Day 1
Depart Anchorage 9AM
We’ll meet you in Anchorage at 9AM and before you know it, we will be in the Alaskan Wilderness! Our first stop, the historic quaint Alaskan village of Talkeetna. If the skies are clear, we’ll get our first view of “the great one” aka, Denali and it’s 20,322 ft peak. Take in the shops and galleries, or a short trail or two. After exploring this quaint town, we’ll continue on to our campground right in Denali National Park. Who knows what we will see along the way! Perhaps a moose or two?
Day 2
Denali National Park
Here is your chance to get into the heart of Denali National Park. We recommend hopping on the Denali Shuttle Bus for the eight hour round trip tour to Eielson Visitor Center. (included) Hop out at the visitor center, or other stops and do some light hiking in the alpine meadows, or climb 1,000 ft up the Eielson Alpine Trail while keeping an eye out for wildlife. Catch another shuttle bus back down to our campground. Chances are, you’ll see grizzly, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep.
Day 3
Denali National Park and Rafting
In the morning, continue exploring Denali with some hiking, take in the free dog sled demonstration, or take a rafting trip with class III and IV rapids on the Nenana River. ($90) In the afternoon, we’ll start our journey towards Wrangell St Elias with terrific views of the Alaska Range.
Day 4
Wrangell-St Elias National Park, Worthington Glacier, Valdez
We’ll continue our journey along the stunning Richardson Highway with stops at the Wrangell St Elias Visitor Center for beautiful views and light hiking. We’ll hike to Worthington Glacier at beautiful Thompson Pass as we make our way to Valdez. Spend the evening exploring the village of Valdez, nicknamed “Alaska’s Switzerland”.
Day 5
Valdez Glacier
Today will truly be a unique experience! Kayak on a glacier fed lake among icebergs and ice caves. Hike and enjoy lunch right on the glacier! You will never forget the stunning blue colors and surrounding peaks and glaciers. Later we will begin our journey towards the Kenai Peninsula, once again taking in the incredible views of Thompson Pass and the Wrangell Mountains.
Day 6
Kenai Peninsula
Take a short morning hike to an overlook of Matanuska Glacier. We’ll drive south of Anchorage and have lunch along the Turnagain Arm. In the afternoon, explore the quaint fishing village of Seward or take in the amazing Alaska Sea Life Center. Walk the first mile of the Historic Iditarod Trail along the shores of Resurrection Bay to the marina. Try some local seafood at a restaurant along the marina tonight!
Day 7
Kenai Fjords National Park
Today we’ll explore the Park by boat! Take a Park Ranger guided Wildlife Boat Cruise out to Holgate and Aialik tidal glaciers. (included) Along the way, chances are you’ll see whales, sea otters, sea lions, harbor seals, puffins and of course unbelievable scenery. A terrific lunch of salmon and prime rib will be served right on the boat, and maybe even some “glaceritas”!
Day 8
Kenai Fjords National Park
We’ll continue our exploration of Kenai Fjords National Park at Exit Glacier. Hike right up to this massive glacier which once stretched all the way to Resurrection Bay. For more of a challenge, hike up the the Harding Icefield for spectacular views and wildflowers! Our journey comes to an end as we return to Anchorage by 5PM.
“Don’t cry because it’s over… Smile because it happened.” Dr Seuss
Denali National Park, Wrangell St Elias National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, Valdez, Seward, hiking, wildlife boat cruise, kayaking, rafting, glaciers
