11-Day Alaska Interior Explorer Tour from Anchorage: Denali National Park and Wrangell St. Elias National Park [Max 13 Small Group]

What you'll experience

Highlights

11 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Anchorage Alaska, Talkeetna and Denali National Park

   Welcome to ALASKA (Departs Anchorage at 8:00am)
   Today we set out to discover the wilderness of Alaska with a stop at the picturesque town of Talkeetna before reaching the Alaska Range, a large mountain range that stretches across Alaska for our night stop.
   Catch a glimpse of Denali en route. Denali is known as the crown jewel and highest mountain in North America reaching almost 6200 meters, 20,310 feet, visible from afar, weather permitting.
   Camp for 3 nights close to Denali NP.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
2. 2

   Day 2 — Denali National Park

   Denali is Alaska's showpiece. Today – we will discover the impressive nature of Denali by bus. This exclusive bus ride is offered by the national park, offering incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. During this included day trip deep into the park, enjoy photo stops and short walks amidst the rugged and untouched nature of Denali before heading back to camp to relax this evening around the campfire.

   

   Denali National Park & Preserve

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
3. 3

   Day 3 — Denali National Park and surrounding areas

   Today you have the option of some free time with activities or hiking! Your guide will help you plan today. There is a great deal of wildlife, such as black bears, brown bears, beavers, bald eagles, foxes and a variety of song birds.
   The surrounding area is ideal for hiking around Denali National Park With a bit of luck, you'll see grizzlies, the natural symbol of the subarctic, and for many a highlight of the trip.

   

   Denali National Park & Preserve

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
4. 4

   Day 4 — Maclaren River Lodge

   Today we drive the famous Denali Highway to the Maclaren River Lodge. Surrounded by alpine landscape, this wilderness resort is truly off the beaten track and offers a fabulous taste of Alaskan hospitality.
   This evening, we enjoy our evening overlooking the beautiful Maclaren River – soaking in the pristine sites of the Alaska Range. An included dinner at the lodge is provided with warm Alaskan charm.
   1 night – lodge 3 person bunk rooms.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Lodging
5. 5

   Day 5 — Valdez

   Today we continue our adventure across the Denali Highway and head south through the Thompson Pass – admiring the waterfalls that make this region so beautiful. It is also the "ice climbing" capital of Alaska – a true adventurer's paradise.
   Enjoy a mid-afternoon hike to the Worthington Glacier, before arriving in Valdez. Set up camp, explore this cute Alaska port side town, and settle in for the evening for a camp dinner and campfire.
   2 nights – camping

   

   Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
6. 6

   Day 6 — Valdez and Shoup Glacier kayak excursion

   This included kayaking tour offers an intimate experience at one of Alaska's beautiful marine state parks. Climb aboard a motorboat for a water taxi ride to Shoup Bay, where we will begin this scenic journey. Over the course of the day we will paddle up a fjord that has been revealed by a retreating glacier, past a nesting colony of black-legged kittiwakes, along a lush, waterfall-laden coastline, and up towards the face of the glacier. Enjoy a short walk on the beach and a lunch spot with a marvelous glacier view. At the end of the paddle, we will be picked up by the motorboat for the ride back to Valdez.
   This evening, enjoy a meal out – self pay at a local Valdez favorite!

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
7. 7

   Day 7 — Wrangell St. Elias National Park

   We depart Valdez early this morning, for the "infamous" McCarthy Highway drive – which takes us through stunning Alaska landscapes Wrangell St. Elias National Park – The United States largest National Park and Preserve.
   Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is known for its glaciers and mining history. Camp inside the park for 3 nights opposite the small access village of McCarthy.
   This evening we enjoy the quaint town of town of McCarthy for dinner – self paid.
   Camp for 3 nights along the Kennicott River.
   Note: Please note that this campsite is a backcountry camp amidst stunning scenery with limited facilities.

