Compare Denali: The Great One by MT Sobek (Mountain Travel Sobek) vs Hike Alaska: Glaciers and Denali by G Adventures
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 6 days | 7 days |
| Price From | $ 2,995 | $ 2,209 |
| Price Per Day | $ 499 | $ 316 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Camping |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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N/A |
| Meals Included |
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 1 Dinner |
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners |
| Description |
In Athabaskan, Denali means “the Great One”—not surprising a name for this mountain given its size. Denali National Park accounts for six million acres of untamed wilderness, 39 documented species of mammals, 169 species of birds, 14 species of fish, more than 650 flowering plants and North America’s tallest mountain: Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley. Bears, wolves, moose and hundreds of other wild animal species roam freely, and the taiga forest gives way to high alpine tundra. It’s an untamed wilderness that few have the chance to experience. |
If you’re looking to explore one mighty nugget of impressive scenery, this Alaskan adventure will definitely do the trick. Experience a more remote corner of North America at a more active pace on this seven-day journey that's jam-packed with impressive vistas, exhilarating hikes up towering mountains, and treks through beautiful but rugged forests. Catch some of the state’s best highlights like the Harding Icefield and breathtaking Denali National Park. Try fresh salmon in Seward and revel in being in, “The Last Frontier”. |
Day 1: Arrive in Fairbanks
Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska, “The Golden Heart City,” and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free to spend exploring the historic downtown river walk, visiting the highly acclaimed Museum of the North, or taking a river cruise to learn about the original highways of Alaska: an amazing 4,000 miles of river systems that connected native and mining communities.
Day 2: Alaska Railroad and the Denali Road
Meals: Lunch
Accommodation: Camp Denali
All aboard the Alaska Railroad, bound for the roof of the continent! Take in epic beauty as you ride the rails for half a day on your way to Denali. After reaching the outskirts of these incredibly expansive parklands, you’ll connect with the Denali tour bus. Over the course of six hours, you’ll travel along breathtaking wilderness with the narration of an expert naturalist, who will explain the unique features of Denali National Park along the way. Frequent stops along this scenic drive allow us to view the wildlife of the tundra, including moose, caribou, dall sheep, and grizzly bears. And if weather permits, you’ll have the chance to see the mighty peak of Denali rising above the landscape. Photographers swoon for opportunities like these, so have your camera poised and ready! Only 5% of Denali’s visitors actually have a chance to stay in the park, and you’ll end your long travel day in one of the park’s lodges for a deluxe wilderness experience.
Days 3-4: Hiking and Exploring Denali National Park
Accommodation: Camp Denali
Just outside your tranquil lodge, deep within Denali National Park, an assortment of activities will be available to you each day, such as guided hikes, wildlife and nature photography, sightseeing and aerial tours—some of which come at an added expense. Don’t be shy about interacting with the resident park rangers and naturalists, who are there to answer your questions and introduce you to the splendor that is Denali. Spend the next two days reveling in the park’s exquisite beauty, comforted by delicious meals and quiet accommodations at your lodge.
Day 5: Last Day in Denali and Alaska Railroad to Anchorage
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Copper Whale Inn
You’ll spend the morning on board the Denali Road bus looking for wildlife and taking in the scenery as you return to the Denali Depot. Take in the beautiful Alaskan landscape from the upper-level dome or outdoor viewing deck as the train snakes its way over the Continental Divide and four mountain passes, while following enormous rivers down to Alaska’s largest city, Anchorage. Each ride is unique, and the wildlife you’ll see will likely depend on the weather. Both the bus and the train naturalists will explain the captivating landscape you’ll be traversing. Lunch and dinner will be served on the train. This evening, you’ll arrive in the bustling city of Anchorage, where restaurant options abound.
Day 6: Depart Anchorage
Meals: Breakfast
While you can schedule your departure flight home at any time, we highly recommend that you plan to take some time to explore the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Tony Knowles Coastal Train, or begin an exploration of the Kenai Peninsula. You may even elect to extend your trip and fly to Juneau, where you’ll have the chance to experience the magnificent fjords of Glacier Bay National Park.
Day 1 Anchorage/Seward
After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, travel to Seward this morning for a trip to Churgach State Park. Start out with a rewarding hike on the Crow Pass Trail to Crystal Lake. Keep a look out for wildlife along this 6.2 mile hike teeming with wildflowers. Climb over 2000 ft elevation to the clear waters of Crystal Lake, nestled in the alpine meadows. Afterwards, the group will transfer to the accommodations in Seward along Resurrection Bay. In the evening, enjoy dinner together around the campfire.
Day 2 Seward
After a camp breakfast, spend the day hiking the Harding Icefield Trail. This spectacular 7.4 mile trail begins on the valley floor and then winds through cottonwood and alder forests, heather filled meadows, and climbs above the tree line for a breathtaking view of the Icefield. It will take 6-8 hours to complete and offers plenty of impressive views along the way to keep you going.
Day 3 Seward
Today is all about Seward. After breakfast, how the day will go is up to you. The morning will consist of a challenging hike up Mount Marathon or free time in town to do as you please if you aren’t in the mood for this hike. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to find a lunch spot in Seward and then opt to walk around the waterfront of downtown, visit the Alaska Sealife Center, watch for otters playing in the water, or rent a kayak and explore Resurrection Bay.
Day 4 Seward/Denali National Park and Preserve
Travel to Denali National Park with the group in the morning. Along the way make a stop to hike the Talkeetna Lake Trail through lush old-growth forest. Search for wildlife in one of the area's most beautiful settings. In the late afternoon continue on to Denali National Park where you’ll be camping with shared bathroom facilities.
Day 5 Denali National Park and Preserve
Breakfast this morning will be boxed so you can eat it on the go. The group will be taking the shuttle bus into the park to experience more of the scenery and wildlife that Denali has to offer. After a picnic lunch, the group will hike the Horseshoe Lake trail. Highlights of this easy, but rewarding hike include the calm waters of the lake nestled in its forested surroundings and views along the edge of the Nenana River where you could watch whitewater rafters pass by.
Day 6 Denali National Park and Preserve
Wake up at camp this morning and eat a quick breakfast before heading out to explore the park and the surrounding areas today. You'll have free time to enjoy optional front country hikes in the park: Mount Healy Overlook Trail which offers dramatic views over the Nenana Valley and surrounding mountains and ridges and gains 1700 feet of elevation in only 2.5 miles and/or The Horseshoe Lake Trail. Highlights of this easy, but rewarding hike include the calm waters of the lake nestled in its forested surroundings and views along the edge of the Nenana River where you could watch whitewater rafters pass by. You can also choose other optional activities near Denali like rafting, or scenic flights with or without glacier landing before returning to the campsite in the evening.
Day 7 Denali National Park and Preserve/Anchorage
After breakfast at the campsite settle in for your drive back to Anchorage from Denali where the tour ends on arrival.
