9 nights camping

4 nights hotel or cabins

Visit 9 National Parks and protected areas

Wildlife viewing tour in Denali National Park

Walk on the Matanuska Glacier

Explore an abandoned ghost town

Scenic ferry across Prince William Sound past the impressive Columbia Glacier

Canoeing in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and near Denali National Park

Explore the best preserved gold rush community in South Central Alaska

Excellent hiking opportunities throughout

For the Adventurous:

Additional optional adventure tours will be available throughout the Grand Tour and little or no prior experience is needed to enjoy them.

The Grand Tour features whitewater and scenic river rafting, Mt. biking, horseback riding, glacier/ wildlife cruises, dog sledding, world class fishing, flight seeing, sea kayaking, glacier hiking, ice climbing and more!

These activities can generally be arranged throughout your trip with some of the finest local adventure tour companies in the state. Your guide will make all of the arrangements. Optional activities are merely suggestions and do not include all of the possibilities. All activities may not be available at the time of your tour. Prices listed here are subject to change and do not include local taxes or fees.

If you have any questions about these activities please contact us.

Detailed Itinerary Description

 

Days 1-2: Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and Chugach National Forest

We’ll travel south on the scenic Seward Highway (a USDA National Scenic Byway, Alaska Scenic Byway, and All American Road) along the Turnagain Arm to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on the Kenai Peninsula. The mountains of the Chugach Range and the Kenai Mountains will tower above us as we marvel at the scenery and look for wildlife along the way. We’ll camp near the waters edge at one of our favorite Alaskan lakes.

You will have a full day here to participate in a variety of recreational activities. We recommend taking advantage of the great hiking in the area and encourage you to use our canoes to explore the local lakes.

Other popular activities in the area include:

Hiking- There are multiple hiking trails within the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge to enchant a wide variety of hiking interests and abilities. Some of the highlights include pristine alpine lakes surrounded by towering mountains; spawning salmon leaping up a waterfall; and great wildlife viewing opportunities throughout our stay in the area. Your guide will explain your hiking options and will make recommendations based on our many years spent exploring and guiding in this region.

River Rafting- Two hour and full day scenic river rafting trips are available on the Kenai River.

Scenic Float- Float within the Chugach National Forest and the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. During the two hour scenic float your guide will talk about the wildlife and history of the area. The views are outstanding. $54, $34 ages to 11.

Kenai Canyon Raft Trip- Travel deep into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on a full day float down the Kenai River to Skilak Lake. The trip is capped with a motorized float along the shore of this very large, glacier carved lake- a true wilderness experience. $140, $99 ages to 11.

Guided Drift Boat Fishing- The Kenai River and its neighboring waters are known throughout the world for their abundance of salmon and trout. Anglers prize these world class waters for Sockeye (red), Coho (silver), and Chinook (king) salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Dolly Varden. Guided drift boat fishing on the Kenai River includes all necessary equipment and instruction (from beginner to advanced): $175 ½ day, $250-$275 full day.

Horse Back Riding- Trail rides are offered in the Chugach National Forest. Ride along the base of Mt. Langille and perhaps continue to Russian Gap, or travel to Crescent Lake in the late summer. Traveling by horseback in Alaska is like going back in time. $95 2 hours, $159 ½ day, $190 full day.

Day 3: Seward/ Kenai Fjords National Park

Today our destination is Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park, home of the 300 square mile Harding Ice Field and abundant marine wildlife. You will have a full day here to participate in a variety of recreational activities. Tonight we’ll stay at a Seward hotel.

There is outstanding hiking here for those who didn’t get enough the past few days. Hikers can choose between the Harding Ice Field trail at Exit Glacier or Caines Head trail on beautiful Resurrection Bay.

Or consider the other activities available. The glacier/wildlife cruise is one of our favorites.

