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A hiking adventure of epic proportions

Where can you find the USA’s tallest mountains, biggest national parks, largest glaciers and most awe-inspiring scenery? It could only be Alaska. Set off on a 12-day hiking adventure that takes in all the highlights of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park. Explore the mountainous trails of the Kenai Fjords National Park and Chugach State Park, stand atop the ancient Harding Icefield and Matanuska glacier, hike tundra trails that weave through wildflowers and maybe even spot some wildlife living among the landscape. So go on and get out there, this rugged, wild land is just begging to be explored.

Start
Anchorage, United States
Finish
Anchorage, United States
Destination
United States
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
SAXAC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 11

Why you'll love this trip

  • Enjoy some of Alaska's most scenic and iconic hikes, with views of Prince William Sound, snow-capped mountains and glaciers as you explore the Kenai Peninsula and Kenai Fjords National Park.

  • Experience the rugged beauty of Denali National Park, home to the tallest peak in North America and starring some of the most scenic photo ops you’ll find anywhere.

  • Let an expert guide take you on all included treks, with local knowledge and years of experience that will give you real insight into Alaskan life and nature.

  • Walk on the expansive Harding Icefield, one of 4 major icecaps in the US, and join an expert for a walk atop the enormous Matanuska glacier.

  • Tackle an out-and-back scenic hike into the Alaskan wilderness along the Curry Ridge Trail and keep your eyes peeled for a diverse array of wildlife living among the tundra.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a hiking trip. Please carefully read description of all hikes. A good level of fitness is desirable to fully enjoy all included hikes. Be sure to bring appropriate gear: good walking boots, rain gear and warm clothing.

  • This trip starts on Day 1 at 10 am in Anchorage and travels to Seward after the welcome meeting. If you are at risk of being late, please consider arriving a day earlier and staying in Anchorage before the tour begins.

  • This is a ‘combo’ – two itineraries stitched together to make a longer adventure. Your group leader and the composition of your group may change in Anchorage.

  • On Day 10 you will have an opportunity to embark on a popular Savage Alpine Trail hike. Please note it will be a self-guided trek and guide will not be trekking with you on this day.

Hiking through Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska
SAXK - Harbour filled with boats in Homer, Alaska during sunrise
SAXK - Mossy trees and forest in Kenai Fjords NP, Alaska
SAXK - Wild bear in Homer, Alaska
SAXK - Female traveller hiking alongside the beach in Kenai Fjords National Park
SAXK - Female traveller hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park with mountain views
SAXD - The Matanuska glacier, Alaska
Group of travellers hiking in Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska
SAXD - Group visit to Eielson visitor centre overlooking mountains
SAXD - Female traveller in front of Matanuska Glacier, Alaska

Itinerary
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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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chugach State Flattop Mountain hike
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Please note your welcome meeting takes place at 10 am today. The drive to Seward follows right after the meeting so it is crucial you are there on time. If you are worried about an early start, we recommend spending a night before your tour begins in Anchorage. If so, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Today’s round-trip hike is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) with a 1430 ft (436 m) elevation gain – perfect for your first day's adventure!

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kenai Fjords National Park - Harding Icefield full day guided hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
This out-and-back hike is a challenging 8.2 miles (13.2 km) roundtrip, with a grand total of 3812 ft (1162 m) in elevation gain.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Caines Head and Tonsina Point coastal hikes
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
This coastal out-and-back hike is 4.1 miles (6.6 km) roundtrip and gains 770 ft (235 m) in elevation.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Half-day fishing charters depart at either 7 am or 12 pm.

We recognize that bear viewing flights are a popular option, however at this time we are still assessing the safety of the activity and thus cannot recommend a provider/pre-book it for you. Should you wish to participate you will need to pre-book this activity yourself.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Portage Pass hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hike is 4.2 miles (6.8 km) roundtrip with a total of 1433 ft (437 m) in elevation gain.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Matanuska - Glacier guided walking tour
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group will likely change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary. We suggest you attend, as this is also a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers. It’s important that you attend the welcome meeting as your new group leader will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Talkeetna Mountains guided hike
Optional Activities
  • Talkeetna - Southside Explorer Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing - USD390
  • Talkeetna - Southside Explorer Scenic Flight - USD270
  • Talkeetna - Summit Tour Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing - USD580
  • Talkeetna - Summit Tour Scenic Flight - USD460
  • Talkeetna - Grand Denali Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing - USD525
  • Talkeetna - Grand Denali Scenic Flight - USD405
  • Talkeetna - Mountain Voyager Scenic Flight with Glacier Landing - USD465
  • Talkeetna - Mountain Voyager Scenic Flight - USD364
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hike is approximately 5 miles (8 km), with moderate elevation gain.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Curry Ridge out-and-back scenic hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s out-and-back hike is 6.5 miles (10.5 km), gaining 2417 ft (737 m) in elevation.

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!
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Self-guided Savage Alpine Trail hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today you will be hiking without a guide, but all necessary information is available beforehand.

Today’s hike is 4 miles (6.5 km), gaining 1500 ft (450 m) in elevation.

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.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Horseshoe Lake hike
  • Denali viewpoint
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s hike is 2.1 miles (3.7 km), gaining 393 ft (120 m) in elevation.

Your tour ends after breakfast and you’re free to depart at your leisure or stay and explore more of Anchorage on your own.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

10 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights)

Included activities

  • Chugach State Flattop Mountain hike
  • Kenai Fjords National Park - Harding Icefield full day guided hike
  • Caines Head and Tonsina Point coastal hikes
  • Portage Pass hike
  • Matanuska - Glacier guided walking tour
  • Talkeetna Mountains guided hike
  • Curry Ridge out-and-back scenic hike
  • Self-guided Savage Alpine Trail hike
  • Horseshoe Lake hike
  • Denali viewpoint

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Hiking the Great Land of Alaska trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10am on Day 1. Please consider booking extra pre tour night in Anchorage to make sure you will be on time for the start of your adventure.
2. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. Many Alaska businesses are facing an unprecedented shortage of workers as customers return and the pandemic retreats. Hotels and restaurants are amongst the most affected. Please be aware this may result in a longer than usual hotel check-in procedures. If you face any issues with hotel or restaurant services while on the tour, please advise your Tour Leader immediately.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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