Hike Alaska: Valdez and Wrangell St Elias

USA

From £1,499

From glacier hikes to old abandoned mining towns, this trip has a little bit of everything. Fall deeper into the wilds of Alaska on this seven-day tour that really gets you out into the varied landscapes of the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Enjoy a more active pace and set out on hikes that will have you walking on glaciers and witnessing incredible mountain scenery in no time.

Dates

Trip Overview
Trip Overview

Accommodation
Participation camping (5nts), Rustic Lodge (1nt)
Checklist
Camping:
- Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
- Sleeping bag and liner, 4 season
- Socks
- Thermal base layer
- Travel pillow
- Windproof rain gear

Cold Weather:
- Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
- Scarf
- Warm gloves
- Warm hat
- Warm layers

Documents:
- Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
- Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
- Passport (required) (With photocopies)
- Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
- Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
- Binoculars (optional)
- Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
- Cash, credit and debit cards
- Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
- Ear plugs
- First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
- Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
- Fleece top/sweater
- Footwear
- Hat
- Locks for bags
- Long pants/jeans
- Moneybelt
- Outlet adapter
- Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
- Reusable water bottle
- Shirts/t-shirts
- Sleepwear
- Small travel towel
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
- Watch and alarm clock
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
- Face masks (required)
- Hand sanitizer (required)
- Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
- Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Warm Weather:
- Sandals/flip-flops
- Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
- Sun hat/bandana
- Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Group Size Notes
Max 13.
Highlights
Hike along the Worthington Glacier, Fall in love with the scenery in Valdez, Get on the water with a guided kayaking excursion on Glacier Lake, Explore at leisure in McCarthy, Walk the Bonanza Mine trail in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Camp under the stars.
Introduction
From glacier hikes to old abandoned mining towns, this trip has a little bit of everything. Fall deeper into the wilds of Alaska on this seven-day tour that really gets you out into the varied landscapes of the “Land of the Midnight Sun”. Enjoy a more active pace and set out on hikes that will have you walking on glaciers and witnessing incredible mountain scenery in no time.
Meal Budget
Allow USD140-185 for meals not included.
Meals Included
5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Optional Activities
Valdez
- Hiking Around Valdez

McCarthy
- Rafting on Copper River

Kennicott
- Kennicott Ghost Town Guided Tour (25USD per person)

Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve
- Wrangell-St. Elias Scenic Flight (110-255USD per person)

Gulkana River
- Half-Day Float on Gulkana River

Start / Finish
ex Anchorage
Transport
Private vehicle and hiking.
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group. Visit to Matanuska Recreation Site. Worthington Glacier hike. Glacier Lake guided hiking and kayaking trip. Stop at Liberty Falls Recreation Site. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park visit. Bonanza Mine trail hike. Free time in McCarthy for optional activities. Copper Visitor Center trip. National Park entrance fees. All transport between destination and to/from included activities.
Itinerary

Route Overview

Day 1: Anchorage/Valdez
After a brief welcome meeting with your CEO, travel to the Matanuska Recreation Site where you will be able to view the glacier along the interpretive nature trail. After a picnic lunch the group will continue travelling onward to Valdez where you will have the opportunity to walk and visit the Worthington Glacier. Set up camp in the evening and have dinner as a group around the fire.
ACTIVITY
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
This site which is easily accessible from the Glenn Highway Scenic Byway offers wonderful views of the Matanuska Glacier. As a 300 acre recreation site it offers glacier viewing from the parking lot that extends along the interpretive nature trail.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
Spend some time exploring this glacier located in the Chugach Mountains near Thompson Pass—the snowiest place in Alaska. Worthington Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, passing within a few feet of the parking lot with a viewing shelter right off the Richardson Highway. Like most of Alaska’s glaciers, this valley glacier has been steadily retreating for the last 150 years, but not as dramatically as many others. The upper basin sits at 5,500 feet and collects about 28 feet of snow each year.
ACCOMMODATION
Valdez KOA Journey
Day 2: Valdez
What’s in store today will certainly be an adventure. After a quick breakfast at camp, you'll have free time to walk, journal, or hang out with friends.

