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Visit amazing wilderness camp in Alaska

Alaska Denali Camping Expedition

Alaska Small Group Tour - Example 12 Day Tour
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Prepare for an unforgettable 12-day Alaskan small group odyssey, where rugged landscapes and thrilling adventures await. Begin in Anchorage, the gateway to the Last Frontier, surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges and urban wilderness. After a welcome meeting, set off to Denali National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna. Explore its vast wilderness, spotting bears, moose, and caribou, or opt for a heart-pounding aerial tour over Mt. Denali. Traverse the scenic Denali Highway to Maclaren River Lodge, where you'll embark on a jet boat ride to the Remote Glacier Camp, immersing yourself in the pristine wilderness. Continue to Wrangell/St. Elias National Park, the largest in the U.S., for camping and optional activities like hiking, ice climbing, and scenic flights. Finally, conclude your journey in Valdez, known for its stunning scenery and optional activities such as sea kayaking and wildlife cruises. Return to Anchorage, filled with memories of your Alaskan adventure.
Camp close to a glacial river in the largest National Park in North AmericaInfinite Adventures converted school busHistoric abandoned Kennecott MineGlacier Hike in Wrangell/St EliasSit around the campfire sharing tales and laughter with fellow travellersGet your adrenalin flowing with ice climbing, glacier hikes or raftingAn alaskan brown bear catching fishGreat tent view in AlaskaSea Lions in Alaska enjoying the oceanAlaskan moose roaming the wildernessSee majestic grizzly bear in its natural habitatVisit amazing wilderness camp in Alaska
Highlights
  • Spot wildlife in Anchorage, including bears, moose, and wolves
  • Camp next to Maclaren Glacier and explore the wilderness
  • Trek through Denali National Park's 6 million acres on various trails
  • Enjoy evenings around the campfire sharing adventure stories in Denali
  • Explore St. Elias National Park with hiking and scenic drive
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

If you don't have three weeks to explore the remote places of Alaska, then this trip is right for you!

Arrive in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, often mistaken for the state's capital, offering stunning views of the Chugach, Alaskan, Kenai, and Talkeetna mountain ranges. While Mt. Denali is only visible 20% of the year, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse. Despite being a bustling urban area, Anchorage is shared with wildlife like bears, moose, and wolves. After landing, take an Uber or taxi to your accommodations and settle in at the Highliner Hotel.

On this incredible Alaskan experience, you'll be part of the crew, helping with tasks such as setting up camp, shopping for food, cooking, collecting water and firewood, and loading the back locker. You use a rota system to share duties equally among the group.

Everyone will assist in preparing dinner occasionally. Please inform us of any dietary requirements before booking and again at the welcome meeting. Typical camp meals include toast, cereal, eggs, or pancakes for breakfast; sandwiches and fruit for lunch; and BBQ, risotto, pasta, or local dishes for dinner.

Over the next couple of days, you'll experience a variety of accommodations, from scenic established campgrounds with amenities like flush toilets and hot showers to charming bush camps tucked away in remote settings, offering rustic charm and breathtaking views of Alaska's untouched natural beauty.

Tonight, attend a pre-departure meeting at the hotel. Enjoy a group meal at your own expense, this is your chance to discuss the upcoming adventure and meet your fellow travelers and guides.

Arriving early in Anchorage? Ask us about arranging a day trip to experience the Brooks River Alaskan Brown Bear Viewing in Katmai National Park (available during July for additional cost). 

Please Note: 
Most of the campsites are established campgrounds with flush toilets and hot showers. However, the intent is to get out into the wilderness and this means some of the campsites are bush camps with only an outhouse and no showers. The terrain can be rocky and you might have to walk a few hundred feet to the outhouse.  But don’t worry, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of glaciers and mountains! Your expedition leader also carries water so you can have a basic wash if needed. 

Camping trips require physical fitness. You must be able to get in and out of a tent, walk on uneven ground, climb in and out of the bus, and walk to the toilet. We recommend being able to walk/hike 2-3 miles a day. While there are various hikes and adjusted trail difficulty, an adventure trip in Alaska demands a fitness level beyond a typical daily routine. If you like the outdoors, camping trips, sleeping in a tent, and hiking, this trip is for you! There are usually several difficulty options for hikes so you can customize your remote Alaska adventures. 

Day 2-4: Denali National Park

The next couple of days will be spent exploring Denali National Park, a prime location for observing both Alaskan flora and fauna. This park offers the chance to see various wild animals, from large mammals to smaller creatures, all in their natural habitats. Campsites are set up upon arrival, providing a base for the next two days.

Participants can take a bus ride along the park's only road, with opportunities to spot bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. For those seeking challenging activities, there are options for trailblazing through the park's 6 million acres. An optional activity includes a flight over Denali National Park and around Mt. Denali, standing at 20,320 feet (6,194 meters).

