Lace up your trusty trail shoes and get ready to hike and explore your way through some of Alaska’s most captivating and scenic landscapes on this all-inclusive adventure. This fully guided foray features a wide range of Alaska’s most iconic destinations, wildlife viewing and diverse nature outings, making it the perfect choice for those seeking an active vacation.
You’ll traverse through the Chugach Mountains and near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, with the opportunity to learn about Alaska’s fascinating flora and fauna. A full-day adventure into Kenai Fjords National Park by small boat introduces you to Alaska’s stunning and rugged coastline – keep your binoculars and camera ready for whale watching! This trip also includes a hike near one of the four major ice caps in the United States, plus the chance to feel the tundra underfoot in Denali National Park.
Though this tour is hiking-focused, engaging day trips by boat into Kenai Fjords National Park and by bus deep into Denali National Park make for a balanced adventure with activities you won’t soon forget. This trip is intentionally small, with less than 12 guests per departure, to ensure a personalized experience. The wilderness awaits!
This active adventure starts in Anchorage, and on Days 1 and 2, we’ll traverse breathtaking trails inside the Chugach Mountains and near Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. We’ll stay at sea level on Day 3 and spend an active day whale watching, glacier viewing and savoring the sights of Kenai Fjords National Park. Next, embark on an invigorating hike to the massive Harding Icefield – one of the four major ice caps in the United States. The second half of our journey (from Day 5 onward) travels from the rugged ocean coastline north to famed tundra and alpine scenery near Denali National Park. Hike to hidden backcountry lakes and high ridgelines where – on clear days – Denali and other incredible peaks of the Alaska Range can be seen in all their grandeur. We’ve arranged for a special bus trip deeper into Denali National Park to better our odds of see megafauna like grizzlies, moose and caribou! Day 8 offers one more energy-pumping trail hike before Day 9 returns our group back to Anchorage aboard the Alaska Railroad’s first-class Goldstar cars.
Download a PDF version of the day-by-day itinerary here and to learn more about approximate elevation gain and trail lengths on this active tour.
Arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage.
Our first encounter with the Alaskan wilderness includes a hike in the beautiful Chugach Mountains, as our guides enlighten us on local flora and fauna. Lunch just tastes better with a pretty view, and we’ll enjoy both in nature today! This afternoon, we arrive at our home for the next two nights, our Kenai Riverside Lodge, nestled on the banks of the Kenai River.
Today’s invigorating hike will take us on a high-country hike, with beautiful vistas and scenic overlooks. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and eagles, which can sometimes be spotted in this mountainous area. We enjoy a picnic lunch in this picturesque setting surrounded by millions of acres of wilderness.
With miles of rugged coastline containing massive tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountains and an abundance of marine wildlife, Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska's crown jewels. On a small sea vessel, we’re likely to encounter humpback whales or orcas, sea lions, sea otters, puffins and more! Weather permitting, we take a short, wilderness beach hike before cruising back to Seward, our base for the next two nights.
Spanning more than 700 square miles, the Harding Icefield and its outflowing glaciers comprise the largest icefield located entirely within the U.S. We’ll set out on one of the Kenai's most spectacular day hikes on a trail that climbs alongside Exit Glacier and ultimately leads to the icefield itself. Reward yourself with a sumptuous meal and your favorite beverage tonight, followed by relaxing.
Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Once there, you'll have the freedom to choose from several activities, including a guest favorite - flightseeing! Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Denali and its adjacent glacial canyons, or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Tonight, you have the flexibility to dine with the other members of your group or enjoy a great meal on your own. Overnight in Talkeetna.
We’ll visit Denali State Park on today’s hike, which switchbacks through forests of birch and spruce, past glacial lakes and wildflower meadows, and onto the tundra, stretching like a spongy carpet for miles in all directions. Although the ascent is steep at times, our payoff comes when we reach Kesugi Ridge where, on a clear day, we have unobstructed views of 20,320-foot-high Denali. We’ll settle into cozy lodge accommodations for the next three nights, just outside the entranceway to Denali National Park.
For premium access into Denali National Park, we will enjoy a narrated bus drive into the park's backcountry, taking in the wilderness panoramas as well as Denali's iconic wildlife, like moose, Dall sheep, caribou and, of course, grizzlies. This day also offers another opportunity to see Denali itself; if the weather is clear, the mountain will be visible from various points along the park road.
Our final day in the magical Denali wilderness leads us up a trail that is a local favorite, and – when weather is clear - includes the vast snow-capped Alaska Range. This evening, we enjoy a festive farewell dinner together and celebrate great adventures and newfound friendships forged on this trip.
On the last day of this active adventure, we’ll enjoy a more relaxed morning before we bid farewell to Denali and board the first-class Goldstar cars of the Alaska Railroad for comfortable return journey to Anchorage, arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m.
