Compare Exploring the North Wrangells by Alaska Alpine Adventures vs Jewels of Alaska, Classic Group, 2022 Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Today your guide(s) will pick-you up in Anchorage by 8:15am.  You’ll head to our Anchorage shop for a group orientation, before loading into our 15-passenger vans for the six-hour drive to Nabesna, the gateway community to the northern portion of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Our route will take us north from Anchorage, traveling through the majestic Chugach and Talkeetna mountain ranges. After a picnic lunch at the Matanuska Glacier, we’ll continue east on the scenic Glenn Highway toward Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.  By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Nabesna and will check into the Ellis family lodge at Devils Mountain.  After settling into our accommodations, we’ll enjoy dinner at the lodge, pour over maps, and discuss the days ahead.

Day 2

After an early breakfast, we’ll load packs and prepare for our early morning Piper Super Cub flight into the park.  As you and your pilot lift off of the gravel runway, the grand scale of this wonderful wilderness will be immediately apparent.  The stunning vastness of nearly 13-million acres is overwhelming, and you’ll immediately understand Alaska’s sense of scale as the small plane drifts over the landscape.  After half an hour, you will begin the descent toward a tundra ridge above the upper reaches of Tumble Creek.  After everyone has enjoyed the ride in the cub, the skilled bush pilot will bid us farewell and disappear into the landscape.  We’ll then shoulder our packs and begin hiking toward the headwaters of Tumble Creek, all along trying to digest the majesty of the surrounding peaks that tower well over 13000’!  We’ll camp tonight along the Tumble Creek.  Distance: 5 miles, Elevation Gain: 1500'

Days 3-5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

For the next three days, we’ll make our way south toward the expansive north face of Mt. Jarvis. The size and scope of Mt. Jarvis is really beyond description and can best be described as incomprehensible.  From the verdant tundra mesas to the twin summits, you’ll enjoy the rare opportunity to witness seven thousand feet of vertical relief and what is literally one of the most majestic vistas in North America.  We’ll cross Tumble Creek on the morning of Day 3,  move up along a stunning tundra ridge toward Jarvis, and will set up camp next to a small lake beneath a hanging glacier.  Day 4 will be spent on a long and amazing day hike where we’ll cross an unnamed glacier (no ropes or glacier skills necessary) and ascend onto a large mesa beneath Mt. Jarvis.  Scouting the tundra for caribou and sheep, we’ll stop for lunch overlooking the Jacksina Glacier and the mighty north face of Jarvis.  By day 5, we’ll be headed north and onto the second stage of our circuit.  All meals included. Average Daily Distance: 8-10 miles, Average Daily Elevation Gain: 2000'-4000'

Days 6-10

The character of the country will change as we begin stage two of our journey and head north toward Tanada Peak. Broad singular vistas will be replaced by tight steep valleys and new views around every corner.  We’ll hop glacier creeks, ascend steep and exposed sheep trails, and cross a 7000’ pass along the way.  While the weather and the terrain will dictate the exact location of each night’s camp, we will have plenty of time to truly explore this amazing and diverse landscape. By the end of Day 10, we’ll be camped along a small creek near a gravel airstrip.  All meals included.  Average Daily Distance: 8-10 miles, Average Daily Elevation Gain: 2000'-4000'

Day 11

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a celebratory breakfast in the wilderness, our pilot will begin the process of flying us out of the wilderness one to two at a time.  By early afternoon, we'll again be relaxing at the Devil's Mountain Lodge where we'll enjoy hot showers and a celebratory dinner in the lodge dining room.

Day 12

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

After breakfast at the lodge, we'll pack up and by 10am we’ll be headed back to Anchorage where we’ll conclude our journey and bid one another farewell.  If you are leaving Alaska on this day, please schedule your homebound flights for after 9pm.  Better still,  you can opt to stay in Anchorage overnight.

Day 1: Anchorage, the City of Lights and Flowers

Welcome to Alaska, an adventurous land of wildlife, mountains, national parks and glaciers. Upon arrival at Anchorage International Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel.Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Anchorage Sightseeing and the Matanuska Valley

Get acquainted with Anchorage with on an immersive city tour. During a visit to the renowned Alaska Native Heritage Center, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you enjoy an exclusive presentation on Agutak (Eskimo ice cream) while learning how it's made by Alaska's first people. Learn how this culinary treat establishes a link to the past, inspires a sense of pride and spurs a dialogue on a culture's remarkable ability to survive. This afternoon, travel through the fertile Matanuska Valley and stop at a local farm to see how the long summer days and glacial silt create the perfect environment for growing vegetables and flowers. Depart Anchorage for the quaint community of Talkeetna, nestled at the base of Mount Denali, North America's tallest peak. The evening is yours at leisure, feel free to ask your Travel Director for suggestions on the best spots to grab a bite.

Day 3: Talkeetna Sightseeing

This morning, enjoy an immersive jet boat tour up the Chulitna River and make a visit to a trapper's cabin. Learn about the fascinating lifestyle of hunting and trapping in Interior Alaska.The rest of the day is yours to explore, perhaps discovering more of Talkeetna or joining an optional experience such as a flightseeing tour of the Alaska Range, or a dryland dog sledding ride.

Day 4: Journey Along the Alaskan Railroad Relaxed Start

Board the world-famous Alaska Railroad train after a morning at leisure and embark on a spectacular journey over swift-rushing streams, toward Denali National Park and Preserve.Later, meet a local climber who will share stories about what it's like to brave a climb up the tallest land-based mountain in the world.For tonight's dinner with wine, the choice is yours between a charming local brewery or your lodge's rustic restaurant during your Dine-Around evening.

Day 5: Denali National Park, the Crown Jewel of the Alaskan Wilderness Relaxed Start

With the Denali National Park and Preserve just a short drive away from your hotel, you'll find a number of ways to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness on your own, or spend the day partaking in one of our optional experiences. From an exciting rafting trip down the Nenana River(waiver required) to a helicopter flightseeing tour or a Denali Wilderness walking tour, the choice is yours – just don't forget your camera! End the day back at your lodge where you'll enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings at night.

Day 6: Girdwood and Mount Alyeska

Depart Denali and enjoy a scenic journey on the George Parks Highway.Stop in Big Lake and meet four-time Iditarod winner, Martin Buser and learn about the challenges of competing in the 1,049-mile (1,688 kilometre) dogsled race while enjoying lunch at his home.Journey on the Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm with its dramatic views, before arriving in the town of Girdwood, home of the Alyeska Resort.In the evening, join your Travel Director for a wonderful Celebration Dinner, complete with wine and good cheer.

Day 7: Prince William Sound Cruise and depart Anchorage Relaxed Start

Take this morning to enjoy the surroundings and amenities at the beautiful Alyeska resort. Travel to Whittier to board the 26 Glacier Cruise for a 100-mile (160-kilometre) boat tour of Prince William Sound and into the College Fjord with the chance to see the glaciers up close. Visit with the Captain in the wheelhouse to learn how he expertly navigates the icy waterways and sit down to a sumptuous lunch against an incredible backdrop.For those saying farewell today, travel back to Anchorage where you will arrive at the Anchorage Airport at approximately 20:00.