Pack your best hiking shoes for an ambitious walking excursion that begins from Anchorage and takes in the Kenai Peninsula's highlights. On this seven-day vacation, hike the rugged trails of the Kenai Fjords and Chugach national parks, stand atop the historic Harding Icefield, and spot some marine life in the icy coastal seas. With transportation between trails and leisurely pauses in the laid-back fishing town of Seward and the artsy town of Homer, you have plenty of time to unwind and recharge – or keep moving with one of the numerous possible add-on activities.
Highlights
Explore the small city of Homer and spot some marine wildlife in the coastal waters.
Walk on the expansive Harding Icefield.
Take an educational tour led by a local glacier expert with all technical gear provided.
Hike up the Flattop Mountain in Chugach National Park for the best views of Anchorage.
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Welcome to Anchorage and the start of your incredible Kenai Fjords National Park adventure! Meet your guide at Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites in Anchorage at 10 am. From there, embark on the stunning drive to your first hike at Portage Pass. This out-and-back hike boasts one heck of a scenic-packed punch, with views of Prince William Sound, snow-capped mountains, and alpine lakes. Get up close and personal with a glacier atop the iceberg-dotted Portage Lake. After your hike, sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful drive as your local leader takes the wheel to reach Kenai Fjord National Park. In the evening, explore the fishing town of Seward on your own.
Today’s hike is 4.2 miles (6.8 km) roundtrip with a total of 1433 ft (437 m) in elevation gain.
Eat a hearty breakfast this morning for a full-day hike along with one of Alaska’s most iconic and heart-pumping trails. Meet your guide at your hotel for the short drive to the trailhead. The hike begins with a mellow warm-up as you walk along the valley, then quickly gains elevation – the reward is worth every step. As you make your way through the forest, catch peeks of the valleys until they emerge above the tree line for spectacular panoramic views. Witness the breathtaking sight of Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield – the perfect all-Alaskan scene. After the hike, head back to Seward, where you can relax for the evening and review your epic photos from the day.
The out-and-back hike is 8.2 miles (13.2 km) roundtrip, with a total of 3812 ft (1162 m) in elevation gain.
Start your day with a half-day beach hike along a coastal trail that weaves through the mossy forests before breaking out onto the beaches of Kenai Fjords National Park. There are excellent beachcombing opportunities and even spot both land and marine wildlife. In the afternoon, join a variety of optional activities. Explore the fascinating Alaska Sealife Center, take a helicopter to a glacier for a dog sledding tour, or hop on board a scenic cruise through the waters along the Kenai Peninsula on your own.
The coastal out-and-back hike is 4.1 miles (6.6 km) roundtrip and gains 770 ft (235 m) in elevation.
Included Activities:
Caines Head and Tonsina Point coastal hikes
Day 4-5: Homer, Alaska
2 Breakfasts
Enjoy a scenic drive to the town of Homer, famed for being the halibut capital of the world and nicknamed “the end of the road” because it marks the very end of the US highway system, where land meets the sea. While Homer is surrounded by ocean and wilderness, it’s also an artsy town home to several museums, art galleries, and fine dining options. There will be stops along the drive to stretch your legs and take in the sights.
Today you have the full, free day to enjoy beautiful Homer. Explore the beach of the famous Homer Spit that juts out into Kachemak Bay, a unique geographical feature shaped by tidal swells, glaciers, and earthquakes. Visit local shops, explore the harbor, enjoy the local and traditional cuisines such as reindeer, caribou, king crab, and halibut.
Enjoy other excursions on your own such as a bear viewing flight that includes a scenic flight, a professional bear guide, and digital photos. Or fishing for some of that delicious Homer halibut, a half-day fishing charter that includes all gear and gets to keep whatever you catch. The bear viewing flight is 5-7 hours’ total trip time, including approximately 3 hours with the bears and 1.5 to 3 hours of scenic flight time. Trip time and time with bears is dependent on weather. Half-day fishing charters depart at either 7 am or 12 pm.
Journey back to Anchorage, making many scenic stops along the beautiful Turnagain Arm, one of the most stunning drives in the USA. Take on Anchorage's most famous day hike and explore Flattop Mountain in Chugach State Park. Flattop is well-known for its distinguished shape, well-maintained trails, and sweeping mountain and city views. From one direction, take a lookout over the city of Anchorage and take in distant views of the Tordrillo, Talkeetna, Kenai, and Alaska mountain ranges. Catch the dramatic mountain views, snow-capped peaks, and deep mountain valleys from the other directions. After the hike, overnight in Anchorage for a group dinner.
Today’s round-trip hike is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) with a 1430 ft (436 m) elevation gain – perfect for a half-day final adventure.
Included Activities:
Chugach State Flattop Mountain hike
Day 7: Anchorage, Alaska | Return Home
1 Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast and you’re free to depart at your leisure or stay and explore more of Anchorage on your own.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Initial deposit is $400 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
6 Breakfasts
6 Nights Accommodations
4 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
For those traveling internationally with Intrepid: emergency evacuation and medical insurance are mandatory, and comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See here for more details
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
9 hours ago
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
