Alaska Denali Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Anchorage

Welcome to the largest city of Alaska, most often thought of as the state’s capital. Start off your vacation flying into stunning scenery overlooking the Chugach, Alaskan, Kenai, and Talkeetna mountain ranges. Although Mt. Denali is only visible 20% of the year, there’s a chance you could even catch a glimpse. Anchorage is Alaska’s most populated area yet it’s shared with the likes of bears, moose, and wolves. After your flight into this urban wilderness, make your way to your accommodations for the 6 pm pre-departure meeting followed by a group meal. Take this evening to get to know your fellow travelers and guides.

Included: Anchorage accommodation, Welcome Meeting

Optional Activity before tour: Full Day World Famous Brooks River Alaskan Brown Bear Viewing, Katmai National Park.
Overnight Location: Hostel in Anchorage
Meals: None

Day 2-4 Denali National Park

In the morning head off to the amazing Denali National Park. Whether it’s flora or fauna you came to see, this is the place to fulfill your hopes of seeing large and small wild animals living as they have for ages. You will set up your campsite and the following two days you will have the opportunity to take a bus ride through the national park along its only road and hopefully spot bears, moose, caribou, or wolves. For those of you who are looking for a heart-pounding and more strenuous adventure, you’ll have the opportunity for trailblazing throughout the park’s 6 million acres. No trip would be complete without adding the optional activity of flying over Denali National Park and around Mt. Denali (20,320 ft/6194 m.) In the evenings sit around the campfire, listening to the sounds of the night and share your adventures of the day.

Included Activities: Two-Day National Park Entrance and Shuttle Bus services, Hiking in Denali National Park (short, long, off the beaten track, that’s on you to decide!)

Optional Activities: Flights over Mt. Denali
Overnight Location: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5-6 Maclaren River Lodge

From Denali drive the lightly traveled Denali Highway. First opened in 1957, this dirt road was the first to access Denali National Park (then known as Mt. McKinley National Park.) Located in the Maclaren river valley, you traverse through high alpine country on the state’s second-highest highway pass. Here lies the Maclaren River Lodge run by Alan and Susie, who are fantastic hosts that will take you on a jet boat ride up to “The Remote Glacier Camp.” Now you are out in the wilderness on your own, no mobile phone reception and no roads. Here you will stay overnight exploring and camping out in the wilderness. The next day you will take a canoe trip back down the river for your next night at this beautifully situated lodge. (one night bush camp/one night lodge)

Included Activities: Boat Ride up to Glacier Camp, guided overnight stay at Glacier Camp, canvas tents with cots, canoe trip on Maclaren River

Optional Activity: Hiking
Overnight Location: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7-9 Wrangell/St Elias Np

Here you will visit the largest National Park in the United States and camp at the “End-of-the-Road” campground. Literally at the end of the McCarthy Road, these 60 miles of gravel road were built along the old Copper River and Northwestern railways. Most remnants left of this once-thriving area were a part of the copper mines, but most people forget this was where the last great gold rush happened in Alaska. There are many optional activities like hiking, ice climbing, glacier walks, guided mill tours, rafting, and scenic flights around 16,000-foot peaks, 25-mile long glaciers and massive icefalls. So, days 16 and 17 are left for you to decide what to do: Take the optional historical tour, hike on your own in the beautiful surroundings or try some crazy outdoor stuff like ice climbing, guided glacier hikes, or whitewater rafting. (bush camp)

Included Activity: Hiking, Scenic Drive

Optional Activities: Ice Climbing (full day), Root Glacier Hike, Kennecott History Tour, Rafting, Flightseeing
Overnight Location: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10-11 Valdez

Valdez is the terminus of the 800-mile trans-Alaskan pipeline that begins at Prudhoe Bay. Valdez is an important gateway to the interior of Alaska. Valdez was brought to the forefront of national media in March 1989. The Exxon Valdez ran aground causing an 11-million-gallon oil spill. For many years, flora and fauna were devastated by this environmental catastrophe. Thankfully, order has been mostly restored, and the Chugach Mountains set a gorgeous backdrop to this quaint little town. The next day is focused on optional activities. Highly recommended is the Columbia Glacier Sea Kayaking or the Lulu Belle Wildlife Cruise for their beautiful scenery, mammoth icebergs, and the possibility of spotting all kinds of wildlife. One of the days you will venture out and try and find some bears, eagles, or sea lions feeding on salmon. Valdez is well known for bears to come to the local salmon fish hatchery and the surrounding creeks.

Included Activities: Hiking and Scenic Drive

Optional Activities: Glacier/Iceberg Sea, Glacier Wildlife Cruises, Bike Rental, Fishing (depending on season)
Overnight Location: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12 Anchorage

Unfortunately, all good things must end. But not before crossing Thompson Pass with stunning views of Worthington Glacier. Your lunch stop will be at Matanuska Glacier before returning to Anchorage in the late afternoon.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast