Anchorage: 11 Day Grand Alaska Highlights Tour

Discover the Wild Beauty of Alaska with the 11-Day Grand Alaska Highlights Tour

The Anchorage: 11 Day Grand Alaska Highlights Tour offers an immersive exploration of Alaska’s stunning landscapes, wildlife, and rugged wilderness. Priced at $2,775 per person, this small group tour is designed for travelers eager to experience Alaska’s diverse environment while enjoying intimate, personalized experiences. With a duration of 11 days, the tour combines wilderness camping, scenic drives, hikes, and exciting excursions like full-day glacier kayaking, making it a comprehensive adventure for those who want to see Alaska beyond the typical tourist spots.

This tour departs from Anchorage and is organized by Bindlestiff Tours, known for their expert guides and attention to detail. While the pace is active and packed with highlights, it’s ideal for those comfortable with camping and outdoor activity. The tour emphasizes wildlife viewing opportunities, spectacular scenery, and engaging local guides—offering a well-rounded experience of the Last Frontier.

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Key Points

• Small group size limited to 12 guests ensures a personalized experience
• Wildlife viewing is a central feature, with chances to see Denali and marine life
• Glacier kayak excursion in Valdez delivers an up-close glacier experience
• Multiple nights of camping inside Denali and Wrangell St. Elias National Parks
• Expert local guides lead hikes, drives, and activities, enhancing learning and fun
• Active itinerary includes hikes, drives along scenic routes, and optional activities like ice climbing

Starting Point and Overall Tour Structure in Anchorage

The tour begins in Anchorage, where guests meet in the lobby and prepare for an adventure that spans 11 days. The initial days focus on the wilderness surrounding Denali National Park, with a full-day bus tour offering remarkable wildlife sightings and views of Denali. The tour’s structure balances guided excursions with free time, allowing flexibility for optional activities and hikes around Denali.

After exploring Denali, travelers head south via the Denali Highway to reach the Maclaren River Lodge, a wilderness retreat surrounded by the Alaska Range. This segment introduces guests to Alaska’s alpine landscapes and hospitality, with an evening overlooking the beautiful Maclaren River.

Exploring Denali National Park and the Surrounding Wilderness

From Day 2 to Day 4, the tour immerses travelers in Denali’s natural beauty. The exclusive bus ride offers incredible opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat, including moose, bears, and caribou. Guests also have the option of hiking or exploring the park on their own, with the guide providing recommendations.

On Day 4, the journey takes travelers along the famous Denali Highway to the Maclaren River Lodge, set in a remote area offering pristine views of the Alaska Range. The overnight stay here provides a chance to soak in the wilderness atmosphere and enjoy a group dinner at the lodge.

Crossing the Denali Highway and Visiting Valdez

Continuing south, the tour travels across the Denali Highway through Thompson Pass toward Valdez. This drive showcases Alaska’s diverse landscapes, from mountain passes to glaciers. In Valdez, the focus shifts to marine life and glacier experiences.

The kayak excursion in Valdez is a highlight, taking guests on a full-day adventure. Guests paddle in a fjord visible from a retreating glacier, passing waterfalls and nesting seabirds like black-legged kittiwakes. A short walk on the beach offers a close view of the glacier face, with a marvelous glacier view for lunch.

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Backcountry Camping in McCarthy and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park

From Valdez, the tour heads to McCarthy, traveling along the McCarthy Highway with spectacular views of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park—the largest national park in the U.S. The group camps for three nights inside the park, near Kennicott River, in backcountry camping with limited facilities, offering a true wilderness experience.

During this period, guests can opt for hiking in the Wrangell Range or visit the historic copper mining town of Kennicott. For those seeking a challenge, the Bonanza Mine offers a more strenuous walk with rewarding scenery.

