The Alaska Glaciers Mountains Fjords Tour is an active, off the beaten path adventure to one of the largest protected wilderness areas on Earth.
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The Glacier Mountains Fjords Tour captures the heart of all those that make the journey with exemplary scenery, towering mountains, and untold glaciers and fjords.
This off the beaten path trip brings you to the Matanuska Glacier Valley with the opportunity to experience Alaska’s colorful gold history. Travel deep within Wrangell St. Elias National Park, largest National Park in the U.S. and recognized part of a World Heritage site, exemplifying the essence of Alaska’s wild mountain/ glacier, early pioneer spirit. Explore the temperate rainforest and fjords near Valdez- often referred to as the “Little Switzerland” of Alaska. Board the world-famous Alaska Marine Ferry and travel across Prince William Sound along the base of the towering Chugach Mountains past dozens of glacial fjords.
This is an action-packed trip. Add an additional optional activity or two to up the adventure factor.
Our trips are designed as full-service trips and include many opportunities for exploration. However, for those looking for a little more adventure, opportunities abound. Additional optional adventure tours are available throughout your trip and little or no prior experience is needed to enjoy them.
Two full days are set aside for you to choose your activities based upon your interests. Some of the exciting activities available to you include:
Sea kayaking- to the face of a glacier, glacier hiking- at the base of a 5000 ft. icefall, ice climbing, glacier/ wildlife cruise, flight seeing, historic mill tour, world class ocean fishing and more!
Additional multi-sport adventure activities can be arranged during your trip with our long-time local travel partners at the places we visit. Your guide will make all of the arrangements and will recommend our favorite activities. See detailed itinerary description for optional trip descriptions and prices (all prices are approximate and subject to change). If you have any questions concerning these activities please contact us and we’ll be happy to discuss them with you.
All vacation packages include our well-trained guide, comfortable transportation, equipment, almost all meals, and are suitable to everyone with a spirit for adventure.
Please Note: This itinerary may operate in a slightly different order depending on ferry schedules and local conditions. All features of the itinerary will be the same, only the destination order will be altered.
★ indicates our favorite recommended extra activity
We’ll depart Anchorage in the morning for a trip to the Matanuska Glacier, the largest accessible glacier in Alaska. In route we’ll visit the Hatcher Pass Recreation Area and Independence Mine State Historic Park, ranked #5 by Alaska Magazine of places to visit in Alaska. The park is well known among locals for its scenic beauty and outstanding hiking opportunities. For those interested in Alaska history, a visit to the turn of the century gold mine is a must.
After a great day exploring, we’ll settle into our comfy accommodations in a beautiful setting and be treated to a gourmet outdoor cooked meal prepared by your guide. This evening, you can hang out at the fire pit, relax in the outdoor hot tub, and/or walk miles of trails right from the property.
Accommodations: Local lodge in basic, yet comfortable rooms set in a majestic location
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: About 3 hours
Today we’re off to Wrangell St. Elias National Park, largest national park in the U.S., one of the largest protected areas in the world (a world heritage site). Four major mountain ranges are found here including some of North America's highest peaks.
Our destination within the park is the old copper mining towns of McCarthy and Kennicott. In route we'll cross the mighty Copper River and travel the old railway path to McCarthy.
The Kennecott mines (different spelling than the town) were developed starting in 1907 and were, for a while, the most productive copper mines in the U.S. Today they remain as a national historic landmark and an excellent example of early 20th century Alaskan history.
Located nearby are the massive Kennicott and Root Glaciers. They converge here and are overshadowed by the 7000 ft Stairway Icefall and 16,000 ft Mt Blackburn. This is a truly unique location not accessible to the average tourist.
We’ll explore some of the most beautiful landscape in Alaska on our way to the park and stop at the Wrangell St. Elias Visitor Center along the way.
Accommodations: Riverside Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: About 6 hours
You will have a full day here to participate in a variety of recreational activities in a truly remarkable setting. We recommend taking advantage of the great hiking in the area. Hike along the side of the Root glacier or climb up to Bonanza Mine for sweeping views. For those feeling like being a bit more adventurous getting out onto the glacier with crampons is a must.
