Kenai Fjords & Denali National Parks 2024/2025

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 3Float/Raft the Kenai River & Explore Anchorage
Day 4Train to Talkeetna & Birch Tapping
Day 5Kayak Byers Lake, optional Denali Flightseeing
Day 6Denali Exploration
Day 7Hike Triple Lakes Trail
Day 8Exploring Denali State Park, say your goodbyes!

Day 1

Meet group in Anchorage, Kenai Fjords Wilderness Cruise

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

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

Float/Raft the Kenai River & Explore Anchorage

Your day begins with an incredible float rafting trip on the Kenai River. We’ll have opportunities to see incredible wildlife with bears, moose, beavers and forest birds (including bald eagles!) frequenting the river banks. and we'll be immersed in the spectacular scenery!

After a tasty salmon bake we will make our way back to Anchorage for some free time to explore the city or relax at the hotel before dinner at a local favorite tonight.
Accommodation: Courtyard Anchorage
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rafting: 2 hours
Day 4

Train to Talkeetna & Birch Tapping

Starting in Anchorage we will board the iconic Denali Star route for a three-hour scenic train ride on the famous Alaska Railroad, heading north to Talkeetna.
After some time to explore town we visit Alaska Wild Harvest and learn about the rich history of tapping birch trees for their tasty syrup and the wild Alaska Chaga mushrooms harvested for tea.

A short drive takes us to Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge with amazing views of the surronding mountains. Enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5

Kayak Byers Lake, optional Denali Flightseeing

Your morning, your choice! Relax this morning at the lodge and enjoy the views on the deck.
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

Kayaking: Up to 2 hours
Day 6

Denali Exploration

Fuel your day with a hearty breakfast before heading into the park. Your choice this morning to either head into the backcountry or explore some of the front country. Head out on 4-5 hour bus ride on 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.

Or head out for a short hike at Horseshoe Lake or visit the dogs and see the dogsledding demo from these dogs who work all winter to help protect the park.

After your morning adventure enjoy lunch together before some time to further explore or relax at the lodge.
Accommodation: Grande Denali Lodge or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7

Hike Triple Lakes Trail

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!

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)

prev. day

next day

What's Included

7 nights’ accommodation
7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners
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'
Delicious snacks to keep you fuelled
Special ‘Wow’ moments you'll never forget
All activities outlined in the itinerary
All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

Photos From the Trip

Active Adventures Black Friday Adventure Sale

Black Friday Adventure Sale Now On!

Enjoy $500 off per person on ALL our fully-guided, thoughtfully curated adventures.

Book your next adventure using promo code ADVENTURE500 and get an incredible $500 off* per person.

Spots are selling quickly! Book now to avoid disappointment.

_{*Terms and conditions apply - see below}

_{*Terms and conditions}

_{$500 offer is only valid for new bookings made Friday, November 22, 2024, through Tuesday, December 3, 2024 (11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time).}
_{Discount cannot be applied to an existing booking and cannot be combined with any other offers.}
_{Discount applies to the listed trip price in USD, CAD, AUD, and NZD. Discounts for guests in the UK and Europe, where bookings in GBP and EUR are observed, will correspond to the stated respective equivalent of $500 USD (i.e., 460 EUR and 390 GBP).}
_{Offer applies exclusively to the trip and departure date booked during the Black Friday period. Any changes to the trip or departure date will result in the forfeiture of the discount and standard advertised pricing at the date of change will apply.}
_{Other restrictions may apply.}
_{Use offer code ADVENTURE500}

show less

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!

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.

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 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.

show less