Alaska: Camping and Adventure in the Pristine Wilderness

Anchorage - Denali - Seward

Hiking, Photography, Adventure, Exploration, Wildlife

Activity Level: 4

Natural wonders abound on this 7-day adventure through the Alaskan wild! You’ll explore the trails of Denali, scale the Kenai Peninsula’s Exit Glacier, and view wildlife on a Resurrection Bay cruise by day, then set up camp under the midnight sun. For those who thrive off the beaten path, surrounded by rugged beauty and untamed spaces, America's last frontier is waiting to be discovered. [Operator’s note: This is a participatory camping experience, in which all Travelers will assist in setting up camp and cooking meals. Guides will teach how to put up/take down tents, lead the cooking, and provide clear instructions and oversight for all activities. If you’ve never camped or cooked in the great outdoors before, this is the perfect opportunity to learn under expert supervision!]

  • 7 days

  • 8 - 13 spots

  • Double occupancy in tents

  • 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches and 6 Dinners

  • TrovaTrip will provide 1 transfer from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) , between 12 PM and 1 PM

  • TrovaTrip will provide 1 transfer to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on the last day

Activities Included

  • Whitewater Rafting on the Nenana River
  • Self-Guided Hiking in Denali Wilderness
  • Byron Glacier Hike
  • Harding Ice Field Trek
  • Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

Other Inclusions

  • Double occupancy in tents
  • Local Guide throughout trip
  • All city transfers
  • Arrival airport transfer (afternoon on first day, arrive by 1pm)
  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day, please book your flights for after 4pm)
  • All camping equipment (except sleeping bag and pillow)
  • All Entrance Fees to the Parks and Activities are Included

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Food and alcohol (except as noted)
  • Visas and travel insurance
  • Airport transfers outside of designated times
  • Sleeping bag and pillow
  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

Day 1

info

Day 1

Welcome to Alaska! TrovaTrip will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the campground. Please plan to arrive by 1pm. Camping is an integral part of this experience, which means you’ll set up/strike your tent and help prep all meals! Since you'll be out on adventures most days, lunch will be picnic-style or bagged. And don’t worry, camping newbies, your professional Guide will always be there to help.

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Arrival Airport Transfer

TrovaTrip will provide one transfer from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) to the campground. Please arrive by 1pm. Exact transfer time within this window will be determined closer to your arrival based on provided Traveler flight information. Travelers arriving outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own arrangements to meet the group at the campground. Please note, there is no parking available at the campground. If you are driving, we recommend parking your car at the airport and joining the included transfer.

meal

dinner

Included welcome dinner at camp. Camp dinners are typically American fare with meals like pasta, stews, burgers, etc. Your camp menu will vary and be decided based on your Guide's recipe repertoire!

accommodation

Camping near Anchorage, or similar

Overnight near Anchorage

Day 2

info

Day 2

Today you’ll take a long, scenic drive up to the foothills of Denali National Park, making stops along the way to enjoy the views and eat lunch. After arriving in the afternoon, you'll tackle some whitewater rafting on the Nenana River, then head to the campground where you'll set up camp and collectively cook dinner. [Operator’s note: Wear non-cotton base layers (polyester or wool) such as yoga pants, long johns, or snug-fitting clothes to layer underneath a drysuit. Please also bring 2 pairs of non-cotton socks, a rain jacket, and eyeglass retainers like Chums or Croakies if necessary.]

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at camp is included. Typically camp breakfasts are served cold with the occasional hot breakfast served, time permitting. Common camp breakfasts include bagels, toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee/tea.

transfer

APPROX. 4 HOURS

Transfer to Denali

Take a scenic private transfer up to Denali. Typically after about an hour or so, you will make a stop at a grocery store where you will have the opportunity to grab any additional snacks you would like (at your own cost) and use the restroom. Then you will continue on until you reach Denali Viewpoint South where you will have lunch against the amazing backdrop of Denali - weather permitting. Hop back into the van and continue to the Nenana River for white water rafting!

meal

lunch

Included pack lunch on the way to Denali. Pack lunches usually consist of sandwiches, granola bars, chips, trail mix, etc.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS 30 MIN

Whitewater Rafting on the Nenana River

Your first adventure will be a wet & wild one! Take on Class III & IV rapids as you navigate the mighty waters of the Alaskan Frontier. And don’t worry, no prior rafting experience is necessary. After completing the expedition downriver, you’ll take a 30-minute transfer to the campground. [Operator’s note: A drysuit, a Personal Floatation Device, river shoes, and all other equipment will be provided. A changing room and secure storage location for personal items will be available.]

meal

dinner

Included dinner at camp. Camp dinners are typically American fare with meals like pasta, stews, burgers, etc. Your camp menu will vary and be decided based on your Guide's recipe repertoire!

accommodation

Denali Grizzly Bear Campground, or similar

Overnight near Denali

Day 3

info

Day 3

Today you'll take a short transfer to the Denali Visitor Center at the mouth of the park, where several trails begin. You’ll have the day free to explore them and the surrounding wilderness on your own. Due to guiding restrictions, your Guide will not be able to accompany you on the hike(s) but will remain available to answer any questions you may have. Be sure to bring a day pack, water bottle, hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, and rainwear (jacket and pants if needed).

