Alaska: From Fairbanks to Anchorage
South Central Alaska
Hiking & wildlife viewing, with a day of whitewater rafting
Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
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
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 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.
Trip Resources
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.
Overnight: River's Edge Resort, Fairbanks (D)
Hiking: 2.1 miles round trip, 564-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)
Hiking: 4-7 miles, 1,000-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, L, D)
Overnight: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (B, D)
Hiking: 6.5 miles, 1,030 elevation gain. Overnight: Talkeetna Inn (B, L, D)
Hiking: 3.20 miles round trip, 632-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Talkeetna Inn (B, L)
Driving time: 3.5 hours. Hiking: 4 miles round trip, 335-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Aloft, Anchorage (B, L, D)
(B)
4.7
(16 reviews)*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.
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.
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.
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.
Connecting with someone I had hiked with before, meeting new folks and the variety of activities.
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.
Great travel partners and guides
Just being in Alaska is enough of a highlight.
The scenery was outstanding. And the guides were perfect, as always.
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'.
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.
This was one of the best trips I have taken with AGC. Scout and Sherry did a fabulous job.
Denali NP
-
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.
You Might Also Like
Fall in the Great Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smokies are known for spectacular fall foliage and beautiful fall weather with crisp days and cool nights! The human history is fascinating and the diversity of flora and fauna is truly exceptional. And by mixing our hiking with a day of whitewater rafting, we experience the full spectrum of the extraordinary variety of ecosystems that exist here. Everyone gets her own private room in our huge luxury cabin on this trip.
7 Days
Book Now
Autumn on the Superior Hiking Trail
North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota
This trail combines a true sense of remoteness with an incredible diversity of terrain and dramatic scenery. At the height of fall colors we explore various sections of the trail, as well as different accommodations on the shores of Lake Superior. With the option of two hikes of different lengths each day, this is a perfect getaway vacation for women who enjoy fall hiking and hospitable lodging.
6 Days
Book Now
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries
Dahlonega, GA
North Georgia is known for its gorgeous and rugged mountains, its towering waterfalls, and its ... wineries! Turns out the soil, climate, and elevation are not only great for hiking, they're also perfect for growing grapes for wine. So, on this four-day getaway, we combine hiking to waterfalls with opportunities to visit wineries, learn about wine, and sample some of the wonderful cuisine that can also be found here.
4 Days
Book Now
Slackpacking Maine
Millinocket, Maine
Have you been excited to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, but you just cannot see carrying a heavy pack and sleeping in shelters without a hot shower? We have the perfect solution- slackpacking! Hike a new section every day and get picked up at the end for a hot meal, shower, and a comfortable bed in a hostel. We've been doing the first section of the Appalachian Trail this way for years; so we decided we also needed to add the 100 mile wilderness in Maine - the last stretch of the Appalachian trail.
8 Days
Book Now
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Spring weather is notoriously fickle in the Great Smokies, but spring wildflowers are not! The diversity of flora and fauna is truly exceptional and your guides know where to find the best wildflowers and the most spectacular views. And by mixing our hiking with a day of whitewater rafting, we experience the full spectrum of the extraordinary variety of ecosystems that exist here. Everyone gets her own private room in our huge luxury cabin on this trip.
7 Days
Book Now
Slackpacking Vermont
Rutland, VT
The Appalachian Trail covers 150 miles in Vermont with about 100 miles of the trail coinciding with the Long Trail along the crest of the rugged Green Mountains. We'll cover approximately 50 miles, returning at the end of the day to our lodging near the small town of Plymouth, VT. You'll hike significant mileage on this trip - between 7.5 and 12 miles each day, which requires being in excellent physical condition.
7 Days
Book Now
Exploring the Big South Fork
Big South Fork, TN
Hidden away in a remote corner of Kentucky and Tennessee is a geologic and natural wonder. The Big South Fork, overseen by the National Park Service as a natural river and recreation area, is full of incredible features. Waterfalls, soaring cliffs, caves, sandstone arches, forests, rivers, and lakes abound in this truly unique and incredible place.
7 Days
Book Now
Hiking through History in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, VA
Shenandoah National Park straddles the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains as they run north and south for over 100 miles. Embracing rolling hills, quiet hollows, abrupt hillsides, and verdant forests, the Park contains over 450 miles of hiking trails - all absolutely gorgeous in every season. We spend our days hiking this beautiful park and ‘come home’ to warm beds and hot food at the end of every day. The human history of the park is also very interesting, and we'll learn about the people who inhabited this area for years as we hike through Shenandoah.
6 Days
Book Now
Slackpacking Massachusetts
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Have you been dying to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, but you just cannot see carrying a heavy pack and sleeping in shelters without a hot shower? We have the perfect solution- slackpacking! Hike a new section every day and get picked up at the end for a hot meal, shower, and a comfortable bed in a modern lodgings.
8 Days
Book Now
Elevated Hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail
North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota
This trail combines a true sense of remoteness with an incredible diversity of terrain and dramatic scenery. Together, we will explore various sections of the trail, as well as different accommodations on the shores of Lake Superior. With significant mileage covered each day, this is a perfect getaway vacation for women who enjoy long days of hiking and hospitable lodging.
7 Days
Book Now
