Heart of Alaska Inn-based Tour
Anchorage, AK
4.9 (7 reviews)Trip Highlights
- Mountain & Coastal Hikes
- Up Close Glaciers
- Iconic Alaskan Wildlife
- Portage Pass
- Fascinating History
- All-inclusive Adventure
- Unique Alaskan Lodging
- Wildlife Boat Tour + Aialik Glacier Kayak
Description
This spectacular Alaskan tour features the best of Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks. Our adventure trip starts with a mesmerizing visit to Denali National Park and finishes on the Kenai Peninsula. It includes not only Alaska’s two most popular national parks, but both interior tundra and coastal forest ecosystems. Each day guests have the opportunity to experience glaciers, mountain views, abundant wildlife, Alaska’s amazing history and salmon-fed waters teeming with life. At night we retire to cozy Alaskan lodges and hotels where we can get cleaned up and enjoy delicious dinners at local eateries. If you love to hike and explore – and Alaska is on your “Life List” – then this all-inclusive tour was made for you!
$1645 Single Supplement
The single supplement guarantees your own room. If you would like to forego the single supplement, you can request to be paired with a roommate of the same gender. If we are unsuccessful in pairing you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2
Scale of 1-5. 1 is least difficult; 5 is most difficult
The majority of trails on this trip are well used, but there are significantly rugged sections that can be wet, muddy, overgrown or snow-covered. Some days feature moderately long hikes (up to 7 miles) with moderate elevation gain/loss of up to 2,260 feet.
Hiking Distances:
Up to 7 Miles
Backpack Weight:
10-15 Pounds
Terrain:
Significantly Rugged
Max Daily Elev. ↑↓:
Up to 2260 ft.
Heights Exposure:
Moderate
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THIS TRIP
- Hiking uphill or downhill with a 10-15 pound backpack for 5-7 hours
- Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
- Kayaking
SOLITUDE LEVEL 2
1 least solitude, 5 most solitude
We rate this Alaska hiking tour a solitude 2. You can expect as much as an hour of solitude at a time.
PRIVATE TRIPS
Travel in perfect company by booking a private trip exclusively for your group!
Our sliding scale for private trips is based on the final number of guests in your group. Rates are per person and do not include sales tax, national park fees or guide gratuity. The final rate is based on the actual number of guests on the trip and may adjust based on cancellations or additions.
Please Note: you can also enjoy a private trip at our normal scheduled rates by filling any empty tour to capacity. However, if group members drop from the tour those spots will automatically become available on our website for instant booking. By purchasing a private trip at the rates listed below, your trip will remain exclusive to your group regardless of cancellations.
PRIVATE RATES FOR THIS TRIP
- 2 People: Rate x 2.5
- 3 People: Rate x 2
- 4 People: Rate x 1.5
- 5+ People: Rate x 1.15
*all rates are per person and single supplements apply
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ITINERARY
Day 1
- Drive Time: 2 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,030 feet
Our adventure begins as we leave Anchorage and head north into Alaska’s Interior. The coastal scenery fades, replaced by the dramatic peaks of the Alaska Range, with Denali rising above them all at over 20,000 feet. We’ll enter Denali National Park and enjoy our first hike, where we’ll encounter the park’s famous sled dogs—Alaska’s original “canine rangers” and a nod to its rich history of exploration. After lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore Denali Park based on your specific interests. Popular options include scenic river rafting, national park bus tours, air tours for greater views of Denali and the Alaska Range, hiking on additional trails on your own and more (see air, raft and bus tour options). After our afternoon of independent adventures, we’ll reconvene for a dinner.
Day 2
- Drive Time: 4 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1030 feet
After a nice cup of tea or coffee and a hearty breakfast, we’ll hit the trail! Starting from the trailhead, we’ll gradually ascend about 1,100 feet through lush forest, crossing streams and walking beneath towering trees. As we climb, the trail opens up to sweeping views—weather permitting—of the Alaska Range and the mighty Denali on the horizon. We’ll enjoy a lovely trail lunch prepared by your guide. Around 1,500 feet, we’ll break out of the trees and may encounter strong winds as we reach the ridge. We’ll return to our lodge for relaxation and a dinner to round out the day.
Day 3
- Drive Time: 4 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 6.3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 761 feet
We’ll begin today’s hike with a gradual climb along an old mining road that soon narrows into a peaceful trail. Surrounded by open meadows and mountain views, the path offers steady grades, minimal tree cover, and a tranquil backcountry experience. After the hike, we’ll return to the van and head to our quiet cabins—our home for the next two nights. After a delicious dinner together, we may have time to gather around a campfire and unwind under the Alaskan sky.
Day 4
- Drive Time: 2 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 4.5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,463 feet
This morning, we’ll enjoy a stunning drive that transitions from ocean views to dense forests, and finally to glacial landscapes as we head toward Whittier. A highlight of the journey is the 2.5-mile-long Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel—the longest highway tunnel in North America. Our hike begins with a fairly steep uphill climb, but the effort is quickly rewarded with breathtaking views of Portage Glacier, Portage Lake, and the surrounding mountains. The trail features several scenic lookout points, especially at Portage Pass, where the glacier and lake stretch out below. We’ll enjoy another delicious trail lunch—possibly lakeside—giving us time to soak in the dramatic scenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, including mountain goats and a variety of bird species.
