Alaska and Denali Camping: Wilderness & Wildlife

Now's the time to explore the United States on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Lace up your hiking boots, charge up those camera batteries (or your phone), and stoke your adventurous spirit. You'll be one with the land on this nine-day Alaskan tour that's made for active nature lovers. Go kayaking (paddles up!) in the coastal town of Valdez, camp under the bright night sky in the remote Alaskan wilderness, and hike among wildlife and incredible scenery in Denali National Park. Do it all with a small group of worldly wanderers that like to stray from the beaten path as much as you do.

Day 1 Anchorage
Arrive at any time.

Welcome to America’s Last Frontier. Tonight channel all of the excitement of arriving in a new place by heading out on the town with your CEO and crew. Hang out and have some beers at Humpy's or 49 State Brewing Co and enjoy an evening filled with laughter, fun, and excitement as your adventure begins.

Day 2 Anchorage/Valdez
Travel to Valdez, a quintessential Alaskan coastal town surrounded by impressive mountains and full of great places to explore. This tiny town is a great base for wild adventures in ‘Last Frontier’. Today, will be a long day of travel, but well worth it when you get to stop at places like Matanuska valley, Worthington Glacier, and Thompson Pass along the way.

Day 3 Valdez
Rise and shine! It’s time to get out and explore the coastal town of Valdez. Go off together or set out on a solo adventure through the wilds of Alaska. Hike Thompson’s pass, kayak beside one of the world’s largest tidal glaciers, or if in season catch a glimpse of salmon spawning. This town is a photographer’s dream with the crashing glaciers and towering Chugach Mountains rising from the seas; don’t forget that camera.

Day 4 Valdez/McCarthy
Since every direction in Wrangell-St Elias National Park has a spectacular view you may not know which way to turn first. The good news is you have time to see it all! Stay in the small historic town of McCarthy and try to keep yourself from spinning as you turn every which way to look at the mountains and glaciers; this town has more of them than anywhere else in Alaska.

Day 5 McCarthy
We told you there’d be more time to explore! Take advantage of a full free day to really get deep into Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Choose between taking an optional scenic flight over the park, go for a glacier walk, or try ice climbing. You’re in a stunning new place so why not venture out of that comfort zone. You can also choose to explore the ghost town of Kennecott, hike the Bonanza Mine Trail or the Root Glacier Trail. Either way take some time to reflect and appreciate the ‘Mountain Kingdom of North America’.

Fun fact: this park is actually the largest in the U.S., about 25% larger than Switzerland, and is the convergence point for three mountain ranges!

Day 6 McCarthy/Tangle Lakes
Cruise through wild Copper River Valley on the way to Tangle Lakes. Take a peek at the fishwheels (used for salmon) along the way. Once in Tangle Lakes hop out, stretch your legs, take in the mountain scenery, and get ready to camp under the big sky in the remote Alaskan wilderness.

Day 7 Tangle Lakes/Denali National Park and Preserve
Hop back on the road and enjoy a scenic drive along the Denali Highway, stopping for all those mountain selfies along the way. Pass by the highest mountain in North America, formerly called Mt McKinley. Bask in the awesomeness of this vast wilderness and camp just outside of Denali National Park for the night.

Day 8 Denali National Park and Preserve
Anything seems possible in the vast expanse of wilderness of Denali NP and you’ll have a full day to immerse yourself in it. Head to Eielson Visitor Center, taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife as you go. Get closer with nature on a hike, or choose to go rafting on one of the countless lakes and ponds surrounding you. Share picnic lunches with the group, savouring one another’s company as you enjoy the simple pleasures of food, friends, and gorgeous natural views.

Day 9 Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
Alas, even the most epic trips must come to an end. Gaze out the window as you pass mountains, glaciers, and open sky on your return to Anchorage. Get ready to say “see you later” to your newest adventure buddies and maybe grab one more meal together before heading home.