Denali Wilderness
Learning Adventure
Hike, Bike, Canoe, Fish and Relax in the Wilds of Denali National Park
Experience the wonders of Denali National Park on this wilderness adventure. Many park visitors never see "The Great One", but 90% of our guests catch more than a glimpse of North America's highest mountain from one of Alaska's most extraordinary locations. Living here at Camp Denali--even for just a few days--makes all the difference! Return to Anchorage by train on the spectacular Denali Star, specially designed for sightseeing and wildlife viewing.
Day 1 Shuttle from Anchorage-Camp Denali or North Face Lodge. You're met following a morning shuttle from Anchorage by your guide/driver, who will share with you the natural and cultural history of Denali National Park as you journey to the remote western side. A gourmet picnic supper at the base of Polychrome Pass breaks up the trip quite nicely. Keep your eyes peeled for moose, caribou, and grizzly bears along the way. You are welcomed to your lodge with a fresh fruit, dessert and hot drink reception.
Days 2-3 Camp Denali or North Face Lodge. Begin each day with a scrumptious breakfast thanks to the efforts of the camp's baker and cook. Then choose from an easy naturalist foray or a guided outing involving either a moderate or strenuous option. You'll have wonderful views of Mount McKinley and an introduction to the tundra ecology of the park. These daily naturalist-led hikes and field trips involve wildlife observation, bird watching, and botanizing and are planned around guests' interests and physical abilities. You can also explore independently, using interpretive booklets for local walks.
Evening programs focus on some aspect of Denali's natural and cultural history, including birds, mammals, wildflowers, tundra ecology, geology, mountaineering, land use and natural resource issues.
Day 4 Camp Denali or North Face Lodge. This is the best day of all. Choose from another guided activity or spend the day on your own. Options include mountain biking along the park road toward Denali, while enjoying a 2,200 foot descent; paddling a canoe on the mirror-like waters of 2.5-mile-long Wonder Lake (200 feet deep and glacier-fed); fishing for Arctic grayling in Moose Creek or Mackinaw trout in Wonder Lake; or, just relaxing and enjoying a quiet afternoon in the natural history resource center at Camp Denali.
Day 5 Denali Star Train to Anchorage. A morning shuttle across the park arrives in time to catch the southbound Denali Star train to Anchorage. Whether you're in it for romance, history, socializing, sightseeing, or just along for the ride, the Alaska Railroad is the ultimate way to see Alaska. Award-winning service, comfortable seating and knowledgeable tour guides are all part of the tradition and experience.