You will arrive at the Anchorage train station by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m. in case of possible transportation delays.
Kenai Riverside Lodge: Located right on the banks of the turquoise Kenai River. Guest cabins are nestled into the trees surrounding the main lodge and have the rustic charm of historic pioneer cabins with modern comforts like heat, lights, private bath, comfy beds and Adirondack chairs on the front porch.
Seward Windsong Lodge: We partner with Seward Windsong Lodge, owned by Pursuit Collection, to give our guests a peaceful experience during our stay near Seward. This lodge features charming Alaska ambience and a great location along the Resurrection River and near Exit Glacier.
Denali Overlook Inn: Our friends at Denali Overlook Inn – a quaint inn with charming, unique rooms and a beautiful view of the Alaska Range and Denali (weather permitting) – welcome us for a night. Relax in comfy Adirondack chairs and savor the scenery!
McKinley Creekside Cabins: Near the Denali National Park entrance, McKinley Creekside Cabins is nestled alongside the serene Carlo Creek and boasts fabulous baked goods and other tasty treats from their on-site Café and Bakery. Their Homestead Lodge provides us all the creature comforts during our three-night stay.
Payment Policies
All trip prices are based on double occupancy. Taxes and seasonal fuel surcharges, when applicable, are not included in trip price and are subject to change prior to trip departure. We accept personal checks and major credit cards.
| Payment Schedule: | Amount Due per Person: |
| 121+ days prior to departure: | $1,000 or 50% of trip total, whichever is less |
| 120 to 61 days: | 50% of total |
| Within 60 days: | 100% of total |
For Alaska Trip Add-Ons, additional deposits will apply in accordance with the specific Trip Add-On and operator. These deposit terms will be explained at the time of booking.
Reservations made within 60 days must be guaranteed with a credit card. Late payments may result in releasing your reservation and rebooking will be subject to availability. Cancellation fees will apply.
Upon receipt of your initial deposit, we will send you written confirmation, trip planning materials and a travel insurance application. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
Cancellation Policy
Our policies go into effect at the time of book and upon receipt of deposit. Written cancellations and changes must be received in our reservations office to be valid. Non-appearance for program will result in no refund. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.
If the cancellation or change occurs:
| 121+ days prior to departure: | The fee is $300 or 10% of trip total, per person, whichever is less |
| 120 to 91 days: | The fee is $600 or 20% of trip total, per person, whichever is less |
| 90 to 46 days: | 50% of total trip cost, per person |
| Within 45 days: | 100% of total trip cost, per person |
Refunds
No refunds will be made on individual features, transfers or sightseeing voluntarily omitted by the participant. No refunds for unused services will be issued. Our tours operate rain or shine. Refunds for cancelled flights or any services reserved outside of Alaska Wildland Adventures will be made in accordance with the rules of the carrier.
Travel Protection
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more.
A Note About Occupancy
In addition to our standard double occupancy, we also offer solo supplement, triple and quad pricing options for our Alaska adventure vacations. Requested solo accommodations, when available, are subject to a solo supplement fee; however, for a solo traveler interested in sharing accommodations with another same sex traveler, we will make every effort to pair you, and the solo supplement fee will be waived. Occasionally, pairing is not possible and a “forced solo” rate will apply during the Alaska vacation. If you are a solo traveler and you’d like to experience an Alaska vacation with Alaska Wildland Adventures, we will do all we can to have you join us!
A Note About Weather
We respect Mother Nature as well as all local regulatory agencies which provide up-to-date trail conditions and weather information. In the event of unforeseen weather systems which may compromise the trail conditions or safety on a given day of this trip, we have thoughtfully planned out alternative activities to ensure your enjoyment, rain or shine.
Please visit Our Policies for additional information.
We want you to have everything you need to be comfortable during your trip with us. Plan your travel wardrobe around informal and comfortable clothing; even at mealtimes, dress is casual.
The weather in Alaska is quite variable so clothing which can be layered is ideal. Of special note is to make sure you bring a high quality rain suit so that even if it rains, you can stay comfortable outdoors and have an enjoyable experience. Items made of wool or synthetic fabric remain comfortable and warm even when wet. Cotton is not recommended for Alaska outdoor activities as the fabric does not easily dry and won’t help keep you warm once wet.
The summer in Alaskan is usually quite mild with temperatures in the fifties and sixties. We liken the Alaska summer to spring or fall in other parts of the country. The most reliable advice is to be prepared for any type of weather! We have found that when our gear and spirits are well suited, the weather is always perfect.
For a complete item-by-item list, visit our Packing List page. Please note that this packing list is designed for a trip eight to nine days in length. You will need most items on this list and we’ve provided an “Optional Items” section for other things that we find useful in Alaska’s backcountry. Also note that there are no laundry facilities available at our wilderness lodges.