Hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park

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 a farewell dinner. (B)

Your trip ends after breakfast and you are free to leave Anchorage at your leisure. Or, you may choose to continue exploring Alaska by adding on our Denali National Park itinerary. (B)