alaska national parks tour

Alaska National Parks Collector

Immerse Yourself in the Remote Wilderness of Alaska's Best National Parks

If experiencing as many of Alaska’s national parks as you can on your Alaska vacation is your goal, you can do it on this exclusive Alaska National Parks Collector tour! Featuring six of Alaska’s eight national parks (Glacier Bay, Katmai, Lake Clark, Kenai Fjords, Denali and Wrangell-St Elias), this customized and unparalleled 16-day adventure includes outstanding opportunities for wildlife and bear viewing, wildlife and glacier cruises, hiking and kayaking, private explorations of pristine Alaska landscapes and backcountry wilderness, and a ride on the historic Alaska Railroad. You’ll experience authentic Alaska at its finest.

A Very Private Way to Experience the Jewels of Alaska

Arrive in juneau.

Upon arrival at the airport in Juneau, Alaska’s capital, receive a personal greeting and meet your private driver for a transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Juneau.

Travel from Juneau to Gustavus & Icy Strait - Glacier Bay National Park

This morning, travel by private transfer from your hotel back to the Juneau Airport. You’ll board a  small plane for a quick flight to the community of Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park. Your lodge guide will greet you upon landing and take you to your accommodations, offering friendly Alaskan hospitality.

The lodge is nestled on 97 acres and surrounded by large growth forest, open meadows, and views of the Icy Strait. You can take a nice stroll to the beaches of the Icy Strait, hike up to its upper or lower waterfalls, or simply relax and read by the fireplace in the main lodge.

Overnight in Gustavus, your home for the next two nights.

Glacier Bay National Park Marine Life Cruise

Today, take a private cruise into Glacier Bay National Park on a small vessel. Search for sea otters, whales, and bears roaming the coast as you explore the Park’s waterways with your knowledgeable captain and crew. Visit a tidewater glacier and witness it calve into the ocean below.

This evening relax at the lodge or take advantage of the nearby trails and bicycles provided by the lodge.

(c) Brian Adams. All rights reserved.

Whale Watching Cruise - Flight from Gustavus to Anchorage

This morning search for marine life on an exclusive whale-watching cruise to Point Adolphus. This area is home to a variety of wildlife and sealife.

In the afternoon receive a transfer to the Gustavus Airport and fly to Anchorage (3 hours). Upon arrival, you will meet your driver and receive a private transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Anchorage, your home for the next two nights.

Search for Bears in Katmai National Park

Your private driver will greet you in your Anchorage hotel lobby this morning for the short drive to Lake Hood, North America’s busiest airport for floatplanes.

Take off on an authentic Alaska floatplane for a stunning flight to Katmai National Park, home of Brooks Falls. You will have the day at leisure to explore the park trails and watch bears catching salmon in the falls.

Return to Anchorage this evening with memories to last a lifetime.

Meet the Bears of Lake Clark National Park - Travel to Seward

This morning, return to Lake Hood for a scenic flight over Cook Inlet (1.25 hours) for another day of bear viewing.

Land on the shores of Lake Clark National Park and spend your morning exploring the coastline in search of bears. In the afternoon, return to Anchorage and receive an exclusive transfer to Seward along on the scenic Turnagain Arm. Your driver/guide can provide recommendations for their favorite photos stops along the way or the best local hot spots for dinner in Seward.

Overnight in Seward.

Cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park - Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge

Embark on a wildlife cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park. Search for whales, sea otters, puffins, and sea lions. Enjoy lunch on board in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at your wilderness lodge, Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, the only lodge inside the National Park.

Get settled into your private cabin with views of Pedersen Glacier and Lagoon and begin exploring the are by kayak or on a guided hike.

Overnight at the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, your home for the next two nights.

Explore Kenai Fjords National Park on Foot or by Paddle

Explore the National Park today on guided hikes, scenic paddles, or relax and just go beachcombing. Watch for wildlife all around you on guided adventures by Lodge staff or on explorations all on your own, at your leisure.

Overnight at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge.

Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise to Seward with Alaska Railroad to Anchorage

Spend your morning enjoying additional lodge-based activities before returning by cruise to Seward in the late afternoon for more wildlife viewing.

You’ll board the domed railcars of the Alaska Railroad (GoldStar class) for passage from Seward to Anchorage. The railcar’s panoramic windows provide excellent viewing of passing scenery and wildlife. Dinner is included onboard as you travel along the scenic Turnagain Arm.

Upon arrival in Anchorage, meet your driver and receive a private transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Anchorage.

(c) Glen Aronwits. All rights reserved.

Scenic Drive from Anchorage to Talkeetna with Sled Dog Kennel Tour

Join your private driver/guide this morning for your trip along Alaska’s Parks Highway to Talkeetna.

Along the way pass through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, which is known for its agriculture industry but is also home to a number of dog kennels of mushers who have competed in the Iditarod. You can stop at a kennel for an exclusive tour while you learn about the history of dog mushing and it’s importance to Alaska.

That evening, explore the quaint town of Talkeetna at your leisure with its many local shops and restaurants on Main Street or relax at your hotel.

Talkeetna into Denali National Park Entrance

Embark on an exploration into the heart of untamed wilderness and wildlife as you make your way towards the entrance of Denali National Park. Experience the enchantment as you settle into the comfort of your overnight accommodations strategically positioned at the gateway to this captivating national park. Surrounded by majestic landscapes, the lodge not only offers a tranquil retreat but also provides convenient access to local shops, restaurants, and alluring attractions.

Immerse yourself in the essence of Alaska during your two-night stay in Denali, relishing every moment and savoring the delectable bites of local cuisine. This isn’t just an adventure; it’s a sensory journey through the unspoiled beauty that awaits just beyond your doorstep.

Make the Denali National Park Entrance your home for the next two nights.

Denali National Park Adventures

Set off on a day brimming with a diverse array of activities, whether it’s a leisurely guided hike, a scenic drive into Denali National Park, or an exhilarating white-water rafting expedition down the Nenana River. Regardless of the choice, each moment presents an opportunity to delve into the richness of Alaska’s wilderness.

As the day’s adventures unfold, embrace the dynamic energy, knowing that the evening holds the promise of a serene retreat. This is more than just a journey; it’s a symphony of experiences harmonizing with the awe-inspiring beauty of Alaska’s untamed landscapes.

Travel from Denali National Park Entrance to Wrangell St. Elias National Park

This morning at the Park’s Entrance, board your private small plane for a stunning journey to Wrangell St. Elias National Park. On your flight, pass over the Alaska Range and remote plains of tundra before landing in Wrangell St. Elias.

Lodge staff will greet you and transfer you back to the lodge where you’ll enjoy dinner, and relax as you take in the immensity of the largest national park in the United States.

Overnight at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge, your home for the next two nights.

Glacier Hiking and Kennecott Mine Tour

Meet your private glacier guides this morning for a guided exploration of a nearby glacier in Wrangell St. Elias National Park. In the afternoon explore the historic buildings of the town of Kennicott on a guided mine tour.

The evening is at your leisure. Enjoy lodge amenities and share stories with your fellow travelers.

Wrangell St. Elias National Park to Anchorage

Take off on a short bush plane flight to the entrance of Wrangell St. Elias National Park. Receive a private transfer by vehicle back to Anchorage through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. Your journey will take you along the edges of the Matanuska Glacier and the fertile farmlands of the Valley. Speak with your driver about stopping at a local farm or walking the quaint streets of Palmer. Arrive in Anchorage for your final evening in Alaska.

Depart Anchorage

Today, say farewell to Alaska and receive a private transfer to the Anchorage Airport for your departure flight.

(c) Roy Neese. All rights reserved.

Amenities, nearby adventures and more...

Price range:  $1500 - $2000 per person, per day, your custom alaska itinerary may include:.

• All transportation services, including arrival and departure transfers, in a private vehicle with an experienced driver/guide
• All hotel accommodations, including roundtrip baggage handling and daily breakfast
• A stay at Bear Track Inn, including all meals, activities, and roundtrip transportation from the Gustavus Airport
• A stay at Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge, including all meals, activities, and roundtrip boat transfer from Seward
• A stay at a remote lodge in the heart of Denali National Park, including all meals, activities, and roundtrip transportation from the Denali park entrance
• A stay at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge including all meals
• All tours and activities, carefully selected for you

Your custom Alaska itinerary will typically not include:

• Gratuity for included activities, lodge stays, or hotel services
• Meals, other than mentioned
• Alcoholic beverages
• Massage services at Kantishna Roadhouse (payable at time of service)

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Customize your adventure.

Spend more time in Katmai National Park

Include a wilderness lodge stay within Katmai National Park with more time for bear viewing.

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Include a PRIVATE Iditarod kennel visit

Include a private tour of an Iditarod champions dog kennel on your way to Talkeetna.

Add additional National Parks

Extend your Park Collector tour with time at a remote lodge north of the Arctic Circle and day tours to the Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley National Parks.

Charter a private flight from Wrangell St. Elias to Anchorage

Enjoy additional sightseeing opportunities on a private charter flight from Wrangell St. Elias to Anchorage.

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AK National Parks

Highlights and overview.

Alaska is big, so big  in fact that it is roughly a third of the size of continental United States. Natural beauty is everywhere and protected as  National Parks, State Parks, Wildlife Refuges and wilderness recreation areas, offering  visitors the enviable but often overwhelming question of which of Alaska’s National Parks to visit, and how to get there?

To answer this question, we came up with our Alaska National Park Tour, a two week adventure that visits 4 of Alaska’s finest National Parks.  As big and bold as the state itself, Your Alaska National Parks Tour showcases the grandeur and dramatic diversity of every corner of Alaska’s stunning natural landscape.

From the Kenai Fjords NP on Alaska’s southern coastline where glacially carved fjords and skyscraper sized glaciers welcome hundreds of migratory humpback whales every summer; to the Wrangell Mountain majesty along the state’s eastern border where the historic villages of McCarthy and Kennecott  offer a taste of life from a a bygone time  while extending an inviting invitation to the mountainous wilderness at their doorstep. Traversing the state across the length of the magnificent Alaska range to the crown jewel of America’s National park system: Denali National Park – home of the continent’s highest mountain as well as a thriving natural habitat where the drama of predator and prey is on daily display.  Finally, the tour leaves the road system and travels by air, to a dramatic finish in the less visited classic Alaskan setting of Lake Clark National Park.   Y our Alaska National Parks Tour packs an impressive, awe inspiring Alaskan adventure into a well-planned 2 week itinerary showcasing 4 uniquely distinct National Parks with just the right mix of activities and attractions along the way to realize the true nature of your richest Alaska wilderness dreams.

Highlights of the AK National Parks Tour

Four different national parks, glacier cruise, columbia glacier kayaking, mccarthy and kennecott, bear viewing at lake clark, many spectacular hikes, alaska national parks tour map.

