Adventures in Wild Alaska

Welcome to Anchorage

Arrive in Anchorage, at the heart of Alaska's stunning wilderness. Should you arrive into Anchorage early, you might explore some of the city's notable sites, such as the Anchorage Museum of History & Art, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, or the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Tonight, we will have a feast with local Alaskan flare and cuisine with our new friends with a welcome dinner.

Take a Scenic Journey from Anchorage to Seward

In the morning, meet your guides for a group orientation. Begin the drive south to the charming fishing town of Seward. On this scenic drive, see beluga whales cruise the waters of Turnagain Arm, Dall sheep cling to the craggy hillsides, and glaciers tumble from the rugged mountains. Settle in, then head out for a challenging but rewarding hike along the Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park, through cottonwood and alder forests, and heather-filled meadows. Come evening, dine on wild Alaskan salmon bake along the shores of Resurrection Bay.

Cruise Resurrection Bay

Enjoy an early breakfast, before heading down to the harbor for today's Kenai Fjords adventure: a 7-hour glacier boat tour or an optional sport-fishing excursion (requiring advance booking due to limited availability). While cruising around Resurrection Bay, be on the lookout for sea otters, whales, sea lions, bears, eagles, puffins, and mountain goats. In the afternoon, there's an option to visit Alaska Sea Life Center, the only public aquarium and ocean wildlife rescue center in the state. Toast the day at one of Seward's many restaurants just a short walk from the hotel.

Cross the Pristine Waters of Prince William Sound

Begin the day with a drive to Whittier along the Seward Highway, including a short visit to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center in Portage Valley. Continue through Alaska's longest tunnel and the portal to Whittier, to board a ferry for the trip to Valdez. Crossing the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, cruise past black-legged kittiwake rookeries and near the faces of large tidewater glaciers. Enjoy dinner and rest.

Explore Prince William Sound by Sea Kayak

Today, load into sea kayaks and explore Shoup Bay State Marine Park in Prince William Sound — a highlight of the trip. Paddle past the largest black-legged kittiwake rookery and enjoy lunch at the foot of the ancient tidewater glacier as it cracks, grumbles and calves massive blocks of ice into the saltwater. Kayak among floating miniature icebergs — fun obstacles for testing paddling skills! Afterwards, return to the hotel for rest and dinner on your own at one of Valdez' many restaurants, just steps away.

Journey from Valdez to the Historic Town of McCarthy

Today, drive along the spellbinding Richardson Highway to the tiny town of Chitina, with a brief stop to take in the striking Bridal Veil Falls at Keystone Canyon. Break for a short hike and picnic near the Worthington Glacier, up a sweeping moraine offering vistas of blue ice, glacial crevasses, and the mighty Chugach Mountain. At Chitina, board a bush plane for a 40-minute flight over the Wrangell Mountains to the historic town of McCarthy, and transfer to Kennicott Glacier Lodge in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Venture Deep into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

After a family-style breakfast, join St. Elias Alpine guides for a fascinating tour of Kennecott Mill's abandoned mining settlement. Peek into the 14-story Kennicott Copper Mill that ceased operations in 1938. Next, strap on a pair of crampons and head out for a thrilling 4-hour hike on a slow-moving glacier — suitable for all ages. Admire its blue pools, waterfalls, canyons, and crevasses along the way. Time permitting, take an afternoon hike toward the Jumbo Copper Mine, followed by a sumptuous dinner at the lodge.

Journey along the Spectacular Glenn Highway

In the morning, catch a bush flight back to Chitina. Continue the journey north and west along the Glenn Highway, famed as one of Alaska's most awe-inspiring drives, paired with views of the Chugach and Wrangell Mountains and the Alaska Range. Arrive to the town of Glacier View and check in at one of two available lodges, where rooms feature amazing views of both the Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges.

Discover Talkeetna & Denali National Park

After breakfast, continue along the Glenn Highway, past the striking Matanuska Glacier and through the fertile Matanuska/Susitna Valley, referred to as Alaska's bread basket. If the weather is kind, revel in views of the mighty Alaska Range while approaching the quaint railroad town of Talkeetna — the gateway to Denali National Park's rugged south district. If the weather is clear, join a spectacular flightseeing adventure around Denali (additional fee), North America's highest peak. Or take a stroll around Talkeetna (which was the setting for the TV hit Northern Exposure and the trails along the Sustina River. Enjoy dinner on your own at a local restaurant.

Depart Alaska

On the final day of this unforgettable expedition, spend a leisurely morning touring Talkeetna or (weather permitting) take a spectacular flightseeing adventure of Denali if weather was not in your favor yesterday (additional fee). Enjoy a farewell lunch in the early afternoon, then board Alaska Railroad's Denali Star for a 4-hour train ride south to Anchorage. This is one of the journey's main highlights, offering marvelous views and photo opportunities of this vast wilderness. For those who decide to extend their trip in Anchorage, MT Sobek guides can drop travelers off at their hotel or at the airport. Bid adieu to incredible Alaska.