Day 5
- Drive Time: 1 hr. 45 min
- Hiking Mileage: 5 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 1400 feet
Today will be our closest experience with a glacier yet. As we approach the coastal town of Seward, we will head back up into the mountains and enter Kenai Fjords National Park. Here will hike along the lateral moraine of Exit Glacier, the only glacier in the park that is accessible by foot trail. After hiking, we will settle in our final lodge in the hills above Resurrection Bay where dinner awaits. For seafood lovers, this is a great opportunity to try the freshest halibut, salmon, and crab anywhere in the world.
Day 6
- Drive Time: 20 minutes
- Activity Duration: 10.5 hours
After five days of exploring Alaska by foot, it’s time to take to the water! Today we’ll embark on a full-day kayaking adventure at Aialik Glacier, the largest and most actively calving tidewater glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Our journey begins with a wildlife-focused, intimate, water taxi ride through Aialik Bay, where we’ll keep an eye out for humpback whales, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, mountain goats, and a variety of seabirds. Once we reach our launch beach, we’ll gear up and begin paddling through the dramatic fjord landscape. From the water’s surface, we’ll be immersed in the breathtaking presence and power of Aialik Glacier —listening for the thunderous cracks as ice calves into the sea and marveling at the towering ice face. This immersive experience offers a humbling perspective of Alaska’s wild grandeur.
Day 7
- Drive Time: 3 hours
- Hiking Mileage: 3.3 miles
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,260 feet
It may be our last day, but the adventure isn’t over yet! As we make our way back to Anchorage, we’ll stop for a final hike along a section of the historic Iditarod Trail in the Chugach Mountains. With stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife, it’s a fitting finale to our week of exploring the heart of Alaska. After,, we’ll return to Anchorage and drop you off at your hotel. Thank you for choosing Wildland—we’re grateful to have shared this journey with you!
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.
TRIP DATES & BOOKING
AVAILABLE TO BOOK
This trip is available and bookable online! Click on the date to register now or contact us online to book through our award-winning customer service team!
GOING FAST
This trip has 1 or 2 spots remaining and is bookable online! Click on the date to book now or contact us online to book through customer service.
REQUEST A RESERVATION
This trip is exclusively booked through customer service due to logistics with lodging, permits, staffing, availability, or something else. Please contact us online or call us at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to request a reservation.
Don't see your dates? Call us! We may be able to add new trip dates.
800-715-HIKE (4453)Trip Details
What's Included
- 6 nights of double occupancy lodging (single occupancy requires an additional single supplement)
- Top-of-the-line daypack and trekking poles
- All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
- Wildlife Boat Tour + Glacier Kayaking, including kayak guide tips
- 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.
- Roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Anchorage, AK
- Entrance fees and national park permits
- Bear safety equipment including bear spray canisters
- Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device
- Mandatory 5% national park fee that passes through directly to the national parks
What's Not Included
- Clothes, raingear, and footwear (see recommendations)
- Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
- Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
- Alcoholic beverages
- Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)
Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about what to pack.
Meals: What to Expect
We provide all your meals from breakfast the first day through lunch the last day. Your guide will prepare breakfasts and lunches with a variety of hot and cold meals that are appropriate for the day’s activities. Feel free to tell us about your food preferences, as we’re more than happy to tailor the menu to your needs/desires. For dinners, we’ll visit local restaurants you’re sure to enjoy!
Gear We Provide
We provide all group gear which includes the following:
- Deuter or Osprey backpacks
- Leki trekking poles
- Bear spray canisters
- Company-issued first-aid kit
- Emergency communication device(s)
Guest Packing List
When you register for this tour you’ll receive access to a printable, downloadable trip information packet with a detailed packing list specific to this trip (click here to see it now.) All trips require a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or hiking boots, rain gear, a recommended clothing system, a headlamp or flashlight, a hydration system (water bottles and/or bladder) and other items specific to each trip.
Trip Logistics
How Do I Register?
Reserve your spot today! In the Trip Dates & Booking section of this page, the green and red dates are bookable online by simply clicking on the date, and blue dates must be booked through our customer service team for a variety of possible reasons. To email our customer service team, you can click here to get the ball rolling. Our adventure consultants will confirm availability, and if you’re ready to register we’ll email you a link to a registration profile. You’ll have 72 hours to complete your profile (and that of any dependents) and pay the deposit.
Feel free to call us for more info – we’re here 7 days a week!
Where Do We Meet?
You will meet your guide and group on the morning of Day 1 with pick you up at your hotel in Anchorage. Your guide will be in contact approximately 10 days in advance to coordinate the rendezvous and answer any last minute questions you have.
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 4-5 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.