Other popular activities in the area include:

Hiking- We recommend one of two day hikes in the Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park area. Choose between the Harding Ice Field Trail at Exit Glacier or Caines Head trail along the shore of beautiful Resurrection Bay. The Harding Ice Field Trail is a strenuous hike into Kenai Fjords National Park up the side of Exit Glacier; the higher you go the more sweeping the views. The Caines Head Trail follows the shore of Resurrection Bay through dense temporal rainforest with towering trees and magnificent views of the ocean. Depending on the time of year spawning salmon can be seen. Both hikes are wonderful.

Glacier/Wildlife Cruise- By far the most popular activity in the area is the glacier/wildlife cruise into the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park. Look for the abundant wildlife that can be observed including whales- orcas and humpbacks, sea otters, endangered Stellar sea lions, Dall porpoises, and colonies of nesting sea birds- including Puffins, cormorants, Oyster Catchers, and Bald Eagles to name a few. On the way you’ll visit an active tidewater glacier and watch and listen for falling ice. This is one of Alaska’s premier wildlife and glacier viewing trips and we highly recommend it! $139, $69 Age to 11.

Sea Kayaking- Explore Resurrection Bay by sea kayak with a shoreline paddle along Cain’s Head State Recreation Area. Look for sea otters, spawning salmon, eagles, seabirds and many others while enjoying the tranquility of the water from your kayak. From $65.

Dog Sledding- Fly out to a glacier for a ride with a team of sled dogs. Breathtaking scenery of Resurrection Bay treats you during the entire helicopter ride to the Godwin Glacier; upon landing you will find over 80 dogs waiting to take you for a ride. Your guide will explain the history of the legendary Iditarod Sled Dog Race and the fundamentals of dog sledding and then off you go with a dog team across the glacier. $450 adult, $420 child.

Alaska Sea Life Center- Visit a world class marine research facility. The many exhibits at the Alaska Sea Life Center immerse visitors in marine ecosystems and provide opportunities to watch animals in naturalistic habitats as well as research settings. This is a great ½ day activity. $20 Ages to 11 $10.

Day 4: Denali National Park

Today we travel north to Denali National Park. Mt. Denali (Mt. McKinley) (20,320 ft.), Mt. Foraker (17,400 ft.), and Mt. Hunter (14,573 ft.) are all visible from several vistas along the way.

Continuing north, we will head over Broad Pass and our first taste of the treeless north. On the north side of Alaska Range we’ll meet up with the Nenana River which will lead us to Denali National Park.

This afternoon we’ll have time to explore the park entrance, visit the newly constructed Denali National Park Visitor Center and/or go on a short hike. This evening you can canoe from our campsite on Otto Lake.

Days 5-6: Denali National Park

We’ll spend two full days exploring the Denali region.

One day is set aside for a wildlife bus tour into the heart of Denali National Park (included in tour cost). Keep your camera ready as you search for grizzly bears, black bears, moose, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, arctic fox, and if you're lucky, tremendous views of North America's largest mountain Mt. McKinley (Denali). Get off the bus for a hike in a wild and remote wilderness.

The other day is set aside for recreational activities based near the park entrance. There are multiple hiking options within Denali National Park near the park entrance. Another popular activity is the sled dog kennel tour offered free by the National Park Service.

Other popular activities in the area include:

Hiking- There are a number of great hiking options in Denali National Park. Hike up Mt Healy for sweeping views of Denali National Park and the Nenana River corridor. For those desiring a less strenuous hike there are multiple established trails surrounding the visitor center that are great hikes. Or, head into the park 15 miles on the free park shuttle and hike along the Savage River or hike up a nearby peak. Your guide will explain your hiking options and will make recommendations based on our many years experience exploring and guiding in this region.

Guided Ranger Hike- Guided ranger hikes are offered by the National Park Service. These vary in length and location. No Charge.

Sled Dog Kennels- Visit an active sled dog kennel. The Denali National Park sled dog kennel is responsible for the winter patrols of the Denali National Park wilderness- where no motorized vehicles are permitted. There is an informative talk along with a dog sledding demonstration. No Charge.

National Park Bus- You can head back into the park again for more wildlife viewing, perhaps a good view of Mt. McKinley, and/or another hike. $25.

