Central Alaska Summer Camping

Anchorage - Talkeetna - Denali National Park. Today, we embark on a journey to uncover the wild beauty of Alaska. Our adventure begins with a pick-up from Anchorage at 8:00. We’ll then stop in the charming town of Talkeetna before heading towards the stunning Alaska Range for our overnight stop.

Along the way, we might catch a glimpse of Denali, North America's highest peak (weather permitting), standing at nearly 6,200 metres (20,310 feet). We will be camping on the edge of Denali National Park for our first three nights.

On this tour, all camping equipment is provided at a full service campground with electricity, Wi-Fi, hot showers and flush toilets. You will need to provide your own sleeping bag, or can hire one for $40 per person per tour. Must be booked in advance, please let us know at time of booking.

Please note: This tour has a flexible itinerary, and the below is a general guide of what you can expect on tour. Your tour guide may alter certain night stops to maximize your enjoyment; maybe you opt to visit a local event or stay longer in a certain place. The beauty of a small group tour is that the itinerary can also be adapted to suit the group’s preference! We encourage you to relax and go with the flow!

After breakfast today, we’ll set off to explore the majestic landscapes of Denali National Park on an exclusive bus tour provided by the national park. This thrilling journey offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities as we delve deep into the park.

We’ll make photo stops and take short walks through the rugged, untouched wilderness of Denali. After a day of adventure, we’ll return to our camp to unwind and share stories around the campfire, soaking in the serene evening atmosphere.

Today is completely free for you to explore Denali National Park further at your own pace. You can choose to hike its stunning trails or dive into various activities within the park. Our guide will be on hand to help you plan the day.

You have the chance to encounter an incredible array of wildlife, including black bears, brown bears, beavers, bald eagles, foxes, and various songbirds. The surrounding area offers fantastic hiking opportunities around Denali National Park. With a stroke of luck, you might even spot grizzlies, the iconic symbol of the subarctic, which for many will be a trip highlight.

Denali National Park - Paxson. After breakfast today, we’ll drive along the renowned Denali Highway to the Maclaren River Lodge. Nestled in an alpine landscape, this remote wilderness resort promises an authentic taste of Alaskan hospitality.

This evening, we’ll take in the stunning views of the Maclaren River and the breathtaking Alaska Range. We’ll indulge in a delicious dinner at the lodge, where the warm Alaskan charm adds to the magic of the night.

Paxson - Worthington Glacier - Valdez. Our adventure takes us further along the Denali Highway and south through the stunning Thompson Pass, where we’ll marvel at the region’s picturesque waterfalls.

Known as Alaska’s ice climbing capital, this area is a paradise for thrill-seekers. We’ll relish a mid-afternoon hike to the impressive Worthington Glacier before reaching Valdez. Once we’ve set up camp, we can explore this charming Alaskan port town and then unwind with a camp dinner and a cosy campfire to end our day.

After breakfast today, we’ll embark on an included kayaking tour for an intimate exploration of one of Alaska’s stunning marine state parks. We’ll board a motorboat for a scenic water taxi ride to Shoup Bay, where our kayaking adventure begins.

We’ll paddle through a fjord carved by a retreating glacier, glide past a colony of black-legged kittiwakes, and along a lush coastline adorned with waterfalls, making our way towards the glacier’s face. We’ll stop for a walk on the beach and enjoy a delightful lunch with a spectacular glacier view. After our paddling adventure, the motorboat will whisk us back to Valdez. Head out into Valdez for dinner this evening, as the night is at leisure.

Valdez - Wrangell St. Elias National Park - McCarthy. After breakfast this morning, we set off from Valdez for the thrilling drive along the “infamous” McCarthy Highway, passing through the breathtaking landscapes of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, the largest national park and preserve in the United States.

Renowned for its majestic glaciers and rich mining history, this park offers us a chance to camp for three nights right in its heart, near the small access village of McCarthy. This evening is free for you to head out and explore this small, scenic settlement.

Please note: Our campsite in McCarthy is more basic than other campgrounds on this tour, with limited facilities.

We’ll dive into some thrilling hiking and activities in the Wrangell Range! From McCarthy, we have the option to explore the historic copper mining town of Kennicott for an additional fee, or stroll along the stunning Kennicott and Root glaciers. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, we can opt for a hike to the impressive Bonanza Mine trail.

Today is another leisure day for exploring Wrangell-St Elias National Park. You can take a breathtaking flight over the glaciers for an additional fee, offering stunning aerial views. If you prefer, sign up for some exhilarating ice climbing, also available at an additional cost. Activities can be arranged and paid for locally with your guide.

McCarthy - Chickaloon. Today, we journey along the stunning Glenn Highway towards Glacier View for our overnight stop. The Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge, with its awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding Alaskan wilderness, awaits us. From the lodge, we can explore numerous hiking trails in the Tahneeta Pass right from our doorstep or simply relax on the covered porch with a glass of wine, soaking in the spectacular scenery.

We’ll arrive at our lodge in the late afternoon, where we can savour a farewell meal and unwind in the outdoor hot tub.

Chickaloon - Anchorage. We’ll enjoy a leisurely morning and breakfast at the lodge before making our way back to Anchorage. Upon arrival around midday, we’ll have the chance to explore the trails and attractions of Anchorage with our expert guide. Our tour will conclude at approximately 17:00.