Bird to Gird trail (from Bird Creek)

In the interest of a large parking lot, we started the Bird to Gird pathway (biking, jogging stroller friendly, toddler leg friendly) at the Bird Creek parking lot.

This is the large parking lot at mile 102 on the Seward Highway, that has very obviously been blasted by dynamite at some point in its creation.

The parking lot afforded much space and grass for the kiddos to run around post hike, as well as a great view of Bird Creek. Be mindful though--- to continue on the Bird to Gird trail from here, you have to turn right and go under the highway and up the staircase.

 There are many access points where you do not have to cross: Indian creek (on right side of highway on the way to Bird Creek) and Bird Point (further down the highway).

The wind was blowing and the sun was peeking out from behind the clouds. About 1/4 mile in, the trail crosses into trees. The wind dies down, and you are given beautiful views of Turnagain arm, mountains and the railroad tracks.

A little over a mile down the trail, there was a fantastic pull off for the kids. There was a bench and a bike rack (?), as well as a small hill for kiddos to climb, rocks for them to scamper over, and a small bridge to cross. We stayed here for quite a while. I am fairly certain that some kiddos would still be there if not coerced to go back.

Going south of town is always a role of the die-- it can be sunny and gorgeous in Anchorage though raining and cloudy 20 minutes south. The sun ended up shining brightly for the last part of the walk, which all adults and kiddos agreed was the perfect ending.

  

My pace was a little slow, given that I had a toddler that wanted to trek and doddle.  A 50 minute mile can only mean that a toddler is hiking.