Evenings are spent around the campfire, listening to the sounds of the night and sharing stories of the day's adventures.

Included Activities:
  • Two-Day National Park Entrance
  • Shuttle Bus services within the park
  • Hiking in Denali National Park (short, long, off the beaten track, that's on you to decide!)
Optional Activity
Some optional activities require an additional charge, please inquire with your Trip Planner
  • Flight over Mt. Denali

Day 5-6: Remote camping on Maclaren River

Drive the lightly traveled Denali Highway to your next destination. Opened in 1957, this dirt road was the first to access Denali National Park (then known as Mt. McKinley National Park). Learn about the history of the region as you traverse the Maclaren River valley and high alpine country on the state’s second-highest highway pass.

Arrive at the Maclaren River Lodge, run by hosts Alan and Susie, who will take you on a jet boat ride to "The Remote Glacier Camp." Experience the wilderness with no mobile phone reception and no roads. Camp out in the wild overnight, exploring and enjoying the bush camping experience.

The next day, take a canoe trip back down the river for another night at the beautifully situated lodge. 

Included Activities:
  • Boat Ride up to Glacier Camp
  • Guided overnight stay at Glacier Bush Camp, canvas tents with cots
  • Canoe trip on Maclaren River
Optional Activity
  • Hiking

Day 7-9: Bush Camp in Wrangell St Elias

During this stretch, you'll explore the largest National Park in the United States and camp at the "End-of-the-Road" campground. Situated at the literal end of the McCarthy Road, this 60-mile gravel path follows the old Copper River and Northwestern railways. While the area was once bustling with copper mines, it's often forgotten that it was also the site of Alaska's last great gold rush.

Numerous optional activities await, including hiking, ice climbing, glacier walks, guided mill tours, rafting, and scenic flights around 16,000-foot peaks, 25-mile long glaciers, and massive icefalls. Your days are yours to shape as you wish. Consider taking a historical tour, exploring the beautiful surroundings on a hike, or indulging in thrilling outdoor adventures like ice climbing, guided glacier hikes, or whitewater rafting. Plus, each night, you'll spend it bush camping in true remote Alaska.

Included Activities:
  • Hiking
  • Scenic Drive
Optional Activities
Some optional activities require an additional charge, please inquire with your Trip Planner
  • Ice Climbing (full day)
  • Root Glacier Hike
  • Kennecott History Tour
  • Rafting
  • Flightseeing

Day 10-11: Camping in Valdez

Valdez marks the end of the 800-mile trans-Alaskan pipeline that begins at Prudhoe Bay and serves as a vital gateway to the interior of Alaska. This quaint town gained national attention in March 1989 when the Exxon Valdez ran aground, causing an 11-million-gallon oil spill. For many years, flora and fauna suffered from this environmental catastrophe. Thankfully, the order has been mostly restored, and the Chugach Mountains now provide a stunning backdrop to this resilient community.

Your time in Valdez includes a day filled with optional activities. Highly recommended are the Columbia Glacier Sea Kayaking or the Lulu Belle Wildlife Cruise, offering spectacular scenery, mammoth icebergs, and opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife. Additionally, venture out to seek bears, eagles, and sea lions feeding on salmon. Valdez is renowned for bears frequenting the local salmon fish hatchery and the surrounding creeks.

Included Activities:
  • Hiking
  • Scenic Drive
Optional Activities
Some optional activities require an additional charge, please inquire with your Trip Planner
  • Glacier Wildlife Cruises
  • Bike Rental
  • Fishing (depending on season)

Day 12: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Your journey must come to an end, but not before you experience a few more breathtaking sights. You'll cross Thompson Pass, offering stunning views of Worthington Glacier, and make a lunch stop at the majestic Matanuska Glacier. You'll return to Anchorage in the late afternoon, where you can reflect on the incredible adventures you shared.

Accommodations

Alaska Campsites

Travel to campsites with Infinite Adventures overland vehicle
Campground in Denali

Maclaren River Lodge

Highliner Hotel

Stairs leading to the rooms at the Highliner Hotel
Hallway
Reception

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$3,390 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • 11 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
  • Fully equipped Overland vehicle
  • Services of two trained/commercially certified leaders/drivers
  • High quality four-person tents (sleeping only two), camping chairs and cooking equipment
  • Admission to National Parks and Monuments
  • Pre-departure meeting to welcome and provide you with a good understanding of the trip ahead
  • Denali National Park wildlife bus
  • Boat and canoe trips Maclaren River
  • Hikes in Denali NP, Wrangell/St. Elias NP and Valdez
  • Information regarding places to be visited, history, flora and fauna
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Snacks
  • Drinks
  • Optional Activities
  • Airport transfer
  • Flight to/from Anchorage
  • ESTA-Fee/Visa Fee for USA
  • Sleeping pads and sleeping bags (available upon request)

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.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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