2010 Price: $3,295, land package only
Single Supplement: $1,598
2010 Dates: Jun 3; Jun 13; Jun 27; Jul 11; Jul 25; Aug 8; Aug 22; Sept 5
This trip combines the premium Kenai Peninsula wilderness with the magical upland tundra of Denali National Park. For those with more time, this trip was designed to match up with Cruise West's Prince William Sound three-night cruise. Both the Kenai and Denali portions feature two-night stays at classic Alaskan lodges.
Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, your Trip Leader will meet you at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Inlet Tower Suites located in downtown Anchorage.
Day 1 : Depart Anchorage
Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Inlet Tower Suites. Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing. Gear up and raft into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (L,D)
Day 2 : Kenai National Park
Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy great views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : Kenai to Talkeetna
Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Take an optional flightseeing tour of Mount McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and Talkeetna's history. Overnight in Talkeetna. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : Denali National Park
Continue traveling north to Denali National Park. Enjoy a Denali Wildlife Drive through the park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident and migratory birds. Also weather permitting, the tallest peak in North America, Denali. Upon arrival at Kantishna Roadhouse, have dinner and settle into your cozy cabin accommodations deep within Denali National Park. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : Denali National Park
Enjoy a full day of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. The activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, dog sled demonstration, and mountain biking. Flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. (B,L,D)
Day 6 : Alaska Railroad
Following an early breakfast, embark on another Denali Wildlife drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the entrance of the park. Say farewell to your Trip Leader and board the Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage (or Fairbanks - ask our reservation staff), arriving approximately at 8:30 p.m. Lunch and dinner are available for purchase on the train. (B)
Included:
- Round trip transportation to Anchorage
- Best of gear and equipment
- Meals as noted above in detailed itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Lodging
- Full guide services
Not Included:
- City tax
- Flightseeing
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities to staff