AK National Parks Day to Day program

⇒  14 days trip, small group up to 10 people ⇒ Starts on SUNDAY, finishes on SATURDAY

Day 1: Kenai Fjords National Park

Depart Anchorage, drive to Seward Small Boat Harbor (120 miles, 2 hours) Kenai Fjords National Park Tour, (6 hours) Drive Seward to Trail Lake Campground, dinner at camp

Beginning in Anchorage we will make the scenic 2 hour drive to Seward’s small boat harbor where we will embark on the Kenai Fjords National Park Tour. A day on the water will bring us to an unforgettable setting not accessible by road. Here the northern fringe of the Pacific Ocean meets the mountainous landmass of Alaska, creating a geographically dazzling landmass that is part ice age, part sea accretion and uniquely Alaskan. Within the many fjords and scattered stony islands a vast array of maritime flora and fauna carve out a rugged existence. Migratory humpback whales, predatory orcas, Stellar sea lions, sea otters and northern seals are just some of wildlife you might see right off the bow of the boat as you cruise through the maze of islands and bays to the towering face of a tidewater glacier at the head of the fjord . On land, mountain goats travel the grassy slopes from shoreline to ridgeline while black bears that call the Kenai Fjords home are sometimes  seen, scouring the coves for an easy meal or traversing the snow fields which linger into summer. After the cruise we’ll return to port and set our camp for the next two nights.

Day 2: Exit Glacier Hike

Drive to Exit Glacier (approx 35 miles, Hike Harding Icefield Trail (4miles one way, approx 3,000 ft elevation gain) Visit Seward after hike, (shower option at harbormaster) Dinner at Rays Evening drive back to camp at Trail River CG

On Day 2 we will stay on land and hike beside a valley glacier, climbing  higher and higher through the lush meadows of wildflowers and berry bushes which thrive in this coastal northern rainforest towards our ultimate goal  above treeline where the trail ends in a stunning overview of the Harding Icefield. Over 700 square miles in size and one of the last remaining icefields in North America, the Harding Icefield overlook offers a truly unique perspective which has been thousands of years in the making. We’ll descend back to town after the day long hike and enjoy some delicious local fare in one of Seward’s excellent seafood restaurants along the harbor.

Day 3: Scenic day on Ferry across Prince William Sound to Valdez

From Seward to Valdez via AMH Ferry Depart Seward to Whittier (60 miles, 1.25 hours plus tunnel) Lunch in Bear Valley, picnic Ferry departure 1:30pm, arrive Valdez 7:15pm Dinner  in town, indoor accommodation

Day 3 we will make a short drive finishing in a long tunnel to access the port town of Whittier where we will board the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry to make the day long voyage across picturesque Prince William Sound. Known affectionately as “the Little Switzerland of Alaska” because of its likeness to the pointed peaks of the Alps, the mountain ringed harbor of Valdez will greet us on our early evening arrival.

Day 4: Kayaking along Icebergs

Kayak, Columbia Glacier Day Tour( 10 hours, typically 9am start, 7pm finish) Dinner, Indoor accommodation in Valdez

After a night’s rest in town, we’ll return to the harbor where a water taxi will transport us back into the Sound for a day of kayaking among the icebergs and along the coves of the Columbia Glacier bay.  Perfectly suited to the first time kayaker but visually impressive enough to please the seasoned paddler, a day kayaking at Columbia Glacier will leave you with a renewed sense of space and time, beginning amongst the freshly calved icebergs,  some as big as houses, and paddling on into the outer bay coves where forests grow as they have since before the ice age.  After a short hike to stretch our legs we’ll return to Valdez by water taxi for a well earned meal in town and a night’s rest.

Day 5: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

Depart Valdez, scenic drive to Chitina (120 miles, 2.25 hours) Stops en-route to include Thompson Pass overview, Worthington Glacier (short hike to glacier face) Lunch at Liberty Falls SP or TBD between Kenny Lake and Chitina Drive McCarthy Road, Chitina to McCarthy (60 miles very rough, 2.5 average drive time) Arrive at base camp, establish camp, dinner

Next day we travel the road away from the Sound and into the mountainous interior to our second National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias NP, America’s largest National Park, 6 times the size of Yellowstone and greater by a quarter than the country of Switzerland. Together with its adjoining neighbor on the Canadian side of the border, Kluane NP, Wrangell-St. Elias comprises the largest contiguous protected landmass and the world. Nine of America’s 16 tallest peaks rise within the park’s boundary, making this truly a mountain wilderness. After a 60 mile drive on the former rail bed the Copper River & North West railroad, now a dirt road in the classic Alaskan sense, the road ends and the mountains begin.   McCarthy, the quintessential end of the road Alaskan village, is accessible only by footbridge and serves as the gateway to National Park.  Kennicott,  notched into the ridgeline just a few miles above the village of McCarthy, was the site of the most lucrative copper operation ever only a century ago. Construction of the CR & NW (dubbed the “Can’t Run & Never Will” by skeptics at the time who believed the route was impossible to build) was required to transport the ore to market by ship from the inland mountains, threading a needle’s eye between advancing glaciers, mountain ranges, dense northern forests, bogs and delta. Truly an engineering marvel of its time upon completion in 1911, the McCarthy road travels 60 miles of former rail bed from Chitina to the road’s end at the McCarthy footbridge.  Many of the historic buildings of the Kennecott operation still stand, including the multi story mill at the center of the copper operation where tours inside are available.

Day 6: Glacier Hike or Ice Climbing

Ice activities on Root Glacier. Options: Full day Ice climbing or half Day glacier hike with Mill tour Access across footbridge, shuttle to Kennecott (5 miles one way) Return to base camp, dinner

On the Alaska National Parks tour we will spend 2 full days visiting McCarthy and Kennicott, with one day devoted to a glacier hike or introduction to ice climbing on the easily accessible Root Glacier.  One of the 3 glaciers that spill down from the mountains towering above town in the spectacular Stairway Icefall, an excursion onto the Root Glacier is a highlight of every trip. For those who opt to glacier hike an afternoon tour inside the 13 story mill building crucial to the Kennecott Corporation’s copper enterprise is possible. The ice climbing is a full day experience that usually ends with an opportunity to descend into the glacier in a moulin, an unforgettable experience.  A memorable day will end in our camp beside the glacier’s outwash plain surrounded by mountains with stories to tell.

Day 7: Hike Copper Trail to Bonanza Ridge

Morning departure to Kennecott, access across footbridge, shuttle to Kennecott Hike Bonanza ridge trail (4.5 miles one way, approx 3,000 feet elevation gain) Return to McCarthy via late afternoon shuttle Evening meal in McCarthy

Thursday night open-mic Walk back to camp (1.5 miles, flat)

On our second day we will turn to the heights above Kennicott and climb the old copper trail to the top of Bonanza ridge, hiking the same route used by the mine workers to access their bunkhouse beside the ruby green veins that ribbon the very top of the ridgeline. Though the bunkhouse is now in ruins the ridgeline remains as impressive as ever, offering an unparalleled perspective into the glacial valley below and the incredible mountainous expanse beyond.

At the heart of this ruggedly unique natural setting is a colorful community of people every bit as colorful and endearing as their setting, and no trip to McCarthy would be complete without some time spent visiting the historic village. After a few days of rewarding outdoor activities we’ll spend our final night in McCarthy with dinner in town, a toast to our good fortune and perhaps even some live music at the weekly open mic in this entertaining oasis of a bygone era.

Days 8 & 9: On the Denali Highway

Day 8) McCarthy to Denali Highway Depart McCarthy morning, drive McCarthy Road to Chitina (60 miles, very rough, 2.5 hours) Lunch at Chitina River overlook Drive Chitina to Wrangell St Elias Visitor Center (56 miles, 1 hour) Visit Wrangell St Elias Visitor Center Drive Wrangell St Elias VC to Glenallen (15 miles) Drive Glenallen to Denali Highway Junction (71 miles, 1.5 hours) Drive Denali Highway to Tangle Lakes (20 miles, paved, 30 minutes)

Day 9) Tangle Lakes to Denali NP Morning departure, drive Denali Highway (80 miles, 2 hours to Cantwell) Short hikes and lunch en-route Cantwell to Denali National Park entrance (28 miles, 30 minutes) Afternoon at Denali NP, Visitor Center, entrance area hikes Denali NP to Healy 15 miles, camp DOC

Departing the Wrangells we will drive west, making our way into the Alaskan range via the Denali Highway. Paralleling the mountains, we’ll enjoy this lightly travelled dirt road with short hikes and scenic stops, sensibly splitting the drive from McCarthy to Denali National Park into two days with a night at the picturesque Tangle Lakes along the way.  First created after the construction of the Alaska Canada highway for post-war motorists driving to Denali Park from the lower 48, the Denali Highway  is a scenic route too often ignored by the average tourist  either in a hurry or intimidated by the scarcity of services along the way.  Though it is a slow road it is still the most direct route and we’ll arrive at Denali National Park in the afternoon, with time to visit the park for a short hike or whitewater raft a class III river before setting camp for the next two evenings.

Day 10: Denali Park

Denali National Park Visit Eielson Visitor Center on Park Road via shuttle bus system (66 miles one way, 8 hour round trip) Return to camp, dinner

Day 10 is devoted entirely to Denali National Park and the day long tour to the remote Eielson Visitor Center via the sole road within its boundary. Denali National Park is as large as the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island combined with only one 90 mile long dirt road in its entirety, access to which is restricted to private vehicles. Instead,  the park utilizes a unique shuttle bus system which is designed  to minimize road traffic and maximize wildlife viewing. Caribou herds, Dall sheep, Moose, Grizzly bears and occasionally Wolves are all visible from the park buses which travel the park road along the northern side of the Alaskan range. On a clear day, roughly 40% of the time in summer, the trip out to Eielson culminates in a breathtaking view of the tallest peak in North America, Denali (formerly known as Mt. McKinley). When visible from the visitor center at Eileson, Denali’s stunning, sheer north-face, known as the Wickersham Wall, presents its dramatic ice encrusted visage just across the valley floor. On the return trip from Eielson, the unique bus system allows you to hop-off and on  buses returning to the park’s entrance so you can make the most of your day in this landscape without equal in our national park system.

Day 11: Knik Valley

Denali NP to Knik River Lodge Depart Healy, drive to Knik River Lodge (240 miles, 4.5 hours) Lunch, scenic  stops en-route Evening  jetboat tour to Knik Glacier (5:30 pm departure, 8:30pm return) Accomodations Knik River Lodge

Day 11 we will drive south through the Alaska Range with a few more scenic opportunities to see Denali from its southern flank along the way, while the Talkeetna and Chugach mountains slowly rise taller on the southern and eastern horizons.  As the slow crepuscular glow of dusk reaches into the heart of the Knik valley we’ll drive to the road’s end and then travel by jetboat to the amphitheater of ice at its headwaters known as the Knik Glacier, where a rosy touch of alpenglow can light the ice with an astounding  spectrum of color and create one of the most beautiful panoramas you can imagine. Back at the road’s end we’ll spend a night in the lodge cabins and enjoy a meal featuring the freshest ingredients from the surrounding farms of the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska’s agricultural heartland since its founding by pre-statehood farmer pioneers.

