“Every camp placement organization I spoke with let me know that this was hands-down the favorite camp. The level of organization and professionalism was amazing. My child really grew on this trip."
- Diana Ravicchio
Rossmoor, CA
Discover Alaska - the last truly wild place in the U.S. There is no better location than the vast, rugged wilderness of Alaska to improve your outdoor skills, enhance your leadership ability and challenge yourself! The 29-day Alaska Expedition is the hallmark Alaska experience. This trip is a great choice if you have previous outdoor experience, are seeking true challenge and are ready for the ultimate adventure.
The four day Chugach Mountain Backpack offers an amazing scenery while you discover the Alaskan wilderness! You will hike through fields of wildflowers, wade across wild rivers, practice your orienteering skills, and summit famous Crow Pass. Remember, its day-time all the time during the Alaskan summer, so get ready for a crazy adventure where you could forget where one day ends and the next begins!
Spend five days sea kayaking in a remote area of Prince William Sound near College Fjord. Wildlife abounds, and you just might get to paddle your sea kayak next to an Orca whale! When you camp at Black Sands Beach, the most beautiful place you will ever see, you will forge a personal connection with, and a respect for, the world around you. See a tidewater glacier up close, and you will never forget the sight of huge chunks of ice “calving” into the green sea.
Its time for another trip highlight! Your four-day route along Kesugi Ridge provides great views of 20,320 ft. Denali. Improve your orienteering skills as you lead your group through this spectacular wilderness area.
For the next three days you get to expand your mountaineering skills on the ice of the Matanuska Glacier. Not only will you learn how to scale steep ice walls, you will also learn how to travel safely across the glacier and you might even rappel into a crevasse. Sink you ice axe and crampons into the glacier to pull yourself to the top. This is always a favorite!
On this six-day backpack in the wilderness of the Talkeetnas, we will summit dramatic peaks and marvel at the remote lakes below. Navigate your way through rugged bushwhacks. Keep an eye out for moose, caribou, ptarmigan, porcupines, wolves, bear, and coyotes. We will see waterfalls and cross rivers. At this time of year wildflowers and blueberries are in abundance. This is a backcountry backpack you will never forget!
Raft this exciting whitewater river! This section of the Matanuska River is formed from runoff of a 27-mile-long glacier as it collides with a massive rock wall. Put on your dry suit and hang on! These class IV rapids will hold your attention every second of the way!
Alaska 1:
Arrive at Anchorage, AK (ANC) between June 27th (anytime) and 6pm June 28th.
Depart from Anchorage, AK (ANC) between July 25th (anytime) and 6pm July 26th.
Alaska 2:
Arrive at Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) between July 10th (anytime) and 6pm July 11th.
Depart from Anchorage, Alaska (ANC) between August 7th (anytime) and 6pm Aug 8th.
*It's normal to have a flight at 2 am out of Anchorage - we'll get you to and from the airport on time.
June 27-28: Students arrive in Anchorage, AK (ANC). Nature hike and Alaska specific clinics that teach bear protocol, river-crossing techniques, and cold weather camping tips. Enjoy an amazing Alaskan welcome dinner.
June 29: Day hike Mt. Eklutna trail.
June 30 - July 3 : Backpack for 4 days on the Crow Pass Trail in Chugach State Park. You will cross rivers, traverse alder fields, practice your map reading skills, learn to be “bear safe” and summit Crow Pass.
July 4: Logistics day in Anchorage and/or Palmer (shop for food, do laundry, and prepare for the sea kayak).
July 5-9: Sea kayak for 5 days in the western fjords of Prince William Sound with Alaska Sea Kayakers and camp on a black sand beach. We will paddle to a tidewater glacier, and you will never forget the sight of huge chunks of ice “calving” into the green sea.
July 10: Logistics day in Anchorage and/or Palmer (shop for food, do laundry, and prepare for the backpack).
July 11-14: Backpack for 4-days in Denali State Park. Your route along Kesugi Ridge should provide great views of 20,320 ft Mt. McKinley (Denali).
