Product Description
Highlights
Enjoy some of Alaska’s most scenic and iconic hikes, with views of Prince William Sound, snow-capped mountains and glaciers as you explore the Kenai Peninsula and Kenai Fjords National Park.. Let an expert guide take you on all included treks, with local knowledge and years of experience that will give you real insight into Alaskan life and nature.. Walk on the expansive Harding Icefield, one of 4 major icecaps in the US and believed to be a remnant of the Pleistocene ice masses that once covered half of Alaska.. Spend a free day exploring the small city of Homer at your own pace, with options for halibut fishing, bear viewing or just relaxing in this place that’s famously known as “the end of the road.”
Overview
Pack your best hiking shoes for an adventurous walking trip that loops from Anchorage and takes in all the highlights of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. On this 7-day tour, you’ll explore the mountainous trails of the Kenai Fjords and Chugach national parks, stand atop the ancient Harding Icefield and maybe even spot some marine wildlife in the cold coastal waters. With transportation between trails and leisurely stops in the laidback fishing town of Seward and the artsy town of Homer, you’ll have plenty of time to relax and refresh – or keep moving with one of the many optional add-on activities to choose from.
Breakfast Included: 6 Lunches Included: Dinner Included:
Anchorage to Seward
Welcome to Anchorage and the start of your incredible Kenai Fjords National Park adventure! You’ll meet your guide at Inlet Tower Hotel & Suites in Anchorage at 10 am. From there, embark on the stunning drive to your first hike at Portage Pass. This out-and-back hike boasts one heck of a scenic-packed-punch, with views of Prince William Sound, snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes. For the grand finale, get up close and personal with a glacier atop the iceberg-dotted Portage Lake. After your hike, sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful drive as your local leader takes the wheel to reach Kenai Fjords National Park. Tonight, you’re free to explore the fishing town of Seward on your own. Maybe stroll along the beach, shop at a few local stores or grab dinner at a local eatery.
Harding Icefield
Eat a hearty breakfast this morning because today is a full-day hike along one of Alaska’s most iconic and heart-pumping trails. Meet your guide at your hotel for the short drive to the trailhead. The hike begins with a mellow warm-up as you walk along the valley floor, but then quickly gains elevation – but the reward is worth every step. The Harding Icefield Trail is world-famous and for good reason. As you make your way through the forest, you’ll catch peeks of valley until, before you know it, you emerge above the tree line for spectacular panoramic views. All that hard work will be celebrated with the breathtaking sight of Exit Glacier and the Harding Icefield – the perfect all-Alaskan scene. After your hike head back to Seward, where you can relax for the evening and review your epic photos from the day.
Caines Head and Tonsina Point
Start off today with a half-day beach hike along a coastal trail that weaves through the mossy forests before breaking out onto the beaches of Kenai Fjords National Park. There are excellent beachcombing opportunities here, and you may even spot both land and marine wildlife. In the afternoon, you’re free to join a variety of optional activities. Maybe explore the fascinating Alaska Sealife Center, take a helicopter to a glacier for a dog sledding tour, or hop onboard a scenic cruise through the waters along the Kenai Peninsula. Or, you may choose to simply enjoy the afternoon relaxing in Seward.
Seward to Homer
Enjoy a scenic drive to the town of Homer, famed for being the halibut capital of the world and nicknamed “the end of the road” because it marks the very end of the US highway system, where land meets sea. While Homer may be surrounded by ocean and wilderness, it’s also an artsy town that’s home to several museums, art galleries and fine dining options. There will be stops along the drive to stretch your legs and take in the sights.
Homer
Today you have the full, free day to enjoy beautiful Homer. You may want to walk the beach of the famous Homer Spit that juts out into Kachemak Bay, a unique geographical feature shaped by tidal swells, glaciers and earthquakes. Or you may choose to browse the local shops, explore the harbour or enjoy some local cuisine such as reindeer, caribou, king crab and, of course, halibut. If you’re feeling adventurous, book a bear viewing flight (your own expense) that includes a scenic flight, professional bear guide and digital photos. Or, go fishing for some of that delicious Homer halibut! Book a half-day fishing charter (your own expense) that includes all your gear, and you get to keep whatever you catch.
Chugach State Park
For your final day, journey back to Anchorage, with many scenic stops along the beautiful Turnagain Arm, one of the most stunning drives in the USA. Cap off your adventure with Anchorage's most famous day hike, as you explore Flattop Mountain in Chugach State Park. Flattop is famous for its distinguished shape, well-maintained trails and sweeping mountain and city views. From one direction you can look out over the city of Anchorage and take in distant views of the Tordrillo, Talkeetna, Kenai and Alaska mountain ranges. From the other direction, catch dramatic mountain views, from snow-capped peaks to deep mountain valleys. After your hike, overnight in Anchorage, where you may want to gather the group for a farewell dinner.
Anchorage
Your trip ends after breakfast and you are free to leave Anchorage at your leisure. Or, you may choose to continue exploring Alaska by adding on our Denali National Park itinerary.