Day 12 & 13: Lake Clark National Park

Day 12) Knik River Lodge to Lake Clark NP Drive Knik River Lodge to Merrill Field Airport (50 miles, 1 hour) Transfer to Charter flight to Pt. Alsworth, Lake Clark NP (1.5 hour) Afternoon arrival  at Lake Clark campground, orientation Day 13) Lake Clark National Park Activities to include: Kayak on lake, hike to  Tanalian River waterfall (2.5 miles one way, 250 ft  elevation gain) or Tanalian Mountain summit (4.3 miles one way, 3,750 ft elevation gain)

Bear viewing flight (4 hours total, 2 hours on ground viewing bears) Skiff rental available to experienced boat operators

Exiting the Knik Valley the morning of Day 12, we will make the short drive to Anchorage’s original airport on the outskirts of town where we will trade our vehicle for a sky caravan and leave the road system behind to make the scenic hour and a half flight across the Cook Inlet. After travelling through the spectacular Tordrillo mountains we will arrive at the most beautiful National Park you have probably never heard of (unless you are a fan of the One Man’s Wilderness story of Dick Proenicke which frequently airs on PBS), Lake Clark National  Park. Because it is off the road system, Lake Clark remains a hidden jewel well off the beaten path. The vast majority of Lake Clark’s annual summer visitors are migratory salmon making their way inland from Bristol Bay. The tiny town of Pt. Alsworth on the shores of Lake Clark serves as our base camp  for two days to explore this idyllic setting. Established hiking trails lead from town through peaceful woods to an impressive waterfall or all the way to the summit of Tanalian Mountain where a commanding perspective on the length of breadth of the lake and mountain surrounding sawaits  Kayaks are available to explore the landscape from the shoreline at a leisurely pace while fisherman will be right at home casting from the shore. For the experienced boat operator, a skiff is available for rental for the day.

While the days in Lake Clark, away from the van and roads and activity of the Alaskan summer are a time to really unwind and relax, perhaps the ultimate highlight of your Alaskan tour awaits in the final days just a short plane journey away. Fly-in bear viewing along the Cook Inlet coast. Lake Clark lies within the heart of the world’s largest annual salmon spawn meaning brown bears are not far away. Bush planes equipped to make beach landings operate regularly from the airstrip at Pt. Alsworth so included in the cost of our Alaska National Park tour is a 4-hour bear viewing flight, a once in a lifetime experience to see brown bears in their natural habit.

Day 14: Scenic flight back to Anchorage

Lake Clark NP to Anchorage Morning in Lake Clark, mid-day flight to Anchorage (1.5 hours) Afternoon program in Anchorage, transfer to hotels, airport

Departing Lake Clark on the morning of day 14, one more scenic flight through the mountains returns you to Anchorage with some time in the afternoon to visit the city as you choose, perhaps spending some time at the award winning Native Heritage Center or taking in a bit of the heart of historic downtown before a transfer to your hotel for the evening or a drop-off at the airport for an overnight flight home.

Whatever your vision of the Alaskan wilderness, we believe our Alaska National Park tour will show you the Alaska you have always imagined and like the best vacations, the memories you make will serve as rich inspiration for further dreams.

Here you can dowload or print your Day to Day program for the National Parks tour:

AK National Parks (PDF)

Alaska National Parks Tour – 2 weeks Departures 2020 departing from Anchorage Saturday to Friday

• June 6 – 19
• $4,595 per person
• *single supplement: $600 for all departures
• July 4 – 17
• July 18 – 31
• August 1 – 14
• Aug 15 – 28

What’s included?

• Kenai Fjords National Park cruise tour
• 9 nights camping / 4 nights hotel or cabin
• Kayak at Columbia Glacier from Valdez
• Ferry from Whittier to Valdez
• Ice Activities in McCarthy (ice climbing or glacier hike)
• Denali Park entrance & shuttle bus tour to Eielson visitor center
• Jetboat tour to Knik Glacier
• Flight from Anchorage to Lake Clark National Park round trip
• Bear Viewing Flight at Lake Clark National Park
• 13x breakfast, 13x lunch, 9x dinner (4x dinner at restaurants not included)
• Full time experienced Alaska guide & transportation
• tent and sleepmat

Not included:

• transport to and from Anchorage (where tours start and end)
• Anchorage lodging, before or after the tour (we gladly make reservations for you with advance notice)
• personal sleeping bag (available for rent with advance notice, $30 per tour)
• Non included meals (see day to day program) or alcoholic beverages
• personal expenses & gratuities
• personal travel insurance (recommended)

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How to Visit Every Alaska National Park in One Trip (Guides, Cost, Itineraries & More)

The eight Alaska National Parks are some of the most beautiful places in the United States and are exceptional examples of why places like these are worth protecting. I spent months planning for my Alaska National Parks trip and over a month visiting all eight of the parks. If this is something you want to do, I made a detailed video and blog post to help you accomplish your goal.  Watch the video above or read on for tips and links to guides on each of the national parks.

Overall Tips for Visiting the Alaska National Parks

Where are the alaska parks located can you drive to them.

Here is a map that shows the location of all the parks in Alaska. Only three parks – Wrangell, Kenaji Fjords, and Denali are accessible by car. Honestly, Kenaji Fjords requires a boat to fully experience (other than the Exit Glacier hike), so it’s closer to two that are accessible via car. All other parks require you to use a guide service and some type of bush plane to get to the park. Because of this, the parks require a lot of planning to experience. During my trip I rode on seven different types of plane to access the parks , everything from a small two seater to a large ten seater plane. There is no way to visit most of them without doing this.

How do I begin the planning process for visiting the Alaska national parks?

These parks are different from others you have experienced in the USA. Most of them are massive, covering millions of acres, and as such, they have minimal infrastructure. You will typically only see a few short established trails on the park map, and they all require you to be self-sufficient to truly explore them. Because of this, you need to plan how you will make the most of your time and prepare for anything during a visit. 

• I picked up a  Garmin inReach Mini and paid for an unlimited message service during my month in Alaska. It was nice to text family updates while visiting the remote parks, which never have cell service. 
• Also, you should note when specific campsites go on sale. For example, Katmai is typically in January, and they sell out in seconds. So, if you want to go, set reminders for those dates to make the most of your time.
• It would help to plan where you will stay while getting to each park. We planned a month in Anchorage and rented an AirBnB to home base out of. It would be tough to do this efficiently if you do not have some home base to return to and relax at.

I started planning my trip to visit the Alaska parks about a year before we actually went. My advice is to start preparing and saving for this trip as early as possible.

When should I visit the Alaska Parks? 

These parks are typically only visited between May / June and September / October. During the summer season, Alaska has days full of sun and generally decent weather. I have no idea how it would be to visit these parks in the winter; that would be an entirely different beast, and most of them are inaccessible during that time.

Cost Saving Tips

Visiting all of the national parks in Alaska is very expensive, and it could easily cost $10,000 – $20,000 to do all of them, depending on how you go about it. I share the cost information on each park we visited on their respective blog posts, but here are few cost savings tips.

• Get an Alaska Airlines credit card – Alaska Airlines often gives 50-60,000 miles for signing up for their card. Plus, they also have a once a year companion pass, where you can fly someone with you on one round trip flight for only $99. I was able to use this for our Alaska flight and then use points for flying in Alaska, which helped a lot with cost.
• Get the Alaska TourSaver App – This app often has coupons for discounted flights to the state from the lower 48, discounts on scenic flights and even discounts on hotels. It is expensive at around $100 but it saved us over $1,000 when we visited the state. Be sure to check whether it is worth it for you before buying it though.

Example 30 day itinerary to visit all of the Alaska parks

Here is the exact way we visited all of the park during our 30 days in Anchorage. You could do this in less but we enjoyed having 30 days as it gave us a few days break in between our national park visits and allowed us to plan for any potential weather.

Week 1 (Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenaji Fjords)

We drove up on the Alaska Highway, so when we entered Alaska, the first thing we did was drive to Wrangell-St Elias National Park . This park is about 8 hours from Anchorage so it made the most sense to drive to it on the way to Anchorage.

After our two days in Wrangell, we drove to Anchorage and then spent a few days getting set up before heading down to Seward at the end of the first week for Kenaji Fjords National Park. For this park we spent the first day in Seward hiking to Exit Glacier, then spent the night and went out on a full day boat tour before driving back to Anchorage.

Week 2 (Katmai)

A few days into week 2, we were on a plane and heading to Katmai National Park . We spent a day getting there, spent the night, had the next day to explore the park and then arrived back late on the second day. This is the only park we visited during week 2 just because it was one of the most difficult to plan.

Week 3 (Kobuk Valley, Gates of the Arctic, Denali)

At the start of week 3, we flew to Kotzebue and planned to have 3 full days in Kotzebue in order to hope for a good weather window to visit Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic . Luckily for us, we were able to get out on a flight the same day we arrived in Kotzebue, which allowed us to visit the two parks and then change our flight back to the next morning, essentially giving us two days back. These parks are remote and difficult to get to, so I suggest you build in a buffer (which you can always change if you need to) so that you have the best chance of getting a good weather window to allow the flights in.

When we arrived back we then took a day at the end of the week to drive to Talkeetna and take a flight and glacier landing in Denali . I had been to Denali previously, so I didn’t need to go in the parks main entrance again and I really wanted to see it from above. This was a fantastic experience as it really helps you see how majestic this park is and the glacier landing allows you to step foot in the park as well.

Week 4 (Lake Clark and Glacier Bay)

On the last week of the trip, we booked a day trip to Lake Clark for a bear viewing adventure. This was one full day, so it was easy to fit into the schedule and it was a great way to experience the park. We then ended the trip by flying down to Glacier Bay and spending a night at the historic lodge to do some hikes in the park and to take the boat tour.

Hopefully this itinerary is helpful. Of course you can do it faster but you have to hope for good weather as all of these trips that require planes are weather dependent.

How to visit all of the Alaska National Parks (individual guides below)

Here are the guides I created on each of the national parks to further help you with your planning. Click the links below to see the post and the video I created about each park.

Wrangell-St. Elias

Kobuk Valley & Gates of the Arctic

Kenai Fjords

Glacier Bay

I hope these posts help you with planning your trip to Alaska, be sure to let me know what questions you have in the comments.

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Delve deeper. Explore more. Experience the state’s remote wonders over eight incomparable days in Alaska.

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Trip Overview

Over eight days and nights, this Alaska travel package takes visitors from the depths of Denali National Park to the farthest inlets of Kenai Fjords National Park . The package features three nights and two full days to experience the Denali Park area. Modes of travel include deluxe dome train and Park Connection Motorcoach. Along the way, activities range from whitewater rafting and flightseeing to a guided hike and day cruise. The package begins and ends in Anchorage .

Trip Highlights

• Travel into Denali National Park on a guided wildlife tour.
• Hike with a guide in the Denali Park frontcountry and explore even more of the wider area's scenery on a Jeep excursion.
• Travel in style on a deluxe dome train with reserved upper-deck seating.
• Fly from Talkeetna into the Alaska Range aboard a ski plane for flightseeing and glacier landing amongst the tallest mountains in the state.
• Cruise deep blue coastal waters of the Northwestern Fjord on a day tour out of Seward.
• Hike with a local guide to an overlook of Exit Glacier.