July 15-17: Ice climb for 3 days on the Matanuska Glacier with MICA Guides. Not only will you learn how to properly use ice tools and scale steep ice walls, you will also learn how to travel safely across the glacier. Logistics in the afternoon (shop for food, do laundry, and clean vans).
July 18: Raft the Lions Head River. The class IV rapids will hold your attention every second of the way and there is the chance of spotting grizzlies, moose, dall sheep, and caribou on the riverbank.
July 19-23: Backpack for 5-days in the Talkeetna Mountains. We will summit dramatic peaks, marvel at the remote lakes below navigate our way through rugged bushwhacks, see waterfalls and cross rivers.
July 24: Alaska Day! This is a time to reflect on the trip, hang out with your friends, and learn more about Alaskan history and culture. The group may also elect to summit Wolverine Peak.
July 25: Students depart from Anchorage (ANC).
July 10-11: Students arrive in Anchorage, AK (ANC). Nature hike and Alaska specific clinics that teach bear protocol, river-crossing techniques, and cold weather camping tips. Enjoy an amazing Alaskan welcome dinner.
July 12: Day hike Mt. Eklutna trail.
July 13-17: Backpack for 5-days in the Talkeetna Mountains. We will summit dramatic peaks, marvel at the remote lakes below navigate our way through rugged bushwhacks, see waterfalls and cross rivers.
July 18: Raft the Lions Head River. The class IV rapids will hold your attention every second of the way and there is the chance of spotting grizzlies, moose, dall sheep, and caribou on the riverbank.
July 19-21: Ice climb for 3 days on the Matanuska Glacier with MICA Guides. Not only will you learn how to properly use ice tools and scale steep ice walls, you will also learn how to travel safely across the glacier. Logistics in the afternoon (shop for food, do laundry, and clean vans).
July 22-25: Backpack for 4 days on the Crow Pass Trail in Chugach State Park. You will cross rivers, traverse alder fields, practice your map reading skills, learn to be “bear safe” and summit Crow Pass.
July 26: Logistics day in Anchorage and/or Palmer. (Shop for food, do laundry, and prepare for the sea kayak).
July 27-31: Sea kayak for 5 days in the western fjords of Prince William Sound with Alaska Sea Kayakers and sleep on a black sand beach. We will paddle to a tidewater glacier, and you will never forget the sight of huge chunks of ice “calving” into the green sea.
August 1: Logistics day in Anchorage and/or Palmer. (Shop for food, do laundry, and prepare for the backpack).
August 2-5: Backpack for 4-days in Denali State Park. Your route along Kesugi Ridge should provide great views of 20,320 ft. Mt. McKinley (Denali).
August 6: Alaska Day! This is a time to reflect on the trip, hang out with your friends, and learn more about Alaskan history and culture. The group may also elect to summit Wolverine Peak.
August 7: Students depart from Anchorage (ANC) by 5 pm.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary prior to and throughout the trip as we constantly improve the Adventure Treks experience. Itineraries may change due to: Severe weather, student ability, motivation and conditioning, high or low rivers, high or low snow pack, unpredictable natural disasters and acts of God, vehicle breakdowns, road closures, volcanic activity, forest fires, illness, ever changing permit regulations, any potential threat to safety; even a brilliant idea from an instructor or student. In the event of a schedule change, comparable activities will be substituted when possible and you will be notified by e-mail of significant changes.
Is this the best trip for me?
The Alaksa Expedition is a perfect trip for students who are currently in 10th, 11th or 12th grade. Students must have previous outdoor experience and permission from the director to join us in Alaska this summer. Students will be expected to take on leadership roles and to be comfortable and responsible in the back country.
Will I have 6 instructors on this trip?
Alaska is has a unique group size of 20 students and 4 instructors, as opposed to 24 and 6. Because students are expected to possess a high level of maturity and be eager to accept leadership and group responsibilities, we generally use a 1:5 instructor to student ratio in Alaska.
For more answers, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or call us at 888-954-5555. We’re always happy to help you out!
*Because students are expected to possess a high level of maturity and be eager to accept leadership and group responsibilities, we generally use a 1:5 instructor to student ratio in Alaska.
