Ultimate Active Alaska

G Adventures · 14 days

4.3

20 Reviews

Duration

14 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

This two-week journey through Alaska is just the ticket to get you into the land of epic wildlife, soaring summits, and tundra stretching towards the horizon.

Includes

Activities

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
A visit to Churgach National Forest
A hike up Mount Marathon in Seward
Harding Icefield Hike
Talkeetna Lake Trail hike
A hike up the Mount Healy Overlook trail
Hike along Horseshoe Lake
Visit to Matanuska Recreation Site
Worthington Glacier hike
Glacier Lake guided hiking and kayaking trip
Wrangell-St Elias National Park visit
Bonanza Mine trail hike
Copper Visitor Center trip
National Park entrance fees
All transport between destination and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Participation camping (9nts), hotel (1nt), cabins with shared bathroom facilities (3nts).

11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, national park shuttle bus, hiking.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

Marvel at the scenery and Hike in Denali National Park
See dramatic views of a glacier on the Byron Creek trail
Hike along the Worthington Glacier
Grab your paddle on a kayaking excursion on Glacier Lake
Explore Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Camp under the stars and enjoy dinners by the fire.

Trip Details

Duration

14 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, national park shuttle bus, hiking.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Anchorage, United States

Finishes

Anchorage, United States

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

Active, Budget

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

Day 1: Anchorage/Seward

After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, travel towards Seward this morning with a stop at Alyeska Ski Resort in Girdwood for a rewarding hike on the North Face Trail. Climb over 2000 ft elevation up the north face of Mt Alyeska to expansive views of Turnagain Arm, the Girdwood Valley, the surrounding glaciers, and the towering peaks of the Chugach Range. Keep a look out for wildlife along the trail before reaching the Mt Alyeska gondola for an enjoyable descent back to the valley.

Afterwards, the group will transfer to the accommodations in Seward along Resurrection Bay. In the evening, enjoy dinner together around the campfire.

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 - Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Anchorage to Seward. The drive will take you along the winding road along the Turnagain Arm waterway.Activity - Hike along the North Face Trail to views from Mt Alyeska. This steep 2.5-mile trail near Girdwood, Alaska offers gorgeous scenery and a fun challenge. It takes about three hours to complete and is a great time to absorb Alaska's untamed beauty and wildlife.Accommodation - Millers Landing Cabins

Day 2: Seward

After a camp breakfast, spend the day hiking the Harding Icefield Trail. This spectacular 7.4 mile trail begins on the valley floor and then winds through cottonwood and alder forests, heather filled meadows, and climbs above the tree line for a breathtaking view of the Icefield. It will take 6-8 hours to complete and offers plenty of impressive views along the way to keep you going.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Seward and the Harding Icefield Trailhead. Travel along the river feeding into the bay from the icefield itself and enjoy the stunning views along the way.Activity - Head out on an amazing hike to the Exit Glacier along the Harding Icefield trail. The 11.9km (7.4 mi) round trip of the Harding Icefield Trail is a spectacular day hike through the Alaska backcountry. Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather-filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breathtaking view of the icefield. The top of the trail is a window to past ice ages – a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional nunatak or lonely peak. There are various lookout points along the trail that serve as good turnaround points. Portions of the upper trail are covered by ice and snow part of the year. Easier, shorter hikes to the base of the glacier are also options that also afford beautiful views for those not looking for a strenuous hike. Black bears are spotted frequently from the Harding Icefield Trail.Transport - After a day spent hiking, settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Travel between the Harding Icefield trailhead and Seward along the same route you drove in on.Accommodation - Millers Landing Cabins

Day 3: Seward

Today is all about Seward. After breakfast, how the day will go is up to you. The morning will consist of a challenging hike up Mount Marathon or free time in town to do as you please if you aren't in the mood for this hike.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to find a lunch spot in Seward and then opt to walk around the waterfront of downtown, visit the Alaska Sealife Center, watch for otters playing in the water, or rent a kayak and explore Resurrection Bay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - This particular hike is one of the more unique things to do in Seward. Located just one mile outside of town Mt. Marathon overlooks Seward and Resurrection Bay. Hiking to the top is challenging but well worth it for the views. You gain nearly 3,022 ft in elevation, a climb that puts you nearly in the clouds. It’s a bit steep, but there’s nothing quite like the accomplishment of completing this hike.Free_time - Free time to explore Seward and find hidden gems. Maybe grab a bite to eat, walk around the waterfront, rent kayaks, or simply hang out.Accommodation - Millers Landing Cabins

Day 4: Seward/Denali National Park and Preserve

Travel to Denali National Park with the group in the morning. Along the way make a stop to hike the Talkeetna Lake Trail through lush old-growth forest. Search for wildlife in one of the area's most beautiful settings.

