ADULT ONLY

Kenai Fjords & Denali Adventure

  • 8 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 3
    • Activity Level 3

      Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Anchorage
  • Trip End: Anchorage
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Seek out epic scenery, thriving wildlife and untamed beauty on this true Alaskan adventure

An unforgettable adventure awaits you in Alaska – America’s last great frontier. From the crystal glacial waters of Kenai Fjords National Park to the epic expanse of Denali National Park and the wild wonders in between, this is the Alaskan adventure of your dreams! 

Begin your journey with a daylong narrated cruise of glacial waters of Kenai Fjords. Hike the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail for astounding views of the glacier, or challenge yourself to hike to the expansive Harding Icefield. Raft the Class II+ rapids of Kenai River Canyon with an expert guide at the helm. Hike Denali National Park to discover its enduring allure for yourself. 

Guided by seasoned experts who know the terrain, history and uniqueness of these lands, you’ll set off by land and sea (and air if you wish!) to discover the wildlife, untouched landscapes and untamed beauty of Alaska.

Austin Adventures operates in part under a special use permit with the Chugach National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Kenai Fjords & Denali Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Anchorage Trip End: Anchorage

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Meet group in Anchorage, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Cruise

  • Day 2Hike Exit Glacier Overlook Trail or Harding Icefield Trail

  • Day 3Kenai River Canyon Rafting Trip

  • Day 4Anchorage Exploration & Talkeetna

  • Day 5Hike Talkeetna Lake and Kayak Byers Lake, optional Denali Flightseeing

  • Day 6Denali Backcountry Adventure

  • Day 7Hike Triple Lakes Trail

  • Day 8Exploring Denali State Park, say your goodbyes!

  • Day 1

    Meet group in Anchorage, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Cruise

    #55860

    The Alaska of your dreams comes to life today! You’ll drive about two hours south to the town of Seward – the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.

    Here, you’ll board a boat for a six-hour narrated cruise of the glacial waters of Resurrection Bay, the Gulf of Alaska and Aialik Bay. Keep your eyes peeled for puffins, whales, sea lions, harbor seals, eagles and the epic crashing of glacial calving as you sail along the wonders of Kenai Fjords National Park.
    Accommodation: Seward Windsong Lodge or Harbor 360 Hotel
    Meals:
    Lunch, Dinner

    Cruise: 6 hours

  • Day 2

    Hike Exit Glacier Overlook Trail or Harding Icefield Trail

    #55861

    A full day of exploring the land side of Kenai Fjords National Park is on tap today. Enjoy a moderate hike of the Exit Glacier Overlook Trail for stunning views of Exit Glacier and the valley it has ever so slowly carved.

    Or, if you’re up for a challenge, opt to hike the Harding Icefield Trail; where you’ll start at the valley floor and gain more than 3,000 feet in elevation as you hike among alders, cottonwood trees and picture-perfect meadows on your way to behold the park’s icy crown – the Harding Icefield. The trip may be challenging, but the views will be the thing leaving you breathless!
    Accommodation: Seward Windsong Lodge or Harbor 360 Hotel
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: Up to 8 miles (13 kilometers)

  • Day 3

    Kenai River Canyon Rafting Trip

    #55862

    Today chill meets thrill as you spend a full day exploring the turquoise waters of Kenai River Canyon via raft. Expert guides navigate and handle the rowing for you, allowing you to relax and watch the wilderness unfold before you.

    Your trip begins with a scenic float, where you’ll search for wildlife like moose, eagles and salmon. Then, as the terrain shifts, you’ll get your blood pumping in Class II+ mild rapids, ending in the calm, cool waters of a glacier-carved lake. You’ll stop midway on your rafting excursion to enjoy a picnic lunch at the water's edge.
    Accommodation: Springhill Suites Anchorage Midtown
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Rafting: 5-6 hours

  • Day 4

    Anchorage Exploration & Talkeetna

    #55863

    After a full three days of exploration around Kenai Fjords, take the morning to relax or explore Anchorage on your own at the Anchorage Museum or perhaps a walk along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail with forested hills, coastal marshes, and resident wildlife including eagles and moose.

    After lunch in downtown Anchorage, we’ll head toward Talkeetna for a relaxing evening and dinner on your own.
    Accommodation: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch

  • Day 5

    Hike Talkeetna Lake and Kayak Byers Lake, optional Denali Flightseeing

    #55864

    Your morning, your choice! Lace up your hiking shoes for a walk around Talkeetna Lake, an easy 4-mile trail full of wildlife, songbirds and blooming wildflowers.