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at camp is included. Typically camp breakfasts are served cold with the occasional hot breakfast served, time permitting. Common camp breakfasts include bagels, toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee/tea.

activity

APPROX. 7 HOURS

Self-Guided Hiking in Denali Wilderness

There are several trails to explore from the mouth of Denali National Park and we recommend a couple of hikes that won't disappoint! Horseshoe Lake Trail is a shorter hike that will loop you around Horseshoe Lake where you may spot some wildlife like otters or beavers. This trail is relatively flat with a slight incline toward the end. If you're up for a more challenging hike, try the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail. This begins with a flat trail, which gradually grows in incline. After 2 miles you'll break through the trees to get your first views. Then you'll continue on a steep incline as you make your way up toward the Mt. Healy Overlook, where panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and peaks await. [Operator’s note: Once you reach the Overlook, turn around and head back. The trail is not maintained beyond this point and we do not recommend hiking further for safety reasons.] For other trail recommendations, be sure to ask your Guide! Horseshoe Lake Trail (easy) – Trail type: Loop / Distance: 2 miles / Elevation Gain: 250 feet / Duration: 2 hours | Mt. Healy Overlook Trail (hard) – Trail type: Out & Back / Distance: 5.4 miles / Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet / Duration: 3.5 - 4 hours

meal

lunch

Included pack lunch in Denali. Pack lunches usually consist of sandwiches, granola bars, chips, trail mix, etc.

meal

dinner

Included dinner at camp. Camp dinners are typically American fare with meals like pasta, stews, burgers, etc. Your camp menu will vary and be decided based on your Guide's recipe repertoire!

accommodation

Denali Grizzly Bear Campground, or similar

Overnight near Denali

Day 4

info

Day 4

Prepare for another early morning as you wake up, make breakfast, and break camp. You’ll then head south to explore Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. The drive will take you past Anchorage and along the beautiful Turnagain Arm, with a possibility of seeing Beluga whales. You’ll make a detour into the heart of Portage Valley for a guided easy hike offering views of Byron Glacier. Then, you’ll keep heading further south to the small seaside hamlet of Seward, set on an inlet of the Kenai Peninsula. Seward is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, where glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield into coastal fjords full of halibut, whales, and puffins. Be sure to bring a day pack, water bottle, hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, and rainwear (jacket and pants if needed).

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at camp is included. Typically camp breakfasts are served cold with the occasional hot breakfast served, time permitting. Common camp breakfasts include bagels, toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee/tea.

transfer

APPROX. 5 HOURS 30 MIN

Transfer from Denali to Byron Glacier Trailhead

Take a private transfer to Byron Glacier Trailhead. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed. Weather and schedule permitting, you will make a stop at Newcomb Park for lunch. Then you will continue to the Byron Glacier Trailhead making a stop at Bird Point for some incredible views along the way, weather permitting.

meal

lunch

Included pack lunch on the way to Byron Glacier Trailhead. Pack lunches usually consist of sandwiches, granola bars, chips, trail mix, etc.

activity

APPROX. 3 HOURS

Byron Glacier Hike

Byron Glacier descends from the same ice field that feeds nearby Portage Glacier and Blackstone Glacier in Prince William Sound. The trail follows along a creek and is a perfect example of a post-ice age ecosystem. Large trees and forest give way to alder thickets which in turn morph into lichen-dotted rock, only recently exposed by retreating ice. The trail is well-maintained with moderate inclines. Distance: 3.2 miles out-and-back / Elevation gain: 787 ft on the ascent / Duration: 2-3 hours / Difficulty: Easy

transfer

APPROX. 1 HOUR

Transfer from Byron Glacier Trailhead to Seward

Continue your transfer to Seward. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

meal

dinner

Included dinner at camp. Camp dinners are typically American fare with meals like pasta, stews, burgers, etc. Your camp menu will vary and be decided based on your Guide's recipe repertoire!

accommodation

Resurrection South Campground, or similar

Overnight in Seward

Day 5

info

Day 5

Today, you'll visit Kenai Fjords National Park! Take a short transfer from the campground to the trailhead then lace up your hiking boots for an epic trek up to Exit Glacier! This activity will take most of the day and you'll have lunch during the hike. After you complete it you'll head back to the campground for some much-needed rest. Be sure to bring a day pack, water bottle(s), snacks, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, and rainwear (jacket and pants if needed).

