Welcome to Alaska! Meet your leader at 10 am in Anchorage for a welcome meeting before embarking on a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway towards the town of Palmer. This trip is packed, with gorgeous mountain vistas and plenty of time for photo ops. Reach the famed Matanuska Glacier, the largest road-access glacier in Alaska – on its 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 the ice that forms thousand of years ago, high in the Chugach Mountains, hike for about 2 hours, covering 3 miles. Amazingly, every day is unique at Matanuska due to the dynamic nature of the glacier. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local eatery with stunning views of the glacier and surrounding scenery before heading to Palmer for the night.

Please wear sturdy shoes, layered non-cotton clothing, and a 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.

Included Activities:

• Matanuska - Glacier guided walking tour

After your breakfast, explore the wild beauty of Hatcher Pass for a hike among the alpine tundra of the Talkeetna Mountains. While Hatcher Pass used to be one of Alaska’s best-kept secrets, it’s become popular in recent years. Luckily, your expert leader will guide you on which trails to take to avoid the crowds. After your hike, sit back, relax and take in the scenery outside your window as you drive onwards to Denali National Park. Enjoy sweeping landscape views of mountains, rivers, and forests and spot some Alaskan wildlife.

Included Activities:

• Talkeetna Mountains guided hike

Today’s hike is approximately 5 miles (8 km), with moderate elevation gain.

It’s another scenic day in the Great Land, with a moderate-level hike and stunning views through the front country of Denali National Park. Curry Ridge is a 6.5-mile out-and-back scenic hike into the rolling tundra of the Alaskan wilderness. On a clear day, you can expect spectacular views of the surrounding mountain range and the towering Denali Mountain (formerly known as Mt McKinley), the highest peak in North America.

Included Activities:

• Curry Ridge out-and-back scenic hike

Today’s out-and-back hike is 6.5 miles (10.5 km), gaining 2417 ft (737 m) in elevation.

Today is truly an adventure! You’ll embark on the Savage Alpine trail transit bus to reach the trailhead of popular but strenuous hike. The ride is short and soon you will head on a self-guided hike starting around Miles 13-15 on the Park Road. The most common place to begin the hike it at the river. It will allow you to gain altitude and views in the least amount of time. Beginning from the river you gain around 900ft elevation in the first mile. Once on the ridge it's a gentle hike along the ridge, with fantastic views of Denali! Following the side of the mountain, you’ll descend back down to the valley and Savage Campground. You’re free to head off on your own unguided adventure but before you go, Tour Leader will clearly describe the trail, and set up a meeting point and time towards the end of the day. After your hike, catch the bus back to your accommodation, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way!

Included Activities:

• Self-guided Savage Alpine Trail hike

Head back to Anchorage with a stop at the iconic Denali Viewpoint (depending on conditions) for one last look at the highest point in North America. Stop for a walk into the Alaskan woods to take in the picturesque Thunderbird Falls at the end of the trail. Load back into the tour van and make your final stretch to Anchorage. Your leader will drop you off at your hotel for your last night and gather the group for a goodbye dinner. 

For good food and great views, 49th State Brewing Co. is an excellent option, or you could go for pizza at Alaska’s most famous restaurant, the chilled-out Moose’s Tooth Pub, and Pizzeria. If you’d like to get in more walking time, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a perfect sunset activity and is easily accessible from downtown.

Included Activities:

• Horseshoe Lake hike

The tour ends after breakfast and you’re free to depart at your leisure or stay and explore more of Anchorage on your own.