Why Pick This Trip

With more time to spend in Denali National Park, this package provides a variety of ways to experience the remoteness and raw beauty of the park, its mountains, and wildlife. The same goes for the quality of excursions, transportation, and handpicked hotels throughout the itinerary. This is one's for the avid traveler ready to be wowed.

Here is everything that is included. Remember, we can easily add or remove services so this vacation package is the perfect fit for your party.

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Anchorage | 1 Night

Just minutes from the Anchorage airport, the Courtyard is a top choice for travelers arriving late or departing early from Anchorage. Learn More >

Depart 8:20 AM | Arrive Denali Park 3:40 PM

Enjoy a reserved seat on the upper deck of a private railcar on this specialty service along the Denali Star route between Anchorage and Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 6:30 PM | 3 Hours

Splash through wilder rapids in the Nenana River Gorge on this three-hour trip with Denali's longest-running rafting company. Learn More >

Denali Park | 3 Nights

Enjoy unparalleled hospitality minutes from the Denali National Park entrance. The hotel offers standard hillside and premium deluxe rooms as well as a restaurant serving up the area's best barbeque. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 7:40 AM | 3 Hours

Offering active exploration of the unique natural setting of the Denali Park area, guests return from this three-hour walking tour both energized and educated. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 1:30 PM | 5 Hours

Fully narrated bus tour with a turnaround point at the historic Murie Cabin deep inside Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 7:00 AM | 5 Hours

Take the whole family on this fun and fully guided five-hour Jeep Wrangler driving excursion on a scenic route east of Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 6:20 PM | 3 Hours

Spend three hours meeting sled dogs (puppies, too!) and learning about the adventurous life of a musher on this tour near Denali Park. Learn More >

Depart 12:30 PM | Arrive Talkeetna 5:05 PM

Settle in for a relaxing luxury train experience aboard this private railcar service. All passengers enjoy upper-level dome car seating on a southbound trip that takes just over four hours. Learn More >

Talkeetna | Depart 6:30 PM | 1 Hour

Land on a glacier deep within the Alaska Range on this unforgettable flightseeing trip out of Talkeetna. Learn More >

Talkeetna | 1 Night

When the mountain is "out" Denali is unmissable from this ridge-top property. The lodge comprises two full-service restaurants, a coffee shop, bar, and comfortable guest rooms with either forest or mountain views. Learn More >

Depart 11:00 AM | Arrive Seward 5:45 PM

Ride in comfort aboard a luxury Park Connection motorcoach offering same-day transfers from Talkeetna to Seward. Learn More >

Seward | 2 Nights

Centrally located within walking distance to Seward's major attractions and transfer points, this hotel offers mountain and harbor view rooms along with a complimentary continental breakfast. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 8:30 AM | 8 Hours

Explore the farther reaches of Kenai Fjords National Park on this full-day boat trip designed for birders, photographers, and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 11:15 AM | 3 Hours

Explore Kenai Fjords National Park's only road-accessible glacier on this two-hour guided hike to the toe of Exit Glacier. Learn More >

Depart 6:00 PM | Arrive Anchorage 10:15 PM

Relax aboard the northbound Coastal Classic on this scenic evening ride through mountain passes and glacial valleys on the way into Anchorage. Learn More >

Read on for a day-by-day breakdown of this tour package. Click on an item to get started, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions.

Fly into Ted Stevens International Airport and transfer to your hotel by courtesy shuttle. The rest of the day is yours to explore Anchorage at your leisure. Overnight Anchorage.

Settle into your reserved seats aboard a dome train bound for Denali National Park. This evening you'll take advantage of the long daylight hours on an evening Nenana River whitewater rafting trip. Overnight Denali.

Today immerses you in Denali National Park, starting with a morning guided walk through what's known as the park's frontcountry. In the afternoon you'll delve deeper into the park borders on a wildlife bus tour fully narrated by a driver-guide. It's a long but memorable day. Overnight Denali.

You're heading farther afield today. The day starts with a jeep tour down the Denali Highway, a remote gravel road that parallels the eastern Alaska Range. Later in the day you'll keep the classic Alaska adventure going with sled dog kennel tour. Overnight Denali.

This morning enjoy a leisurely ride aboard a deluxe dome train to Talkeetna. Once in Talkeetna, take a flightseeing trip with a glacier landing among the peaks in the south side of Denali National Park. Overnight Talkeetna.

Today is a travel day, with transportation to Seward provided by the Park Connection Motorcoach. The coach leaves late morning and stops for a break in Anchorage before proceeding along the Turnagain Arm, through the Kenai Mountains, and into Seward. Overnight Seward.

This morning you'll trade travel by land for a full-day boat tour out of Seward and into the far reaches of Kenai Fjords National Park. The day's destination is the isolated Northwestern Fjord and the colossal tidewater glaciers flowing into its otherwise calm water. Overnight Seward.

See a different side of Kenai Fjords National Park on a guided hike near the park's only road-accessible glacier. Afterward you'll catch the evening train back to Anchorage. The package concludes with a final overnight in Anchorage.

Check out the map below for a visual overview of this specific tour package. You can see a larger version of the map here , or try our an interactive tour map by using the link below.

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The prices below will give you an idea of approximately how much this trip will cost. Keep in mind your actual price will likely vary based on your departure date, availability, and any modifications you make. You can use one of the links below to request an exact quote for your party, or price the trip yourself if you prefer using our My Trip feature. You can often save money by traveling in the value season, typically May and September.

Options and Add-Ons

This is one of our most popular tour packages to Denali and Kenai Fjords, but you can make it even better! We can add or remove services to make it a perfect match for your party. The choices are endless, and just a few suggestions are listed below.

You can make these changes at check out and your final package price will be updated to reflect just the services you choose. Give us a call or request a quote for more specifics.

Find Alaskan history and impeccable service along with a restful stay at this high-end Anchorage hotel. Learn More >

Board a cheerful red trolley for a one-hour Anchorage tour featuring some of the city’s top historic and cultural sites. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 11:30 AM | 5 Hours

See Seward's highlights and visit Kenai Fjords National Park on this five-hour city tour. Learn More >

Package Detail

• Tour ID 122
• Price From $3,881 + Tax
• Duration 9 Days / 8 Nights
• Start / End Anchorage / Anchorage
• Departure Dates Daily from 5/19/2024 to 9/2/2024
• Travel By Train, Motorcoach
• Tour Type Self Guided
• Destinations Anchorage, Denali Park, Talkeetna, Seward

Add to My Trip >

Select an option to book or get more details. Questions? Give us a CALL or CONTACT US online.

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• Detailed Itinerary

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From a peaceful coastal beach to the tallest peak in America

The GoldStar Dome Service on the Alaska Railroad is one of the most luxurious ways to enjoy Alaska’s spectacular scenery. You will be able to experience the beauty of Alaska’s national parks in style as you journey from  Kenai Fjords  in the south to  Denali National Park  in the north, where wildlife and breathtaking landscapes await you.

On your arrival day, get aquainted with Alaska's largest city by exploring the downtown shops and restaurants, galleries and museums. Or, if you prefer stretching your legs, rent a bicycle and explore the city's 120 miles of paved trails. Overnight at a partner hotel.

Enjoy the beauty and sophistication of the Alaska Railroad as you ride the rails to Seward. From there, a cruise takes you to remote Fox Island where you can hike in privacy, enjoy a wood fire sauna and an indulge in an incredible dinner of fresh, local food. Spend the night embracing the peaceful pace of the island at the exclusive Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge .

Climb into a kayak and spend your day exploring the mist covered cliffs and remote rainforests of Alaska’s coast. Expert guides will help you spot everything from sea lions and otters to puffins and orcas. Savor one last night at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge before departing for the next day’s adventures.

Take a cruise to the farthest reaches of Kenai Fjords National Park where otters play, eagles soar and whales frolic. Explore the massive glaciers of the remote Northwestern Fjord and watch as these ancient giants calve and crash into the ocean. Your cruise returns to Seward , and you overnight at Windsong Lodge .

Wake up to a guided walking tour to see the toe of Exit Glacier , then round out the day in Seward’s Alaska SeaLife Center . The train returns you to Anchorage for an overnight stay in the city.

Travel past amazing peaks and forests on a stunning railroad adventure to the entrance to Denali National Park . Overnight at Denali Cabins .

See breathtaking views of Alaska! Explore Denali by foot, bicycle, or a guided bus tour. Overnight at Denali Cabins .

Connect to the Talkeetna-bound train and spend the night at the luxurious Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Don’t feel like relaxing when you arrive? Zip-lining through the wilderness or a float trip on a local river are excellent options.

Time for some thrills! Optional add-on tours and activities including seeing Denali from above on an Alaska bush plane or tackle a mighty river on a jet boat trip. Overnight at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge .

This day is yours to fill with optional adventures or to sit and enjoy one of the greatest views of Denali in Alaska . Strap-in for a flightseeing tour and glacier landing in Denali National Park , or take the ride of your life on a jet boat tour before wrapping up the day with wildlife viewing on your train ride from Talkeetna to Anchorage . Overnight in Anchorage.

The Alaska National Park Rail Tour ends in Anchorage , but we hope you’ll continue your trip and see more of Alaska . The Alaska National Park Rail Tour is the perfect Pre or Post-cruise land tour.

The Alaska National Parks Rail Adventure itinerary includes

Accommodations.

• Overnight accommodations for two nights at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
• Overnight accommodations for one night at Seward Windsong Lodge
• Overnight accommodations for two nights at Denali Cabins
• Overnight accommodations for two nights at Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
• Overnight accommodations for three nights in Anchorage

TRANSPORTATION

• Rail transportation aboard Alaska Railroad option available
• Round trip transportation to Fox Island from Seward
• Guided Sea Kayaking in Resurrection Bay included
• Kenai Fjords National Park cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours
• Guided hike in Kenai Fjords National Park at Exit Glacier

Customize Your Itinerary

Optional add-on adventures

Full-day or half-day Fox Island and cruise combos are available, along with shorter two-hour kayak trips from Lowell Point. All options are fully guided and instructed by Sunny Cove Kayaking.

3-hour outdoor adventure begins in Talkeetna with a short shuttle ride to the zipline course. The canopy tour consists of a short orientation with the fitting of gear and safety instructions provided by certified guides.

Behind the scenes look at what goes into creating a championship team and carving a life in Alaska’s Interior. Hear stories and see racing sleds and Arctic survival gear used to traverse 1100 miles of rugged terrain.

All-inclusive adventure, deep in the heart of Denali National Park. Exclusive helicopter access. Private cabins. Stunning views. Warm hospitality and unmatched adventures. This is Denali Backcountry Lodge, where guests experience the best creature comforts in one of the world’s wildest landscapes.

Find more packages like this

A journey rich in wildlife, history and wilderness. Travel from Fairbanks to Denali and on to Anchorage from the unique perspective of the Alaska Railroad .

Hop on board for a scenic ride to the cliffs, wildlife and glaciers of the Kenai Fjords. By train and by boat, it's an adventure that delves deeper and gets you up close to Alaska's spectacular natural wonders.

A true wilderness getaway in the heart of Kenai Fjords National Park including roundtrip rail from Anchorage and a remote stay at Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge on Fox Island.

Why Choose Pursuit?