River Rafting- Mild and wild whitewater rafting trips are offered on the Class II-IV Nenana River, the river that forms part of the Denali National Park Boundary.

MILD: Relax, and enjoy the scenery on a 2 plus hour float along the boundary of Denali National Park. Take in Mt Fellows, Mt Healy, Musher’s Monument and other surrounding peaks. Watch for wildlife along the river bank; moose, caribou, bears and wolves can be seen. $80, $52 Ages to 13.

WILD: The Nenana River Canyon is packed with over 10 Class III and IV rapids over a stretch of river 11 miles long, fun whitewater that is very suitable for beginners. Paddle rafting and oar rafting options are available. $85, $62 Ages 10-13.

River Kayaking- For a little more intimacy in your river experience, paddle an inflatable kayak down the float section of the Nenana River. Navigate a few class two rapids and practice your kayaking strokes while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. $85.

Flight Seeing- Flying is the most impressive way to view Mt McKinley (Denali) and the incredible scenery within Denali National Park. On a good weather day the views are truly breathtaking. Add a glacier landing for an experience beyond description. From $349 per adult, $235 Ages to 12.

Mountain Biking- Rent a Mt. Bike for a ride into Denali National Park- ride the park road or take the bus in and ride back. $40 full day $7 hour.

Day 7: To Anchorage

Casual drive to Anchorage with time to stop for sightseeing and day hikes. We will arrive in Anchorage by 5:00-5:30 pm and will bring you to your Anchorage hotel.

Day 8: Matanuska River Valley

We’ll depart Anchorage in the morning for a beautiful trip to the Matanuska Glacier, the largest accessible glacier in Alaska. En route we’ll visit Hatcher Pass Recreation area and Independence Mine State Historic Park. This afternoon we’ll walk out onto the Matanuska Glacier and explore a variety of unique glacial features.

Days 9-10: Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Wrangell St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the U.S. (13.2 million acres) and is part of one of the largest protected areas in the world (a world heritage site). Four major mountain ranges can be found here; the Chugach, St. Elias, Alaska, and the Wrangell Mountains, containing some of North America's highest peaks.

Our destination within the park is the old copper mining towns of McCarthy and Kennicott. En route we'll cross the mighty Copper River and travel the old railway path to McCarthy.

The Kennecott mines (different spelling then the town) were developed starting in 1907 and were, for awhile, the most productive copper mines in the U.S. Today they remain as a national historic landmark and an excellent example of early 20th century Alaskan history.

Located nearby are the massive Kennicott and Root Glaciers. They converge here and are overshadowed by the 5000 foot Stairway Icefall. This is a truly unique location not accessible to the average tourist.

For the next 2 nights we will stay at either a historic hotel or in cabins.

You will have a full day here to participate in a variety of recreational activities. We recommend taking advantage of the great hiking in the area. Hike along the side of the Root glacier or climb up to Bonanza Mine for sweeping views.

Other popular activities in the area include:

Glacier Hiking with Crampons- Wrangell St. Elias National Park is one of the best places for glacier hiking in Alaska. The approach to the glacier begins with a walk through a historic ghost town and along the side of the vast Root Glacier below the base of the magnificent 5,000 foot Stairway Icefall. Donoho Peak and Mt Blackburn loom in the distance. Once equipped with crampons the hike continues onto the white and blue expanse of the glacier. The glacier comes to life while your guide describes its unique features. $65-$100.

Ice Climbing- Expert guides will show you “the ropes” of glacier climbing. This trip is like the above Glacier Hike but includes the opportunity to ice climb on the glacier as well. An introduction to the sport, basic skills and several techniques will be applied to explore a few ice cliffs. All ice climbing equipment is provided. $125.

Flight Seeing- From the air you will be offered an entirely new perspective of this vast area. You will have the opportunity to witness a variety of natural wonders, including; 16,000 ft peaks, volcanoes, rivers, glacial expanses, alpine lakes, and dramatic waterfalls. Wildlife including Bear, Dall Sheep, Moose, Caribou, and Mt Goats may be seen. From $95-$210.