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Tracy Roberts – Tracy joins us for her fourth year as trip leader. She recently spent 7 months traveling throughout Asia and Africa. Tracy graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula with a degree in Health and Human Performance and completed a NOLS semester in the Yukon Territory. Tracy has worked with teenagers as a wilderness therapy instructor for SUWS of the Carolinas, Trails Carolina, and as a Rehab Aide for 2 years at the Teen Recovery Center in Missoula. Tracy has trekked in Nepal, biked the 3,300 Lewis and Clark Trail, volunteered in Sri Lanka and Kenya, and has traveled extensively in Europe, Central America, and Asia. Tracy is a certified Wilderness EMT.
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Kai Schwartz – A four-year A.T. student, Kai joins us for her third year as an instructor. She graduated from Colorado College where she was a student trip leader. Kai lives in Santa Fe where she works as a political consultant. She has worked as a canoe instructor in both Alaska and Wisconsin. She also spent time in Ecuador working with a human rights group, and in the United States working for environmental and political advocacy groups. Kai is a certified Wilderness First Responder who enjoys hiking and snorkeling.
Scott Thomas – Scott joins us for his fourth summer as an instructor and as Adventure Trek’s Gear Guru. He spent last summer working as a Ridge Runner on the Appalachian Trail before thru-hiking the 1700-mile the Pacific Crest Trail. He has also hiked the 2000-mile Appalachian Trail, and is preparing for a thru hike of the Continental Divide Trail. Scott graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Recreation Management, and is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Scott enjoys rock and ice climbing, long hikes, mountain biking and is working on his career as a stand-up comedian.
Tommy Russo - coming soon!
Reviewed by: Claire Nebeker
Date: December 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
DO NOT MISS THIS
Reviewed by: Chris Bresee
Date: November 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
Absolutely incredible. Best month of my life by far. The trip itself was amazing along with the great community on it.
Reviewed by: Caroline Conway
Date: June 28, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
This was absolutely the best summer of my life. Going into Alaska I expected this to be a great trip, but the past 29 days has completely exceeded my expectations. The people you're with become more like family than just friends. This trip was incredible and more than I could have ever hoped for.
Reviewed by: Sam Nilsson
Date: February 11, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
Best summer of my LIFE !
Reviewed by: Eric Hermann
Date: February 13, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
Absolutely incredible. This was by far the best summer of my life
Reviewed by: Emily McAneney
Date: February 13, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
This is an unbelievable trip I had been to Alaska a few years and AT the previous year; i had extremely high expectations going back. Going back with AT was unforgetable and was so much more then what I thought it would be!
Reviewed by: Avery Epstein
Date: February 10, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
Nothing beats Alaska. It is absolutely beautiful and I met so many amazing people on the trip from all over the world, who all share a passion for the outdoors. It doesn't get better than that.
Adventure Treks is a program for teenagers, so we don’t allow any inappropriate language or content in our reviews. We do screen reviews for spam and legitimacy, and we will post all appropriate comments in full.
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Thanks for interest in Adventure Treks!
Our administrative staff welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions and help you choose the best summer experience for your child.
1. Fill out our online application or apply by phone by calling 888-954-5555 Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST. Submit an $800 deposit to hold your place on the adventure of your choice.
2. We intentionally limit the size of our program, so enrollment is limited. Please send in your application early to ensure a place on the trip of your choice.
3. Our acceptance process ensures a great peer group for your child. We require an essay and 2 references from each new student, and we may also arrange a brief phone interview to get to know your child better.
All deposits are refundable prior to March 1st, less a $200 processing fee, for cancellation for any reason. For cancellations after March 1st, tuition is non-refundable. We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for your protection. If a participant withdraws voluntarily or is sent home as a consequence of unacceptable behavior, no refund of any kind will be granted. It is the parents’ responsibility to cover any additional travel expenses.
Click map to enlarge
| Duration: | 29 days |
| Dates: |
I June 27 - July 25 II July 10 - August 7 |
| Grades: | 10-12 |
| Activities: | |
| States: |
Alaska |
| Price: | $4995 |
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