Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias

G Adventures · 7 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias
7 Days
From AUD $2783 Was AUD $3479
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Demanding

Rating


(14 reviews)

Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias

Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias

G Adventures · 7 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

7 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From glacier hikes to old abandoned mining towns, this trip has a little bit of everything. Fall deeper into the wilds of Alaska on this seven-day tour that really gets you out into the varied landscapes of the “Land of the Midnight Sun”.

Includes

Activities

  • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Visit to Matanuska Recreation Site
  • Worthington Glacier hike
  • Glacier Lake guided hiking and kayaking trip
  • Stop at Liberty Falls Recreation Site
  • Wrangell-St
  • Elias National Park visit
  • Bonanza Mine trail hike
  • Free time in McCarthy for optional activities
  • Copper Visitor Center trip
  • National Park entrance fees
  • All transport between destination and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Participation camping (5nts), Rustic Lodge (1nt).
  • 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

  • Private vehicle and hiking.

Group Leader

  • CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

  • Hike along the Worthington Glacier
  • Fall in love with the scenery in Valdez
  • Get on the water with a guided kayaking excursion on Glacier Lake
  • Explore at leisure in McCarthy
  • Walk the Bonanza Mine trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
  • Camp under the stars
Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias

Trip Details

Duration

7 days

Transportation

Private vehicle and hiking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Anchorage, United States

Finishes

Anchorage, United States

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Active, Budget

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Anchorage/Valdez

After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, travel to the Matanuska Recreation Site where you will be able to view the glacier along the interpretive nature trail. After a picnic lunch the group will continue travelling onward to Valdez where you will have the opportunity to walk and visit the Worthington Glacier. In the evening, have dinner as a group around the fire.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Anchorage and the Matanuska Recreation Site.Activity - This site which is easily accessible from the Glenn Highway Scenic Byway offers wonderful views of the Matanuska Glacier. As a 300 acre recreation site it offers glacier viewing from the parking lot that extends along the interpretive nature trail.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between the glacier recreation site to Valdez. The stretch of 200 or so miles between Valdez and Matanuska Glacier Recreation Site takes around 4 hours to complete. There will be stops at viewpoints along the way for photo ops and to stretch those legs. Rest assured you will be travelling along some of the most beautiful sections of roads in the world.Activity - Spend some time exploring this glacier located in the Chugach Mountains near Thompson Pass—the snowiest place in Alaska. Worthington Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, passing within a few feet of the parking lot with a viewing shelter right off the Richardson Highway. Like most of Alaska’s glaciers, this valley glacier has been steadily retreating for the last 150 years, but not as dramatically as many others. The upper basin sits at 5,500 feet and collects about 28 feet of snow each year.Accommodation - Valdez KOA Journey
2

Day 2: Valdez

What's in store today will certainly be an adventure. After a quick breakfast, you'll have free time to walk, journal, or hang out with friends.

After lunch head to Glacier Lake in Valdez where you'll go on a hike and guided kayak tour of the lake. If you have yet to set your eyes on an iceberg, this might just be your chance. This gorgeous lake in Valdez is often home to large chunks of floating ice coming from the Valdez Glacier. With great views and miles of open water to paddle there's no better way to get in touch with nature.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy free time in Valdez today to hike, kayak, and explore the town and surrounding nature.Activity - Walk along the shores of this gorgeous lake in Valdez and then pick up some paddles and get out on the water to try and spot some icebergs. These huge chunks of floating ice come from the Valdez Glacier and come with unimpeded views of the snow-capped Chugach Mountains in the distance. An area definitely worth experiencing while in Valdez. You’ll be able to see the actual glacier from the water while kayaking.Accommodation - Valdez KOA Journey
3

Day 3: Valdez/McCarthy

You'll spend time today in a private vehicle en route to McCarthy, but don't worry there will be plenty of epic road trip worthy stops along the way. First up is a stop at Thompson's Pass viewpoint to start the day with stunning vistas. As you continue driving highway 10 there will be plenty of quick stops at worthy viewpoints all along the Copper River. Then enjoy a visit to Liberty Falls State Recreation Site where you can stretch your legs and visit the falls, which plunge 20 ft into the Liberty Creek. Continue along the scenic highway to McCarthy. Stop and see the fish wheels at Kuskulana River Canyon and Bridge, along Gilahina River, and at Gilahina Trestle Wayside. Arrive in McCarthy, visit the town, maybe catch some live music after dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. There will be stops along the way to take in the beauty of this vast landscape.Activity - Liberty falls is a powerful cascade that bursts through a slot in bedrock and plunges 20 ft down into Liberty Creek. The recreation site is just off the scenic highway to McCarthy and you can hear the constant roar of the falls from the wooded area. It’s a great landmark to stop and visit on the way to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.Activity - During the drive there will be plenty of stopping along highway 10 to experience the amazing vistas along the Copper River. Then you'll see some of the fish wheels in action. They are powered by the river current and date back to the Gold Rush as an innovative way to scoop the migrating salmon from the water and place them into a large bin for processing. More than one million Pacific salmon travel up the Copper River each year to their spawning grounds and it happens from late spring into mid summer and is quite a sight to see.Accommodation - Glacier View Campground
4