Historic Mine Tours- Take a guided tour of Kennicott and learn about the area’s fascinating human history. The historic Copper mine of Kennecott (different spelling) was built in the early 1900’s and is a National Historic Landmark. Throughout the 2 ½ hour tour you will venture into the 14-story Mill Building and walk back in time. Your guide will provide you with a fully narrated tour; allowing you a glimpse into the history of this remote wilderness mine. $25.

Days 11-12: Valdez and Prince William Sound

En route to Valdez we’ll view the Alaska Pipeline and stop at the road accessible Worthington Glacier for a short hike. Later, we’ll cross scenic Thompson Pass and arrive in Valdez in time to explore the harbor or go on a short hike.

Often referred to as the 'Little Switzerland" of Alaska, Valdez is beautifully situated at the base of the towering Chugach Mountains on the shores of Prince William Sound. Made famous by the Alaska Pipeline, and later the Exxon Valdez oil spill, Valdez has since become a popular tourist destination. Visitors are attracted to the lush landscape, high concentration of glaciers, and great outdoor recreation.

You will have a full day here to participate in a variety of recreational activities. We recommend taking advantage of the great hiking in the area or consider our other favorite activity: the sea kayak trip to Shoup Glacier.

Other popular activities in the area include:

Sea Kayaking- There are two sea kayaking trips from Valdez that we highly recommend.

An outstanding sea kayaking trip to the face of Shoup Glacier- view wildlife and a tidewater glacier, perfectly suitable for beginners. On this full day trip you will paddle within a protective cove past one of the largest Kittiwake rookeries in the area up to the face of Shoup Glacier. If you are lucky ice from the glacier will calve into the sea. $159.

Or, consider the slightly longer trip to the Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound! Here you can paddle among the icebergs and through some remote bays that are completely inaccessible by motorized boats. $199.

Glacier/Wildlife cruises- Look for wildlife and enjoy the outstanding glacial scenery while you cruise Prince William Sound. Not only will you see South Central Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier, the Columbia Glacier, you will have the opportunity to view fantastic wildlife of that area including; sea lions, whales, seals, puffins, sea otters, eagles, goats, bears and much more. $115, $57 Ages to 12.

Ocean Fishing- Fish for halibut and/or salmon. Your choice of either an all day Halibut fishing trip, approximately 12 hrs, between May and September; or a silver salmon charter between July and September. Halibut- $250 Salmon- $150-$225.

Day 13: Prince William Sound

Today we’ll cross Prince William Sound on the Alaska State Ferry. We'll look for bears, humpback and killer whales, Dall porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, and mountain goats as we relax and enjoy the scenery. En route we'll pass the Columbia Glacier, one of the largest and most magnificent tidewater glaciers in the state. The Columbia Glacier covers an area the size of Los Angeles and casts thousands of tons of ice into the sea each year.

Our destination this afternoon is the small, end of the road town of Hope. We’ll camp near the shore of beautiful Turnagain Arm.

Day 14: Hope to Anchorage

Today we’ll explore the fascinating gold rush town of Hope (population about 200). Walking among the narrow roads lined with well preserved log cabins is like going back in time to turn of the century Alaska. There is great hiking in the area as well as outstanding whitewater rafting on one of Alaska’s premier whitewater rivers.

We will begin our casual drive to Anchorage this afternoon with time to stop for sightseeing and day hikes. We will arrive in Anchorage by 5:00-5:30 pm and will bring you to the Anchorage location of your choice.

Other popular activities in the area include:

Six Mile Creek whitewater rafting- Class V ($145). Class IV ($95)

Granite Creek scenic float- Class II ($75)

Reserve this trip

References

We believe that our trips are outstanding, but we don’t expect you to take our word for it. Many of our past guests have offered to act as references for us. If you would like to contact our past guests we encourage you to. Get in touch with our office and we’ll be happy to send you their info.

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