Day 1
Arrive at
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city is a gateway to many adventures. With more than 60 glaciers within 50 miles of downtown, a salmon stream in the heart of the city, six surrounding mountain ranges, 300 miles of wilderness trails, and one of the largest state parks, the city has so much to offer. By day, dog sled across an icy glacier, spot copious wildlife, fly out to Denali, and get to know Alaska’s first people. The Alaska Native Heritage Center provides an opportunity to delve into the unique traditions of the state's different tribal groups, and daily dancing, drumming, and Native games exhibitions are available to all visitors. The Anchorage Museum is located downtown, with exhibitions of art, culture, industry, and a special youth activity center making it enjoyable for learners of all ages. Anchorage is also home to more than 200 miles of trails. Take advantage with a walk or bike ride along the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a popular path with excellent views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range on a clear day. Chugach State Park takes up most of the eastern section of town and provides miles of forest and alpine trails for short or longer hikes. For those looking to explore more of downtown Anchorage, the Alaska Public Lands Information Center on 4th Avenue offers daily walking tours of local points of interest during the summer months. These tours are free and suitable for most abilities. By night, enjoy hip, metropolitan amenities, a dining scene abundant fresh-caught seafood, and the frontier spirit of the city.
Must-See Sites
Anchorage Museum, Alaska
On the map: Anchorage Museum is located in downtown Anchorage on the corner of 6th Avenue and C Street.
Through a combination of art and design, history, science and culture, the Anchorage Museum creates a rich, deep understanding of the human experience. Sat on the traditional homeland of the Eklutna Dena’ina, the museum is committed to recognizing and honoring the land, culture and language of the Dena’ina people. With an eclectic mix of riveting exhibitions, tours, and collections, there is something for everyone. The Anchorage Museum connects people, expands perspectives, and encourages global dialogue about the North and its distinct environment. Museum hours are 10am-6pm on Thursday through Saturday and 12pm-6pm on Sunday. Parking is available near the museum during business hours and beneath the museum evenings and weekends
Alaska Zoo, Anchorage, Alaska
On the Map: The Alaska Zoo is located in Anchorage, Alaska, located on 25 acres of the Anchorage Hillside.
The Alaska Zoo is a popular attraction in Alaska, with nearly 200,000 visitors per year. The zoo is currently home to more than 100 birds and mammals representing over 50 species. If you want to come up close to Arctic wildlife on your Alaskan adventure, you will be able to do so at this small zoo. You will encounter moose, caribou, sheep, wolves, musk oxen, mountain goats and several different types of bears (including polar, grizzly and black bears). The zoo is open daily from 10 am- 5 pm, and last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Day 2
Enroute Sightseeing
Thunderbird Falls Trail, Alaska
On the map: Located inside Chugach State Park north of Eagle River and just south of Eklutna, Thunderbird Falls is a quick 30 minute drive north of Anchorage. Just off of Old Glenn Highway, the one-mile trail to Thunderbird Falls traverses a handsome birch forest along the Eklutna River canyon to reach a deck with views of a 200-foot waterfall.
One of the most popular “first hikes” for families with small children, the trail gains about 100 feet in elevation at the start, and then levels out and becomes an easy walk.
A viewing deck offers an elevated straight-on view, but the more adventuresome will want to take a side trail down into the canyon. With some care for footing, you can work upstream to the base of the falls and feel the chilly spray of Thunderbird Creek on your face. During winter, the falls can freeze, forming fabulous columns of blue ice. Take care that you have ice grippers on shoes after temperatures plunge. In all seasons, parents will want to be wary of the canyon lip.
Consider combining this hike with a stop at one of two nearby lakes:
Visit Mirror-Edmonds Lakes Park. Picnicking, paddling, swimming, hiking and biking. Ski trails and ice fishing in the winter. Exit the Glenn Highway at the Mirror Lake exit about Mile 24 and drive south on the Old Glenn Highway to the Mirror Lake Wayside Park. It’s on the mountain side of the freeway.
Visit Eklutna Lake. Eklutna Lake Road begins is less than one mile north from Thunderbird Falls off the Old Glenn Highway. Take the road 10 miles into the mountains to a state park campground and trailhead with extensive biking, hiking, paddling and wilderness exploration.
