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Alaska: From Fairbanks to Anchorage
Destination: South Central Alaska
| Activities: Hiking & wildlife viewing, with a day of whitewater rafting
Join us in a journey from Alaska's Golden Heart city, Fairbanks, to its largest, Anchorage, along the historic Parks Highway. Along the way, we'll kayak through Talkeetna's scenic lakes, hike through boreal forests and over alpine tundra, raft a white-water river, and explore unique Alaska treasures, not least of which is Denali National Park and its abundant wildlife. During our week we will discover the wide diversity of Alaska's natural beauty and meet a few of its characters along the way.
NOTE: This is the same itinerary as Alaska: From Anchorage to Fairbanks but in reverse.
Highlights
- Hiking diverse trails in Alaska's interior, to passes, overlooks, lakes, and panoramic views
- Visiting spectacular Denali National Park and quirky Talkeetna
- Seeing an amazing diversity of wildlife, including moose, bear, Dall sheep, caribou, and bald eagles
- Kayak through Talkeetna Lakes Park
Departures and Prices
| June 28 to July 06, 2025 |
| $4895.00 - Available |
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Inclusions
- 1 - 2 experienced AGC guides based on group size
- 8 nights double occupancy lodging
- All activities on the itinerary unless specified as optional at additional cost
- All meals from dinner the first day through breakfast the last with the exception of one lunch and one dinner as specified on the itinerary
- All transport within Alaska
- National Park Entrance fees
Not included: Airfare to Fairbanks or from Anchorage, alcoholic beverages, one dinner and one lunch, guide gratuities, optional activities, travel insurance, items of a personal nature.
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip is designed for women in good health and physical condition who want to see Alaska. We have designed the itinerary to minimize time in the van and all activities are moderate. The rating for this trip is a 3. While the activities are moderate, some of the hiking is on uneven footing and with significant changes in elevation. The trip requires some aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week. Additional endurance exercise may be suggested. There are typically 4 to 6 hours of daily activity. Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5.
On this trip we combine hiking, whitewater rafting, and searching for wildlife that, in Alaska, is distinctly wild. We will combine time in Denali National Park, the best known of Alaska's National Parks, with excursions into some of its hidden corners.
With the exception of the last night in Anchorage, we will be staying at several different family run lodges and hotels in double occupancy rooms with ensuite bathrooms. All are clean, comfortable, and will give you a feel for the real Alaska.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Our trip begins when we meet in the Golden Heart of Alaska, Fairbanks. Plan to arrive at the Fairbanks airport in time to meet the group at 3:00PM and we will enjoy our first of many dinners together. Although the sun technically sets for about three hours on this day, it never really gets dark. You may find yourself soaking and exploring long past your bedtime!
Overnight: River's Edge Resort, Fairbanks (D)
Overnight: River's Edge Resort, Fairbanks (D)
DAY 2
Today we will hit the road toward Denali National Park. We'll hike the Savage River Loop to stretch our legs. We'll travel through a variety of Alaska's ecological biomes and cross the mighty Nenana and Tanana Rivers. Keep your eyes open: moose, bears, beavers and more are all residents of this area, so hopefully we'll get lucky and see them all.
Hiking: 2.1 miles round trip, 564-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, L, D)
Hiking: 2.1 miles round trip, 564-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, L, D)
DAY 3
Today we'll have more time to explore the wonders of Denali National Park. The park Visitor Center and Murie Science Center can teach us a great deal about the area's history, geology, plants, and animals. Once we've educated ourselves, we'll continue our explorations by hiking up Mount Healy for lunch and, hopefully, views of Denali, The Great One. We can choose to bag a peak today, or turn around at a lower elevation - the views are great either way.
Hiking: 5.4 miles round trip, 1,700-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, L, D)
Hiking: 5.4 miles round trip, 1,700-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, L, D)
DAY 4
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we'll set out on the Triple Lakes Trail, a picturesque hike that winds through lush forests and over gentle ridges. As we trek along this scenic route, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home—perhaps we'll catch a glimpse of a majestic moose or a playful fox. In the afternoon, our adventure continues with the Denali Tundra Wilderness tour. This guided excursion takes us deeper into the heart of the wild, offering stunning views of Denali's towering peaks and the sprawling tundra below. As we traverse this rugged landscape, our knowledgeable guide will share insights into the area's unique ecology and the elusive wildlife that thrives here.
Hiking: 4-7 miles, 1,000-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, L, D)
Hiking: 4-7 miles, 1,000-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, L, D)
DAY 5
We'll have today free to pursue our own explorations of Denali. Options include flight seeing, ATV adventures, visiting with sled dogs, local hikes, and much more. After lunch, we'll meet back at our cabins to go rafting. On this splash tour, everyone paddles the boat down a scenic 11 miles stretch. Rafting here is loads of fun with class I, II, and III rapids. There is always a chance of seeing bears, moose, sheep, and caribou. Tonight, we will enjoy a night in at the resort and order pizza as we toast to our adventures of the day.
Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, D)
Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, D)
DAY 6
After a delicious patio breakfast, we’ll load up the vans to drive to Talkeetna (2.5 hours away). While en route, we will take a break to hike through Curry Ridge Trail. We will arrive at Talkeetna Inn before we enjoy a nice dinner together in the nearby town.
Hiking: 6.5 miles, 1,030 elevation gain. Overnight: Talkeetna Inn (B, L, D)
Hiking: 6.5 miles, 1,030 elevation gain. Overnight: Talkeetna Inn (B, L, D)
DAY 7
Today, we’ll embark on a journey through the stunning trails of Talkeetna, where each hike offers awe-inspiring views of the rugged landscape and expansive wilderness. After soaking in the natural beauty, we’ll spend the afternoon kayaking across the serene lakes, enjoying the tranquility and picturesque surroundings. As evening approaches, we’ll have the opportunity to wander through the charming downtown of Talkeetna, discovering unique shops and local treasures along the way. Tonight's dinner is on your own in downtown Talkeetna.
Hiking: 3.20 miles round trip, 632-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Talkeetna Inn (B, L)
Hiking: 3.20 miles round trip, 632-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Talkeetna Inn (B, L)
DAY 8
Load up the vans after breakfast and head to Anchorage. Along the way we will visit one of Alaska's hidden jewels: the Gold Mint Trail located in Hatcher Pass. (Drive time approximately 120 minutes). Home to a historic gold mine, Independence Mine, Hatcher Pass offers splendid opportunities for hiking in alpine tundra while gawking at rugged mountains, glacial erratics, and lichen- covered boulders left behind when the glaciers receded. We'll enjoy a picnic during our hike, and then continue our drive. (Remaining drive time 90 minutes). Tonight we will eat our final dinner together in downtown Anchorage.
Driving time: 3.5 hours. Hiking: 4 miles round trip, 335-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Aloft, Anchorage (B, L, D)
Driving time: 3.5 hours. Hiking: 4 miles round trip, 335-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Aloft, Anchorage (B, L, D)
DAY 9
Sadly, today is the day we have to say goodbye to Alaska. Our hotel has an airport shuttle so you can leave whenever you choose. Or stay a little longer on your own to soak up more of the midnight sun!
(B)
(B)
4.7
(16 reviews)
5
4
3
2
1
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Nancy S.
3 years ago
This was a really great trip. I enjoyed all of the activities that we were involved in. Each hike was different. It was a great experience.
Peggy R.
3 years ago
Alaska was wonderful; a bucket list destination for me. The itinerary was perfect. The guides were very knowledgeable, understanding, and attentive to the needs of the participants.
Janice P.
3 years ago
The effort put forth by our guides to make this trip personal for each and every woman. I never felt just as a generic part of a group, but as a unique part of our wonderful group of women.
Antoinette K.
3 years ago
Connecting with someone I had hiked with before, meeting new folks and the variety of activities.
Susan R.
3 years ago
How spectacular Alaska was. The pictures don't do it justice, but the memories created will last a lifetime. The group of women I travelled with meshed wonderfully. And of course, every trip w/AGC is special because it puts me where i belong....in nature.
Laurie L.
3 years ago
Great travel partners and guides
Patricia D.
5 years ago
Kay S.
5 years ago
Just being in Alaska is enough of a highlight.
Melani E.
5 years ago
The scenery was outstanding. And the guides were perfect, as always.
Luise M.
5 years ago
I felt that the rating of a 2 for this trip was lowered because of others inability to keep up on the hikes. I had increased my workouts to make sure that I was fit enough to keep up and some of our hikes were slowed down and shortened -- and I found that very disappointing. One guide would also alert us if there was mud on the trail so we wouldn't slip! At times I felt like I was on a 'senior tour'.
Patricia D.
5 years ago
Erin L.
5 years ago
THis trip was extremely well planned and well paced. it had a great variety of activities. It was exactly as advertised. Also appreciated the 1/2 day where we could do our own thing. I did flight seeing which was awesome.
Lourdes P.
5 years ago
Gina W.
5 years ago
Mary F.
5 years ago
This was one of the best trips I have taken with AGC. Scout and Sherry did a fabulous job.
Terrie V.
5 years ago
Denali NP
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Where do we eat?
Most of your meals will be at your lodging or at restaurants where you can order off the menu; the guides will prepare some of the meals. Most lunches will be packed lunches or picnic style. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
We can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-intolerant although we can not guarantee a completely gluten-free diet, if we know well in advance. If you're severely allergic or if you have other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. If you're vegan, you may want to bring some additional protein bars. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we'll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging. - Can you tell me more about the trail conditions and fitness required for this trip?
Your trip in Alaska is filled with hiking and sightseeing! Alaska is known for its expansive vistas and Wild West feel. In other words, it is not just 'a walk in the park' and does require a certain level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the experience. The trails and terrain you will encounter will be well developed trails with rocky terrain and the occasional steep section with un-even footing. The hikes will have a combination of woodland and wide open nature areas; even though we are very far north the sun can be strong - don't forget your sunscreen! You will be spending between 2-6 hours each day hiking. To fully enjoy your trip, please continue your regular fitness program and consider adding some of the suggestions below.
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