Hiking the Great Land of Alaska

Welcome to Anchorage and the start of your incredible Kenai Fjords National Park adventure! You’ll meet your guide at Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites in Anchorage at 10 am. From there, embark on the stunning drive to your first hike at Portage Pass. This out-and-back hike boasts one heck of a scenic-packed-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, sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful drive as your local leader takes the wheel to reach 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.

Included Activities:
-Portage Pass hike

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, but then quickly gains elevation – but the reward is worth every step. The Harding Icefield Trail is world-famous and for good reason. 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.

Included Activities:
-Harding Icefield full day guided hike

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 of 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.

Included Activities:
-Caines Head and Tonsina Point coastal hikes

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.

Today you have the 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 and, of course, halibut. If you’re feeling adventurous, book a bear viewing flight (your own expense) that includes a scenic flight, professional bear guide and digital photos. 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.

Journey back to Anchorage, making many scenic stops along the beautiful Turnagain Arm, one of the most stunning drives in the USA. Take on 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, overnight in Anchorage, where you may want to gather the group dinner.

Included Activities:
-Chugach State Flattop Mountain hike

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.

Included Activities:
-Matanuska - Glacier guided walking tour

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 Denali National Park. Enjoy sweeping landscape views of mountains, rivers and forests – and maybe even spot some Alaskan wildlife.

Included Activities:
-Talkeetna Mountains guided hike

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.

Included Activities:
-Curry Ridge out-and-back scenic hike

Today is truly an adventure! You’ll embark on the Eielson transit bus to reach the Eielson Visitor Center. The ride is approximately 4 hours, but with plenty of stops and opportunities to stretch your legs and explore along the way. There are many hiking opportunities available from the visitor centre – and they’re all entirely up to you! You’re free to head off on your own unguided adventure taking the trail of your choice. Ask your guide for recommendations or get inspiration from one of the rangers. After your hike, catch the bus back to your accommodation, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way!

Included Activities:
-Eielson Bus ticket & Visitor Center
-Self-guided walk out of Eielson Visitor Center

Head back to Anchorage with a stop at the iconic Denali Viewpoint (depending on conditions) for one last look at the highest point in North America. You’ll also stop for a walk into the Alaskan woods to take in the picturesque Thunderbird Falls at the end of the trail. Then load back into the tour van and make 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.

Included Activities:
-Thunderbird Falls visit

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