Alaska Expedition - 24

Trip Summary

For 24 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. Navigate the bluest-green waters you’ve ever seen while sea kayaking in Prince William Sound. Finish your trip with a backpacking adventure in Denali State Park, where you might catch a glimpse of North America's highest peak. And, of course, enjoy a thrilling whitewater day on the Matanuska River.

The Alaska Expedition is perfect for teens looking for the next level of challenge in the outdoors.

Itinerary

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!

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!

Four days on these turquoise waters will heighten your appreciation for Alaska’s wildest natural landscapes. 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.

Finish your trip with 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!

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.

Trip Details

Arrival/Departure

Anchorage, AK (ANC)

Grades

10th, 11th, 12th

Length

24 days

Dates

6/27 - 7/20

Tuition

$7,295

Activities

Backpacking
Sea kayaking
Ice climbing
Whitewater rafting

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More InfoReviews

Alaska Expedition is invitation-only for returning students. Because of the challenging nature of this trip, we highly recommended that all new students applying to Alaska Expedition have outdoor experience (e.g., multi-day backpacking trips); they will also attend a conversation with an Adventure Treks director to ensure a mutually good fit.

Included in tuition:
  • All meals
  • Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and all group gear
  • Guided activities
Not included in tuition:
  • Airfare to and from Anchorage, AK (ANC)
  • Travel protection (more info here)
  • Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled families)
Travel information
  • Specific arrival and departure windows will be available to enrolled families
  • Find more travel information here
Camping

About half of our nights are spent at "frontcountry" campsites, where we'll generally have a more developed campsite with running water, toilets, and sometimes cell phone service. This may be a public or private campground. We often stay at the same frontcountry site a few days in a row.

The other half will be spent "backcountry" camping, referring to wilderness locations where we are most likely out of cell phone service and away from our vehicles, electricity, and other amenities. Multi-day activities like backpacking and sea kayaking take place in the backcountry.

Challenge/fitness level

Fitness and physical challenge are subjective, so Adventure Treks does not "rate" its trips based on challenge. However, the Alaska Expedition is one of our most challenging trips. Because we’ll be highly engaged in backcountry activities throughout trip, our students have the responsibility to be physically fit. We know physical fitness looks different for everyone, but it’s important to come prepared so that you and your fellow students can succeed. One student not coming prepared with physical fitness will negatively impact the entire group. In the months leading up to their trip, students should develop a routine that emphasizes stamina and sustaining a moderate level of exertion for many hours, several days in a row. Running, swimming, bicycling, aerobics classes, and team sports are all beneficial and will help improve cardiovascular fitness in preparation for a student’s trip.

Why choose Adventure Treks?

Adventure Treks stands out for its intentional, close-knit communities where experienced instructors create a welcoming, supportive environment that helps teens build lasting friendships and grow into capable, happy young adults. We have the highest staff-to-student ratios in the industry and include necessary gear so every student feels prepared. Our programs emphasizes real growth—confidence, independence, resilience, and leadership—through meaningful outdoor challenges, with a thoughtful risk management mindset woven into every trip. Trusted by families for more than three decades, the experience often becomes a turning point during a critical age that leaves a lasting impression for life.

Parent testimonials

"Maya has achieved a new level of willpower in her personal growth, but most valuable are the friendships! It will help complete any child's growth as a valuable human being." – Teresa Katz, Shaker Heights, OH

"The first thing that Max said when he called me from the airport was, 'I had the time of my life!' Literally that was the first thing he said. Anytime something can generate that kind of response from a 15-year-old is worthy of a 10 rating!" – Eric Olander, Berkeley, CA

"Once again, Matt came back effusive about his time in Alaska! He was absolutely positive about his instructors, peers, and all of the activities—not to mention the landscape and scenery in Alaska. Matt has enjoyed all of his AT trips, but he said this one was his overall favorite and provided life-long memories for him." – Sarah McGrath, Orofino, ID

"Rex's life is completely changed. He LOVED this trip! He loved the mountains, the leaders, the challenge, and the fun! Ice climbing, rafting, sea kayaking, and hiking all were a home run. He's much more aware of the privilege of the world he lives in here in Raleigh, and is grateful for the time at home, but he wants more challenge out of life, is more ambitious, and is constantly referring to the amazing friends he made from all over the US." – Corey Grabar, Raleigh, NC

"Everyone else is probably just as nervous about the challenging parts as you are. Don't get imposter syndrome. You'll be safe, and if it weren't fun, it wouldn't be on the trip." – Daphne from FL

"Bro. Come to AT. People are chill and awesome, and you'll meet a lot of people. AT helped me realize I have the ability to do anything I set my mind to." – Reese from OH

"The friendships I made at AT were so awesome. I got to know so many different kinds of people. I loved how chill our instructors were and how easy they were to talk to and hang out with. They felt like older siblings." – Evan from CO

Read more parent and student testimonials here.

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