Visit Talkeetna, Denali National Park and Preserve, Matanuska Glacier Area (Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge), Paxson (Maclaren River Lodge), Valdez, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Join us in the last frontier - hiking, camping and adventuring our way through Central Alaska. This 11 day tour encompasses everything from incredible vistas, exciting activities, stunning drives and kayak excursions - highlighting the beauty of the Land of the Midnight Sun.
Day 1:
Anchorage - Talkeetna - Close to Denali National Park (181 miles)
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.
Talkeetna, AK
This small town in Alaska is about 115 miles north of Anchorage and has a population of just 876. It is the base for expeditions to Denali, the tallest mountain in North America.
Standard Hotel: Camp Close to Denali National Park
Day 2:
Denali National Park
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 and Preserve, AK
This massive national park rests in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, covering over 4 million acres of land. It is home to Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak in North America.
Standard Hotel: Camp Close to Denali National Park
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 and Preserve, AK
This massive national park rests in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness, covering over 4 million acres of land. It is home to Mt. McKinley, the tallest peak in North America.
Standard Hotel: Camp Close to Denali National Park
Day 4:
Maclaren River Lodge (178 miles)
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.
Paxson, AK
Maclaren River Lodge
Maclaren Lodge is situated between the Denali Parks and the Richardson Highways near the base of the Maclaren Glacier. It is a favorite desitnation for hikers, fishermen, wildlife viewers and photographers.
Standard Hotel: Maclaren River Lodge, 3 person bunk rooms
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.
Valdez, AK
This small fishing port in Alaska is a popular destination for outdoor sportsmen. The most popular sports are deep sea fishing and skiing.
Standard Hotel: Camp at Valdez
Day 6:
Shoup Glacier kayak excursion
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!
Valdez, AK
This small fishing port in Alaska is a popular destination for outdoor sportsmen. The most popular sports are deep sea fishing and skiing.
Standard Hotel: Camp at Valdez
Day 7:
Wrangell St. Elias National Park (118 miles)
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. This evening we enjoy the quaint town of town of McCarthy for dinner - self paid. Camp inside the park opposite the small access village of McCarthy.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, AK
A United States national park and national preserve established in 1980. The protected area is included in an International Biosphere Reserve and is part of the Kluane/Wrangell–St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Standard Hotel: Camp along the Kennicott River, the campsite is a backcountry camp amidst stunning scenery with limited facilities.
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, AK
A United States national park and national preserve established in 1980. The protected area is included in an International Biosphere Reserve and is part of the Kluane/Wrangell–St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Standard Hotel: Camp along the Kennicott River, the campsite is a backcountry camp amidst stunning scenery with limited facilities.
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, AK
A United States national park and national preserve established in 1980. The protected area is included in an International Biosphere Reserve and is part of the Kluane/Wrangell–St. Elias/Glacier Bay/Tatshenshini-Alsek UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Standard Hotel: Camp along the Kennicott River, the campsite is a backcountry camp amidst stunning scenery with limited facilities.
Day 10:
Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge Glenn Highway (150 miles)
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!
Matanuska Glacier Area, AK
Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge
Majestic Valley Lodge is a 7000 square foot handcrafted log structure located in the scenic 3000 foot Tahneeta pass. The lodge sits between two spectacular mountain ranges that are just out your door: the Talkeetna and Chugach mountains.
Standard Hotel: Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge twin share
Day 11:
Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge - 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.
Matanuska Glacier Area, AK
Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge
Majestic Valley Lodge is a 7000 square foot handcrafted log structure located in the scenic 3000 foot Tahneeta pass. The lodge sits between two spectacular mountain ranges that are just out your door: the Talkeetna and Chugach mountains.
*Return time is an estimate and varies based on traffic and weather conditions.
Price Includes
All Transportation - and organization by guide / round trip to Anchorage
Expert and fun local Tour Guide
8 camping nights / 2 lodge nights
Camping equipment, including tent and foam sleeping pad. Just bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us.
Cooking equipment
Glacier Kayak Excursion in Valdez
Price Excludes
Optional Activities: Booked and Paid Locally with Tour Guide, per person Flight seeing: $225 - $399
Glacier Trek: $110 - $150
Ice Climbing: $170 - $190
McCarthy / Kennicott Copper Mine Tour: $34
Local food kitty payment ($265 per person) cover 10 camp breakfasts, 7 camp dinners, 11 Sandwich/picnic style lunches, Booked and Paid Locally with Tour Guide
Gratuities not included (15% recommended)
Sleeping Bag - 3 season. Or rent from us for $40 pp
Any private expenses
Additional Note
Dress Code Suggestion Rain Gear - highly recommended, bug net,mosquito Spray, hiking clothes, worn in hiking boots, baseball cap, brim hat, extra layers if it gets cold at night. Cotton not recommended. Casual clothes for at night and camp
Confirmation
All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book the airline tickets until you received the confirmation.
Redemption
Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your e-ticket. You must print and bring e-ticket(s) on your trip, as they serve as proof of purchase.
Terms & Condition
Customers would receive a full refund if canceled 8 weeks or above prior to departure date; No refund if canceled within 8 weeks. The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
Prices may vary and are subject to availability by season, weekend, and/or holiday.
While we will make every effort to maintain a regular operation, we reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip and issue a full refund to affected customers under special circumstances.
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