    Or, if you’re up for an adventure, you can choose a flightseeing trip of Denali for an additional cost. Board a 10-passenger plane and get a bird’s-eye view of the Alaska Range, including the south, east, and west faces of Denali and its sister peaks, Mt. Hunter and Mt. Foraker. You’ll spend an hour and fifteen minutes in the air, taking in the iconic features of the landscape like horizon-spanning glaciers, stunning icefalls, and soaring peaks. Touch down on a glacier and spend a half hour walking around and beholding the epic scale and jaw-dropping beauty of this untouched wilderness. Fly back with memories that will last a lifetime.

    In the afternoon, you’ll make your way north to Denali State Park for kayaking at Byers Lake. End your day at your new basecamp, just minutes from the expansive Denali National Park.
    Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge or similar
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: Up to 4 miles (6.5 kilometers)
    Kayaking: Up to 2 hours

  • Day 6

    Denali Backcountry Adventure

    #55865

    Fuel your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a backcountry adventure into Denali National Park. This full-day adventure (5-6 hours) spans 40+ miles of rugged territory as you keep your eyes peeled for Denali’s Big 5 – bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. You’ll make frequent stops along the way to take in the stunning scenery and snap photos of wildlife.

    Enjoy lunch during the day’s exploration before returning to the hotel to enjoy an evening on your own.
    Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge or similar
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  • Day 7

    Hike Triple Lakes Trail

    #55866

    The longest established trail in Denali National Park, Triple Lakes Trail is surprisingly secluded, offering you a true backcountry hike feel just minutes away from civilization.

    Today, you’ll hike the well-maintained trails (9 miles one way or 6 miles out and back), exploring the beauty of the forests and searching for wildlife like industrious beavers and stoic moose. This evening, look back on your Alaskan adventure with old and newfound friends at a lovely local restaurant.
    Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge or similar
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Hiking: Up to 9 miles (14.5 kilometers)

  • Day 8

    Exploring Denali State Park, say your goodbyes!

    #55867

    On our way back to Anchorage we will stop off for one more hike together at Denali State Park. As we make our way up above the trees we will be treated to views of the surrounding wilderness and potentially one last glimpse of Denali.

    Afterwards we will enjoy lunch before driving back to Anchorage for fond farewells. We hope the memories and friendships made on your Alaskan adventure last a lifetime!
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals:
    Breakfast, Lunch

    Hiking: 3 miles (5 kilometers)

Kenai Fjords & Denali Adventure Departure Dates

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What's Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your trip
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip 
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Special ‘Wow!’ moments you'll never forget
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities 
  • All park and other entry fees 
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.

*Terms & conditions apply – read more here

 

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip, our two pick-up locations are The Lakefront Anchorage at 7:45am or the Anchorage Marriott Downtown at 8am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of these hotels directly or any other hotel in Anchorage, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Anchorage International Airport at 6pm in time for flights below or at a hotel of your choice in Anchorage around 6:30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Anchorage at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Anchorage after 8pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Alaska. We prefer to stay in accommodations close to the park and our activities for the day that are comfortable after a full day of exploration.

While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to not have to do laundry during your trip. If needed the best time will be in Denali on Days 5-7.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness for this trip though you’ll be hiking on gentle to moderate trails and can still enjoy the scenery and relaxation. Typically, hikes range between two and four hours to complete, more, or less hiking is available too.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What should I bring with me on the first day?

When you speak with your guides the night before your trip, they will give you a detailed description of what to bring with you on Day 1. Typically, this includes a day pack with your rain jacket, sunglasses, hat, camera, etc. Anything you want easy access to during the day should go in your day pack as the rest of your luggage will go in the locked cargo trailer pulled behind the van. Your guides will provide you with a water bottle on the first morning of your trip and will always have water available for refills. There will be snacks available at all times in the van. Your guides will also have bug spray and sunscreen accessible for you to use.

Will I have contact with my guides before the trip starts?

Your guides will call your cell phone the night before your trip begins to touch base on the first day’s plan. If they don’t get through to you, they will leave a voicemail on your cell phone with all the details you need to plan for your first morning.

What are your recommended guide gratuity guidelines?

You will have 2-3 guides on your Austin Adventure (depending on group size). We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per guide. Typically, gratuities are offered by check or cash in local currency on the final morning of the trip and can either be given to each guide individually or to one guide to be equally distributed. Most of our guides these days also accept gratuities via Venmo (please note this app does not work in Canada). All dining, housekeeping and activity tips are included in your trip price.

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