Classic Alaska Backpacking Adventure
Guided Backpacking Trips
5 Days, 4 Nights 31MI / 50KM
Trip Highlights
This unforgettable backpacking adventure traverses an alpine ridge with dramatic views of the surrounding Alaskan wilderness and the famous Alaska Range. Known to Athabaskans as ‘The Ancient One’, the ridge we traverse boasts better views of Denali than any other trail in the state of Alaska. At 20,310 feet, Denali is North America’s tallest mountain, and one of the coldest mountains in the world. The climate surrounding its summit is notorious for hiding the mountain from view much of the time. When the weather permits, this trip provides unobstructed views of of the mountain – towering almost 17,000 above us – every single day as we hike.
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Views of Denali
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Iconic Tundra Hiking
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Alaska Range Views
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Lakes & Rivers
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Amazing History
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Iconic Wilderness
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Trip Details
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Trip Type
Guided Backpacking Trips -
Trip Length
5 Days, 4 Nights -
Daily Hiking Distance
Up to 8 miles -
Group Size
1-6 Guests
- day by day itinerary
- logistical and travel information
- gear and clothing lists and more
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Is This Trip Right For me?
This trip is between Level 3 and Level 4 difficulty, erring slightly toward Level 4. The most difficulty is on Day 1, with elevation gain of 2500 feet over 8 miles. The rest of the trip has moderate daily distances and elevation changes, and trends downhill. There are sections of hiking in significantly rugged terrain that can be wet, muddy, overgrown and possibly snow-covered.
Difficulty Level
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Solitude Level
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Trip Itinerary
Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.
Day 1
Shuttle to Trailhead: 3 hours
Hiking Distance: 8 miles
Elevation Gain: 2500 feet
This morning your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Anchorage and we’ll enjoy a quick breakfast. Our journey takes us north of Cook Inlet along the Susitna River Valley towards the Alaska Range. At our trailhead along a pristine mountain creek tumbling down from the mountains we begin with a steep ascent of the north side of the ridge we will follow for the next 5 days. We will ascend above the trees into the alpine tundra, where we are rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding wilderness, which includes Denali. Arriving at camp we will have breathtaking views of Eldridge Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in North America. After setting up camp we’ll settle in for the night and enjoy our first delicious dinner prepared by your guide.
Day 2
Hiking Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Elevation Loss: 1400 feet
Continuing south this morning we will reach points on the ridge with two massive mountain ranges on either side of us. To the east is the Talkeetna Range. To the west is the Alaska Range and Denali. You may have to continue pinching yourself as you hike, to remind yourself this is real – that you really are hiking through a place this dramatic and beautiful! Camp tonight will be at an area with fascinating geology and, of course, more spectacular views.
Day 3
Hiking Distance: 4-5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Elevation Loss: 1600 feet
Today we briefly descend a low point on the ridge and enter a forested wetlands region for a change in scenery, as well as a chance to see more wildlife. However as we approach a beautiful mountain lake, we will again return to hiking above tree line where the “freedom of the hills” abounds.
Day 4
Hiking Distance: 4-5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Elevation Loss: 1200 feet
For our last full day we continue across the tundra, soaking up the breathtaking views that surround us in all directions. We pass the pristine alpine lakes and tranquil pools of the high country, and we’ll keep an eye out for moose and other wildlife. Tonight we’ll celebrate our final night in the backcountry with our last hot dinner on the Alaskan tundra!
Day 5
Hiking Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Elevation Loss: 2200 feet
Shuttle to Anchorage: 3 hours
Descending from the ridge this morning we will take in our last views of the majestic Alaska Range. Arriving at our terminus at the shores of a gorgeous lake, we’ll have one last picnic lunch and make the return journey to Anchorage.
Trip Dates
Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.
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What's Included
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Top-of-the-line tent, backcountry sleeping pad and multi-day backpack
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High quality, synthetic sleeping bag (professionally laundered after every use)
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Bear canisters for food storage
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Use of trekking poles
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All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
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Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
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Comprehensive, roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Anchorage and back
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All entrance fees, permits and passes
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Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
What's Not Included
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Clothes, raingear, and footwear -
Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
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Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
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Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Accommodations
Backcountry Sleeping
Tent Camping
Sleeping on backpacking trips is in premier 1-person, 2-person or 4-person backcountry tents. Solo travelers, and anyone else who requests it, are issued single tents. Top-of-the-line self-inflating sleeping pads and synthetic-fill sleeping bags (professionally laundered after every trip) are also provided.
Backcountry Cuisine
Fresh & Delicious
Meals from breakfast Day 1 through lunch the last day are fully included and prepared by your guide. We never use dehydrated backpacking meals, instead serving freshly prepared, delicious backcountry cuisine made with a variety of common and specialty ingredients that travel well in the wilderness.
Amazing Campsites
In the Action
Campsites vary by destination, trip and even by the individual day of a trip. However, you can expect to camp in beautiful areas that put you right in the action to make the most of your trekking adventure. We carefully design our itineraries with campsites in mind.
Trip Logistics & FAQs
Where Do We Meet?
Your guide will conduct an orientation meeting at 6:00 PM the evening before your trip begins to review the packing list, communicate the first day’s logistics and answer any last minute questions you have. This will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott Anchorage Airport.
Early on the morning of Day 1 your guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Anchorage.
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.
Travel to Anchorage
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport and its connecting flights from many major US cities make Anchorage very accessible. The major airlines that fly to Anchorage are Delta, United, American, Alaska Airlines and Sun Country. Direct flights are often available from Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Chicago and Las Vegas.
Start/End Times
Your guide will inform you of the first day’s pick-up time during the pre-trip communication. Generally, you can expect it to be around 6 am, although the exact time will depend on several factors such as planned activities, current weather and road conditions. On the final day of the trip, you can expect a return to Anchorage around 6-7 pm, and your guide will drop you off at your hotel or the airport. Note: A variety of circumstances can influence our timeline on the final day of a trip, therefore Wildland Trekking does not guarantee return times.
Safety Precautions
Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.
If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.
Age Restrictions
Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:
- 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
- 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis
Reviews
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Olivia M
1 year agoAlaska is definitely a must see
I highly recommend Wildland Trekking's hiking trips. They are the best trip I have taken in a long time! Their guides are very professional while friendly, and will make you love being in the outdoors
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