Alaska Expedition (30-day)
Trip Summary
For 30 days, step into the Last Frontier, a wild region surrounded by turquoise fjords, lush forests, and massive glaciers. Explore the Chugach Mountains' mossy alpine meadows and spruce and birch forests, and ice climb on the impressive Matanuska Glacier, then hike through the Talkeetna Mountains, where rolling hills transform into jagged peaks. Navigate the bluest-green waters you’ve ever seen while sea kayaking in Prince William Sound. You'll also backpack along the ridgelines of Denali State Park—on a clear day, you'll have the world's best view of North America's highest peak! And no AT trip is complete without a rafting day, so get ready for some splashes on the Matanuska River.
The Alaska Expedition is perfect for teens looking for the next level of challenge in the outdoors.
Itinerary
Backpack in Chugach State Park
For four days, refresh your backpacking skills as you set out on perhaps the most scenic hike in the entire range: Crow Pass (which follows the original Iditarod Trail). You and your group will pass over glaciers, through mine ruins and wildflower fields, and beside waterfalls. You may see moose, caribou, goats, and other wildlife native only to this subarctic region. Prepare to glissade down a snowfield!
Whitewater raft the Matanuska River
Fed by its namesake glacier, the Matanuska River is tucked between the mighty Chugach and the sprawling Talkeetnas, so the surrounding mountain views are insane and seemingly endless. Look to the sky and you might spot bald eagles soaring overhead, waiting to pluck a salmon right out of the flowing waters! Moose, bears, and even Dall sheep can be seen along the riverbanks.
Ice climb on the Matanuska Glacier
One of our students' favorite activities: Spend two days learning how to ice climb on this sparkling blue glacier. Learn how to ascend gently sloping walls with ice tools and crampons, and pose for a photo op at the top of each climb. You may even get up close and personal with a crevasse!
Backpack in the Talkeetna Mountains
Take on more leadership responsibilities as you walk through this range of long-extinct volcanoes for six days. You and your friends will stand beneath and marvel at the surrounding sawtooth peaks and hang on to each other for support while you learn how to ford rivers and creeks. Make memories that last a lifetime on this incredibly varied terrain: You’ll cross remnant ice fields, traverse ridges, stomp through bogs, and travel across tundra. Keep your eyes peeled for herds of caribou passing through.
Sea kayak in Prince William Sound
Four days on these turquoise waters will heighten your appreciation for Alaska’s wild nature even more. Glide through calm fjords right next to waterfalls, calving glaciers, and peaks soaring up to 9,000 feet. The wildlife is abundant; you may see bald eagles, otters, porpoises, and maybe even an Orca! At night, surround yourself with your best friends while camping on black sand beaches. When the sun peeks out, you may find yourself jumping into a turquoise swimming hole.
Backpack in Denali State Park
Spend four days in the rugged territory that houses North America’s tallest and most awe-inspiring mountain. Hike along the Kesugi Ridge through lush forests, vast tundra, and past an alpine lake. You’ll definitely want to do a “clear day dance,” as the view of the 20,308-foot Denali is jaw-dropping on a bluebird day!
7