Glacier Flightseeing and Ice Climbing Opportunities

One of the most distinctive experiences in this tour is a flightseeing excursion, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, or an ice climbing session—activities that can be arranged with the guide, often paid or booked on-site. These options provide an unforgettable perspective of Alaska’s icy landscapes and glaciers, adding an adventurous thrill to the itinerary.

Exploring the Small Town of McCarthy and Local Dining

The charming town of McCarthy provides a relaxed atmosphere after days of outdoor pursuits. Guests can enjoy dinner in the town, with options paid locally, and take in the rustic ambiance. The town serves as a hub for exploring the surrounding glaciers and wilderness, with the Kennicott and Root glaciers nearby.

Final Days Along the Glenn Highway and Anchorage Return

The tour concludes with a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway to Glacier View. Here, guests can hike the trails in the Tahneeta Pass or relax on the porch with a drink, taking in the views. An included farewell meal and a soak in an outdoor hot tub provide a fitting end to the journey.

The last morning offers a leisurely breakfast at the lodge before heading back to Anchorage, arriving around 5 pm. Travelers have the chance to explore Anchorage’s trails and sights before the tour ends.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour is organized as a small group experience, limited to 12 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the expert local guides. All transportation is included, with round-trip travel organized from Anchorage. The package provides camping equipment, including tents and foam sleeping pads, with the option to rent a sleeping bag. Cooking gear is supplied, making self-sufficient camping possible.

The tour features 10 nights of accommodation—8 camping nights and 2 lodge nights—with most activities focused on outdoor exploration. The itinerary is paced actively, with a mix of driving, hiking, kayaking, and optional activities like ice climbing, suitable for travelers comfortable with outdoor adventures.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This 11-day Alaska tour appeals most to those who enjoy outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and immersive wilderness experiences. The small group size offers intimacy and flexibility, ideal for travelers seeking a more personal connection with guides and nature. Given the camping aspects and physically active itinerary, it suits those comfortable with outdoor camping and moderate physical activity.

The inclusion of glacier kayaking and optional ice climbing adds unique adventure elements, perfect for travelers looking for active, memorable experiences. However, those seeking luxury lodges or less physical activity may find the camping nights challenging.

Final Thoughts on the Anchorage: 11 Day Grand Alaska Highlights Tour

This tour delivers a thorough exploration of Alaska’s most striking scenery, from Denali’s towering peaks to glacier fjords in Valdez. The wilderness camping and helicopter or flightseeing options provide authentic backcountry exposure, making it stand out among Alaska tours.

While the itinerary is packed and physically active, it offers excellent value for the comprehensive experiences included, particularly for those who appreciate wildlife, glaciers, and outdoor pursuits. The expert guides and small group setting ensure a personalized, engaging adventure.

In summary, this tour offers a balance of scenic drives, active exploration, and wilderness camping, ideal for travelers eager to see Alaska’s raw beauty. It’s particularly suited for those comfortable with outdoor camping and looking for a full-immersion experience in the Alaskan wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 16 years old due to the physical activity and camping aspects.

Are meals included during the trip?
The tour includes an included dinner at Maclaren River Lodge and a farewell meal in Glacier View. Other meals are self-paid or provided locally.

What equipment is provided for camping?
Camping equipment, including tents and foam sleeping pads, is supplied. Guests need to bring their own sleeping bag or rent one if available.

Can I participate in ice climbing or glacier flights?
Yes, ice climbing and glacier flightseeing are available as paid or booked activities, offering additional adventure options.

How many nights are spent camping?
Eight nights are spent camping in wilderness locations, with two lodge nights included in the itinerary.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 12 guests, ensuring a small, personalized experience.

How long is the full tour?
The tour lasts 11 days, starting and ending in Anchorage.

What is the main focus of this tour?
Wildlife viewing, glacier excursions, hiking, and wilderness camping form the core of this adventure.

Is transportation included?
Yes, all transportation is included, organized by the guide, with round-trip travel from Anchorage.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of small group size, wilderness camping, full-day kayak excursions, and expert guides makes this an immersive and memorable Alaska experience.

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