Hike Alaska: Glaciers and Denali
7 days, Anchorage to Anchorage
Itinerary
Day 1Anchorage/Seward
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.
Due to unpredictable weather conditions, your hike on Crow Pass Trail may be replaced by the Lower Winner Creek Trail. This 6.4km (4mi) hike takes you through a temperate rainforest where you'll stop for lunch at a bridge before returning to the trail head.
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Private Vehicle
Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Anchorage to Seward. The drive will take you along the winding road along the Turnagain Arm waterway.
Byron Glacier Hike
A short day hike offering magnificent views of the Byron Glacier. A winding, but mostly flat trail leads you through a ricky plain filled with tall alders and a mix of cottonwood and aspen trees. You’ll walk along the rushing Byron Creek most of the way and the forest thins out as the glacier comes into view, displaying rugged cliffs and Portage Lake and Valley from the other side.
Carter Lake Hike
This hike near Moose Pass leads you to a small lake nestled snugly in the Kenai Mountains. The trail starts through a spruce forest and climbs nearly 1,000ft in elevation in the first mile, then it flattens out a bit as you walk along boardwalks and past small streams. This is where the wildflowers can be seen. It takes about an hour to reach the lake from the trailhead.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 2Seward
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.
Please note that the length of your hike today may vary depending on the season and overall snow pack.
Mount Marathon Hike
This particular hike is one of the more unique things to do in Seward. Located just one mile outside of town Mt. Marathon overlooks Seward and Resurrection Bay. Hiking to the top is challenging but well worth it for the views. You gain nearly 3,022 ft in elevation, a climb that puts you nearly in the clouds. It’s a bit steep, but there’s nothing quite like the accomplishment of completing this hike.
Free Time
Free time to explore Seward and find hidden gems. Maybe grab a bite to eat, walk around the waterfront, rent kayaks, or simply hang out.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Wildlife Cruise
Learn about the history of Resurrection Bay, watch for wildlife and seabirds, while you take in the fantastic scenery on a wildlife cruise. Pass by cliffs, glaciers and dense forests.
Alaska SeaLife Center Visit
30USD per personThe Alaska SeaLife Center is the only public aquarium in the state and also functions as an ocean wildlife rescue center. The facility focuses on research, rehabilitation, education, and exhibits.
Kayaking on Resurrection Bay
109USD per personGet out on the water with a guided kayak of Resurrection Bay. Paddle along the coastline while learning about the flora and fauna as well as the history of the region. Enjoy some snacks and stretch your legs on a trek through a coastal rainforest before making your way back to the dock.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Seward
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Seward and the Harding Icefield Trailhead. Travel along the river feeding into the bay from the icefield itself and enjoy the stunning views along the way.
Hike to View Exit Glacier on the Harding Icefield Trail
Head out on an amazing hike to the Exit Glacier along the Harding Icefield trail. The 11.9km (7.4 mi) round trip of the Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike through the Alaska backcountry. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather-filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breathtaking view of the icefield. The top of the trail is a window to past ice ages – a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional nunatak or lonely peak. There are various lookout points along the trail that serve as good turnaround points. Portions of the upper trail are covered by ice and snow part of the year. Easier, shorter hikes to the base of the glacier are also options that also afford beautiful views for those not looking for a strenuous hike.
Private Vehicle
After a day spent hiking, settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Travel between the Harding Icefield trailhead and Seward along the same route you drove in on.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 4Seward/Denali National Park and Preserve
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Talkeetna and Denali National Park. Enjoy the views along the way as you pass through Denali State Park and roads line with forest.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Seward and the Talkeetna Lake Trail located northwest of Anchorage. The route taken winds over Moose Pass and along the waterway again, passing Anchorage and heading inland towards Talkeetna and Denali National Park.
Kesugi Ridge Hike Via Byers Lake Trail
Wander into Alaskan paradise on this easy stroll along the Byers Lake shoreline. Experience the incredible beauty of this rugged landscape on a two-mile walk in Denali State Park. Discover the area’s animal and plant life and make frequent stops for photo opportunities. During periods of clear weather, this route through the state park offers unparalleled views of Denali, an added bonus for this hike.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 5Denali National Park and Preserve
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.
Denali National Park Visit
Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and the highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley, also known as Denali. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms which form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali National Park.
Mt Healy Overlook Trail Hike
Mt Healy Overlook Trail is an easy to moderate hike after the first third of it. It's about 4km (2.5 mi) one way with an elevation gain of about 518.2m (1,700 ft). Enjoy gorgeous view of the Alaska Range on a clear day.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Rafting on Nenana River
95-150USD per personHit the rapids on the Nenana River. Soak in the gorgeous scenery and get a rush of adrenaline in Denali National Park.
Denali Scenic Flight
220-420USD per personTake to the skies for a bird's eye view of the spectacular grandeur. Get a better view of the mountains, glaciers, and wilderness from a few thousand feet up.
Denali Hiking
Use any of the hiking trails around the park to enjoy the rugged beauty of Denali National Park. If the weather is clear, look up to see Mount McKinley, locally known as Denali, towering overhead. Some of the most popular trails are the Mount Healy overlook trail and Horseshoe Lake trail.
The Mount Healy trail allows hikers to travel part of the way up Mount Healy which overlooks the entrance area to the park. Even though it is one of the steepest trails in Denali the effort is well worth it. You will walk steadily through spruce forest before encountering the switchbacks that will have you above the tree-line in no time. The official trail ends at the overlook with great views to the south where you can choose to continue to the true peak of Mount Healy or you can turn back. Please note that this trail is not a loop.
The Horseshoe Lake trail is a rather popular loop hike that attracts quite a few people, so you certainly won’t be the only one out there. As you follow this well developed trail down to the lake you will pass the overlook which gives you a gorgeous panoramic view of the Nenana river often referred to as “Glitter Gulch” right outside the park. You will also be able to see the surrounding mountains towering in the distance. Once you arrive at the lake stay on the lookout for full-racked bull moose as this can be a popular spot for them to cool off during the summer months. This hike is truly a great starter trail in the area that will get you a bit more acquainted with the beauty of Denali National Park.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Denali National Park and Preserve
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.
Denali National Park Visit
Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and the highest peak in North America, Mount McKinley, also known as Denali. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms which form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali National Park.
Horseshoe Lake Hike
This trail is located near the park entrance and is easy to complete, but has surprisingly varied scenery and plenty of chances to spot wildlife. If you walk the whole loop you’ll see the rocky rapids of the Nenana River, a beaver dam along the creek, and a small beach along the lake. The hike starts off with a somewhat steep downhill, where you’ll get a scenic glimpse over both the lake and river below. After that it flattens into the loop portion of the trail.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
After breakfast at the cabins settle in for your drive back to Anchorage from Denali where the tour ends on arrival.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.