Every person you meet from the first phone call to our tour guides and hotel staff are local experts

We own and operate some of the top tours and lodges in Alaska’s most iconic locations

Our tours take you farther than any other in Alaska, so you'll see the most secluded and pristine places

We live with a passion for place and a sincere desire to create life-changing experiences

Our local experts are here to answer any of your questions and help plan an unforgettable Alaska adventure.

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Alaska's National Parks Grand Slam

Eight National Parks, One Epic Adventure

Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park

Phil N., Past Traveler

Lake Clark National Park

Kim L., Past Traveler

Denali, Denali National Park

White Pass and Yukon Route Train

Kobuk Valley, Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

the Alaskan wilderness from above

Hatcher Pass

• Overview & Pricing

Trip Details

• Related Trips

This odyssey to “The Great Land” is an epic adventure of national parks, outdoor adventure, untouched nature, and wildlife thriving in the genuine wild. Take it all in as you spend days exploring with local naturalists, boat captains, outfitters, park service staff, lodge owners, and pilots, who share history and stories of their homeland.

Travel by small plane, float plane, boat, train, bus, kayak, and dog sled to explore small towns, classic cities, and the beauty that is everywhere you look. The trip begins in Glacier Bay National Park, where saltwater, temperate rainforest, towering glaciers, and marine life beckon. Seward is next, on the edge of Kenai Fjords National Park, with opportunities to cruise through the fjords and enjoy a salmon bake on a remote island. A night in Anchorage is followed by a day at Brooks Falls in the heart of Katmai National Park, to watch brown bears feeding on salmon. In the shadows of Lake Clark National Park, a stellar backcountry lodge on a pristine mountain lake awaits, with an array of daily activities. Next up is Kennicott, an old mining town with opportunities to hike on a glacier, tour a gold mine, and raft a river, all within the bounds of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the country’s largest. The heart of Denali National Park – 90 miles in – is unforgettable, and a place where most never go. You’ll stay in cozy cabins near Wonder Lake on the flanks of the mountain. Finally, one night in Fairbanks allows you to reset your “spectacular” meter, before heading on to the last destination of this epic adventure, Bettles Lodge, outside of Gates of the Arctic National Park.

Price From*

$23,750 USD

Custom-Made Travel

Best Months for Travel

June, July, August, September

19 days / 18 nights

Trip begins/ends

*Price per person based on sample itinerary detailed. Pricing will vary depending upon number of travelers, rooming configuration, and other planning details specific to your trip.

Call Toll-Free 800-445-2995

How can we customize this sample itinerary for you.

If this sample itinerary looks intriguing, let us know and we can begin the process of tailoring it for you and yours! Call or email us today: [email protected] .

• Trip Highlights

What’s Included? Everything you need, plus everything you want.

• Smorgasbord of Scenery: Alaska is HUGE, and incredibly diverse. This trip gives you a sampling of all the state’s most spectacular offerings.
• Wildlife extravaganza: From the immense humpback whales of the fjords to the giant, salmon-swallowing brown bears of Katmai and myriad other critters, you’ll feel as if you’re part of a nature documentary!
• America’s best: National Park status and designation isn’t just handed out arbitrarily. Rather, our parks are among our most prized of national treasures. You’ll explore EIGHT iconic national parks on this Alaska epic, each one unique and unforgettable.
• The Essentials

Trip Type: Custom-Made Travel

Territory: North America

Region: Alaska

Trip Price: $23,750

Duration: 19 days/18 nights

Trip Begins/Ends: Gustavus, Alaska / Fairbanks, Alaska

National Parklands: Denali NP;Glacier Bay NP;Wrangell-St. Elias NP;Gates of the Arctic NP;Kobuk Valley NP;Lake Clark NP;Katmai NP;Kenai Fjords NP

Select Terms & Conditions

All custom travel is tailored to the desires and interests of our traveling clients (see How Custom Travel Works tab). Trip pricing detailed is an estimate of the per person pricing for the sample itinerary detailed and includes all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences described. Actual pricing for the trip designed expressly for you and others traveling with you will depend on the features and elements developed during the trip planning process. Travel with Off the Beaten Path requires agreement to our standard Terms & Conditions .

Energy Index

No Sweat - 1-2 miles of walking or hiking per day, plus easy activities

Nice & Active – 3-6 miles of hiking or walking per day, plus physically active exploration

High Five! – 5-10 miles of hiking per day, plus possible peak bagging or other action-oriented fun

The Energy Index detailed above relates to the level of exertion associated with the sample trip detailed. This would be modified to fit the style and ability of your group as a part of the custom trip planning process

Make It Private

How custom-made travel works at off the beaten path.

We’ve been tailoring custom journeys for clients since our very inception in the mid-1980s! The process is all about connecting the interests of the travelers with the best that a given destination has to offer. To achieve this, we rely upon good ol’ fashioned conversation! Our geographically focused travel designer love to meet new people and learn about their interests for travel. Understanding your goals informs the process immensely and serves as the foundation for the development of a bespoke travel experience for you and yours.

The trip detailed on this web page is a sample of something we’ve done for other clients over the years. In order to start the process of designing your own custom travel experience, just call us at (800) 445-2995 and ask to speak with one of our Travel Advisors. After a bit of time on the phone, you will then have the opportunity to connect with one of our travel designers.

The entire planning process is very personalized and works in an iterative fashion until a final, perfect trip has been created. We then secure all of the lodging, activities, and guided experiences associated with your trip and send along abundant trip materials capturing these details – and much more about your travels!

• How Custom Travel Works

Days 1-3: Gustavus

Land in Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, and stay at the family-run Bear Track Inn. From this full-service lodge, explore the park by boat to see tidewater glaciers and wildlife, by kayak in Bartlett Cove, and on trails. At day’s end, return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and relaxing evening.   

Day 4: Anchorage

Fly from Gustavus to Anchorage – Alaska’s biggest, most bustling city. Fly to Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park for an incredible spectacle – grizzlies “fishing” for salmon! This is one of the most incredible bear watching opportunities on the planet. Fly back to Anchorage this evening after an exciting day, and sleep like a bear in wintertime. 

Days 5-6: Seward

The historic and scenic Alaska Railroad awaits! Travel along Turnagain arm from Anchorage to Seward, relaxing while taking in the beauty along the way. Seward Windsong Lodge is your cozy Alaskan home base. From here, cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, glassing for whales, seals, sea otters, sea lions, porpoises, and birdlife, while crossing your fingers for calving glaciers. Hike the trails around Exit Glacier, and have a salmon dinner on Fox Island. There will also be time to walk the streets along Seward Harbor, stopping in shops, galleries, and cafés. 

Day 7: Anchorage

Head back to Anchorage and spend the night in the heart of the city, walking distance to restaurants, and within easy distance to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

Days 8-10: Backcountry Lodge near Lake Clark National Park

Fly by floatplane to the shores of Crescent Lake, for a wonder-filled stay at Redoubt Mountain Lodge. Cabin accommodations boast wonderful views of Crescent Lake and the Chigmit Mountains, and meals, beverages, and an array of amenities and activities –fishing, bear viewing, kayaking, water skiing, hot tub, sauna – are at your fingertips.  

Days 11-12: Kennecott

Have doubts about leaving Redoubt, then fly via Anchorage to the historic mining town of Kennecott, situated within the boundaries of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. From Kennicott Glacier Lodge, a modern lodge set in the historic mining town dating to 1910, take in surreal views of Kennicott Glacier, Mount Blackburn, and the Chugach Mountains. While here, take a mine tour and set out on a guided hike on Root Glacier.  

Days 13-14: Denali National Park

Today is a big one! Fly to the entrance of Denali National Park, then catch the bus to the backcountry, 90 miles in, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife and taking in the beautiful river crossings, rolling tundra hills, and maybe a glimpse of Denali. Upon arrival, a delicious dinner, cozy cabin, and comfy bed await you.  Spend a full day in the great outdoors, hiking and hoping for a view of the oft-socked-in Denali, marveling in the beauty regardless!  

Day 15: Fairbanks

Board the bus back to the park entrance, then catch a train bound for Fairbanks, taking in the small towns, rivers, and scenery. Have the late afternoon and evening to explore Fairbanks.  

Days 16-18: Bettles

Take a quick flight to the remote, historic Bettles Lodge, your last stop and a base for visiting Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. While here, take a village tour, a riverboat tour, and a flightseeing tour of Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk National Parks. Touch down in each park, hike a bit, and enjoy a picnic lunch. At each day’s end, return to the lodge for dining and reminiscing about the day.  

Day 19: Fly Home from Fairbanks

Depart Bettles, and take a short flight back to Fairbanks for flights home.  

Bear Track Inn

Situated on the tranquil shores of the Icy Strait in Gustavus, Alaska sits a majestic lodge - the Glacier Bay's Bear Track Inn. The Inn features exquisite accommodations, incredible activities, scrumptious meals, true Alaskan ambiance and hospitality - all with Glacier Bay National Park serving as your backdrop. This will be an excellent base for exploring the area, and all flight transfers to and from the lodge, meals and accommodations are included for your stay, as well as any transfers you'll need around Gustavus.

Hotel Captain Cook

Hotel Captain Cook is in the heart of downtown Anchorage, with excellent access to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, as well as restaurants and shops. Built after the 1964 earthquake at a time when Alaska was flush with new oil money, the hotel has a nautical theme and is both grand and classic Alaska. The hotel takes up an entire city block and towers top the building. All 550 guest rooms have sweeping views of either the Cook Inlet or Chugach Mountains, and there are three restaurants on site for your convenience.

The Farm Lodge

The Farm Lodge is located in beautiful southwest Alaska near the headquarters of Lake Clark National Park in Port Alsworth, and in the heart of the National Park. With floatplane access to the remote parts of Lake Clark National Park, this will be a perfect base for exploring the area. Homesteaded in the early 40s by Leon 'Babe' Alsworth and his wife Mary, Port Alsworth is now the location for the Lake Clark National Park headquarters and The Farm Lodge.The Farm Lodge provides comfortable accommodations with running water, private baths, and excellent Alaskan meals for a variety of tastes.For the duration of your stay here, all transfers to and from the lodge, lodging, meals and daily guided activities are included. 

Kennicott Glacier Lodge

Kennicott Glacier Lodge is one of Alaska’s premier wilderness lodges, set in the heart of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The setting allows you to take in spectacular views of the Wrangell and Chugach Mountain ranges, the Chitina River Valley, and the 25-mile long Kennicott Glacier. From the lodge location you’ll be poised to set out and explore trails, investigate the historic mining town, float a river, and more.  There is a historic main lodge with cozy rooms and shared bathroom, and an additional wing, housing newer and more modern rooms with two queen beds and private bathrooms.  There is a huge porch from where you can take in the views when the weather is good, and three sitting rooms in the lodge. A full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual atmosphere - family style. In the evenings there is often entertainment offered, such as a slide show or a guided walk through the historic mining town. 

