Begin your Alaska vacation in Anchorage before traveling north to the Knik Valley. Sheltered by the Chugach Mountains and surrounded by over ten glaciers including Knik Glacier, Knik River Lodge is located above the Knik River in one of the most glaciated areas of Alaska. There will be plenty of quality time in the wilderness with outstanding opportunities to see wildlife. Continue north through the Matanuska Valley via the classic Alaska Railroad, offering a scenic and comfortable adventure on your way to Denali National Park. After the beautiful journey to Denali, take a highly scenic bus tour into the park to see and photograph wildlife and enjoy views of Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley), North America’s tallest peak. Then it is all aboard the Alaska Railroad once again for your trip back to Anchorage – rounding out this classic Alaskan adventure!
Anchorage Arrival
Arrive into Anchorage and transfer to your hotel by shuttle or on your own. Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city, nestled between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet. Offering an abundance of shopping, cultural attractions, and gourmet restaurants, Anchorage provides an excellent start to your vacation. Depending on your arrival, you may have time to take part in an optional tour such as flightseeing or a city tour (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight in Anchorage.
Anchorage to Knik River Lodge
A pretty drive, a glacier view and a little lodge living highlight today's short trip north. Transfer through part of the Matanuska Valley, passing through Eklutna Village, known for its historic Russian Orthodox Church, and the scenic vistas of the Chugach Mountain Range. Knik River Lodge is nestled in the mountains above the Knik River, a braided glacial river named by the Dena’ina people who first settled the area. From the lodge, take a nature walk and bask in this peaceful setting. Overnight at Knik River Lodge.
Knik River Lodge
Today is at your leisure to explore the area or enjoy an optional tour on Knik Glacier. You may pass an occasional stray iceberg, waterfalls and some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery. This glacier is awe-inspiring as it pours from the Chugach Mountains’ large peaks. The 25-mile river of ice is over 5 miles wide and hundreds of feet thick. The day is at your leisure at Knik River Lodge for hiking, exploring the area, helicopter flightseeing, or glacier dog sledding. Overnight at Knik River Lodge.
Knik River Lodge to Denali
In the morning you will be transferred to the Wasilla train station to join the Alaska Railroad traveling north. The journey takes you from the heart of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley to the doorstep of Denali National Park. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for time to relax before tomorrow’s early adventure in to the park. Overnight at the Denali National Park entrance.
Denali National Park
An early departure (between 5:30-7 a.m.) into Denali National Park this morning. The tour travels approximately 55 miles on the only road into the national park. As you travel through the pristine wilderness, look for wildlife such as bears, caribou, and moose, as well as views of Denali, known as the Great One. Your experienced driver/guide will provide commentary and make stops during your 6-8 hour tour. A snack box is included. At the beginning and the end of the summer season, the tour could be shorter due to weather and road conditions. The afternoon is free for optional tours, such as river rafting, flightseeing, helicopter tours and more (see Tour Add-Ons). Overnight near the Denali park entrance.
Denali to Anchorage
Sleep in or enjoy a short excursion before leaving the park area today. Transfer by hotel courtesy shuttle to the Alaska Railroad depot. Just after noon you will depart for Anchorage. Stunning views from the train include the Alaska Range, Summit Lake, Hurricane Gulch and – if the weather is clear – Denali’s 20,310-foot peak. Stroll through the train, visit the dining car and learn from the knowledgeable local guides on board. Upon arrival in Anchorage, transfer by hotel courtesy shuttle or on your own and enjoy dinner at one of Anchorage’s many great restaurants. Overnight in Anchorage.
Anchorage Departure
Depending on your departure time, you might have free time for shopping or additional excursions. Transfer by shuttle or on your own to the airport. Tour concludes.
The program will include a combination of hotels or motels that are considered moderate to standard tourist class. Please be aware not all hotels have shuttle services.
If you would like to book the standard program but with upgraded rail seating, the option and surcharge will be listed when you save to your cart.
The program will include standard rooms at this category of hotel where possible. Alaska has very limited hotel choices in remote areas and small towns. The properties will typically offer a wider range of services such as a full-service restaurant, room service and perhaps a pool or spa facilities. Please be aware the upgraded accommodations in downtown Anchorage do not have hotel shuttle services. Many of the upgraded hotels also offer guaranteed view rooms for additional cost. If you would like a specific room type, in addition to the upgraded program, please ask us about availability and cost difference.
All journeys between Anchorage and Whittier are in standard seating as deluxe dome cars are not available on that route.
This narrated sightseeing day exploring Anchorage brings you to Anchorage's historical points of interests, such as Earthquake Park and Lake Hood-the busiest private seaplane base in the world! Visit the spectacular Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the rich heritage of Alaska's 11 major cultural groups during a guided walk through native village settings representing the five regions of Alaska. You... Read More
Enjoy an Anchorage day trip and flightseeing tour of the majestic Chugach State Park! On this flight you will travel over the expansive Knik or Triumvirate Glacier rimmed with spectacular hanging glaciers. Sense the motion of the ice and see how it has shaped the land, then fly over the Colony Glacier to Lake George where it spills into the... Read More
Enjoy an Anchorage day trip and flightseeing tour of the majestic Chugach State Park! On this flight you will travel over the Glacier rimmed with spectacular hanging glaciers. Sense the motion of the ice and see how it has shaped the land, then fly over the Colony Glacier to Lake George where it spills into the winding Knik Glacier Gorge. Look for moose, Dall sheep, and other wildlife... Read More
This day tour is just a 1-hour drive away from Anchorage and includes flightseeing and dog sledding, an unbeatable combination for any Alaska visitor interested in active outdoor recreation! From Knik River Lodge's base you will take a breathtaking 15-20 minute helicopter ride up to Colony Glacier. After landing on the glacier, meet an experienced Iditarod Musher who will teach you to... Read More
Call or email us to help plan the perfect Alaskan vacation.
Book the "Knik River and Denali Explorer", to add these tour add-on's to your reservation.
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Designed for independent travelers and rail enthusiasts, this Alaska by Rail vacation is a journey through Alaska’s rich history and varied Alaska Native cultures and... Read more.
Call or email us your tour questions or to customize your Alaskan vacation.
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