Travel to Alaska: Glaciers and Grizzlies

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Glaciers and Grizzlies

			DAYS: 11 GRADE: I-II, Active; options for more rigorous activities define PRICE: From $6395 per person HIGHLIGHTS: Juneau Glacier trekking Glacier Bay National Park Point Adolphus whale watching Denali National Park ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Watch Orcas and Humpback whales, sea lions and sea otters as they cavort in the rich Alaskan waters. With the high peak of Denali as your backdrop, walk near Grizzlies, caribou, and moose roaming the interior of the last U.S. frontier. This exciting itinerary combines the diverse and spectacular marine wildlife experiences of Glacier Bay National Park in Southeast Alaska with the rugged Denali National Park in the interior. Hike across ancient glaciers and cruise the waters of Glacier Bay, followed by a foray into the tundra-covered Denali National Park with a preeminent naturalist guide.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVAL IN ANCHORAGE
Arrive in Anchorage today and transfer on your own from the airport to the Copper Whale Inn, conveniently located in downtown Anchorage. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [Meals on own]

	Get out your cameras for grizzly viewing in Denali National Park

DAY 2 :  CAMP DENALI BUS TO KANTISHNA
Arise early to begin our journey from Anchorage to the heart of Denali National Park. A comfortable shuttle takes us 5 hours to the Denali Park Entrance where we will meet the Camp Denali  bus. Resident naturalist guide narrate this 90 mile, 7-hour trip (including gourmet picnic dinner en-route) deep into Denali National Park. We stop frequently to learn about the park's glaciology and flora, cultural heritage and legends, and of course, its incredible mega-fauna. Wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent and you may spot Grizzly bear, moose, caribou, and possibly wolves. We learn how different species adapt to life in the subarctic and about the impacts of climate change in the high latitudes of North America. Overnight in the heart of Denali National Park in your own wilderness cabin at Camp Denali. Each cabin has its own outhouse; flushing toilets and hot water showers are in a communal building about a 5-7 minute walk away towards the main lodge. [BD]

Denali's evening alpenglow

DAYS 3-4 :  DENALI NATIONAL PARK
Our days are spent exploring the heart of Alaska's premier wilderness area. Naturalist guides lead easy to strenuous hikes through alpine and tundra environments along rivers, lakes, or ridge-top trails. The gorgeous scenery of Denali National Park is also habitat for Grizzly bear, Black bear, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, Arctic fox, and moose. In addition to the naturalist-led hikes, canoeing, fishing, biking, and gold-panning are offered as independent activities. Evening presentations in the lodge round out your day. Keep a look out for outstanding views and dazzling photographic opportunities of Mt. McKinley. Overnight in your own private cabin at Camp Denali. [BLD]

DAY 5 :  DENALI SCENIC FLIGHT TO ANCHORAGE
Rise to the early Alaska sun for a spectacular light aircraft flight over Mt. McKinley and Denali National Park back to Anchorage. Our flight takes us over glaciers soaring by the mountain back to Anchorage. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn. [B] Please note: The flight is conditional and weather dependent. If the weather is not conducive for a safe and scenic flight out of Kantishna, we will either cancel the flight and instead take the overland transfer back to Anchorage, or possibly fly to the Denali Park Entrance and take the motorcoach shuttle from there.

DAY 6 :  ARRIVAL IN JUNEAU
Transfer on your own to the Anchorage International Airport this morning for your flight to Juneau (this flight is not included in your trip cost, you will need to book it on your own as part of your flights to Alaska). Upon arrival in Juneau take a taxi on your own to the Silverbow Inn, a charming newly remodeled 1914 building in the heart of historic downtown Juneau. Your afternoon is free to take a leisurely stroll through this interesting historic gold rush capitol. Overnight at the Silverbow Inn. [B]

With the best gear and guides, we access the most remote and unusual landscapes in Alaska.

DAY 7 :  GLACIER WALKABOUT
This morning embark on an unforgettable adventure. Glacier trekking is an exciting way to explore the scenic wonders of the extraordinary glaciers flowing from the Juneau Ice Field. After being outfitted in top quality mountaineering gear, take off in a helicopter for an exciting flight over the coastal range to the Juneau Ice Field. As soon as the helicopter touches down your experience begins with professional glacier guiders teaching the basic mountaineering skills and proper use of equipment. Guides lead you on an easy and yet exciting ice walk. No experience is necessary. Those not interested in trekking on the glacier can still enjoy the scenic helicopter flight with a short stop on the Juneau Ice Field. Note: The glacier walkabout is about 1 hour walking on a glacier with crampons. For a more active option we can book a 2 hour or a 3 hour trek at an additional cost.

This afternoon take a taxi on your own to the Juneau airport in time for your scenic flight to Gustavus. Transfer to the Bear Track Inn, a family-run lodge constructed from hand-crafted spruce logs in the middle of the wilderness. Enjoy inspiring views of Icy Straight from the great room during the day and a cozy fireplace and snug down comforter in the evening. Today is open to explore the surrounding forests, where spruce and hemlock have grown in an area that was buried underneath layers of glacial ice only 200 years ago. Overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [BD] 

DAY 8 :  POINT ADOLPHUS WHALE WATCHING
Embark on an exciting half-day journey aboard a local whale-watching vessel. Across Icy Strait from Glacier Bay lies Point Adolphus, one of the premier Humpback Whale watching sites in the world. Each year these magnificent cetaceans gather here to fee in krill and herring-rich waters. Minke and Orca Whales, porpoise, seals, sea lions and sea otters are present as well as the numerous birds, bears and deer that populate the shore. Return to the lodge for lunch and a free afternoon to relax or explore. Overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [BLD]

DAY 9 :  GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK
Board the M/V Spirit of Adventure to venture to the extreme end of Glacier Bay's beautiful West Arm. Take time to imagine how this entire bay must have looked just 200 years ago, when it was completely filled with ice. Since that time it has endured the fasted retreat of glaciers in recorded history, almost 70 miles. Throughout the journey you will be witness to the succession of habitats from old growth temperate rain forest at the bay's mouth to bare rock near the glacier's face. Watch for resident wildlife en route to the glaciers including whales, Harbor seals, otters, bears, Mountain Goats, and moose. During the cruise a National Park Service Ranger will discuss the ecological, natural and cultural history of the Park. Dinner and overnight at the Bear Track Inn. [BLD]

DAY 10 :  FREE DAY AT THE BEAR TRACK INN
Today is a free day to plan your own activity at the Bear Track Inn. Options include sea kayaking in Icy Strait or Glacier Bay, a biking tour, flight seeing, or charter fishing in either salt or fresh water (activities at an additional cost). Overnight at the Bear Track Inn. More active options for this day include full or half day kayaking, hiking or biking. [B]

DAY 11 :  DEPARTURE
Your flight back to Juneau is included this morning, please book your departure from Juneau at noon or later to accommodation this flight. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Kurt Kutay 1(800)345-4453