Denali Backcountry Lodge

Denali Backcountry Lodge sits beside Moose Creek in the Kantishna Hills at the base of massive Denali. There are thirty comfortable cedar guest cabins, each with heat and a private bath. The two-story main lodge is the gathering place, where you will enjoy hearty, healthy meals with fellow guests. A buffet is offered for breakfast and lunch, and dinner is served family style. There is an informal bar which serves beer and wine. Each day you can choose from a host of guided activities, including naturalist-led hikes, gold panning, wildlife explorations, and flightseeing. There are mountain bikes for guests to use, and a variety of evening programs that you are welcome to attend. We hope that on at least one of the day’s you visit it will be clear enough to see Denali in all its glory, as there is no better location from which to view it.Your helicopter flight to and from the lodge, lodging, meals and daily guided activities are included in your stay here.

Bettles Lodge

Bettles is located 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle in one of the last true pristine wilderness areas in the world. The small village of Bettles resides on the banks of the Koyukuk River, in the foothills of the Brooks Range - the northernmost mountain range in North America. The lodge has partnered with a local air service company, creating a specialized custom adventure to take you into the wild National Parks in Northern Alaska! Accommodations here are rustic, but clean and comfortable and offer the ultimate experience for the outdoor enthusiast. You’ll enjoy the quiet beauty of the Arctic this time of year. On site, there is a full service dining room and bar complete with a lounge, and 6 small rooms. These basic rooms offer all the amenities you’ll need while you stay, and we’ve included a room in your package with a private bath. Your trip will begin with an experienced pilot to fly you over the Yukon River and above the Arctic Circle to the village of Bettles, in the foothills of the Brooks Range. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a van tour around the area to get you acquainted with your surroundings, and get a true taste of life north of the Arctic Circle. In addition to some local touring around Bettles, one of your full days will have you head out for a long day of flight touring to both Gates of the Arctic as well as Kobuk Valley National Parks. You’ll see a large amount of each park by air, and will then land and have time on the ground for further exploration, about 30 minutes in each park.

Hampton Inn & Suites - Fairbanks

The Hampton Inn & Suites - Fairbanks hotel is just moments from the downtown business district, the Chena River and Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) and includes several modern amenities.

Seward Windsong Lodge

Just outside the city of Seward, travel down the winding road to Exit Glacier and you'll find your paradise away from home, Seward Windsong Lodge. The towering mountains, fragrant spruce trees and the rush of the Resurrection River awaken your senses on arrival. 

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All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

Explore alaska's scenic byways at your own pace and visit unique towns that many alaskans love to call home.

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Home » Tours » Alaska Driving Tours » Self-Drive » All Alaska Classic Self Drive Tour

Tour Overview

This ultimate “All Alaska” driving tour provides a vacation to see the best of Alaska’s scenic highways and features three of Alaska’s spectacular national parks.  This Alaska road trip takes you from Anchorage to Talkeetna, Denali, Fairbanks, Kennicott, Seward, and Homer.  You’ll enjoy a stay in the massive Wrangell – St. Elias National Park, the largest national park in North America, a glacier and wildlife cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, and a wilderness bus tour deep into the heart of Denali National Park.  This itinerary provides ample opportunities to add optional excursions to round out a comprehensive independent self-driving vacation in Alaska.

What's Included

• 14 nights accommodation
• A 14-day midsize rental vehicle with unlimited mileage
• 4-6 hour bus tour into Denali National Park (depending on weather and road conditions)
• Roundtrip bush plane flights between Chitina and McCarthy
• 6-hour Kenai Fjords National Park Cruise with lunch
• All taxes and fees

What's Not Included

Meals, optional excursions, and gratuities. Car rental coverage (such as LDW or liability insurance), additional driver fees, gas, and GPS rental. Car rental category upgrades available at additional fee.

Tour Itinerary

Anchorage arrival.

Upon arrival in Anchorage pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and gourmet restaurants, Anchorage provides an excellent start to your vacation. Overnight in Anchorage.

Important Note: Please provide us with your flight arrival information at time of booking, so that we can schedule the car rental pick up time correctly.

Anchorage to Talkeetna

Drive the Glenn Highway northbound, connecting to the Parks Highway in Wasilla. A few interesting stops along way are the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the village of Eklutna. Talkeetna is a small and unique gold mining community, famous for its special charm and as the expedition base for mountaineers seeking to summit the mountain of Denali. You’ll have time for some great optional excursions, including Denali flightseeing tours and jet boat excursions (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Talkeetna.

Talkeetna to Denali National Park

In the morning you may have time to take a sightseeing flight to the mountain of Denali, the tallest mountain in North America before continuing north from Talkeetna along the scenic Parks Highway. Your route will travel along the boundary of Denali State Park and Hurricane Gulch with massive peaks of the Alaska Range in view nearly the entire route. At 6 million acres, Denali National Park is one of the world’s last great frontiers for wilderness adventure. Your hotel will be at the park entrance, where most of the park services and hotels are located. Optional tours include rafting trips and flightseeing by helicopter or bush plane (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Denali National Park

Today, depart on a narrated bus tour into Denali National Park.  As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife, such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of the Mountain. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary.  The tour is approximately 4-6 hours long and takes you approximately 30 – 43 miles into the park, depending on weather and road conditions. The rest of the day is free for optional tours, such as river rafting and flightseeing tours (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight near the Denali park entrance. The rest of the day is at leisure. Check out the Visitor Center at the park entrance or relax. Overnight near the Denali park entrance.

Denali National Park to Fairbanks

Drive north on the Parks Highway to Fairbanks. Accompanied by incredible forest and mountain landscapes you will drive through the communities of Healy, Nenana and Ester, an old mining camp. There are several optional Fairbanks activities available for today, including an Arctic Circle adventure or a sternwheeler riverboat cruise (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Fairbanks.

Today is at your leisure to explore Alaska’s second largest city, known as the “Gateway to the Arctic.” You may wish to add an optional activity, such as a tour over the Arctic Circle or a historical riverboat cruise (see Tour Add-ons). Attractions in Fairbanks include the Museum of the North, Pioneer Park, the Ice Museum, and the Santa Claus House in the nearby town of North Pole. Overnight in Fairbanks.

Fairbanks to Kennicott / McCarthy

Travel south from Fairbanks along the Alaska and Richardson Highways to Chitina, where you will leave your rental car and board a bush plane for the scenic flight into Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Your final destination is the spectacular Kennicott mines and Kennicott Glacier Lodge. Overnight in Kennicott / McCarthy.

Kennicott / McCarthy

Enjoy a full day in this unique area, which has a year-round population of about 30 people. Kennicott is an abandoned copper mining town and was built by Kennecott Copper Corp in the early 1900s, and the miners lived in nearby McCarthy. Kennecott was the richest copper mine in the world until its closure in 1938. They processed more than 536,600 tons of copper ore and employed some 800 workers. Today it is preserved as part of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and is one of Alaska’s best kept secrets. We recommend taking an optional tour, such as a glacier hike and/or a guided tour of the mine’s Mill Building (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Kennicott / McCarthy.

Kennicott / McCarthy to Sheep Mountain or Wasilla area

Fly back to Chitina to retrieve your rental vehicle and then drive the Richardson Highway north to the Glenn Highway. Take the Glenn Highway towards Anchorage to either the Sheep Mountain or Palmer/Wasilla area (depending on accommodation availability). Check out scenic Matanuska Glacier before you relax for the evening. Overnight in Sheep Mountain or Palmer/Wasilla area (depending on accommodation availability).

Sheep Mountain or Wasilla area to Seward

This morning continue driving the Glenn Highway to Anchorage and continue south on the Seward Highway. The Seward Highway takes you first along beautiful coastal scenery and then through scenic mountain areas. When arriving in Seward, check out Exit Glacier. Overnight in Seward.

This morning you will depart on a 6 hour cruise into Kenai Fjords National Park, one of Alaska’s treasures. As you cruise through the park and the Chiswell Islands National Wildlife Refuge, watch for Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, puffins, eagles and whales. During the cruise, you will see examples of Alpine, Cirque, Piedmont and Tidewater glaciers. A stop will be made at either Holgate or Aialik Glacier to witness glacier calving – when large ice chunks fall off the glacier. Lunch is included onboard. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Seward.

Seward to Homer

Spend the day touring Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. You will travel along the turquoise blue Kenai River, a world-class salmon fishing area. Continue to Homer with opportunities to stop in historic villages, or take advantage of great photographic opportunities along the Cook Inlet coastline. Homer is a picturesque seaside town located on the shores of Kachemak Bay. Overnight in Homer.

Spend a free day exploring all that Homer and Kachemak Bay have to offer. Highlights include the Homer Spit, a local winery, the Islands and Ocean Center, the Pratt Museum, fresh seafood restaurants, and views from East End Road. Or you may prefer to participate in optional excursions, including halibut fishing or a bear viewing flight safari (see Tour Add-ons). Overnight in Homer.

Homer to Anchorage

This morning, drive north on the scenic Sterling and Seward Highways back to Anchorage. Possible stops include the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier or the quiet ski village of Girdwood for a tram ride up Mt. Alyeska. Overnight in Anchorage.

Anchorage Departure

Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for some souvenir shopping or additional excursions. Return your car to the Anchorage airport rental car station. Depart or start an additional program.

Dates & Rates

Our standard program includes:, 2 and 3 star hotel accommodations..

The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.

Standard train car seating on all rail services (reserved seats).

If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.

Our Upgraded Program Includes:

* 3 and 4 star hotels (best available) wherever possible..

The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.

Deluxe dome train car seating between Anchorage, Denali and Fairbanks, or Anchorage and Seward.

All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.

Accommodation in Kennicott: the Kennicott Glacier Lodge opened in 1987 and is a replica of a historic mining building from the town's copper mining days. The 'main lodge' has comfortable rooms with a sink and cold running water. Bathrooms at the lodge are private use, but shared by all guests. The Standard Program tour will have the shared bathroom.

In 2004 a separate building was added offering 10 rooms, each with a private bathroom. The Upgraded Program tour will have a room with a private bathroom.

Contact us to book this Tour.

Thank you for your interest in this tour! At this time, it is not currently available to book online. Please feel free to continue to peruse our website for more Alaska travel ideas. If you would like options and information from our team of Alaska experts, please call 1-866-317-3325 or fill out the form below.

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Tour Add-ons

Browsing optional excursions for the all alaska classic self drive tour :.

