Crow Pass is the major hike out of Girdwood. The trailhead is at the end of Crow Creek Road, four miles up a dirt track from the highway. From there it is a steady 3.5-mile climb through alpine meadow to the pass at 3,500 feet, passing the remains of the Monarch Mine and crossing Crystal Lake. The pass itself opens onto views of Raven Glacier and the steep wall of the Chugach.
Most day hikers turn around at the pass for a steep but manageable seven-mile round trip. The full Crow Pass traverse continues 21 miles north over the pass and down to the Eagle River trailhead, including a thigh-deep ford of the Eagle River — a serious two- or three-day backpack. Cabin reservations through the Forest Service are essential.
The trail is normally snow-free July to early September.