Just outside of Anchorage, AK in town called Girdwood there is a local waterfall hike called Chutes and Ladders. This incredible waterfall hike is tricky to find, as it is unmarked on any map and there are no trail signs to get there. However, once you find the first rope, leading down into the canyon, the fun begins.
The waterfall hike, Chutes and Ladders, just outside of Girdwood, AK is a technical hike that requires the use of five rope ladders, one wooden ladder, and some good shoes (the ground is wet and slippery). The rope and wooden ladders remain in place year round, but please make sure to inspect them out before use, I am not sure how often they are replaced. Chutes and Ladders is a short hike to a powerful waterfall, but hikers often spend a couple hours enjoying the view and process getting to the waterfall.
Read on to learn how to get to Chutes & Ladders, what to bring, and more tips for a successful hiking outing to Chutes and Ladders in Girdwood.
Where is Chutes & Ladders in Girdwood, Alaska?
The Chutes and Ladders hike in Girdwood begins and ends at the Winner Creek Gorge Trailhead. This loop hike has a large parking lot, a pit toilet, and it is easy to find the initial trail, but getting to Chutes & Ladders can be difficult because there is not a marked trail that will lead you to the start.
Playing with some oversized foliage on our way to the Chutes and Ladders waterfall hike in Girdwood, AK. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
How do I get to Chutes and Ladders from the Winner Creek gorge Trailhead?
Hiking to the start of Chutes and Ladders can be difficult, so here are some direction to help ease that difficulty. From the parking lot of the Winner Creek Gorge Trailhead, take the trail from the bathroom. The trail will T quickly, go left (uphill). Walk on this trail .25 of a mile until it T’s again, go right. As you walk, less than 200 yards) there will be another turn off on your left, take that. From here, you will wander through the woods for 5-10 minutes. The brush will begin to be over grown, push through. As the trail gets smaller and puddles of water form, you are on the right track. This overgrown trail will take you to the start of the Chutes and Ladders waterfall hike in Girdwood. You will realized you are at the start when you come to a rocky downhill section with a rope ladder that leads to a wooden bridge. Do NOT cross the bridge, instead, step off into the canyon and begin Chutes and Ladders.
How long does Chutes & Ladders take to hike?
Chutes and Ladders in Girdwood, Alaska is a quick hike, 30 minutes round trip, but most hikers take between 90-120 minutes to complete. This waterfall hike is unique and technical, so hikers prefer to take their time to increase their safety and enjoy the journey of the hike. I suggest taking your time, Chutes and Ladders is a lot of fun!
Is the Chutes & Ladders hike dangerous?
Yes, Chutes and Ladders is a dangerous hike, however safety measures have been taken to decrease the risks. Examples of the safety measures taken are the installation of permanent ropes ladders and a wooden ladder. There is all a litter stashed in the woods be the forest service for rescue purpose only, please do not tamper with this unless you are in an emergency. Additionally, the waterfall is very strong here, so swimming is not advised.
Descending one of the several rope ladders on the Chutes and Ladders waterfall hike in Girdwood, Alaska. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Can kids do the Chutes & Ladders hike?
Yes, kids can do the Chutes and Ladders hike in Girdwood, however the supervisor of these children will have to put in a lot of work to assist the kids down the rope ladders. I would suggest a minimum of two supervisors who spot all children from the top and bottom of ever climb. Children should not swim in the river.
What should I bring to Chutes & Ladders hike?
Chutes and Ladders is a day, so make sure to bring:
a small backpack
water
snacks
bug spray
good shoes with solid grip
a jacket, it is cold and wet near the waterfall
a camera
Kristin soaking in those waterfall views while hiking Chutes and Ladders in Girdwood, Alaska. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have to learned how to get to Chutes & Ladders, what to bring, and seen how beautiful this waterfall hike is, it is time for you to have your own successful hiking outing to Chutes and Ladders in Girdwood, Alaska
