in Girdwood's Glacier Valley. Adventure into the dry creek canyon sculpted by hydro-mining utilizing harnesses, ropes, gloves, helmets and ladders to reach destinations including a thundering waterfall, caves and mossy canyons. This excursion is for active individuals, groups and families with limited climbing experience.

Transportation is provided from Hotel Alyeska front lobby up Crow Creek Road as it winds through spruce and hemlock rainforests along the Iditarod National Historic Trail into the Chugach Mountains. We look for black bears foraging in the underbrush on the way to Crow Creek Gold Mine, which has continuously operated and produced gold for over 100 years in these glacier filled valleys.

Original log and framed buildings in this picturesque area were the first white settlements in Anchorage. Hiking a quarter mile and downhill to the creek gives opportunities to pan for guaranteed gold and prospect in Crow Creek. Then hike along the Iditarod Trail to the dry canyon created by hydro-mining operations. Here we begin our detailed safety orientation to canyoneering techniques.

Rappelling into the canyon is optional but most take the challenge of slowly descending the vertical wall on ropes to the lush canyon below. Hiking the canyon requires avoiding small streams so closed shoes or boots are recommended. Two steep pitch rappels access the no turn back zone and a 50’ waterfall in a Jurassic-like area.

Ascending the dry canyon sculpted by thousands of years of tumbling glacial water provides several obstacles along the way. These challenges require climbing ladders, optional rock climbing, gripping ropes and balancing around boulders in steep terrain. Bring sturdy footwear, long pants, small cameras and a sense of gold rush adventure!

Price: $139 adult  $129 children 8-12  Departs at 8:30AM, 1PM and 5PM (allow 3.5 hours)

Transportation meets at Hotel Alyeska front lobby at 8:15 AM, 12:45 PM and 4:45 PM or meet at Crow Creek Mine at 8:45 AM, 1:15 PM or 5:15 PM. After ascending the canyon return via shuttle bus 20 minutes to the Hotel Alyeska.

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Glaciers, avalanches, floods and gold mining helped form the landscape of Glacier Valley’s Four Corners area. Gorges and boulders are carved smooth by glacial silt from the surrounding Chugach Mountains. Upheaval in the Knik fault leaves unique geological formations.

(907) 783-3600       info@akback.com

Alaska Backcountry Access operates under US Forest Service, State of  Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage special use permits.