Hike Alaska: Glaciers and Denali

After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, travel to Seward this morning for a trip to Churgach National Forest. Start out with a short, but rewarding hike on the Byron Glacier Trail. Hike along the Byron Creek amid aspen and cottonwood trees to the end of the trail where you’ll have a spanning view of the glacier.

Afterwards, the group will transfer to the Carter Lake trailhead and enjoy a picnic lunch before setting out on this longer hike through some of Alaska’s prettiest backcountry on the Kenai Peninsula. In the evening set up camp back in Seward and have dinner together around the campfire.

Today is all about Seward. After breakfast, how the day will go is up to you. The morning will consist of a challenging hike up Mount Marathon or free time in town to do as you please if you aren’t in the mood for this hike.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to find a lunch spot in Seward and then opt to walk around the waterfront of downtown, visit the Alaska Sealife Center, watch for otters playing in the water, or rent a kayak and explore Resurrection Bay. Dinner will be made back at camp in the evening.

After a camp breakfast, spend the day hiking the Harding Icefield Trail. This spectacular 7.4 mile trail begins on the valley floor and then winds through cottonwood and alder forests, heather filled meadows, and climbs above the tree line for a breathtaking view of the Icefield. It will take 6-8 hours to complete and offers plenty of impressive views along the way to keep you going.

Travel to Denali State Park with the group in the morning and arrive by mid-afternoon to hike along a portion of the Kesugi Ridge trail via Byers Lake trail. Enjoy views of Byers Lake and surrounding mountains while you search for the area's wildlife in a truly beautiful setting.

In the evening transfer to Denali National Park where you’ll be staying in cozy cabins with shared bathroom facilities.

Wake up in cabins this morning and eat a quick breakfast before heading out to explore today. Start with a hike up the Mount Healy Overlook trail which offers dramatic views over the Nenana Valley and surrounding mountains and ridges and gains 1700 feet of elevation in only 2.5 miles.

In the afternoon you’ll have free time to enjoy other activities in Denali National Park like ziplining and rafting before returning to the cabins in the evening.

Breakfast this morning will be boxed so you can eat it on the go.The group will be taking the shuttle bus into the park to experience more of the scenery and wildlife that Denali has to offer.

After a picnic lunch, the group will hike the Horseshoe Lake trail. Highlights of this easy, but rewarding hike include the calm waters of the lake nestled in its forested surroundings and views along the edge of the Nenana River where you could watch whitewater rafters pass by.

After breakfast at the cabins settle in for your drive back to Anchorage from Denali where the tour ends on arrival.