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"We will never forget this amazing experience and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the combined experience of "roughing it" in tents, interspersed with nights in cabins and (welcome!) hot showers! We especially enjoyed the evening activities (storytelling, reading) led by our guides."
~ Chris & Jane M. |
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Arrival: Plan to arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage. On the first day of your trip, plan to meet your Trip Leader at 1:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed at time of reservation).
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Day 1: Meet your guides and fellow travelers at 1:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed at time of reservation). Enjoy a scenic drive along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing, home to our Kenai Riverside Lodge. Arrive at the lodge in time for dinner and trip orientation. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (D)
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Day 2: Enjoy a scenic drive to the coastal town of Seward and embark on a full day small boat exploration of Kenai Fjords National Park. Explore a coast rich in wildlife and scenic beauty as you search for whales, Dall's porpoises, sea lions, otters, puffins, and more. Photograph twilight-blue glaciers as they creak and crash toward the sea. Overnight at Kenai Riverside Lodge. (B,L,D)
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Day 3: Raft down the scenic Kenai River into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. Along the way, watch for moose, bald eagles and other bird species, and salmon. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon, and depending on the time of your visit, you may witness the incredible spawning runs. A gourmet picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Motor across turquoise Skilak Lake for a late afternoon arrival to your home for the next two nights: the remote Kenai Backcountry Lodge. This evening, settle into your private accommodations, and enjoy the rustically elegant setting in the wilderness. (B,L,D)
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Day 4: A full day to enjoy this remote setting. Hike a secluded trail and travel through several fascinating ecological communities. At the top of the trail, explore the tundra and enjoy great views of the lake and surrounding wilderness. Or explore the lake by boat, stopping for scenic views and short walks. (B,L,D)
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Day 5: Depart Kenai Backcountry Lodge after breakfast and journey north through the scenic Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mt. McKinley (Denali) and its adjacent glacial canyons, or wander through "downtown" Talkeetna and learn about mountaineering and the town's history. Overnight in Talkeetna. (B,L,D)
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Day 6: Continue the journey north and arrive at Denali National Park. Enjoy a casual afternoon hike on the beautiful Horseshoe Lake Trail on your own (maps provided by your Trip Leader). In the late afternoon, your guides will pick you up and take you to the group campsite for a wonderful dinner in Alaska's backcountry. Overnight at Savage River Campground. (B,L,D)
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Day 7: Catch the shuttle bus for a scenic drive and wildlife search through the park. Watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident & migratory birds, and weather permitting, Denali itself. If you would like to also take a hike, pick out an area to explore and ride the bus a shorter distance; your guides will suggest hiking options appropriate for your energy level. Overnight at Savage River Campground. (B,L,D) On Days 7 and 8, while Park regulations limit our guides from leading hikes inside the Park, your guides will facilitate self-guided hiking parties to match your level of adventure.
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Day 8: Enjoy another full day of exploration and hiking within the park. Return to the park entrance, where your guides will take you to your accommodations for the night. Overnight at comfortable cabin accommodations with linens, hot showers, and view of the scenic Nenana River. (B,L,D)
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Day 9: After breakfast, visit the renowned Husky Homestead, home to dogsled teams raised and raced by Jeff King, recognized as the most "Winningest Musher in the World." Get the chance to learn more about the local sport of dogsled racing while meeting new pups that will become future sledding stars. Following lunch, bid farewell to your guides and board the Alaska Railroad bound for Anchorage, arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m. Lunch, dinner, and transfers not included. Lunch and dinner are available for purchase on the train. (B)
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Departure: You will arrive at the Anchorage train depot by approximately 8:30 p.m. on the last day of your journey. We recommend you spend this night in Anchorage. See the "Alaska Travel Information" section of your Trip Planning Booklet for recommended lodging. If you choose to fly home this night, we suggest you book a flight that departs after 11:30 p.m., in case of possible transportation delays.
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Note: We do not expect any major changes from this schedule. However, in the spirit of adventure, we allow our itinerary to remain flexible so that we may take advantage of spontaneous events.
Trip Price: Prices are in U.S. dollars, per person, double occupancy, plus tax. For triple and quad, deduct $100. For solo, add 25% to cost of double. Ask about choices for upgrading to a Log Cabin while at Kenai Backcountry Lodge, space available. Trip price includes pick-up and return transportation to Anchorage, best of gear and equipment, meals as noted above in detailed itinerary, lodging, and full guide services during your entire stay. Trip price does not include Borough tax, flightseeing, sleeping bag rental, beer, wine, or liquor, or gratuities to staff.
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* Jul 03 to Jul 11
Aug 14 to Aug 22
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Adult $3,995
Youth (12-18) $2,995
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* Dates in red are sold out at this time. Please call us to learn about comparable trips, custom options, or to be placed on wait list. |
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