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at camp is included. Typically camp breakfasts are served cold with the occasional hot breakfast served, time permitting. Common camp breakfasts include bagels, toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee/tea.

activity

APPROX. 8 HOURS

Harding Ice Field Trek

Take a short 15-minute transfer to the trailhead and follow your Guide on a hike above the tree line, to the top of Exit Glacier where it meets the Harding Icefield. The icefield stretches to the horizon and is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring views. Be aware, this is a strenuous hike and in order to reach the icefield you’ll gain over 3,000 feet in just 4 miles. You’ll begin by hiking up through trees and brush, then continue the ascent on switchbacks. This is the most difficult portion of the hike. After you reach the top, you'll continue on a slower but gradual incline until you reach the icefield. Crampons are not needed, however, if the trail has too much snow or ice*, your Guide will choose a different path or lead the group back for your safety. On the way down keep your eyes peeled for marmots, mountain goats, and of course, bears! After returning to the trailhead you’ll take a 15-minute transfer back to the campground. *Depending on conditions the top may not be fully accessible. Distance: 9.2 miles out-and-back / Elevation gain: 3,641 ft on the ascent / Duration: 6-8 hours / Difficulty: Strenuous/Hard

meal

lunch

Included pack lunch during your hike. Pack lunches usually consist of sandwiches, granola bars, chips, trail mix, etc.

meal

dinner

Included dinner at camp. Camp dinners are typically American fare with meals like pasta, stews, burgers, etc. Your camp menu will vary and be decided based on your Guide's recipe repertoire!

accommodation

Resurrection South Campground, or similar

Overnight in Seward

Day 6

info

Day 6

On your final day in Seward, embark on an unforgettable wildlife and glacier-viewing cruise. You’ll take a short transfer to the dock before starting a beautiful half-day cruise along the bay and nearby fjords. Lunch will be provided onboard. Afterward, you'll head back to the campground for a final dinner with your group. Be sure to pack warm clothes, comfortable closed-toed shoes, and sunglasses.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at camp is included. Typically camp breakfasts are served cold with the occasional hot breakfast served, time permitting. Common camp breakfasts include bagels, toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee/tea.

activity

APPROX. 5 HOURS 30 MIN

Glacier and Wildlife Cruise

After a 15-minute transfer to the pier, you’ll board a ship and the cruise will begin. Narrated by an experienced Captain, it will take you through Resurrection Bay, out into the Gulf of Alaska, and then into one of the many nearby fjords. Along the way, keep a lookout for whales, orcas, sea otters, and other marine life…not to mention the occasional bear lingering on a beach or mountain goats perched high in the surrounding cliffs. As you move through the fjords, you'll stop near one of the many glaciers to view the continual calving of ice. Sections of it, often the size of a house, break off and fall hundreds of feet into the ocean below. The scale of Alaska’s glaciers are a tremendous sight and an awe-inspiring reminder of nature’s power! In the afternoon you'll return to land and take a 15-minute transfer back to the campground.

meal

lunch

Included deli-style lunch on the cruise. Common items include sandwiches, cold cuts, chips, granola, and one non-alcoholic drink.

meal

dinner

Included farewell dinner at camp. Camp dinners are typically American fare with meals like pasta, stews, burgers, etc. Your camp menu will vary and be decided based on your Guide's recipe repertoire!

accommodation

Resurrection South Campground, or similar

Overnight in Seward

Day 7

info

Day 7

It’s time to say goodbye for now! After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the airport with our warmest wishes for happiness and safety wherever your travels may lead. Please book your flights after 4pm.

meal

breakfast

Breakfast at camp is included. Typically camp breakfasts are served cold with the occasional hot breakfast served, time permitting. Common camp breakfasts include bagels, toast, yogurt, cereal, fruit, juice, and coffee/tea.

transfer

APPROX. 4 HOURS

Departure Airport Transfer

TrovaTrip will provide one transfer from the campground in Seward to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) on the last day. Please book your flights after 4pm. Travelers departing outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

Itinerary Details

Itineraries may change throughout the year due to several factors including logistical issues, Traveler feedback, or operational changes. The provided itinerary, including estimated times, serve as guidelines only. As your date of travel approaches, our Operators will amend the itinerary to include more details, adjust activities and provide updated information.

TrovaTrip and our Operators reserve the right to alter itineraries as we deem necessary before and during your experience in-destination.

$1827+ USD

per traveler
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$1827+ USD

per traveler