Overnight Location
Denali National Park, Alaska
The towering granite spires and snowy summits of Denali National Park and Preserve straddles 160 miles of the Alaska Range and display so much elevation they are often lost in the clouds. Dominating this skyline is North America's highest peak; Denali ascends majestically to 20,310 feet and is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Alaska. Approximately 400,000 intrepid travelers journey to Denali National Park and Preserve each year, primarily between late May and early September.
Along with spectacular scenery, there is much wildlife to be spotted such as moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and wolves.
Day 3
Included Unique Activities
Denali Guided ATV Tour
Denali National Park, Alaska
Driving your own 4-wheel ATV machine is as close as you can get to being in the Wilds of Alaska. Join your guide on a very personal tour of the Alaskan Wilderness. This adventure has spectacular scenery and you are in control of your own journey. Stop whenever you want, take pictures of the beautiful scenery, laugh as you experience Alaska as it was meant to be, rough and wild! The ultimate back-country exploration tour awaits! Join your guide as you drive your own 4-wheel All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) on a truly exciting journey!
Your adventure begins with a safety training and information course. All functions of the machine are thoroughly explained and you have a chance to drive the machine and make sure you are completely comfortable. You will be fitted with all the proper gear. We provide a helmet, safety goggles, gloves, and rain gear if you would like it. Then you are on your way! If you are not comfortable driving the machine, our guide drives an ATV that a passenger can ride with him/her that is equally as exciting as driving your own machine!
This experience takes you back on old coal mining trails and spills you out onto the Dry Creek River Bed where Athabascan Indian artifacts have been found in archaeological digs! Across the river is an authentic broken down abandoned cabin that is very interesting! You will travel past local vegetation while soaking in the breath taking mountain scenery. Photo opportunities abound and you have a great chance of viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. This tour is a great tour for beginning ATV drivers or individuals who have never had an opportunity to experience driving an ATV.
Overnight Location
Denali National Park, Alaska
The towering granite spires and snowy summits of Denali National Park and Preserve straddles 160 miles of the Alaska Range and display so much elevation they are often lost in the clouds. Dominating this skyline is North America's highest peak; Denali ascends majestically to 20,310 feet and is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Alaska. Approximately 400,000 intrepid travelers journey to Denali National Park and Preserve each year, primarily between late May and early September.
Along with spectacular scenery, there is much wildlife to be spotted such as moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and wolves.
Day 4
Included Unique Activities
Kayaking Tour in Denali
Denali National Park, Alaska
Byers Lake is the largest lake in the heart of Denali State Park. It is located at mile 146.5 off the Parks Highway. This lake offers incredible kayak tours, and the park has unparalleled rafting opportunities.
Start your tour with brief and easy paddle instructions then embark for one of the most beautiful experiences in Alaska. Watch for resident trumpeter swans, loons and beavers. Paddle over pools of spawning salmon. Look for the bears and eagles that come to feed on them. Take pictures of the breathtaking views of Denali and the Alaska Mountain Range. Don’t worry about your gear — we will provide you with rain pants and jackets, boots or crocs, and dry bags for cameras. These kayak tours are great for beginners or experienced paddlers with boats that are very stable and easy to maneuver.
Overnight Location
Denali National Park, Alaska
The towering granite spires and snowy summits of Denali National Park and Preserve straddles 160 miles of the Alaska Range and display so much elevation they are often lost in the clouds. Dominating this skyline is North America's highest peak; Denali ascends majestically to 20,310 feet and is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Alaska. Approximately 400,000 intrepid travelers journey to Denali National Park and Preserve each year, primarily between late May and early September.
Along with spectacular scenery, there is much wildlife to be spotted such as moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and wolves.
Day 5
Included Unique Activities
Talkeetna Canyon River Boat Tour
Talkeetna, Alaska
The Talkeetna Canyon Tour is a scenic ride up the Talkeetna River. You head about 25 miles up through a beautiful rock wall canyon with a little excitement of getting into some class 3/4 rapids. There is a small stream once you make it though that we will stop at and have a chance to stretch your legs and possibly see some fish in the clear tributary. Along the way, you will take a nature walk, on a groomed trail, visiting a Dena‘ina Indian Encampment (the Indigenous settlers of the area) as well as an authentic Trappers Cabin (the earliest Colonial settlers in the area).