Arctic Circle Fly & Drive Tour from Fairbanks

Length: 12-13 hours

Starting at: $479-499 / pp

Enjoy a small group day tour from Fairbanks into Alaska’s Arctic Region by air and land. Depart in the afternoon from Fairbanks in a small plane which will give you a sense of the vast scale of Alaska’s Arctic region. […]... Browse itinerary

Bear & Wildlife Viewing Flight Safari from Homer

Length: 5 hours

Starting at: $895 / pp

Enjoy a scenic flightseeing and bear viewing tour out of Homer, Alaska. First you take an approx. 1 hour scenic flight by small wheeled plane which takes you over a volcano and glacier-rich scenery to either Lake Clark National Park […]... Browse itinerary

Canyon Run Whitewater River Rafting from Denali

Length: 3 hours

Starting at: $130 / pp

Hang on – there’s Denali National Park whitewater ahead at Canyon Run! Choose to paddle as a river rafting team or let your rafting guide do all the work on this exciting Class III-IV whitewater rafting day trip near Denali […]... Browse itinerary

Riverboat Discovery Sternwheeler Cruise in Fairbanks

Starting at: $106 / pp

The perfect Fairbanks day tour combines river views and Alaska Native history and traditions! Climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3-hour cruise into Alaska’s history. Travel the Chena and Tanana Rivers on Alaska’s only authentic sternwheeler riverboat. […]... Browse itinerary

Root Glacier Hike (Half Day)

Starting at: $115 / pp

On this half-day glacier hiking out of Kennicott-McCarthy, depart Kennicott hiking down a two-mile trail built in the 1920s as a wagon road.  Along the way, stops will be made to discuss glaciology and local geology and enjoy spectacular views […]... Browse itinerary

Root Glacier Hike with Kennecott Mill Tour

Length: 7 hours

Starting at: $149 / pp

On this day tour out of Kennicott-McCarthy, experience the best of Kennicott’s history and landscapes on this hiking and sightseeing combination tour!  First, enjoy a spectacular half-day hike on the Root Glacier, searching for deep crevasses, shimmering blue pools, and […]... Browse itinerary

Wilderness Excursion Jetboat Tour

Length: 2 hours

Starting at: $89 / pp

This day tour from Talkeetna treats you to a scenic journey aboard a 15- to 52-passenger jetboat on the Susitna River. It will allow you to experience wildlife, folklore, and historical artifacts. Conditions permitting, enjoy the panoramic view of Denali […]... Browse itinerary

The detailed outlines packet, with the history and information on where we were going and what to do, was awesome. Each morning my 10 year old would read to us what our day had in store. Can't thank Alaska Tours enough!

Shelly | Facebook

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Denali & Glacier Experience

Duration: 6 days

Starting at: $1919 / pp

By train, travel along the scenic Seward and Portage Glacier Highways before entering the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the second-longest tunnel in North America. On arrival in Whittier, embark on the 26 Glacier Cruise with lunch. Enjoy viewing... Browse itinerary

Family Fun Vacation by Car

Duration: 9 days

Starting at: $2459 / pp

An excellent family itinerary designed to allow for a leisurely travel pace with plenty of time for family-oriented activities. Top destinations include Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Touring highlights include riding aboard a "whistle stop" train operated... Browse itinerary

Great Alaskan Road Trip

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Explore Denali, Seward, and the Matanuska Valley with the freedom of a rental car. These three destinations complement each other with natural beauty from mountains to valleys to coastlines. The bus tour into Denali National Park is a... Browse itinerary

Alaska Highlights Self-Drive Tour

Duration: 10 days

Starting at: $1809 / pp

This independent Alaska self-drive tour features many of the state's most popular attractions and scenic roadways. Visit Denali National Park and Kenai Fjords National Park and the cities of Anchorage, Fairbanks, Valdez, and Seward. The circular... Browse itinerary

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3 Alaska National Parks Trip Report - Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay

C heck out our week-long 3 Alaska National Parks Trip report including Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park. Where we stayed, how we got to the park, and so much more. 

3 Alaska National Parks Trip Report

Day 1 - travel to fairbanks and denali np.

We flew Alaska Airlines from Spokane to Seattle and then took a 4-hour flight up to Fairbanks.

One bonus when we were about an hour from landing Fairbanks was realizing we were flying over Wrangell St Elias National Park . 

Fairbanks is the perfect airport to fly into to head to Denali National Park . 

We grabbed our rental car quickly and headed out the door as fast as we could.

We found out the day before that our Denali Bus Tundra Wilderness Tour left at 1:50 pm which was earlier than we had hoped it would be.

Especially since we didn't land in Fairbanks until 11 am.

Thankfully it is a quick and easy drive from the airport to the Parks Highway.

The drive is gorgeous heading from Fairbanks to Denali NP .

We made it to our tour with a few minutes to spare.

The tours are held on modified school buses. Make sure to dress in layers and be comfortable because you will be sitting for a while.

We were barely 20 minutes into the tour when we saw a moose!

This kicked off an epic tour seeing multiple Caribou, moose, Dall Sheep, Willow Ptarmigan, ground squirrels, and more.

Sadly no bears or wolves but that just means we need to do the tour again. 

We also saw Denali mountain clearly for the 1st part of the tour which was spectacular. 

After the tour we headed to 49th State Brewery in Healy, Alaska about 10 to 16 minutes from the park entrance.

We had seen the sign for the restaurant on our way to the park and looked up the menu and it looked amazing. 

The 49th State Brewery is honestly fantastic! We really enjoyed the eclectic atmosphere and great food.

I tried Yak for the 1st time in a ½-pound Yak Burger and the thing was massive! It was just what my stomach was waiting for after a full day.

 Oh, and did I mention the jokes that have come from it?

It was so big I started to reach for my knife to cut this monster in half. 

The table of 6 women next to us started laughing and teasing me about not being man enough to handle the full burger.

Even my wife started laughing at how much the other girls were teasing me.

Right then I knew what I had to do.  That's right.  I went in and squished down that burger to a more manageable size while the juices ran down my arm I dug into my first bite.

I'm not sure what I enjoyed more, the quality of the burger or the fact that there were 7 women admiring my ability to take down the Yak.

This was my second highlight of the trip already as the Mountain was out today also. I Had to finish this great day with a really good local brew. 

The restaurant has the Into the Wild Bus which makes for great photos.

We stayed at the Grande Denali Lodge and it worked great.

You have to see the warning signs leading up to the lodge. So funny and truly Alaska! 

Day 2 - Denali to Kenai Fjords

We woke up early to hit the road and drive to Seward, Alaska to visit Kenai Fjords National Park . 

The drive along the Parks Highway is gorgeous most days. We ended up driving in torrential rain and wind so we didn't see the views we hoped for.

It was quite the drive but so worth it.

By the time we got to Seward the storm had broken up so we were hopeful we would be able to take the Kenai Fjords dinner cruise we had booked.

Sadly when we went to check in for the cruise they let us know it was canceled due to rough water and weather.

We found ourselves with a free afternoon in Seward with nothing planned.

We ended up having an amazing lunch at the Highline Restaurant. 

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Seward.

The grilled halibut sandwich was unbelievable and the clam chowder was one of the best I have ever had.

We really enjoyed relaxing while enjoying an epic lunch.

Since we had time we explored Seward and found mile 1 of the Iditarod National Historic Trail.

We stopped by the Kenai Fjords visitor center to pick up the park brochure and junior ranger program before heading to Exit Glacier.

Did you know there is an Exit Glacier Campground for tents only? It is really nice and offers the opportunity to camp in Kenai Fjords.

After exploring Exit Glacier we headed to our hotel for the night.

We booked a room at Angels Rest which has cabins and rooms.

The hotel is located outside of Seward along the coastline offering epic views of the water. 

We stayed in the Herons roost which had 2 rooms on the 2nd floor.

Being able to relax with views of the water was the perfect way to end a crazy day of storms and driving 6+ hours.

Day 3 - Kenai Fjords NP Boat Tour

We started the morning at the Sea Bean Café in Seward.  They have a great breakfast menu and were open early.

The Blackbeard mocha was amazing with vanilla and caramel.

After breakfast, it was time for our boat tour. We booked the 7.5-hour Kenai Fjords tour .

Our hope was to have epic weather and killer wildlife views.

It has been 13+ years since we did this tour so we were crazy excited to do it again.

The boat tour leaves from right in Seward making it really easy to find paid parking nearby.

Check-in was quick and easy and we were boarding the boat heading out to sea.

I have to admit leaving Resurrection Bay into the Gulf of Alaska was a bit rough.

There were leftover storm waves that made it a bit rocky for a good 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, a few passengers lost their breakfast while others were having problems finding their sea legs. 

Once we were back in a protected bay the waters calmed down quickly and the trip became much more pleasant.

Our first wildlife sighting was tufted puffins!!!! They were flying all around due to a Peregrine Falcon being in a tree nearby.

The day continued with more epic wildlife including multiple Humpback Whales, sea otters, harbor seals, horned puffins, and even a fin Whale.

We saw 2 tidewater glaciers during the cruise and the weather turned out amazing. 

They said about 70% of boat tours experience rain during the tour and we didn't have any.

It was so sunny we came off the ship a bit sunburned from spending the entire 7.5-hour cruise on the top deck.

There is inside seating but we didn't want to miss a single thing during the cruise.

After the cruise, it was time to drive up to Anchorage for the night.

The drive up the Seward Highway is amazing. It passes by Chugach State Park which we really want to explore on our next trip.

The Alaska State Park looks amazing with tons of overlooks looking out over the water. 

Next time we need to plan more time to explore the Kenai Peninsula and finally make it to Homer, Alaska.

We stayed at the Downtown Anchorage Marriott for the night and it was fantastic.

Our room had a view over the water and it was so crazy seeing the sunset at 10:30 pm over the water.

Day 4 - Anchorage to Denali to Fairbanks

We had planned to get up super early and leave for Denali but the Marriott bed was so comfortable we ended up sleeping in.

The drive from Anchorage to Denali is about 4 hours.

The views between Anchorage and Wasilla are epic! We didn't see any moose on the drive but have seen huge bull moose nearby on prior trips.

The Parks Highway is a direct link between Anchorage to Denali and onto Fairbanks making it really easy to explore this part of Alaska.

We did see a momma moose and baby near a river when we were almost to Denali.

They were so perfectly posed they looked fake. Sadly traffic was too busy to safely pull over to take a photo.

We had so much fun driving around Denali NP . We finally saw the Ranger Program about the sled dogs and it was amazing. 

The 2022 Sled Dog puppies are beyond cute and cuddly. We watched them put on a mini race that had 100+ park visitors swooning over the little pups! 

We drove up to Savage River to the cut-off for personal vehicles. There are a ton of epic Denali Hiking Trails in this part of the park. 

We did see 2 caribou along the way. The weather was fantastic.

It still amazes me to see the sun go down at 11:35 pm in Fairbanks.

We stayed at the Marriott Springhill Suites in Fairbanks . We have stayed at this hotel a few times and really enjoy it. 

Day 5 - Fairbanks to Glacier Bay National Park

Today was a big travel day. We had to leave the hotel early to get to our flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage.

We then flew from Anchorage to Juneau and relaxed in the tiny airport for 4 hours before our flight to Gustavus. We highly suggest having a window seat on the flight from Anchorage to Juneau!

We had epic views of tidewater glaciers and mountains during our flight. 

The flight from Juneau to Gustavus is supposed to be 20ish minutes.

We ended up having 2 missed landings and finally were able to land on the 3rd attempt.

The Gustavus Airport is not large. LOL!

We are staying at the Glacier Bay Lodge , one of my top bucket list National Park Lodges that I have not been to before! 

I have been dreaming of staying in the lodge for years. 

The lodge offers a free shuttle from the airport to the lodge. 

Thank goodness since it was absolutely pouring rain when we arrived.

We stayed in a 2 double bed cabin with a view of Bartlett Cove.

The room is small but fantastic. It has everything you need for enjoying time in Glacier Bay National Park . 

They offer breakfast and dinner at the main lodge building.

