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BOOK HERE: https://www.womenwhoexplore.com/alaska-summer-adventureEmbark with Women Who Explore to Alaska, where the raw beauty of nature meets the spirit of exploration. Our journey begins in Anchorage, where we can acclimate and prepare for the wild landscapes ahead. First, we will head towards Denali National Park and encounter North America's highest peak, Denali, towering at 20,310 feet. The park offers a myriad of outdoor activities such as hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.
Continuing our adventure, we’ll travel south to Kenai Fjords National Park, where the landscape shifts dramatically to a realm dominated by ice and water. Kayaking through the fjords of Resurrection Bay provides an up-close encounter with the areas marine life that thrives in these cold, pristine waters. Orcas, humpback whales, and sea otters are part of the scenery as we paddle through the icy waters. The highlight of this part of the trip is a guided glacier hike, where the group can traverse the icy expanse of a massive glacier.
Day 1:
WELCOME TO ALASKA!
Upon your mid-afternoon arrival in Anchorage, embrace the opportunity to connect with fellow adventurers and knowledgeable guides. You will be picked up at the airport and head straight to the hostel to get situated. After you’re all settled, we’ll come together for our welcome dinner in the evening and get prepared for a thrilling week filled with unforgettable experiences.
In the heart of Anchorage, our downtown hostel provides a comfortable retreat as we prepare for the adventures that lie ahead. Don’t forget, it doesn’t get dark until after 11pm so you can opt for a late evening stroll and maybe dip in to a local restaurant for a little dessert!
Day 2:
THE HIGH ONE
We’ll be up early to embark on our journey to Denali National Park, home of the tallest peak in North America! While the park took the name Denali in 1980, the mountain was not officially renamed until 2015. It means “the high one” in the native Athabaskan language.
The day unfolds with a short, easy afternoon hike to Horseshoe Lake and Beaver Dam, where the pristine landscapes of Denali will unfold before us. This trek promises peaceful views of the lake as well as the possibility to see local wildlife. If it’s a clear, calm day, the lake might show a reflection of the surrounding mountains. As the sun begins its descent, we'll retreat to our cozy hostel. We’ll finish our day with a home-cooked meal.
Day 3:
TRIPLE LAKES TRAIL
Today we’ll gear up for a full day of hiking! Brace yourself for the awe-inspiring trek along the Triple Lakes Trail, a picturesque tapestry of rivers, pristine lakes, and majestic mountain vistas sprawling over 9.5 miles with about 2k feet of elevation gain. We’ll have some spectacular views of lakes and the surrounding mountains throughout the hike. We'll pause midday for a replenishing packed lunch.
This is a full day adventure and we’ll sure you’ll be ready to take your boots off and put your feet up! A home-cooked meal will be made this evening for us to enjoy together.
Day 4:
ROADTRIP DAY!
Today is a big travel day! As we bid farewell to Denali early this morning, we’ll set out on a scenic 6-hour drive that promises amazing views and unforgettable encounters.
We are making our way to Seward, Gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. This charming coastal town is on of Alaska’s oldest and most scenic communities. On our way, we will take a break for lunch at a local restaurant and make a stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, a haven for bears, musk ox, wolves, moose, and an array of other animals native to the area.
The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. AWCC takes in injured and orphaned animals year-round and provides them with spacious enclosures and quality animal care. Most of the animals that arrive at the AWCC become permanent residents and will always have a home here.
Day 5:
LET’S KAYAK TO A GLACIER!
Today, we visit Resurrection Bay (also known as the Harding Gateway), the perfect example of Alaska’s natural beauty! Our day will be spent watching for wildlife and exploring the bay by sea kayak. We will have the chance to paddle right up to the Aialik Glacier, the largest and most actively calving glacier in the park. Calving is when chunks of ice break off from the end of a glacier.
This is an important ecosystem for many animals. The bay is a birders paradise, but we might also catch a glimpse of whales, otters, or sea lions! We hope that learning about this area will inspire you to help in protecting Alaska’s wild spaces!