After lunch head to Glacier Lake in Valdez where you’ll go on a hike and guided kayak tour of the lake. If you have yet to set your eyes on an iceberg, this might just be your chance. This gorgeous lake in Valdez is often home to large chunks of floating ice coming from the Valdez Glacier. With great views and miles of open water to paddle there’s no better way to get in touch with nature.
FREE_TIME
Enjoy free time in Valdez today to hike, kayak, and explore the town and surrounding nature.
ACTIVITY
Walk along the shores of this gorgeous lake in Valdez and then pick up some paddles and get out on the water to try and spot some icebergs. These huge chunks of floating ice come from the Valdez Glacier and come with unimpeded views of the snow-capped Chugach Mountains in the distance. An area definitely worth experiencing while in Valdez. You’ll be able to see the actual glacier from the water while kayaking.
ACCOMMODATION
Valdez KOA Journey
Day 3: Valdez/McCarthy
You’ll spend time today in a private vehicle en route to McCarthy, but don’t worry there will be plenty of epic road trip worthy stops along the way. First up is a stop at Thompson's Pass viewpoint to start the day with stunning vistas. As you continue driving highway 10 there will be plenty of quick stops at worthy viewpoints all along the Copper River. Then enjoy a visit to Liberty Falls State Recreation Site where you can stretch your legs and visit the falls, which plunge 20 ft into the Liberty Creek. Continue along the scenic highway to McCarthy. Stop and see the fish wheels at Kuskulana River Canyon and Bridge, along Gilahina River, and at Gilahina Trestle Wayside. Arrive in McCarthy, visit the town, maybe catch some live music after dinner.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
Liberty falls is a powerful cascade that bursts through a slot in bedrock and plunges 20 ft down into Liberty Creek. The recreation site is just off the scenic highway to McCarthy and you can hear the constant roar of the falls from the wooded area. It’s a great landmark to stop and visit on the way to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.
ACTIVITY
During the drive there will be plenty of stopping along highway 10 to experience the amazing vistas along the Copper River. Then you'll see some of the fish wheels in action. They are powered by the river current and date back to the Gold Rush as an innovative way to scoop the migrating salmon from the water and place them into a large bin for processing. More than one million Pacific salmon travel up the Copper River each year to their spawning grounds and it happens from late spring into mid summer and is quite a sight to see.
ACCOMMODATION
Glacier View Campground
Day 4: McCarthy
Visit Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and spend the day hiking along the Bonanza Mine trail. A hike that includes stunning scenery, a trek to the top of a mountain and 1930’s mining ruins all in a frontier Alaskan setting. Coming in at 9 miles total, the hike is strenuous, but with the views you’ll be admiring, you might not notice at all. In the evening relax back at camp and have dinner as a group.
ACTIVITY
Enjoy time to explore this park on foot or from the air. Wrangell-St Elias National Park is located in the eastern region of south-central Alaska. The Chugach, Wrangell, and St Elias mountain ranges converge here in what is often referred to as the 'Mountain Kingdom of North America'. It is the largest national park in the US at six times the size of Yellowstone.
ACTIVITY
Walk the Bonanza Mine Trail, a fairly strenuous walk that follows the ridges and tram lines to the old mine. Enjoy the magnificent panoramas of the Chugach Mountains, Mt Blackburn and the Kennecott Glacier along the way. From the ridge above the mine there are some spectacular views across to the University Range in the St Elias Mountains.

The hike is about 4.5 miles one way with an elevation gain of 3800ft.
ACCOMMODATION
Glacier View Campground
Day 5: McCarthy
Hiking is unique in its ability to nourish the body and the mind, but it’s nice to have a free day every now and then to let your body recover and your mind wander. Spend today in McCarthy choosing from a variety of optional activities to keep you busy. Head out on a guided ice walk tour, visit the Kennicott Mills Town on a guided tour, hop on a scenic flight of the national park, or set out on a rafting trip. Unwind at camp in the evening and talk about your adventures.
FREE_TIME
Today enjoy time for optional activities like guided ice walk tour, a visit to the Kennicott Mills Town on a guided tour, a scenic flight in the national park, or a rafting trip.
ACCOMMODATION
Glacier View Campground
Day 6: McCarthy/Glennallen
Leave McCarthy behind and travel along a scenic highway to Glennallen. There will be stops along the way to embark on short hikes that lead to lakes, streams, or fishing holes. Visit the Copper Visitor Center and go for short walks in the area while there and make sure not to miss the amazing viewing platform that can be reached from the Visitor Center. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening staying at-and exploring-Alaska's oldest continually operating roadhouse.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
ACTIVITY
As you drive along the scenic highway from McCarthy to Glennallen the group will make stops along the road where there are access roads or short trails that lead to lakes, streams, and other fishing holes. Once at the Copper Visitor Centre you can take shorter hikes in the area and wander along the beautiful viewing platform at the visitor centre itself.
ACTIVITY
Visit the Copper Visitor Center in Glennallen and enjoy the exhibits there, view the park film, hike some nature trails, and go to the bookstore.
ACCOMMODATION
Gakona Lodge
Day 7: Glennallen/Anchorage
In the morning transfer with the group from Glennallen to Anchorage, tour ends on arrival.
TRANSPORT
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Pricing & Availability

Date From	Date To	Price
26 June 2023	02 July 2023	£1499
17 July 2023	23 July 2023	£1619
24 July 2023	30 July 2023	£1619
14 August 2023	20 August 2023	£1619
21 August 2023	27 August 2023	£1619
17 June 2024	23 June 2024	£1599
08 July 2024	14 July 2024	£1719
15 July 2024	21 July 2024	£1719
22 July 2024	28 July 2024	£1719
12 August 2024	18 August 2024	£1719
19 August 2024	25 August 2024	£1719
26 August 2024	01 September 2024	£1719

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