Essential Eligibility Requirements
Essential Eligibility Criteria (“EEC”) have been specifically identified to help you understand the skills and abilities necessary to participate on each Wildland trip, and they apply uniformly to all potential trip participants, irrespective of the presence or absence of any disability.
Once you identify a trip in which you may be interested, please carefully review the EEC and itinerary details. If after reviewing the EEC that apply to your desired trip, you determine you need an accommodation in order to meet the EEC, please contact us prior to registering to discuss your requested accommodation.
The EEC exist for your own safety and the safety and enjoyment of all participants. If you are unable to meet the EEC for the trip, with or without an accommodation, you are not eligible for that trip. If you register and arrive for a trip for which you do not meet the EEC, you will be disqualified from participation on the trip and will be dismissed or evacuated from the trip without a refund.
Guide Working Parameters
Guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24-hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time, etc. uninterrupted for a minimum of 8 hours each night. We ask guests to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ off time and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.
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
Weather in Alaska
This trip covers a dramatic diversity of terrain from coastal areas to mountains and tundra to glaciers. The weather will be largely dependent on which ecosystem you’re at the moment hiking in, so it’s best to be prepared for a range of temperatures and conditions. Read below for average high and low temperatures in different parts of the Alaska:
| Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit) | ||||||||
|
Month
|
Denali
|
Kenai
|
||||||
|
hi
|
low
|
Precip
|
hi
|
low
|
Precip
|
|||
|
June
|
53°
|
41°
|
2.42 in
|
58°
|
46°
|
5.2 in
|
||
|
July
|
56°
|
45°
|
3.12 in
|
61°
|
50°
|
7.1 in
|
||
|
August
|
51°
|
41°
|
3.01 in
|
61°
|
55°
|
8.8 in
|
||
|
September
|
41°
|
31°
|
1.74 in
|
55°
|
49°
|
13.3 in
|
||
Accommodations
Grande Denali Hotel
0-2 Nights
The Grande Denali Lodge is perched on Sugarloaf Mountain near the entrance to Denali National Park. The main lodge features classic log architecture with a stately rock fireplace and vaulted ceilings. The lodge offers spacious guest rooms with canyon or hillside views.
Denali Cabins
0-2 Nights
Nestled in the dramatic landscapes of Denali National Park and Preserve, and only eight miles from the park entrance, these wonderful cabins are the ideal base camp to embark on our Denali adventure. Beautifully tucked away from the busy-ness of the park entrance, this property boasts 46 private cedar cabins surrounded by wilderness. Before and after our hikes, we’ll unwind, relax at these amazing accommodations. (wifi, private bathrooms/showers)
Denali Crows Nest Cabins
0-2 Nights
At the Denali Crows Nest Cabins you’ll enjoy private log cabins with beautiful, hand crafted log interiors and a pristine mountain setting. The cabins come with premium pillow top beds, a flat panel TV, and charming mountain furnishings. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom and shower. (wifi, private bathrooms/showers)
Mat-Su Resort
1 Night
Mat-Su Resort is a boutique hotel on the shores of a gorgeous lake with sweeping views of the Chugach Mountain Range, one of Alaska’s most famous ranges. It has 12 rooms, all with modern amenities and either a balcony view or a front veranda so you can soak up the beauty of Alaska.
Bear Creek Lodge
1 Night
Bear Creek Lodge is a cozy, rustic, very authentic retreat in the wilds of Alaska. We enjoy their private cabins with backcountry feel and their majestic property for only one night, but we wish it could be more. The rustic cabins are nestled between a majestic pond and rushing mountain stream, and the on sight restaurant is a guest favorite. Please note this lodge does not have private bathrooms and showers, but the communal area is very clean. (shared bathrooms and showers, wifi in the restaurant, cell service, sauna)
Seward Windsong Lodge
2 Nights
Alongside the shores of the Resurrection River, on the edge of Chugach National Forest and not far from Exit Glacier, this wonderful lodge is a pristine retreat that perfectly shows off The North’s wild beauty. Minutes from the bustling town of Seward and the iconic landscapes of Kenai Fjords National Park, Windsong’s tranquil setting offers a quiet and cozy escape between exhilarating days of hiking and exploration. (private bathrooms/showers, wifi)
*These exact accommodations are not guaranteed. In some instances alternative accommodations of similar quality and location may be used
Trip Reviews
- SORT BY:
- Most recent
- LOW - HIGH
- HIGH - LOW
Gregg W
Wonderful Tour
This was a wonderful hike to see different parts of the Alaska interior as opposed to a cruise.
Andy L
Excellent Tour
The Alaska Tour was excellent. Great combination of hiking, sightseeing (optional add-ons), and exposure to two extraordinary National Parks. Our guide - Drew - was engaged and provided top quality meals.
Catherine F
Fantastic
The trip with Beau was fantastic. Really enjoyed the itinerary and thoughtfulness of Beau in making the trip a wonderful experience for all of us. The participants were all easy to travel with which also made the experience enjoyable. Definitely would take another Wildland trip.
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