Alaskan National Parks: Denali and Kenai Fjords - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage

Welcome to Alaska. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation to rest up before your Alaskan adventure begins.

Day 2: Transfer to Kenai Fjords

Rise bright and early this morning to drive along a scenic route to Seward for a midmorning wildlife and glacier cruise.  Enjoy stunning views of the Kenai Fjords' rugged coastline. If you're lucky, you may have the chance to spot local wildlife, including whales, sea lions, sea otters, and puffins.

Enjoy lunch in front of a tidewater glacier before arriving at your remote lodgings. Nestled in a protected tidal lagoon area, your hotel offers miles of pristine beachfront and incredible views of Pedersen Glacier. In the afternoon, meet your guides for orientation before settling into your private cabin. Enjoy dinner at your hotel, and if the mood strikes take a stroll along the coastline beachcombing for natural treasures like sea glass.

Driving time (Anchorage to Seward): 2.5 hours

Day 3: Explore Kenai Fjords 

Today is yours to discover Kenai Fjords. Choose from an array of activities, including hiking, sea kayaking, and canoeing amid pieces of calved glacier. Every activity is guided and is suitable for all ages and experience.

Day 4: Return to Seward - Transfer to Palmer

Take the morning to explore more of the Kenai Fjords National Park before returning to Seward. En route, enjoy a second chance to photograph the sheer cliffs of the fjords, scan for birdlife, and seek out marine wildlife.

Arrive in Seward in time for an early dinner, before heading north to the town of Palmer. 

Driving time (Seward to Palmer): 3.5 hours

Day 5: Fly over Mount Denali or Hike Denali National Park

Today you will have a choice of either flying over Denali National Park or hiking a nine-mile trek of the area.

Fly over Mount Denali to experience a bird’s eye view of the Alaska Range. You will get to see Mount Denali, Mount Hunter, and Mount Foraker, as well as seven glaciers that feature the 45-mile long Kahiltna Glacier. Or, the more athletically inclined may prefer to hike and boulder climb to a waterfall and nearby alpine lakes.

After whichever option you choose, you will make your way north to Denali State Park to stretch your legs at Byers Lake before arriving in time for dinner just outside Denali National Park.

Day 6: Denali National Park

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before boarding a Denali Park Shuttle for a full day excursion of the Park, including a stop to the Eielson Visitor’s Center located at the Park's center (8-9 hours). Along the way, you will stop at significant historical sites and breathtaking viewpoints. Keep an eye out for moose, grizzly bear, and mountain goats.

Make your way to your accommodation and enjoy a quiet evening of relaxation.

Day 7: Trek the Denali wilds with a park ranger

Today you will venture into the park for a ranger-led off-trail hike into the Denali wilderness.

Trek uneven terrain, cross streams and enjoy close encounters with dense vegetation and wildlife. All of your senses will be engaged during this unique walk in the park.

If time allows, cap off your day with a visit to a sled dog kennel to catch a demonstration of the dogs at work.

Day 8: Hike to Triple Lakes - Return to Anchorage - Depart

Take the morning to hike along the eastern border of Denali National Park, walking along the Nenana River, making your way to Triple Lakes.  Along the way, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the Alaskan mountain range as well as plenty of opportunities to see moose feeding.

If time allows, stop at Thunderbird Falls for one last bout of exploration before returning to Anchorage for your flight home.