Lodge-based Adventures in South Central & Interior Alaska

This lodge-based, multisport adventure is the ultimate way to experience south central and interior Alaska! Take a tram to the lofty heights of Mount Alyeska and then trek on a glacier, sea kayak past tidewater glaciers in Prince William Sound, go whitewater rafting through the heart of the Alaska Range, take a phenomenally beautiful “flightseeing” trip over the Alaska Range, and enjoy fabulous wildlife viewing in Denali National Park. There’s an adventure here for every appetite, including a ride on the famed Alaska Railroad and a dramatic bush plane trip past North America’s highest peak—Denali herself! After an active day of fun, you’ll relax in a comfortable hotel or lodge, including three nights at Camp Denali. This renowned rustic wilderness lodge is located deep inside Denali National Park, where wonderful views of Denali (“The Great One”) are possible right from your private cabin’s doorstep.

Activities

Easy to strenuous day hikes, easy sea kayaking and whitewater rafting (Class III/IV rapids), optional canoeing & fishing

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend three nights inside Denali National Park! Hike and explore while you enjoy a relaxing stay at world-renowned Camp Denali!
• Explore the beautiful tidewater glaciers of Prince William Sound by boat and sea kayak
• Spectacular "flightseeing" over the Alaska Range, raft the Nenana River, trek on a glacier, and more!

2010 Prices
$4,795 (4-10 members)
$350 internal airfare

Minimum age is 12.

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Anchorage End Location: Anchorage Best time to go: July - August

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Anchorage – Girdwood

  Meet in Anchorage for pre-trip meeting over breakfast. We'll drive along Turnagain Arm to the mountain community of Girdwood, then travel by tram to hike on a glacier.

• Day 2 : Prince William Sound

  Charter boat excursion and sea kayak past tidewater glaciers in Prince William Sound.

• Day 3 : Fly to Denali – Whitewater Rafting on the Nenana River

  Scenic bush plane flight over the Alaska Range to the entrance of Camp Denali park. Whitewater rafting on the Nenana River outside Camp Denali park.

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  Day 4 : Denali National Park

  Morning hike, followed by a wildlife viewing and sightseeing drive into Denali National Park with a picnic dinner along the way. Arrive at Camp Denali for three-night stay.

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  Days 5 - 6 : Denali National Park

  Choose from a variety of activities including hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, or fishing. After a delicious dinner at the lodge, evening programs round out the day.

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  Day 7 : Alaska Railroad – Anchorage

  Depart for the park entrance. We'll board the historic Alaska Railroad for dinner and the scenic ride to Anchorage.

• Day 8 : Depart Anchorage

  Enjoy breakfast together at the hotel to say final goodbyes before headed home.

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  Copper Whale Inn

  Anchorage

  Comfort, convenience and natural wonders converge to create a relaxing respite at this unique downtown inn. Conveniently located in the heart of Anchorage, the Copper Whale offers stunning views across Cook Inlet to the Alaska Range. Binoculars in the living room help you spot bald eagles, beluga whales and other passing wildlife.

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  Denali Grizzly Bear Cabins

  Denali

  Pioneer-family owned and operated since 1968, these Alaska cabins are nestled in a beautiful wooded setting overlooking the Nenana River. Enjoy the clean, invigorating air of the surrounding snowcapped mountains, or just relax and watch the river roll by from the warm comfort of your cabin.

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  Camp Denali

  Denali National Park

  Situated on 67 acres of rising terrain, Camp Denali is centered on a pond that reflects up to 11 major peaks of the Alaska Range. Family-owned and operated, this rustic homestead is complimented by traditional cabin amenities, such as wood stoves, propane lights, and hand-sewn quilts made by Denali's own staff.

• Alyeska Resort Hotel

  Girdwood

  Tucked amid the Chugach Mountains with a backdrop of glaciers and towering spruce trees, Alaska's only AAA-rated, 4-diamond hotel offers world-class accommodations. Guest rooms are decorated with simple elegance, and the incredible fitness center boasts a huge saltwater tub with giant bay windows, the ultimate spot for relaxation.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Clint Fries

  Clint Fries, Alaska Discovery River Guide: Clint writes, "It feels like the natural way to live. Camping on the river beaches allows us the time to fit into the landscape. Campfires bring out the day's most profound explorations. I love to hear the breakout ideas people have on these trips. The quiet of the wilds gives great clarity of thought. It is, also, fun to facilitate the tribal kinship that can develop on a long trip. We become a roving band of gypsies." Clint speaks so eloquently of the river experience by drawing from his decades of guiding experience.

• Mike Speaks

  Mike Speaks has a list of international guiding experiences that reads like the archives of the old Explorer's Club in London. He was recently the expedition leader for a 590-mile National Geographic trip down the Blue Nile in Ethiopia. He has rafted first descents in Malawi, Ethiopia, Borneo, Madagascar, and Pakistan. He has been a river guide for two decades on the greatest rivers of the world, including the Zambezi, the Bio-Bio, the Tatshenshini, and the Alsek. He has assisted in film documentaries of Egypt, Burma, India, and Bhutan. He has explored all the rivers of northern Pakistan. This Alabama boy will have you speaking with a drawl within minutes, yet he makes his home on the flanks of Mount Denali in Alaska. He's a naturalist, a ski mountaineer, a whitewater expert, an experienced sea kayaker, and a humorist through it all. Michael is a favorite for his quick wit, take-charge style, and outstanding leadership.

photo credits: ©Elsa Castellani