In the late afternoon continue on to Denali National Park where you'll be camping with shared bathroom facilities.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Seward and the Talkeetna Lake Trail located northwest of Anchorage. The route taken winds over Moose Pass and along the waterway again, passing Anchorage and heading inland towards Talkeetna and Denali National Park.Activity - A great place to hike and look for wildlife this 3.7 mile loop offers lake views and strolls through deep woods. Search for otters, beavers, bears, foxes, maybe moose, and hundreds of different species of birds. Walk through lush old-growth forest and listen for the loons calling across the water.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Talkeetna and Denali National Park. Enjoy the views along the way as you pass through Denali State Park and roads line with forest.Accommodation - Denali Grizzly Bear Resort & Campground

Day 5: Denali National Park and Preserve

Wake up at camp this morning and eat a quick breakfast before heading out to explore the park and the surrounding areas today. You'll have free time to enjoy optional front country hikes in the park: Mount Healy Overlook Trail which offers dramatic views over the Nenana Valley and surrounding mountains and ridges and gains 1700 feet of elevation in only 2.5 miles and/or The Horseshoe Lake Trail. Highlights of this easy, but rewarding hike include the calm waters of the lake nestled in its forested surroundings and views along the edge of the Nenana River where you could watch whitewater rafters pass by.

You can also choose other optional activities near Denali like rafting, or scenic flights with or without glacier landing before returning to the campsite in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Mt Healy Overlook Trail is an easy to moderate hike after the first third of it. It's about 4km (2.5 mi) one way with an elevation gain of about 518.2m (1,700 ft). Enjoy gorgeous view of the Alaska Range on a clear day.Activity - Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms which form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali.Accommodation - Denali Grizzly Bear Resort & Campground

Day 6: Denali National Park and Preserve

Breakfast this morning will be boxed so you can eat it on the go. The group will be taking the shuttle bus into the park to experience more of the scenery and wildlife that Denali has to offer.

After a picnic lunch, the group will hike the Horseshoe Lake trail. Highlights of this easy, but rewarding hike include the calm waters of the lake nestled in its forested surroundings and views along the edge of the Nenana River where you could watch whitewater rafters pass by.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Spend the day exploring Denali National Park. The area is well-known for its diversity of wildlife and Denali, the highest peak in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. There are 39 species of mammals, 167 species of birds, 10 species of fish, and one species of amphibian known in Denali. Summer is a time for raising the young and preparing for migration, hibernation, or survival during the winter and, with a little luck, we witness it all. Discover the dynamic glaciated landscape providing large rivers, countless lakes and ponds, and unique landforms which form the foundation of the ecosystems that thrive in Denali.Activity - This trail is located near the park entrance and is easy to complete, but has surprisingly varied scenery and plenty of chances to spot wildlife. If you walk the whole loop you’ll see the rocky rapids of the Nenana River, a beaver dam along the creek, and a small beach along the lake. The hike starts off with a somewhat steep downhill, where you’ll get a scenic glimpse over both the lake and river below. After that it flattens into the loop portion of the trail.Accommodation - Denali Grizzly Bear Resort & Campground

Day 7: Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage

Settle in for your drive back to Anchorage. Enjoy free time in Anchorage this afternoon and evening before heading out on the next leg of the adventure tomorrow morning.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Denali National Park and Anchorage.Accommodation - Four Points Sheraton Anchorage

Day 8: Anchorage/Valdez

This morning the group will leave Anchorage and 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. Set up camp in the evening and have dinner as a group around the fire.

Meals included: Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle between Anchorage and the Matanuska Recreation Site.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 and through Glennallen as you finish the journey to Valdez.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.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

Day 9: 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

Day 10: 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

Day 11: 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

Day 12: 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

Day 13: 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

Day 14: 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 $7379

AUD $5,903

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 14 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

This two-week journey through Alaska is just the ticket to get you into the land of epic wildlife, soaring summits, and tundra stretching towards the horizon.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 06 Jul 2026

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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

Hannah T.

Traveled, August 2023

09/03/2023

I had a fantastic experience and couldn't recommend the company more.

5.0

Fiona C.

Traveled, August 2023

09/03/2023

From the very start of signing up for the tour, staff were available to answer questions. CEO?s go above and beyond to help on tour. Also not sure if it was just my tour but really liked age demographic, there were a few my age as well as a few younger. Price and itinerary (do have a few comments about 2nd week itinerary but will note later)

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

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