Accommodations: Riverside Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: Local only
★ Glacier Hiking with Crampons- Wrangell St. Elias National Park is one of the best places for glacier hiking in Alaska. The approach to the glacier begins with a walk through a historic ghost town and along the side of the vast Root Glacier below the base of the magnificent 7,000 foot Stairway Icefall. Donoho Peak and Mt. Blackburn loom in the distance. Once equipped with crampons, the hike continues onto the white and blue expanse of the glacier. The glacier comes to life while your guide describes its unique features. From $95.
Ice Climbing- Expert guides will show you “the ropes” of glacier climbing. This trip is like the above glacier hike but includes the opportunity to ice climb on the glacier as well. An introduction to the sport, basic skills and several techniques will be applied to explore a few ice cliffs. All ice climbing equipment is provided. $155.
Flight Seeing- From the air you will be offered an entirely new perspective of this vast area. You will have the opportunity to witness a variety of natural wonders, including; 16,000 ft peaks, volcanoes, rivers, glacial expanses, alpine lakes, and dramatic waterfalls. Wildlife including bear, Dall sheep, moose, caribou, and Mt. goats may be seen. From $250.
Historic Mill Tour- Take a guided tour of Kennicott and learn about the area’s fascinating human history. The historic Copper mine of Kennecott (different spelling) was built in the early 1900’s and is a National Historic Landmark. Throughout the 2 hour tour you will venture into the 14-story Mill Building and walk back in time. Your guide will provide you with a fully narrated tour; allowing you a glimpse into the history of this remote wilderness mine. $28.
Next, we’re off to Valdez and Prince William Sound. Often referred to as the 'Little Switzerland" of Alaska, Valdez is beautifully situated at the base of the towering Chugach Mountains on the shores of Prince William Sound. Visitors are attracted to the lush landscape, high concentration of glaciers, and great outdoor recreation.
In route to Valdez we’ll view the Alaska Pipeline and stop at the road accessible Worthington Glacier for a short hike. Next, we’ll cross scenic Thompson Pass and arrive in Valdez, explore the harbor or go on a short hike. Depending on the time of year thousands of spawning salmon can be seen, and if we’re lucky we’ll observe brown bears and/ or Stellar sea lions feasting off the bounty.
Accommodations: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive Time: About 4-5 hours
You will have a full day here to participate in a variety of recreational activities. We recommend taking advantage of the great hiking in the area. For those feeling like being a bit more adventurous; getting out in a sea kayak is a must.
Accommodations: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: Local only
★ Sea Kayaking- There are two excellent sea kayaking trips from Valdez that we highly recommend.
An outstanding sea kayaking trip to the face of Shoup Glacier- view wildlife and a tidewater glacier, perfectly suitable for beginners. On this full day trip you will paddle within a protective cove past one of the largest Kittiwake rookeries in the area up to the face of Shoup Glacier. If you are lucky ice from the glacier will calve into the sea. $209.
Or, consider the slightly longer trip to the Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Prince William Sound! Here you can paddle among icebergs through remote fjords fronting massive glaciers. $259.
Glacier/Wildlife Cruises- Look for wildlife and enjoy the outstanding glacial scenery while you cruise Prince William Sound. Not only will you see South Central Alaska’s largest tidewater glacier, the Columbia Glacier, you will have the opportunity to view fantastic wildlife of that area including; sea lions, whales, seals, puffins, sea otters, eagles, goats, bears and much more. From $140.
Ocean Fishing- Fish for halibut and/or salmon. Your choice of either an all day Halibut fishing trip, approximately 12 hrs, between May and September; or a silver salmon charter between July and September. Halibut- From $300 Salmon- From $225.
Today we’ll cross Prince William Sound on the Alaska State Ferry along the base of the towering Chugach Mountains past dozens of glacial fjords. We'll look for humpback and killer whales, sea otters, Dall porpoises, sea lions, harbor seals, and mountain goats as we relax and enjoy the scenery.
Our ferry brings us back to Whittier, just south of Anchorage, in the heart of the Chugach National Forest. Time permitting we’ll take a short hike before returning to Anchorage by about 5:00-5:30 pm.
Accommodations: Not included
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive Time: 1½ hours, ferry approximately 6 hours
Add our Classic Alaskan Tour to the Glaciers Mountains Fjords Tour to form a combination tour you will never forget: Grand Tour Combo - 13 days
Single Supplement $100 may apply to single travelers
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