Ultimate Active Alaska

After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, travel towards Seward this morning with a stop at Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood for a rewarding hike on the North Face Trail. Climb over 2000 ft elevation up the north face of Mt Alyeska to expansive views of Turnagain Arm, the Girdwood Valley, the surrounding glaciers, and the towering peaks of the Chugach Range. Keep a look out for wildlife along the trail before reaching the Mt Alyeska gondola for an enjoyable descent back to the valley. Afterwards, the group will transfer to the accommodations in Seward along Resurrection Bay. In the evening, enjoy dinner together around the campfire.

Included Experiences

• 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.
• North Face Trail Hike: Hike along the North Face Trail to views from Mt Alyeska. This steep 2.5-mile trail near Girdwood, Alaska offers gorgeous scenery and a fun challenge. It takes about three hours to complete and is a great time to absorb Alaska's untamed beauty and wildlife.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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. Black bears are spotted frequently from the Harding Icefield Trail.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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 Experiences

• 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: The 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: Get 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.

Travel to Denali National Park with the group in the morning. Along the way make a stop to hike the Talkeetna Lake Trail through lush old-growth forest. Search for wildlife in one of the area's most beautiful settings. In the late afternoon continue on to Denali National Park where you’ll be camping with shared bathroom facilities.

Included Experiences

• Talkeetna Lake Trail: A great place to hike and look for wildlife this 3.7 mile loop offers lake views and strolls through deep woods. Search for otters, beavers, bears, foxes, maybe moose, and hundreds of different species of birds. Walk through lush old-growth forest and listen for the loons calling across the water.

Wake up at camp this morning and eat a quick breakfast before heading out to explore the park and the surrounding areas today. You'll have free time to enjoy optional front country hikes in the park: 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 and/or 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. You can also choose other optional activities near Denali like rafting, or scenic flights with or without glacier landing before returning to the campsite in the evening.

Included Experiences

• 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 Experiences

• Rafting on Nenana River: Hit the rapids on the Nenana River. Soak in the gorgeous scenery and get a rush of adrenaline in Denali National Park. (95-150 USD per person)
• Denali Scenic Flight: Take 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. (220-420 USD per person)
• 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• 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.

Settle in for your drive back to Anchorage. Enjoy free time in Anchorage this afternoon and evening before heading out on the next leg of the adventure tomorrow morning.

Optional Experiences

• Alaska Native Heritage Center Visit: Hear the stories of Alaska's Indigenous People as you explore the history and cultural heritage of the The Last Frontier. Your visit will take you on a journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history. The exhibit has art, dance, demonstrations of Native Games, traditional Native dwellings, films, and more.

This morning the group will leave Anchorage and travel to the Matanuska Recreation Site where you will be able to view the glacier along the interpretive nature trail. After a picnic lunch the group will continue travelling onward to Valdez where you will have the opportunity to walk and visit the Worthington Glacier. Set up camp in the evening and have dinner as a group around the fire.

Included Experiences

• Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site: This site which is easily accessible from the Glenn Highway Scenic Byway offers wonderful views of the Matanuska Glacier. As a 300 acre recreation site it offers glacier viewing from the parking lot that extends along the interpretive nature trail.
• Worthington Glacier Visit: Spend some time exploring this glacier located in the Chugach Mountains near Thompson Pass—the snowiest place in Alaska. Worthington Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, passing within a few feet of the parking lot with a viewing shelter right off the Richardson Highway. Like most of Alaska’s glaciers, this valley glacier has been steadily retreating for the last 150 years, but not as dramatically as many others. The upper basin sits at 5,500 feet and collects about 28 feet of snow each year.

What’s in store today will certainly be an adventure. After a quick breakfast, you'll have free time to walk, journal, or hang out with friends. After lunch head to Glacier Lake in Valdez where you’ll go on a hike and guided kayak tour of the lake. If you have yet to set your eyes on an iceberg, this might just be your chance. This gorgeous lake in Valdez is often home to large chunks of floating ice coming from the Valdez Glacier. With great views and miles of open water to paddle there’s no better way to get in touch with nature.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy free time in Valdez today to hike, kayak, and explore the town and surrounding nature.
• Glacier Lake Kayaking: Walk along the shores of this gorgeous lake in Valdez and then pick up some paddles and get out on the water to try and spot some icebergs. These huge chunks of floating ice come from the Valdez Glacier and come with unimpeded views of the snow-capped Chugach Mountains in the distance. An area definitely worth experiencing while in Valdez. You’ll be able to see the actual glacier from the water while kayaking.

Optional Experiences

• Hiking Around Valdez: Valdez is known for having amazing hikes in and around the city. Pack your water bottle, pick a route, and go hit the trail! Thompson Pass is an alpine pass through the Chugach Mountains between Glennallen and Valdez and is an adventurer’s playground when the right conditions sweep through. The alpine area surrounding the pass allows for endless exploring and jaw-dropping views making this area wonderful for alpine hiking. The Shoup Bay trail is a long, but gradual hike sporting great views hugging the Alaskan coastline. Make sure to bring layers and waterproof shoes as it can get muddy at points.

