Alaska Girls Trip - 8 Days

Todays our first day in Anchorage. You can arrive at any time you like as our hotel has an airport shuttle – the earlier the better so you can make the most out of the day. I suggest arriving before 5pm so you can get settled in for our group dinner tonight.

Today is essentially a free/flexible day depending on your flight. here are lots of things in Anchorage you should check out if you arrive early today. From Tony Knowles Coastal Trail to the Anchorage Museum to the famous pizza place that doesnt take reservations & always has a line – Moose Tooth Pub. If enough people arrive early in the day we can plan something together in the area.

Tonight we’ll get together as a group and go to dinner to cheers to a fun week ahead!

Included: Dinner

Grab breakfast at the hotel then we’re off to Denali!

On our way to Denali we’ll stop in Talkeetna for a bit – a great place to grab lunch and check out all the hikers looking to summit the mountain. Talkeetna is the starting point for a lot of mountaineers looking to summit Denali.

As its our half way point its a great place for a river adventure! We’re going to hop into a raft and float down the river – enjoying the views & hopefully catching our first glance of Denali if the weather is good enough. Don’t worry – this float is leisurely, not white water! Theres even a chance we’ll spot some wildlife hanging out along the water line.

Along our drive to Denali we’ll also be sure to stop at multiple view points to take photos – be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife! We will hopefully see all of Alaska big 5 while we’re in Alaska this week – Moose, Bear, Wolves, Caribou & Sheep!

Once we’re in the park we can go on the mountain vista trail hike at a short 0.6 miles & visit the Denali Vistors Center.

We’ll drive the first 15 miles by car today with many stops along the way for animal sightings & photo op’s. Theres even a Huskey Kennel where we can take photos with the dogs & learn about the sledding operations too.

After our day in the park we’ll find dinner at one of the many spots in Healy, a short drive from the park. We can split up depending on what people are in the mood for as we have multiple rental cars.

Included: Breakfast, River Rafting Trip in Talkeetna, Denali Park Entrance Fees & Visitor Center Fees

Overnight in a Denali Cabin

Denali National Park here we come! We’ll grab breakfast at a local cafe then head to the park.

Today is somewhat of a free day – we obviously are limited by the vehicles but should be able to cover everyones decisions with multiple cars. We’re able to access the park and check out more hikes & wildlife today or we could take it a step further.

Want to go White Water Rafting? Take a Tundra Wilderness bus tour that goes all the way to mile 43? Go on a few more hikes? Want to skip the white water and go on a leisurely floating tour?

We have a ton of flexibility today and can discuss in the group chat what exactly everyone wants to do. There is also a lots of daylight so we could easily do a hike & a float or a hike & the Tundra tour. The goal for the day is to see as much nature and wildlife as possible. (I’m down to go rafting if you are!)

Included; Breakfast, Denali National Park Entrance Fee

Overnight in a Denali Cabin

Todays the day – were going hiking ON a Glacier!

We’ll grab breakfast at a local cafe then head back to Anchorage today. On our scenic drive back to Anchorage we’ll stop at the Matanuska glacier and actually hike ON the glacier! How cool is that?

We will also stop at the gorgeous Eklutna Lake today before we head back to the hotel! Eklutna is an amazing place to hike & enjoy the insane views – if you’re up for it after Matanuska!

If you still want to make the most out of the day we could go rent bikes and bike the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage once we’re back from Eklutna (if time permits).

Included: Breakfast, Matanuska Glacier Hike

Overnight in Anchorage

On our way down the coast we’ll stop in Girdwood and take the scenic Aerial Tram to the top of Mount Alyeska.

After our stop in Girdwood were going to visit Virgin Creek Falls then we’re off to see the glaciers!

We’ll head to Portage Lake, Portage Glacier & Byron Glaciers. We will board a boat to get up and close with Portage Glacier then take a casual 2 mile round trip hike to Byron Glacier.

On our way to Portage & Byron we’ll see Middle and Explorer from the side of the road – they’re glaciers that are hanging off the mountains.

During our scenic drive down to Seward be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Alaskan Big 5: Moose, Bear, Caribou, Wolves & Sheep

Afterwards we’ll head down to Seward and hike to Exit glacier before we head to our hotel. The sun doesnt go down until 10pm in August so if you haven’t had enough fun you can get out and explore the town of Seward.

Included: Breakfast, Aerial Tram up Mount Alyeska, Portage Glacier Boat, Hikes to Exit & Byron Glacier

Note: If its overcast we can save the Aerial tram for Day 4 when we drive back up to Anchorage.

Overnight in Seward

Today we’re headed to Kenai Fjord! After breakfast we’ll take off for a wonderful day on the water. Keep your eyes peeled for Eagles & Seals as we leave the harbor. Along the trip we may run into Puffins, Humpback Whales, Otters, and maybe even a pod of Orcas. Obviously nothings guaranteed as its the wild but we’re definitely in the right spot to see all the wild life.

On our cruise we’re going to definitely see a bunch of glaciers as we cruise towards the northwestern fjord & resurrection bay. A fun day of relaxation and once in a life time scenic views.

We’re back at 4pm so you have the afternoon to explore Seward. You could go to the Beach, book a Flightseeing tour (if the weathers right), or just walk around town and look at all the unique art.

If you’re feeling brave enough you could even jump into the Ocean. Yes it’ll be freezing!

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Kenai Fjord 7 hour cruise

Overnight in Seward

We’ll be leaving Seward today and heading back to Anchorage after breakfast at the hotel.

Today is our last full day so we should make the most of it. Seward is amazing so if there are activities you want to do in the morning such as a kayaking trip or an airplane glacier tour we can absolutely spend the morning in Seward and wait until the afternoon to head back to Anchorage.

On our way we can stop at Tern Lake & Indian Creek in Chugach State Park to see if we can spot any Salmon running and maybe if we’re lucky – even a bear at the lake.

Once we’re back in Anchorage we’ll go out for one last group dinner to toast to a fun week of exploring the last frontier.

Overnight in Anchorage

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You can depart at any point today, there is a free airport shuttle that will take you back to the airport today. Check out of the hotel is at noon.

If you have a later flight today is a great day to try and grab pizza at the famous pub or visit the museum.

Included: Transportation to Airport, Breakfast