Day 4: McCarthy

Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and spend the day hiking along the Bonanza Mine trail. A hike that includes stunning scenery, a trek to the top of a mountain and 1930's mining ruins all in a frontier Alaskan setting. Coming in at 9 miles total, the hike is strenuous, but with the views you'll be admiring, you might not notice at all. In the evening relax back at camp and have dinner as a group.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Walk the Bonanza Mine Trail, a fairly strenuous walk that follows the ridges and tram lines to the old mine. Enjoy the magnificent panoramas of the Chugach Mountains, Mt Blackburn and the Kennecott Glacier along the way. From the ridge above the mine there are some spectacular views across to the University Range in the St Elias Mountains. The hike is about 4.5 miles one way with an elevation gain of 3800ft.Activity - Enjoy time to explore this park on foot or from the air. Wrangell-St Elias National Park is located in the eastern region of south-central Alaska. The Chugach, Wrangell, and St Elias mountain ranges converge here in what is often referred to as the 'Mountain Kingdom of North America'. It is the largest national park in the US at six times the size of Yellowstone.Accommodation - Glacier View Campground
5

Day 5: McCarthy

Hiking is unique in its ability to nourish the body and the mind, but it's nice to have a free day every now and then to let your body recover and your mind wander. Spend today in McCarthy choosing from a variety of optional activities to keep you busy. Head out on a guided ice walk tour, visit the Kennicott Mills Town on a guided tour, go whitewater rafting down the Copper River, or hop on a scenic flight of the national park. Unwind at camp in the evening and talk about your adventures.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Today enjoy time for optional activities like guided ice walk tour, a visit to the Kennicott Mills Town on a guided tour, a scenic flight in the national park, or a rafting trip.Accommodation - Glacier View Campground
6

Day 6: McCarthy/Glennallen

A relaxed morning in McCarthy allows for you to enjoy your last day in the Alaskan wilderness as you'd like. Take one final hike along the West Kennecott Glacier Trail, spend some more time in McCarthy or just sit by the glacial lake and take in the views of the Stairway Icefall and the Wrangell mountains. On the drive north you'll go slowly, stopping at viewpoints that the clouds might have hidden on our way here. You'll cross the Copper River one last time and hope to see Mount Drum and Mount Sanford. Visit the Copper Visitor Center and go for short walks in the area and make sure not to miss the amazing viewing platform that can be reached from the Visitor Center. You'll spend the night comfortably in a bed at Alaska's oldest continually operated roadhouse.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - As you drive along the scenic highway from McCarthy to Glennallen the group will make stops along the road where there are access roads or short trails that lead to lakes, streams, and other fishing holes. Once at the Copper Visitor Centre you can take shorter hikes in the area and wander along the beautiful viewing platform at the visitor centre itself.Activity - Visit the Copper Visitor Center in Glennallen and enjoy the exhibits there, view the park film, hike some nature trails, and go to the bookstore.Accommodation - Gakona Lodge
7

Day 7: Glennallen/Anchorage

In the morning transfer with the group from Glennallen to Anchorage, tour ends on arrival.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $3479

AUD $2,783
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard
20% Off

Duration: 7 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

From glacier hikes to old abandoned mining towns, this trip has a little bit of everything. Fall deeper into the wilds of Alaska on this seven-day tour that really gets you out into the varied landscapes of the “Land of the Midnight Sun”.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 13 Jul 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Reid C.
Traveled, August 2023

09/03/2023

Myles is a stellar guide whose passion for travel and exploration are so obvious, I wish I could specifically book another trip with him. He took a group of strangers from 6 countries and quickly made us all feel like friends, while teaching us about the flora, fauna, and environmental science of the places we explored. It added a whole other dimension of fun and wonder to our Alaskan excursion

4.5
Joseph D.
Traveled, July 2023

07/30/2023

it suits my travel style and it's more interesting than traditional travel tours by other agents

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990