You’ll spend time today in a private vehicle en route to McCarthy, but don’t worry there will be plenty of epic road trip worthy stops along the way. First up is a stop at Thompson's Pass viewpoint to start the day with stunning vistas. As you continue driving highway 10 there will be plenty of quick stops at worthy viewpoints all along the Copper River. Then enjoy a visit to Liberty Falls State Recreation Site where you can stretch your legs and visit the falls, which plunge 20 ft into the Liberty Creek. Continue along the scenic highway to McCarthy. Stop and see the fish wheels at Kuskulana River Canyon and Bridge, along Gilahina River, and at Gilahina Trestle Wayside. Arrive in McCarthy, visit the town, maybe catch some live music after dinner.

Included Experiences

• Liberty Falls Visit: Liberty falls is a powerful cascade that bursts through a slot in bedrock and plunges 20 ft down into Liberty Creek. The recreation site is just off the scenic highway to McCarthy and you can hear the constant roar of the falls from the wooded area. It’s a great landmark to stop and visit on the way to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
• Highway 10 View Points & Fish Wheel Stops: During the drive there will be plenty of stopping along highway 10 to experience the amazing vistas along the Copper River. Then you'll see some of the fish wheels in action. They are powered by the river current and date back to the Gold Rush as an innovative way to scoop the migrating salmon from the water and place them into a large bin for processing. More than one million Pacific salmon travel up the Copper River each year to their spawning grounds and it happens from late spring into mid summer and is quite a sight to see.

Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and spend the day hiking along the Bonanza Mine trail. A hike that includes stunning scenery, a trek to the top of a mountain and 1930’s mining ruins all in a frontier Alaskan setting. Coming in at 9 miles total, the hike is strenuous, but with the views you’ll be admiring, you might not notice at all. In the evening relax back at camp and have dinner as a group.

Included Experiences

• Bonanza Mine Trail Hike: Walk the Bonanza Mine Trail, a fairly strenuous walk that follows the ridges and tram lines to the old mine. Enjoy the magnificent panoramas of the Chugach Mountains, Mt Blackburn and the Kennecott Glacier along the way. From the ridge above the mine there are some spectacular views across to the University Range in the St Elias Mountains. The hike is about 4.5 miles one way with an elevation gain of 3800ft.
• Explore Wrangell-St Elias: Enjoy time to explore this park on foot or from the air. Wrangell-St Elias National Park is located in the eastern region of south-central Alaska. The Chugach, Wrangell, and St Elias mountain ranges converge here in what is often referred to as the 'Mountain Kingdom of North America'. It is the largest national park in the US at six times the size of Yellowstone.

Hiking is unique in its ability to nourish the body and the mind, but it’s nice to have a free day every now and then to let your body recover and your mind wander. Spend today in McCarthy choosing from a variety of optional activities to keep you busy. Head out on a guided ice walk tour, visit the Kennicott Mills Town on a guided tour, go whitewater rafting down the Copper River, or hop on a scenic flight of the national park. Unwind at camp in the evening and talk about your adventures.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Today enjoy time for optional activities like guided ice walk tour, a visit to the Kennicott Mills Town on a guided tour, a scenic flight in the national park, or a rafting trip.

Optional Experiences

• Kennicott Ghost Town Guided Tour: Explore Kennecott, a ghost town frozen in time. When the Kennecott Copper Corporation abruptly abandoned the town in 1938 they left behind their equipment, buildings and personal belongings. Their stories of discovery, perseverance, and ingenuity, however, live on. See what it was like to live and work in this remote wilderness as you tour the town site with a guide, listening to tales of lucky fortunes, tenacious frontiersmen and tragic endings.
• Wrangell-St. Elias Scenic Flight: Get a bird's eye view of this gorgeous landscape and try to take it all in. (300-475 USD per person)
• Rafting on Copper River: Get ready for a rafting adventure – a guaranteed thrilling, wet, and wild ride down the Copper River. The level of rafting will depend on the group; different levels are available.

A relaxed morning in McCarthy allows for you to enjoy your last day in the Alaskan wilderness as you’d like. Take one final hike along the West Kennecott Glacier Trail, spend some more time in McCarthy or just sit by the glacial lake and take in the views of the Stairway Icefall and the Wrangell mountains. On the drive north you’ll go slowly, stopping at viewpoints that the clouds might have hidden on our way here. You’ll cross the Copper River one last time and hope to see Mount Drum and Mount Sanford. Visit the Copper Visitor Center and go for short walks in the area and make sure not to miss the amazing viewing platform that can be reached from the Visitor Center. You’ll spend the night comfortably in a bed at Alaska’s oldest continually operated roadhouse.

Included Experiences

• McCarthy Highway & Copper Visitor Centre: As you drive along the scenic highway from McCarthy to Glennallen the group will make stops along the road where there are access roads or short trails that lead to lakes, streams, and other fishing holes. Once at the Copper Visitor Centre you can take shorter hikes in the area and wander along the beautiful viewing platform at the visitor centre itself.
• Copper Visitor Center: Visit the Copper Visitor Center in Glennallen and enjoy the exhibits there, view the park film, hike some nature trails, and go to the bookstore.

Optional Experiences

• Half-Day Float on Gulkana River: Set on a a half-day excursion along the winding Gulkana River, just a few short miles from the Gakona Lodge. See wildlife, experience a ride on the flowing waters, and try to catch some fish. A great addition to your adventurous Alaska experience.

In the morning transfer with the group from Glennallen to Anchorage, tour ends on arrival.