Run Wild in Alaska

Day 1: Anchorage Away!

Arriving in Anchorage by mid-afternoon, we will gather the group for an introductory happy hour and dinner. Then, with no time to waste, we’ll head out of the big city and into the wild and sprawling territory of Denali. A warm welcome, and a fresh homemade dessert, will be waiting for us at the Denali Overlook Inn, our deluxe bed-and- breakfast lodge with a wide-open view of the Alaska range.

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Day 2: Talkeetna

Our first day exploring takes us into the historic town of Talkeetna, a tiny town that has a lot of activity. Not only is this the gateway for most Denali climbing expeditions, it is also a hub of water-based activities (fishing, kayaking, jet boating) at the convergence of three major glacial rivers. In fact, our morning adventure is a wild and exciting jet boat ride, deep into Denali State Park, with a naturalist who can identify and explain the flora and fauna along the riverbanks, as well as the rich history of the area and its early settlers.

 In the afternoon, we’ll explore Talkeetna and then head back to the Denali Overlook Inn for a good a home-cooked dinner. With daylight to spare, we may even take a nice late-night hike around the lake before settling in.

Day 3: Talkeetna to Denali National Park

We press further north today, into Denali National Park. With more than 6 million acres, it’s a vast unspoiled wilderness of braided rivers, massive peaks, and abundant wildlife. And it’s Alaska’s most popular land attraction. Upon arrival, we’ll stop by the visitor center, but then quickly escape the crowds by taking a private naturalist-led hiking tour into a more remote area of the park.

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After the hike, we’ll check into our cozy cabins at The Crow’s Nest, cleverly hidden in the hillside just outside the Denali Park entrance. But, of course, the day doesn’t end here. We’ll have plenty of time for pedaling or paddling into the evening before stopping for pizza.

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Day 4: Mt. Healy Overlook Trail

This is our big hiking day. Starting near the Denali National Park Visitor Center, this trail quickly rises above it all. Our all-day trek starts with a moderate climb through the forest. The forest eventually gives way to the tundra. As we get closer to the top, the landscape opens up, giving us sweeping views of the park below, the Nenana River Valley, and the mountains all around. From the top, we may even get an above-the- clouds peek at the summit of Denali. (Hike is approximately 7 miles roundtrip, with about 2,400’ in elevation gain).

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A day like this must end with beer. From here, it’s onto the fun and funky 49th State Brewing Company.

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Day 5: Return to Anchorage

After a stop for breakfast at our favorite Black Bear Café, we’ll roll south back to Anchorage. Even though it’s technically our rest day, many of us will still want to get out and about. Probably the best way to see the city is by bike, and the 11-mile Coastal Trail hits all the highlights. Rental bikes can easily be found, in fact they are right outside the front door of our quaint downtown bed-and- breakfast, the Copper Whale Inn. Great local restaurants, and interesting museums, are within a short walk.

Day 6: Scenic Drive to Seward

We hit the road again, and this one – over mountain passes, through forests, and along a majestic coastline – is considered one of the most beautiful of our nation’s scenic highways. We’ll start right in on it after breakfast and by lunchtime we’ll be at the Seward Boat Harbor enjoying a view of Resurrection Bay. By afternoon we’ll be ice hiking on a glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park.

At the start, our trail is a paved path leading away from the visitor center. Things quickly get interesting as we climb about 1.5 miles to the very edge of Exit Glacier. There, we don crampons, ice axes and helmets (provided) so we can safely traverse and explore its icy, undulating surface.

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Lodging in Seward will be at the historic Exit Glacier Lodge and dinner will be at the adjoining Salmon Bake Restaurant and Pub.

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Day 7: Pedaling and Paddling in Seward

To see some of the most remarkable sights of the Kenai Peninsula requires a day on the water. Our day is unique, involving both sea kayaks and fat tire bicycles. The guided kayaking excursion will start with a water taxi ride across Resurrection Bay to Bear Glacier cove, where our kayaks await. After a brief orientation for beginners, we’ll spend a couple of hours paddling calm waters surrounded by immense glaciers, floating icebergs, marine wildlife and incredible mountain views before returning by water taxi to Seward.

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In Seward, we’ll join up with a local cycling guide for an exciting low-tide ride through the bay on fat bikes. As a life-long, year-round resident of Seward resident, our guide knows the territory well and has fascinating stories to tell about this colorful community. We’ll undoubtedly hear more from the locals we meet around the bar this evening at Chinook’s on the waterfront.

Day 8: Seward to Anchorage

After an exhilarating morning hike up Mt. Marathon to a jaw-dropping viewpoint overlooking Seward, the bay and the mountains, we can indulge ourselves in a leisurely lunch and one last look around town before starting our scenic drive back to Anchorage. With evening departures and overnight flights we’ll be arriving home early the next day.