The halibut fish and chips were fantastic.

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing and getting a great night's sleep.

Day 6 - Glacier Bay National Park Boat Tour

The Glacier Bay Lodge offers a great breakfast buffet.

We were so excited to spend our day on the Glacier Bay Boat Tour.

Before we even left Bartlett Cove we saw multiple Humpback Whales. 

We also saw Stellar sea lions, Tufted puffins, Pelagic cormorants, and glaucous-winged gull near South Marble Island.

When we got to Gloomy Knob we saw an epic Coastal brown bear walking along the tidal zone.

There were Mountain goats way up high that we could barely see. 

The day was filled with unbelievable wildlife! As we headed back to the lodge we saw an Orca Whale in the distance.

It was sad to see the boat tour come to an end but we were so happy to have another night at the Glacier Bay Lodge.

Dinner was epic! We had to have the spinach dip again. It was that good.

I had the baked halibut and it was delicious. 

After dinner, we relaxed and savored the quiet of Glacier Bay.

Day 7 - Glacier Bay to Seattle

We slept so well in the Glacier Bay Lodge . I am thankful we set an alarm so we didn't sleep through breakfast.

The room was so comfortable and the light sound of rain was amazing. 

After a fantastic breakfast, we decided to check out the coastal trail to the Glacier Bay Campground. 

We could hear multiple Humpback Whales in Bartlett Cove as we walked the trail.

This is one of the most amazing national park lodges we have stayed in.

The campfire circle is on the beach with views of sea otters and humpback Whales.

We spent a couple of hours wandering the lodge grounds and watching the Whales.

There are a few hours between checkout and the shuttle to the airport. We spent it watching Humpback Whales from the deck of the lodge.

We even saw one do multiple tail slaps and breach right in front of us.

This Alaska National Park trip has been amazing. It is hard to think about heading home when we are watching humpback Whales right near the lodge.

I wish I could say our departure from Glacier Bay was as epic as the rest of the week has been.

When we arrived at the Gustavus Airport the line was outside the building.

We had to stand in the misty rain for over an hour to get into the building.

Once we were checked in and on the flight, we found out they needed to burn off some fuel onboard the plane so we were delayed arriving in Juneau. 

By the time we arrived in Juneau our original flight to Seattle had already departed.

We also found out it is the weekend of the Juneau Ironman so there were no hotels in town.

We spent the night sleeping on benches inside the airport.

One travel tip is to make sure you pack lots of snacks with you.

The Juneau snack shop was closed when we arrived so we were unable to get dinner. Snacks got us through the night.

After a lovely night of little sleep, we finally boarded our flight to Seattle and on to Spokane.

Additional Alaska National Park Resources

Denali National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

Lake Clark National Park

Katmai National Park

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Check out all of the  Alaska National Parks  along with  National Parks in Washington ,  California National Parks , and  National Parks in Hawaii

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

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PO Box 9 Denali Park, AK 99755

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See the Northern Lights on Every Princess Cruise to Alaska in 2024

Award-winning “north to alaska with princess” program debuts new immersive experiences for 55th anniversary 2024 cruise and cruisetour season.

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , (May 1, 2024) – The dreamlike images of green and purple lights swirling in the northern sky, known as the Aurora Borealis or "Northern Lights," is an unforgettable spectacle, and something all guests sailing this summer with Princess Cruises to Alaska are guaranteed to see. 

This new immersive Voyage to the Stars experience is part of the cruise line’s award-winning North to Alaska with Princess program set to debut for the upcoming 2024 cruise and cruisetour season that strengthens the overall guest connection in the Great Land. This year Princess guests will step inside a planetarium in the Princess Theater for a front row seat to the “Northern Lights” presentation showcasing the beauty and wonder of this phenomenon featuring live imagery, designed to engage adults and kids alike. 

“Each season in Alaska we strive to deliver enriching experiences for our guests to feel immersed in the beauty and local culture of this spectacular destination,” said Terry Thornton, chief commercial officer of Princess Cruises. “After receiving our highest guest satisfaction ranking ever last season, we knew we wanted to design elevated programming to further connect our guests to all of the wonders of the 49th state for our 55th anniversary season.”

The 2024 season promises to be the biggest and best ever for Princess with 158 departures on 14 unique itineraries with 17 destinations, including five glacier viewing experiences on seven stunning ships. The cruise line’s 55th anniversary season also features 91 visits to Glacier Bay National Park, taking more guests through this scenic cruising experience than any other cruise line, including the “Voyage of the Glaciers” itineraries between Anchorage (Whittier) and Vancouver, B.C., and Inside Passage voyages roundtrip from Seattle, San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C.

The award-winning North to Alaska by Princess program is exclusive to the cruise line and designed by experts to showcase local storytellers, cultural experiences, the flavors of Alaska and more. Additional North to Alaska by Princess offerings for the 2024 season include:

Onboard Princess Ships Cook My Catch comes to The Catch by Rudi  Guests sailing to Alaska aboard Majestic Princess and Discovery Princess can enjoy their very own catch of the day after a day of fishing on special Princess shore excursions in the new specialty seafood restaurant, The Catch by Rudi. The first Princess restaurant primarily devoted to seafood offers a completely fresh take on seafood with contemporary interpretations of classic dishes, international fusion influences, highly creative presentations, and an engaging dining experience. 

Crabshack This fan favorite returns to Alaska in all its shell-cracking glory with casual seafood options not to be missed. The four-course meal features a range of seafood favorites, including popcorn shrimp, clam chowder, even an Alaska-inspired steamer pot full of crab legs, shrimp, clams, and mussels. Guests will find this pop-up dining event in the World Fresh Marketplace on all seven ships sailing in Alaska in 2024.

Salmon Cooking Demonstration  Embark on a culinary adventure onboard with a new Salmon Cooking Demonstration, an exclusive experience on the last sea day of the cruise, that celebrates the richness of Alaska cuisine. Expert chefs showcase the art of preparing and cooking salmon, a staple in the region and a delicacy known for its flavor and versatility.

Pendleton: A Partnership Highlighting American Craftsmanship  Celebrating the 55th anniversary sailing to Alaska, Princess has partnered with Pendleton, an iconic lifestyle brand that has been based in the Pacific Northwest for over 100 years. Popular Pendleton blankets, flannels, coats, graphic tees and more will be available for purchase onboard (and at the Princess Wilderness Lodges). Specially designed for Princess, a commemorative limited edition “Alaska, The Great Land” blanket will be available for $299. 

Shore Excursions Princess has added 13 new shore excursions to the already abundant lineup ashore to bring Alaska to life in an engaging, immersive, sometimes delectable and always memorable way. New shore excursions for the 2024 season include:

• Juneau Highlights: Glacier Gardens & Whale Park
• Treadwell: Living History Walk of Alaska’s Lost Mine
• Crab Feast at George Inlet Lodge
• Exclusive Flightseeing & Taste of Alaska
• White Pass Steam Train to Bennett Lake (offered on Friday & Sunday calls only)
• Port Chilkoot Distillery Tour & Tastings
• Stories of Haines E-Bike Tour
• Stories of Haines E-Moped Tour
• Metal Torching Alaska Art Class
• Advanced Mountain Bike Adventure
• Guide’s Choice Hike
• Marine Expedition & Wildlife Quest
• WaveRunner Island Exploration

On Land at Princess Wilderness Lodges Alaska Adventure Quest: Geocaching Expedition  Guests will embark on a thrilling Alaska adventure like never before with a new Geocaching Expedition program at each of the five Princess Wilderness Lodges throughout Alaska. The program offers a unique blend of outdoor exploration and teamwork, making it the perfect adventure for families, friends, and solo explorers alike. Guests can use their cellphone as a GPS device or grab a map from the front desk at their lodge and follow clues and coordinates to find hidden caches strategically placed throughout the lodge properties. 

Alaska-Themed Cocktails, Mocktails and Appetizers  Leveraging local ingredients, embark on a taste journey throughout the rugged wilderness of Alaska with signature crafted cocktails, mocktails and appetizers. All are infused with the flavors of Alaska and all options vary by lodge to give guests the most exquisite tastes from all over the state. 

Garden to Table At the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge and Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge, Princess chefs tap natural resources to provide guests with the freshest ingredients from the on-property gardens in their dishes and drinks made right at the lodge. The menus are seasonally crafted to accommodate nature’s growing and harvesting season. Using fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs from these gardens will help guests feel more connected with the great land and make a positive and sustainable impact by minimizing the food delivery carbon footprint.

Golden Heart Tea at Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge Nestled in the heart of the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge, Princess’ Alaska tea experience invites guests to step into a world of sophistication and culinary delights. The attentive staff, well-versed in the art of tea service, will guide them through Alaska sourced tea, helping them choose the perfect blend to enhance each exquisite bite—from scones to salmon mousse, mini cakes and more.

Naturalists Lead Outdoors Program For those seeking a more hands-on connection with nature, the naturalist program at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge immerses guests in the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska, offering a unique and educational experience focused on the region's rich natural environment. Led by experienced naturalists, the program combines hands-on field experiences with informative lectures to deepen understanding of Alaska's flora, fauna, and geological wonders.

Cocktail-Making Class at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge  Guests can immerse themselves in the art of mixology at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge's Cocktail Making Class. This hands-on experience at Fannie Q’s Saloon invites participants to discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect cocktails and mocktails. Led by skilled mixologists, the class covers various techniques, from muddling and shaking to garnishing.

Denali Education Center Presentations at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge Discover the wonders of Denali National Park as the Denali Education Center presents sessions that bring the region's natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural heritage to life. Expert educators and naturalists lead these presentations, sharing their deep knowledge and passion for the unique ecosystem that surrounds the lodge. 

Cooking Demonstration at Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge  Embark on a culinary adventure at the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge with a captivating cooking demonstration. Led by an expert chef, this experience invites guests to discover the artistry behind crafting delectable dishes inspired by the flavors of the region. The chef will share insights into the use of local and seasonal ingredients, highlighting fresh seafood that define the culinary landscape of the Copper River region.

New for 2024 are convenient, seven-day Inside Passage itineraries, many including Glacier Bay National Park, round-trip from Vancouver on Ruby Princess. The cruises deliver four awe-inspiring ports, including Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan along with visits to Endicott Arm and scenic cruising of Dawes Glacier.

Plus, there are more than 20 amazing cruisetours (cruise + land tour) that combine the unmatched Princess cruise experience with visits to the sights of Denali National Park, Kenai Peninsula, Copper River, Fairbanks and Anchorage and all from the comfort of the exclusive Princess lodges. Celebrating the 55th anniversary, two new cruisetours debut in 2024: 

• National Parks Tour - A 15-night adventure to five of Alaska’s most breathtaking parks including Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, Kenai Fjords National Parks, and Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Skagway. This experience combines a seven-day cruise, scenic rail travel, and eight nights land, including stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.
• Katmai National Park Tour - Nine-day cruisetour includes two nights in Anchorage, where guests have the chance to embark on an intimate bear-watching experience at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. This tour immerses travelers in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, allowing them to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, before or after sailing on a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise that includes a coveted visit to Glacier Bay National Park.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com . 

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Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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