Hiking the Great Land of Alaska

Welcome to Anchorage and the start of your incredible Kenai Peninsula adventure! You’ll meet your guide in Anchorage at 10 am at the hotel listed in the Joining Point Information. Then set out on your first adventure with Anchorage's most famous day hike, as you explore Flattop Mountain in Chugach State Park. Flattop is famous for its distinguished shape, well-maintained trails and sweeping mountain and city views. From one direction you can look out over the city of Anchorage and take in distant views of the Tordrillo, Talkeetna, Kenai and Alaska mountain ranges. From the other direction, catch dramatic mountain views, from snow-capped peaks to deep mountain valleys. After your hike, sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful drive as your local leader takes the wheel to reach Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Tonight, you’re free to explore the fishing town of Seward on your own. Maybe stroll along the beach, shop at a few local stores or grab dinner at a local eatery.

Eat a hearty breakfast this morning because today is a full-day hike along one of Alaska’s most iconic and heart-pumping trails. Meet your guide at your hotel for the short drive to the trailhead. The hike begins with a mellow warm-up as you walk along the valley floor, then quickly gains elevation – but the reward is worth every step. The world-famous Harding Icefield Trail is one of the only trails in Kenai Fjords National Park that is accessible by road. As you make your way through the forest, you’ll catch peeks of valley until, before you know it, you emerge above the tree line for spectacular panoramic views. All that hard work will be celebrated with the breathtaking sight of Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield – the perfect all-Alaskan scene. After your hike head back to Seward, where you can relax for the evening and review your epic photos from the day. (B)

Start off today with a half-day beach hike along a coastal trail that weaves through the mossy forests before breaking out onto the beaches adjacent to Kenai Fjords National Park. There are excellent beachcombing opportunities here, and you may even spot both land and marine wildlife. In the afternoon, you’re free to join a variety of optional activities. Maybe explore the fascinating Alaska Sealife Center, take a helicopter to a glacier for a dog sledding tour, or hop onboard a scenic cruise through the waters along the Kenai Peninsula. Or, you may choose to simply enjoy the afternoon relaxing in Seward. (B)

Enjoy a scenic drive to the town of Homer, famed for being the halibut capital of the world and nicknamed “the end of the road” because it marks the very end of the US highway system, where land meets sea. While Homer may be surrounded by ocean and wilderness, it’s also an artsy town that’s home to several museums, art galleries and fine dining options. There will be stops along the drive to stretch your legs and take in the sights. (B)

Today you have a full, free day to enjoy beautiful Homer. You may want to walk the beach of the famous Homer Spit that juts out into Kachemak Bay, a unique geographical feature shaped by tidal swells, glaciers and earthquakes. Or you may choose to browse the local shops, explore the harbour or enjoy some local cuisine such as reindeer, caribou, king crab or go fishing for some of that delicious Homer halibut! Book a half-day fishing charter (your own expense) that includes all your gear, and you get to keep whatever you catch. (B)

For your final day, journey back to Anchorage, with many scenic stops along the beautiful Turnagain Arm, one of the most stunning drives in the USA. But first, get moving again on your final hike at Portage Pass. This out-and-back hike boasts one heck of a scenic punch, with views of Prince William Sound, snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes. For the grand finale, get up close and personal with a glacier atop the iceberg-dotted Portage Lake. After your hike, overnight in Anchorage, where you may want to gather the group for dinner. (B)

A meeting will take place at your hotel at 10am this morning where you’ll welcome any new travellers joining you on the next leg of your adventure before embarking on a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway towards the town of Palmer, a trip that’s packed with gorgeous mountain vistas and plenty of time for photo ops. You’ll eventually reach the famed Matanuska Glacier, Alaska's largest road-access glacier – it’s a jaw-dropping 27 miles long and 4 miles wide and has some of the most accessible walking areas of any glacier in the state. Don your ice cleats and helmet (included) and begin exploring the glacier on foot with the help of an Alaskan guide and glacier expert. Marvel at ice that formed thousands of years ago, high in the Chugach Mountains as you walk for about 2 hours, covering 3 miles. Amazingly, every day is unique at Matanuska, due to the dynamic nature of the glacier. Similarly, your tour will be customised to suit your group’s interests. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local eatery with stunning views of the glacier and surrounding scenery, before heading to Palmer for the night. (L)

Today you explore the wild beauty of Hatcher Pass for a hike among the alpine tundra of the Talkeetna Mountains. While Hatcher Pass used to be one of Alaska’s best-kept secrets, it’s become fairly popular in recent years. Luckily, you’ll have your expert leader with you, who will know which trails to take to avoid the crowds! After your hike, sit back, relax and take in the scenery outside your window as you drive onwards to the charming town of Talkeetna, Alaska. Enjoy sweeping landscape views of mountains, rivers and forests – and maybe even spot some Alaskan wildlife. (B)

It’s another scenic day today in the Great Land, with a moderate-level hike and stunning views through the front country of Denali National Park. Curry Ridge is a 6. 5-mile out-and-back scenic hike into the rolling tundra of the Alaskan wilderness. On a clear day, you can expect spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range and the towering Denali Mountain (formerly known as Mt McKinley), the highest peak in North America. (B)

Today is truly an adventure! You’ll embark on the Savage Alpine trail transit bus to reach the trailhead of this popular but strenuous self-guided hike. The ride is short and sweet since you'll be disembarking between Miles 13 and 15 on the National Park Road. The most common place to begin the hike it at the river. It will allow you to gain altitude and views in the least amount of time. Beginning from the river you gain around 900ft in elevation in the first mile. Once on the ridge it's a gentle hike with fantastic views of Denali on a clear day! Following the side of the mountain, you’ll descend back down to the valley, arriving at Savage Campground. While this is an unguided hike today, your leader will clearly describe the trail and set up a meeting point and time so you can meet back up with the group at the end of the day. Then catch the bus back to your accommodation, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way! (B)

This morning, set off for one last hike along the Horseshoe Lake Trail before heading back to Anchorage. This short but scenic walk frames Horseshoe Lake with viewpoints along the way and the chance to check out a beaver dam. After your walk, hit the road with a stop at the iconic Denali Viewpoint (depending on conditions) for one last look at the highest point in North America. Then, load back into the van and ease into your final stretch to Anchorage. Your leader will drop you off at your hotel for your last night and you may want to gather the group for a goodbye dinner. For good food and great views, 49th State Brewing Co. is an excellent option, or you could go for pizza at Alaska’s most famous restaurant, the chilled-out Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria. If you’d like to get in more walking time, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a perfect sunset activity and is easily accessible from downtown. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast and you’re free to depart at your leisure or stay and explore more of Anchorage on your own. (B)