Itinerary
- Day 1
Anchorage to Alaska Range
Your guide picks you up at the hotel in Anchorage for breakfast, then you'll head north on a 3-hour shuttle along the Susitna River Valley to reach the trailhead. From there, you start with a steep climb on the north side of the ridge, moving up through the trees into alpine tundra with views in every direction, including Denali. The 8-mile hike gains 2,500 feet of elevation, and by evening you'll reach camp overlooking Eldridge Glacier. Your guide prepares dinner as you settle in for your first night.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Quick breakfast at hotel in Anchorage), Dinner (First delicious dinner prepared by guide at backcountry camp)
Included Activities
- Guided hike from trailhead into alpine tundra (8 miles, 2500 feet elevation gain)
- Breakfast at hotel in Anchorage
- Dinner at first backcountry camp
Landmarks/POIs Eldridge Glacier Denali Alaska Range - Day 2
Alaska Range
You head south along the ridge with the Talkeetna Range visible to the east and the Alaska Range with Denali to the west. This 6.5-mile day involves 900 feet of elevation gain and 1,400 feet of descent as you move through dramatic wilderness scenery. The ridge walking offers constant views, and by afternoon you'll reach tonight's camp at an area with interesting geological features and great sightlines.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike along ridge (6.5 miles, 900 feet elevation gain, 1400 feet elevation loss)
- Lunch and dinner at backcountry camp
Landmarks/POIs Talkeetna Range Denali Alaska Range - Day 3
Alaska Range
After a brief descent to a low point on the ridge, you'll enter forested wetlands for a different kind of hiking and better chances to see wildlife. From there, you continue to a mountain lake before heading back above tree line. The 4 to 5.5 mile hike includes 900 feet of elevation gain and 1,600 feet of descent, giving you that feeling of freedom moving through the hills with varied terrain.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided hike through forested wetlands and alpine terrain (4-5.5 miles, 900 feet elevation gain, 1600 feet elevation loss)
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Lunch and dinner at backcountry camp
- Day 4
Alaska Range
Your last full backcountry day takes you across the tundra with views all around you. The 4 to 5.5 mile route has 600 feet of elevation gain and 1,200 feet of descent, passing pristine alpine lakes and quiet pools along the way. Keep an eye out for moose and other animals in the area. That evening, you'll have a hot meal under the Alaskan sky to mark your final night out here.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Final hot dinner on the Alaskan tundra)
Included Activities
- Guided hike across tundra (4-5.5 miles, 600 feet elevation gain, 1200 feet elevation loss)
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Lunch and celebration dinner at backcountry camp
- Day 5
Alaska Range to Anchorage
You descend from the ridge this morning, taking in the final views of the Alaska Range behind you. The 7-mile hike down involves 600 feet of elevation gain and 2,200 feet of descent, finishing at a beautiful lake where you'll have a picnic lunch. After that, it's the 3-hour shuttle ride back to Anchorage to wrap up your trip.
- Meals
- Lunch (One last picnic lunch at trail terminus)
Included Activities
- Guided descent hike from ridge (7 miles, 600 feet elevation gain, 2200 feet elevation loss)
- Picnic lunch at trail terminus
Landmarks/POIs Alaska Range