   

   Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
8. 8

   Day 8 — Wrangell St. Elias National Park

   Today we enjoy some hiking/activities in the Wrangell Range!
   From McCarthy, take an optional visit to the old copper mining town of Kennicott or walk along the Kennicott and Root glaciers. For a more challenging walk, opt for a visit to the Bonanza Mine.

   

   Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
9. 9

   Day 9 — Wrangell St. Elias National Park

   Take a flight today with beautiful views of the glaciers, or if you prefer to keep two feet on the ground, sign up for some ice climbing. Activities paid/booked with your guide.

   

   Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
10. 10

    Day 10 — Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge Glenn Highway

    Today we drive the beautiful Glenn Highway towards Glacier View for our night stop. The Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains in the Alaskan wild. Hike on many of the numerous trails in the Tahneeta pass right from your doorstep, or sit on the covered porch sipping a glass of wine while taking in the view.
    We arrive at our lodge late afternoon – and enjoy an included farewell meal and a soak in the outdoor hot tub!
    1 night – lodge twin share.

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Camping
11. 11

    Day 11 — Anchorage

    Enjoy a lazy morning and breakfast at the lodge before heading back to Anchorage. Arriving midday, explore the trails and sights of Anchorage with your expert guide.
    This tour ends at approx 5pm.

    Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

• All participants must be 16+ years of age.
• Live commentary is provided in English.
• Please ensure that you have breakfast before you join the tour.
• There are many opportunities for walks and hikes on this tour. Not all walks are guided. Your tour guide will advise and make recommendations for walks to suit your ability and interest.
• Remember, there is no Wi-Fi on the bus and some locations do not have service.
• We highly recommend travel/medical insurance, please have your insurance details and your passport/photo ID ready for inspection at departure. You may also choose to travel without insurance, although we highly recommend that you have medical coverage in place.
• The luggage allowance for this tour is up to 20kgs per person either a hard case or a backpack plus a small day bag for your camera, sunscreen etc. If you have excess luggage, please arrange with your Las Vegas hotel to store it for you. You will not be permitted to join this tour with more than your permitted luggage weight.
• We do not provide water on this tour, as a member of the International Eco Tourism Society we encourage our guests to bring a refillable container. This may be as simple as a plastic 1 liter bottle purchased from any convenience store. You may refill this every time we make a comfort stop, and we will happily recycle it for you at the end of your tour if you wish.
• It is customary to tip your guide. $175 per person is the recommended amount for this tour.
• The following items are included with your tour:
  - 1 inch thick foam sleeping mat, use of a two-person tent  (if you are a solo traveler you will be paired with a tent partner of the same gender).
• We recommend bringing the following items: We provide all necessary camping equipment, including tents and 1 inch thick foam sleeping mat. Tents are twin share and solo travelers will be paired with another client of the same sex. We suggest you bring the following items:
  - 3 season sleeping bag
  - Warm, layered clothing (You may experience both warm and cool temperatures. It is recommended that you pack warm socks, a sweater or hooded jacket)
  - Rainproof jacket (light if wearing other layered clothing, sturdier if that will be your main layer)
  - Sun hat
  - Back-pack/day-pack to bring on your hikes
  - Refillable water containers (water will be accessible)
  - Toiletries for camping (including sunscreen and hand soap)
  - Camp towels and flip-flops (for showering)
  - Small camp pillow
  - Flashlight/ Headlamp
  - Power cords for electronics/ portable power banks
  - Comfortable walking shoes
  - Hiking poles if you'd like to use them
  - A Few snacks for hiking that you know you'll enjoy (there will be stops for snacks on tour as well)

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* All participants must be 16+ years of age.
* The same rates apply to children and adults.
* Prices for Single Occupancy/Shared Room are based on a twin share basis. You will be paired with another passenger of the same sex.
* Price for Double Occupancy applies when two people stay in one tent respectively.
* Maximum tent capacity: 2 people including adult and child/infant.
* Prices are based on shared room/tent basis. Single occupancy is not offered for lodging & camping option (Single travelers will be paired with another traveler of the same gender).

Travel tips

Tour operator