This six-day hiking tour will enchant you with the unspoiled beauty of Alaska. From the coast in Anchorage, head inland to breathtaking Denali National Park, home to the highest mountains on the continent. Follow winding trails through tundra surrounded by wildflowers and you can see some of the wildlife in the area. Hike over huge ancient glaciers or choose your own route on the Savage Alpine Trail. By the end of the tour, you’ll understand why Alaska means “The Great Land” in the Aleut language.
Welcome to Alaska! You’ll meet your leader at 10 am at the Springhill Suites by Marriott Anchorage Midtown in Anchorage for a welcome meeting before embarking on a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway towards the town of Palmer, a trip that’s packed with gorgeous mountain vistas and plenty of time for photo ops. You’ll eventually reach the famed Matanuska Glacier, Alaska’s largest road-access glacier – it’s a jaw-dropping 27 miles long and 4 miles wide and has some of the most accessible walking areas of any glacier in the state. Don your ice cleats and helmet (included) and begin exploring the glacier on foot with the help of an Alaskan guide and glacier expert. Marvel at ice that formed thousands of years ago, high in the Chugach Mountains as you walk for about 2 hours, covering 3 miles. Amazingly, every day is unique at Matanuska, due to the dynamic nature of the glacier. Similarly, your tour will be customised to suit your group’s interests. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local eatery with stunning views of the glacier and surrounding scenery, before heading to Palmer for the night.
Please come with sturdy shoes, layered non-cotton clothing and light hat and gloves. Sunglasses are a must as well. This trip starts on Day 1 at 10 am in Anchorage and travels to the Matanuska Glacier immediately after the welcome meeting. If you are at risk of being late, please consider arriving a day earlier and staying in Anchorage before your tour begins.