Overnight Location
Talkeetna, Alaska
While rich in classic Alaskan history, Talkeetna is also rich in personality. It's a proudly odd little town, said to be the inspiration behind the television series Northern Exposure. During an afternoon in town, it's not unlikely to cross paths with eccentric locals, professional crafters, artisan ice cream makers, off-the-grid homesteaders, and even elite mountain climbers.
There's just one thing that can eclipse both history and charm: Denali. Talkeetna is just 60 miles from North America's tallest peak. The town is the main staging area for climbers waiting to start their Denali ascents, and the Talkeetna area is probably the best location on the highway or rail system to view "the Mountain." Because of that, Talkeetna offers fantastic flightseeing trips. We suggest flightseeing by small airplane from the Talkeetna Airport for unparalleled views of Denali and its equally extraordinary surrounding massifs.
Day 6
Included Unique Activities
Dryland Mushing
Talkeetna, Alaska
Join an adventurous sled dog cart ride on a Dryland Mushing tour with champion sled dogs that train year-round! Your adventure begins as soon as you arrive with a cart demo and then a 45-minute mush along our beautiful private trails. Feel the power, excitement, and energy of these sled dogs as you guide your team through the colorful Talkeetna wilderness. Photo opportunities abound during your mush as you visit a replica Iditarod checkpoint and race to the finish line under the burled arch!
After your ride, join us for a playful romp with a new generation of adorable puppies in our two-acre playpen. Make sure to take plenty of photos with the future race Champions before they're famous. Learn how these champion sled dogs live, play and train as you become a part of the training program. Their expert trainers will share stories from the trail and a unique behind the scenes perspective of Dallas' top-level training program.
Overnight Location
Talkeetna, Alaska
While rich in classic Alaskan history, Talkeetna is also rich in personality. It's a proudly odd little town, said to be the inspiration behind the television series Northern Exposure. During an afternoon in town, it's not unlikely to cross paths with eccentric locals, professional crafters, artisan ice cream makers, off-the-grid homesteaders, and even elite mountain climbers.
There's just one thing that can eclipse both history and charm: Denali. Talkeetna is just 60 miles from North America's tallest peak. The town is the main staging area for climbers waiting to start their Denali ascents, and the Talkeetna area is probably the best location on the highway or rail system to view "the Mountain." Because of that, Talkeetna offers fantastic flightseeing trips. We suggest flightseeing by small airplane from the Talkeetna Airport for unparalleled views of Denali and its equally extraordinary surrounding massifs.
Day 7
Included Unique Activities
Alaskan Reindeer Farm Experience
Palmer, Alaska
Experience close up and personal interactions with animals on an Alaskan farm, including reindeer, moose, bison, yaks, elk, and alpacas. Your guide will provide you with information about the history of the farm and animals. You will enter the pen with our friendliest reindeer and have the opportunity to feed and pet them up close. After feeding the reindeer, the guide will take you around to visit Rocky the Moose, Dolly the Bison, Appa the Yak, and more animals. Rocky and Lucy the moose love to offer kisses! Once your animal experience is over, you can plan to grab a Reindeer Dawg or Fireweed milkshake at our food truck, or take a Historical Tractor Wagon ride! Spend the day with us, nestled at the base of Bodenburg Butte, and finish your day with a Butte hike!
Must-See Sites
Glacier Brewhouse, Anchorage, Alaska
On the map: A popular brewhouse and restaurant located in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.
Glacier Brewhouse is an upscale and well-loved brewpub located in the heart of Anchorage. Loyal followers have been around since 1996. They specialize in English and American West Coast style beers along with an elaborate oak aging program. This is Alaska's first choice for wild alaskan seafood, rotisserie roasted meats and handcrafted ales. Warm timbers and an illuminating fireside glow- they are the hot spot on a cold Alaskan night. Only 110 seats and they fill quickly- reserve beforehand and don't forget a beer flight to sample them all!
