Kenai & Denali Journey Itinerary

Kenai & Denali Journey | Arrival: Arrive in Alaska at least the day before your trip begins and plan to overnight in Anchorage.

Kenai & Denali Journey | Day 1: Meet your Trip Leader and fellow travelers at 8:00 a.m. in the hotel lobby (meeting location confirmed with reservation). Enjoy a scenic drive south along Turnagain Arm and through the Chugach National Forest to the quaint community of Cooper Landing. Gear up and raft into the heart of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge; along the way, watch for moose, bears, bald eagles and other bird species. The Kenai River is famous for its salmon and, depending on the time of your visit, you may witness their incredible spawning runs. A delicious picnic lunch will be served along the river or on the shore of Skilak Lake. Arrive at Kenai Backcountry Lodge in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodations. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (L,D)

Kenai & Denali Journey | Day 2: Spend a full day exploring the remote wilderness of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge. 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. Return to the lodge in the afternoon and enjoy the wood-fired sauna or simply relax at the lodge. Depending on the weather, options for the evening may include an exploration of the lake by sturdy touring kayak or a fireside natural history presentation by one of the lodge's guides. Overnight at Kenai Backcountry Lodge. (B,L,D)

Kenai & Denali Journey | Day 3: Begin the journey north through the scenic Chugach National Forest and Chugach State Park to Talkeetna, gateway to the Alaska Range. En route, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch. Take to the skies on an optional flightseeing tour of Mount 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)

Kenai & Denali Journey | Day 4: Continue traveling north to Denali National Park. Seek out the park's highlights as you travel along the Denali Park Road via private bus; watch for caribou, moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears, resident and migratory birds and, weather permitting, Denali, the tallest peak in North America. Upon arrival at Kantishna Roadhouse have dinner and settle into your cozy cabin accommodations deep within Denali National Park. (B,L,D)

Kenai & Denali Journey | Day 5: Enjoy a full day of exploration and hiking in the Kantishna region of Denali National Park. Activities available at the Kantishna Roadhouse include guided hiking, natural history programs, gold panning, dog sled demonstrations and mountain biking. Flightseeing tours may be offered during your stay at the lodge. This activity is weather and space-dependent and does not require advance reservations. Overnight at Kantishna Roadhouse. (B,L,D)

Kenai & Denali Journey | Day 6: Following an early breakfast, embark on a return Denali scenic drive and watch for wildlife while heading for the park entrance. Say farewell to your Trip Leader and board the Alaska Railroad back to Anchorage arriving at approximately 8:30 p.m. Lunch and dinner are available for purchase on the train. (B)

Kenai & Denali Journey | 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.