Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Alaska Prince William Sound to Denali Multi-Adventure
Day 1 Arrive in Anchorage & Hike the Matanuska Glacier
2-hour private van transfer
2-4 miles/3 hours hiking on icy terrain
Kick off your trip this morning in Anchorage, Alaska, where after introductions and a trip orientation, you'll set out on your first adventure: the massive Matanuska Glacier. At 27 miles long and 4 miles wide, the icy behemoth offers an impressive introduction to just one of more than 100,000 glaciers in the state. Strap on a helmet and crampons and head out on an up-close exploration of the glacier's ancient caves and crevasses. Later this afternoon, transfer to your remote home-away-from-home, a comfortable lodge set amongst the stunning Talkeetna and Chugach Mountain Ranges.
Accommodation: Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge
(L, D)
Day 2 Kayak Valdez Glacier Lake & Explore Valdez
3-hour private van transfer
2-3 hours kayaking
Today's journey takes you to Valdez, the gateway to stunning Prince William Sound. Along the way, stop to stretch your legs and take in spectacular panoramas of the range while learning more about America's largest national park at the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center. Back on the historic Richardson Highway, enjoy non-stop views of the Chugach Mountains as you travel over Thompson Pass, the snowiest location in Alaska. Just before reaching Valdez, stop to kayak in the cool waters of Valdez Glacier Lake. Formed by the massive runoff of the 20-mile Valdez Glacier, the lake sits at its terminus and it's here you'll kayak through a variety of icebergs, bergy bits, growlers, and ice caves. This evening, enjoy a casual dinner in the heart of Valdez before exploring the town on your own or independently hiking one of the area's great local trails. Please note that depending on ice levels on Valdez Glacier Lake, early-season departures may kayak an alternate route through the tidal flats of a wildlife estuary.
Accommodation: Totem Hotel and Suites
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Take a Wildlife & Glacier Cruise on Prince William Sound
3.5-hour private van transfer
7-hour small boat cruise
Early this morning, set out on a spectacular boat tour of one of the most biodiverse regions in Alaska. At over 10,000 square miles, Prince William Sound is a treasure trove of glistening fjords, secluded islands, and massive glaciers. Look for the abundant wildlife that inhabits this area, including playful seals and otters, breaching orcas and humpback whales, porpoises, and an assortment of birdlife from puffins to kittiwakes. The surrounding forests and shorelines are also home to bears, moose, and smaller mammals. Keep your camera out and ready! Then, set off on a road trip to the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula, and your accommodations in Homer, Alaska.
Accommodation: The Ocean Shores Resort
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Paddle Around Yukon Island National Historic Landmark
2-hour boat transfer, 30-minute private van transfer
4 hours kayaking
Sitting at the outlet of Kachemak Bay, Ni'qa (Yukon Island) was a critical access point for Indigenous communities in the region and later to the resources beyond. The island is made up of numerous archeological sites, which extend back to approximately 2500 BC. Access to the waters surrounding the island is limited and today, you'll be fortunate enough to be one of the few who can explore along the shoreline. As you circumnavigate the island it's easy to see how this approximately one-mile-wide by one-mile-long island played such a pivotal role to the pre-historic Athabascan, Yupik, and Aleut people. The island itself is heavily wooded, providing protected habitat for several marine and mammal species. After an amazing day on the water, take the evening to explore Homer on your own.
Accommodation: The Ocean Shores Resort
(B, L)
Day 5 Hike Historic Crow Pass Along the Iditarod Trail
4-hour private van transfer
3-5 miles hiking/2-3 hours with 2,000' elevation gain and loss
Depart Homer this morning for a scenic drive in preparation for the second leg of your journey into Alaska's spectacular and rugged interior. Along the way, detour to one of the most impressive trails in the Chugach Mountains: Crow Pass. Following a short section of the famed 1,150-mile Iditarod Trail, the Crow Pass trail meanders through a picturesque valley of flowers, waterfalls, outstanding views, and the remnants of Alaska's Gold Rush past. Stretch your legs on the trail before spending time at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, which has served as a critical sanctuary and educational complex for over 30 years. Spend this evening in Anchorage, resting up for tomorrow's journey to Talkeetna.
Accommodation: Aspen Suites Hotel Anchorage
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Ride the Wilderness Express Train to Talkeetna
3-hour train ride
5 miles/3 hours hiking with minimal elevation gain and loss
Set off this morning on a ride on the iconic Alaska Railroad. Your journey aboard the Wilderness Express, in a private, glass-domed car with premier service, is the perfect introduction to the beauty and diversity of interior Alaska. As you travel up the Knik Arm and away from the tidal waters of Alaska's glorious coast, enter the enchanting and rugged terrain of the state's most famous mountain range. Along the way, your on-board guide will provide informative details on the natural and human history of the region. Upon arrival in Talkeetna, explore the charming mountain town before a hike around scenic Talkeetna Lakes. Wrap up the day with dinner and beer tasting at one of the region's most beloved breweries.
Accommodation: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
(B, D)
Day 7 Hike Curry Ridge for Jaw-Dropping Alaska Range Views
2.5-hour private van transfer
6.5 miles/3-4 hours hiking with 1,023' elevation gain and loss
Today, you'll hike south of Denali National Park in a region considered the perfect spot to view the Alaska Range: Curry Ridge in Denali State Park. The trail climbs gradually through a dense forest of fern, bunchberry, dogwood, and deciduous trees, before breaking out of the trees and onto a ridge boasting 360-degree views of the Alaska and Talkeetna ranges. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the alpine tundra, soaking up your beautiful surroundings. After your hike, transfer to Denali National Park and your accommodation, located just outside the park entrance in a quiet spruce forest, away from the crowds. Enjoy dinner as a group, as your MT Sobek guide offers recommendations for the next day, which is spent independently.
Accommodation: Denali Park Village
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Explore Denali National Park
Today is yours for adventure in Denali National Park! In the days prior to your arrival in the park, your expert MT Sobek guide will talk through the variety of options to choose from and provide you with some details on how to book your adventure. Whether you choose to ride a park bus to a trailhead and spend the day hiking, take a helicopter tour, visit the National Park Service's sled dog kennel, ride a zipline, raft down the Nenana River Gorge, or hang out at the park's visitor center, a day exploring Denali National Park is one you won't forget. Denali National Park restricts guided activities within the park. To offer you the best range of options, this day is open to adventure independently.
Accommodation: Denali Park Village
Day 9 Celebrate Your Alaska Adventure
2.5-hour private van transfer
4-5.4 miles hiking/2-3 hours with 1,700' to 2,700' elevation gain and loss
Spend your final day hiking just outside Denali National Park as your naturalist guide provides rich context for your visit. On a trail specially selected for your group, you'll make your way from the boreal forests of the lower elevations to the wide-open views of the sub-alpine tundra, learn about the fascinating adaptations plants and animals have made to survive this oftentimes unforgiving wilderness. Your hike culminates with a well-earned farewell lunch at a local brewing company, where you can celebrate your adventures together with your group and guides before heading to Fairbanks, where you'll bid farewell to new friends and the awe-inspiring state of Alaska.
(B, L)