Overnight Location
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city is a gateway to many adventures. With more than 60 glaciers within 50 miles of downtown, a salmon stream in the heart of the city, six surrounding mountain ranges, 300 miles of wilderness trails, and one of the largest state parks, the city has so much to offer. By day, dog sled across an icy glacier, spot copious wildlife, fly out to Denali, and get to know Alaska’s first people. The Alaska Native Heritage Center provides an opportunity to delve into the unique traditions of the state's different tribal groups, and daily dancing, drumming, and Native games exhibitions are available to all visitors. The Anchorage Museum is located downtown, with exhibitions of art, culture, industry, and a special youth activity center making it enjoyable for learners of all ages. Anchorage is also home to more than 200 miles of trails. Take advantage with a walk or bike ride along the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a popular path with excellent views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range on a clear day. Chugach State Park takes up most of the eastern section of town and provides miles of forest and alpine trails for short or longer hikes. For those looking to explore more of downtown Anchorage, the Alaska Public Lands Information Center on 4th Avenue offers daily walking tours of local points of interest during the summer months. These tours are free and suitable for most abilities. By night, enjoy hip, metropolitan amenities, a dining scene abundant fresh-caught seafood, and the frontier spirit of the city.
Day 8
Included Unique Activities
Prince of Sounds Day Cruise
Anchorage, Alaska
This full-day Alaska glacier cruise adventure in Prince William Sound begins with a transfer to Whittier from downtown Anchorage via coach or rail. On arrival in Whittier, you board a high-speed catamaran for your cruise through Prince William Sound’s calm waters. Watch for sea otters, whales and birds as you travel through glacier-filled College Fjord and Blackstone Bay. This glacier cruise tour in Southcentral Alaska provides an excellent opportunity to witness glacier calving.
Overnight Location
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city is a gateway to many adventures. With more than 60 glaciers within 50 miles of downtown, a salmon stream in the heart of the city, six surrounding mountain ranges, 300 miles of wilderness trails, and one of the largest state parks, the city has so much to offer. By day, dog sled across an icy glacier, spot copious wildlife, fly out to Denali, and get to know Alaska’s first people. The Alaska Native Heritage Center provides an opportunity to delve into the unique traditions of the state's different tribal groups, and daily dancing, drumming, and Native games exhibitions are available to all visitors. The Anchorage Museum is located downtown, with exhibitions of art, culture, industry, and a special youth activity center making it enjoyable for learners of all ages. Anchorage is also home to more than 200 miles of trails. Take advantage with a walk or bike ride along the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a popular path with excellent views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range on a clear day. Chugach State Park takes up most of the eastern section of town and provides miles of forest and alpine trails for short or longer hikes. For those looking to explore more of downtown Anchorage, the Alaska Public Lands Information Center on 4th Avenue offers daily walking tours of local points of interest during the summer months. These tours are free and suitable for most abilities. By night, enjoy hip, metropolitan amenities, a dining scene abundant fresh-caught seafood, and the frontier spirit of the city.
Day 9
Depart From
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska's largest city is a gateway to many adventures. With more than 60 glaciers within 50 miles of downtown, a salmon stream in the heart of the city, six surrounding mountain ranges, 300 miles of wilderness trails, and one of the largest state parks, the city has so much to offer. By day, dog sled across an icy glacier, spot copious wildlife, fly out to Denali, and get to know Alaska’s first people. The Alaska Native Heritage Center provides an opportunity to delve into the unique traditions of the state's different tribal groups, and daily dancing, drumming, and Native games exhibitions are available to all visitors. The Anchorage Museum is located downtown, with exhibitions of art, culture, industry, and a special youth activity center making it enjoyable for learners of all ages. Anchorage is also home to more than 200 miles of trails. Take advantage with a walk or bike ride along the 11-mile Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, a popular path with excellent views of Cook Inlet and the Alaska Range on a clear day. Chugach State Park takes up most of the eastern section of town and provides miles of forest and alpine trails for short or longer hikes. For those looking to explore more of downtown Anchorage, the Alaska Public Lands Information Center on 4th Avenue offers daily walking tours of local points of interest during the summer months. These tours are free and suitable for most abilities. By night, enjoy hip, metropolitan amenities, a dining scene abundant fresh-caught seafood, and the frontier spirit of the city.
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