Alaska Hiking Kenai to Denali - Lodge Based

Our trip begins today in Anchorage, Alaska. Meet your guides and hiking companions this morning at our Anchorage host hotel. After introductions and a brief orientation, we jump into our vehicle and drive down Turnagain Arm one hour to the trailhead of our first hike in the rugged Chugach Mountains. Here we enjoy our first encounter with the Alaskan wilderness as our guides enlighten us on some of the flora and fauna we may encounter during our upcoming adventure. A picnic lunch is provided on the trail before making our way back to the vehicle. Late this afternoon we arrive at our accommodation for the next two nights, a cozy riverside lodge located on the banks of the Kenai River. We have our first dinner together tonight in the main lodge dining room. Lunch and dinner included.

Driving time: 2 hours; Hiking: 6 miles, Elevation gain/loss: + 2,100' / -2,100'

We take a short drive this morning to the trailhead for today's invigorating hike. Following a series of switchbacks, we make our way past murmuring streams, through lush vegetated forest and up into the alpine tundra of the high country. After a final climb, our trail rises above tree line rewarding us with panoramic vistas of Knik Arm, Turnagain Arm and the Resurrection Creek Valley. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and eagles, which can sometimes be spotted in this mountainous area. We enjoy a picnic lunch in this picturesque setting surrounded by millions of acres of wilderness. Afterward, we head back down the trail to return to our accommodation for a relaxing evening by the river. All meals included.

Driving Time: 2 hours; Hiking: 7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,200' / -2,200'

With miles of rugged coastline containing massive tidewater glaciers, snow-capped mountains and an abundance of marine wildlife, Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska's crown jewels. This morning, we set course for the awe-inspiring landscapes of this protected wilderness. As we cruise past the park's rocky islands, we search for some of the 20 species of seabirds that summer here including horned and tufted puffins, oystercatchers, murrelets, and bald eagles. We also watch for the telltale spouts of nearby humpback whales feeding in these nutrient-rich waters. Further into the park, we maneuver close to a beautiful tidewater glacier, marveling at its blue-tinged surfaces and listening to the cracking and groaning of the glacial ice. Weather permitting, we take a short, wilderness beach hike before cruising back to Seward, our home for the next two nights. All meals included.

Driving time: 1.5 hours; Small boat scenic cruise: approx. 6-8 hours

Spanning more than 700 square miles, the Harding Icefield and its outflowing glaciers comprise the largest icefield located entirely within the U.S. After breakfast this morning, we set out on one of the Kenai's most spectacular day hikes on a trail that climbs alongside Exit Glacier and ultimately leads to the icefield itself. After winding through forests of cottonwood and alder, our trail rises above tree line and the views continue to get better and better. As we skirt Exit Glacier, our exceptional guides help us understand the geological forces that shaped this remarkable landscape over the millennia. Conditions permitting, we continue our climb to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Harding Icefield, an otherworldly landscape of ice stretching as far as the eye can see. Dinner is on our own tonight and we have the evening at leisure to explore the historic maritime town of Seward.

Driving time: .75 hours, Hiking: up to 8 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +3,500' / -3,500

Bidding farewell to the Kenai Peninsula, we set out from Seward and begin the drive north towards the Alaska Range and magnificent Denali National Park. We stop along the way to enjoy the changing landscape and stretch our legs during a short hike before arriving in the small, historic town of Talkeetna this afternoon. Because of its proximity to Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley), Talkeetna acts as a base for many climbers attempting to summit the imposing mountain, one of the world's "seven summits". Those interested in mountaineering have time to visit the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum containing exhibits that recap the dramatic climbing history of Denali, the highest peak in America. Overnight in a small hotel near Talkeetna tonight. All meals included.

Driving time: 5 hours; Hiking: 4.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: minimal

An hour's drive transports us to Denali State Park from where today's hike begins. Switchbacking up through forests of birch and spruce, past glacial lakes and wildflower meadows, we ultimately leave the forest behind and enter the tundra, stretching like a spongy carpet for miles in all directions. Although the ascent is steep at times, our payoff comes when we reach Kesugi Ridge where, on a clear day, we have unobstructed views of 20,320-foot-high Denali. After refueling with some lunch and returning to the trailhead, we climb back in our vehicle for the drive to our lodge near Denali National Park. We spend the next two days exploring the park and discovering this magnificent Alaskan wilderness. All meals included.

Driving time: 2.5 hours; Hiking: 6.2 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,000' / -2,000'

Today's journey into Denali National Park is certain to be a memorable one. We will hop aboard a premier National Park bus for an interpretive drive into the park's backcountry. As we drive, we relish the wilderness panoramas and keep our eyes peeled for some of Denali's iconic wildlife including moose, Dall sheep, caribou and, of course, grizzly bear. This day also offers another opportunity to see Denali itself; if the weather is clear, the mountain will be visible from various points along the park road. Those of us who prefer to hike can forego the ride and follow our guide on a hike near the park entrance. This evening you are free to choose one of the local options for dinner on your own. Breakfast and lunch included.

Approx. 5 hours interpretive and wildlife National Park road tour; Optional hike: 5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +400' / -400'

Our final day in the magical Denali wilderness leads us up a trail that is a local favorite. After breakfast at our lodge, we drive a short distance to the trailhead. As we hike along the ridge, our views can include the vast snow-capped Alaska Range—if the weather is clear. In the open landscape, we may spot moose tracks or other signs of wildlife activity nearby. Although our time in this 4.7-million-acre park and preserve is drawing to an end, traces of what we've seen during our time here will be indelibly etched into our memories. This evening, we enjoy a delicious final dinner together and celebrate great adventures and newfound friendships. All meals included.

Hiking: 7-9 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +1,000'-2,700' / -1,000'-2,700'

We say goodbye to our guides at the Denali rail station this morning before boarding the Alaska Railroad Denali Star train for the trip back to Anchorage. During the 7.5-hour ride, we will take in the scenery from our premium seats through the domed viewing windows and outdoor viewing platforms for a panoramic perspective of the passing landscape. Lunch, dinner and two drink tickets are provided in the onboard dining car as part of the included GoldStar service. We arrive at Anchorage train depot on 1st Avenue around 8pm this evening. You can choose to spend the night in town or schedule a departing flight any time after 11pm. All meals included.