Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias

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enquire now 7 Days From NZD $2,899 pp twinshare
 Small group
 Terms & Conditions apply

From glacier hikes to old abandoned mining towns, this trip has a little bit of everything. Fall deeper into the wilds of Alaska on this seven-day tour that really gets you out into the varied landscapes of the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Enjoy a more active pace and set out on hikes that will have you walking on glaciers and witnessing incredible mountain scenery in no time.

  • Hike along the Worthington Glacier
  • Fall in love with the scenery in Valdez
  • Get on the water with a guided kayaking excursion on Glacier Lake
  • Explore at leisure in McCarthy
  • Walk the Bonanza Mine trail in Wrangell-St Elias National Park
  • Camp under the stars

ITINERARY

Day  1 Anchorage/Valdez

After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, travel to the Matanuska Recreation Site where you will be able to view the glacier along the interpretive nature trail. After a picnic lunch the group will continue travelling onward to Valdez where you will have the opportunity to walk and visit the Worthington Glacier. Set up camp in the evening and have dinner as a group around the fire.

Day  2 Valdez

What’s in store today will certainly be an adventure. After a quick breakfast at camp head to Glacier Lake in Valdez where you’ll go on a hike and guided kayak tour of the lake. If you have yet to set your eyes on an iceberg, this might just be your chance. This gorgeous lake in Valdez is often home to large chunks of floating ice coming from the Valdez Glacier. With great views and miles of open water to paddle there’s no better way to get in touch with nature.

Upon returning to camp you’ll have free time to walk, journal, hang out with friends, and simply relax while keeping warm by the fire.

Day  3 Valdez/McCarthy

You’ll spend time today in a private vehicle en route to McCarthy, but don’t worry there will be plenty of epic road trip worthy stops along the way. First up is a stop at Thompson’s Pass viewpoint to start the day with stunning vistas. As you continue driving highway 10 there will be plenty of quick stops at worthy viewpoints all along the Copper River. Then enjoy a visit to Liberty Falls State Recreation Site where you can stretch your legs and visit the falls, which plunge 20 ft into the Liberty Creek. Continue along the scenic highway to McCarthy. Stop and see the fish wheels at Kuskulana River Canyon and Bridge, along Gilahina River, and at Gilahina Trestle Wayside. Arrive in McCarthy, visit the town, maybe catch some live music before setting up camp and having dinner as a group around the fire.

Day  4 McCarthy

Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and spend the day hiking along the Bonanza Mine trail. A hike that includes stunning scenery, a trek to the top of a mountain and 1930’s mining ruins all in a frontier Alaskan setting. Coming in at 9 miles total, the hike is strenuous, but with the views you’ll be admiring, you might not notice at all. In the evening relax back at camp and have dinner as a group.

Day  5 McCarthy

Hiking is unique in its ability to nourish the body and the mind, but it’s nice to have a free day every now and then to let your body recover and your mind wander. Spend today in McCarthy choosing from a variety of optional activities to keep you busy. Head out on a guided ice walk tour, visit the Kennicott Mills Town on a guided tour, hop on a scenic flight of the national park, or set out on a rafting trip. Unwind at camp in the evening and talk about your adventures.

Day  6 McCarthy/Glennallen

Leave McCarthy behind and travel along a scenic highway to Glennallen. There will be stops along the way to embark on short hikes that lead to lakes, streams, or fishing holes. Visit the Copper Visitor Center and go for short walks in the area while there and make sure not to miss the amazing viewing platform that can be reached from the Visitor Center. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening staying at-and exploring-Alaska’s oldest continually operating roadhouse.

Day  7 Glennallen/Anchorage

In the morning transfer with the group from Glennallen to Anchorage, tour ends on arrival.

What’s Included

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting – Meet Your CEO and Group. Visit to Matanuska Recreation Site. Worthington Glacier hike. Glacier Lake guided hiking and kayaking trip. Stop at Liberty Falls Recreation Site. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park visit. Bonanza Mine trail hike. Free time in McCarthy for optional activities. Copper Visitor Center trip. National Park entrance fees. All transport between destination and to/from included activities.

Highlights

Hike along the Worthington Glacier, Fall in love with the scenery in Valdez, Get on the water with a guided kayaking excursion on Glacier Lake, Explore at leisure in McCarthy, Walk the Bonanza Mine trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Camp under the stars.

 

Images courtesy of G Adventures 

GADV – NUVM

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