Day 6:
THE KENAI MOUNTAINS
This morning, we will enjoy a hike along the Harding Icefield in the Kenai Mountains, an out-and-back hike. It is rated as strenuous, but because it is an out and back, we can go as far as we’re comfortable and then make our way back!
The Harding Icefield is the largest existing icefield that is located entirely in the United States! It is thousands of feet thick and connects over 30 glaciers of various size in the area.
Starting on the valley floor, the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passes though heather filled meadows and ultimately climbs well above tree line to a breath-taking view of the icefield. The top of the trail is a window to past ice ages - a horizon of ice and snow that stretches as far as the eye can see, broken only by an occasional nunatak, or lonely peak.
After lunch, we’ll make the 2.5-hour drive back to Anchorage where we will enjoy our final dinner as a group.
Day 7:
GOOD-BYE ALASKA
It has been an amazing adventure, but our time together has come to an end. After our final breakfast, we’ll make our way to the airport via private transfers. We hope this isn’t good-bye, but see you soon on the next adventure! We can’t wait to travel with you again!
QUESTIONS? PLEASE REACH OUT TO US AT [email protected]
COST
$4,295 double occupancy
If you are traveling solo, you will be assigned roommates upon request.
A deposit is due at booking to hold your spot with regular monthly payments. Additional payments may be applied to the trip balance prior to payment due dates.
INCLUSIONS
• 7 days/6 nights accommodation in hostels
• Private group airport transfers from the Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC)
• All transportation between locations and parks as noted in the itinerary
• All park entry fees
• All meals are included, in total this is 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners
• Women naturalist guides
• Snowshoe rentals for Harding Icefield
• Kayak rental for Resurrection Bay
• Entry into Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
• Trip checklists, detailed packing list, training guide, and pre-travel support provided in a private Facebook and/or WhatsApp group
• Pre-trip Q&A Zoom call to meet your fellow travelers, trip hosts and ask any questions
• WWE Swag to make your heart happy!
• Small group; maximum of 12 women + your 1 WWE trip host and naturalist guide in Alaska
EXCLUSIONS
• International Flights to/from Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC).
• Tips and gratuity for guides (at the discretion of the client)
• Airport transfers outside of designated times and meeting location
• Alcohol, additional beverages, snacks and meals as noted above. Three dinners are not included however guests are welcome to eat out or at the Airbnb any night they prefer.
• Any additional excursions or activities not included in the above itinerary
• Visa and entry requirements as applicable and any pre-travel medical expenses such as immunizations or required Covid-19 testing
• Travelers insurance to cover medical expenses while traveling abroad (proof of insurance required)
• Personal expenses not included in the itinerary such as additional accommodations, transportation, meals, souvenirs, etc.
MEALS
All meals will be provided as noted in the itinerary. Please reach out to the trip host after booking if you have any food allergies/sensitivities. We always do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions but cannot make any guarantees.
TRIP CONFIRMATION
This trip requires a minimum number of ladies to register in order for it to be confirmed. Once the trip reaches the minimum participant number, you will receive a trip confirmation email and a link to be added a private Facebook group just for trip guests. In this group further trip details will be provided along with pre-travel support. Please let us know if you do not have or use Facebook.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Please see our Terms of Service.
*Please note: some of our trips have a non-refundable fee that will be stated in the trip description.
COVID-19 POLICY
Women Who Explore guests will be required to follow the local Covid-19 guidelines and requirements as set forth by the local governing body of the destination being visited.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel (and medical) insurance is required for anyone traveling on a Women Who Explore adventure. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. Your insurance policy should also include specific Covid-19 cover, including cancellation and curtailment cover if you or a close relative are diagnosed with Covid-19.
ITINERARY CHANGES DISCLAIMER
Please note that the itinerary provided for your adventure is subject to change. While we strive to adhere to the proposed plan, unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions, safety concerns, or other factors beyond our control may necessitate adjustments to the itinerary. We prioritize your safety and enjoyment throughout the adventure, and any modifications made will be done with careful consideration. We will make every effort to inform you in advance of any changes and provide suitable alternatives to ensure a fulfilling experience.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Anchorage, Alaska, United States
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