Alaska Denali & Kenai Fjords Hiking Tour
From Mount Healy to Harding Icefield
- Available: June, July, August
- Activity: Level 4
- Accommodations: Luxury Hotels, Comfortable Hotels, Rustic Lodging
Highlights
- Summit Denali's Mt. Healy Overlook and Sugerloaf Mountain in one day
- Hike the Harding Icefield alongside Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park
- Explore backcountry wilderness, where moose, bears, and caribou roam free
Itinerary
Welcome to Anchorage
Day 1
Arrive at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) where you will take a complimentary hotel shuttle for transport to the nearby Lakefront Anchorage Hotel, your lodging for the night. Get settled at the city’s only lakeside property, admiring the lobby’s extensive display of Iditarod memorabilia and watching float planes landing and taking off from the hotel’s expansive viewing deck. Afterwards, gather in the lobby for a welcome meeting with your expert guides and fellow travelers, then kick off your trip with a group dinner and rest up for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: The Lakefront Anchorage-Anchorage, Alaska
Meals: Dinner
Summit Lion's Head for Matanuska Glacier Views
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, drive through towering mountain peaks, expansive, glacier-carved valleys, and a mix of alpine and glacial landscapes, offering a stunning visual introduction to the Alaskan wilderness enroute to Glacier View. On arrival, enjoy a picnic lunch and a sneak peek at the phenomenal scenery you are about to hike into. Trek to the top of Lion’s Head, ascending through a changing terrain of dense forests and alpine meadows. This steep climb rewards you at the summit with a spectacular panorama and bird's-eye views directly over the Matanuska Glacier—a massive, 27-mile-long ice field that’s also the largest road-accessible glacier in North America.
Accommodation: Majestic Valley Wilderness Lodge
Activity: 3 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head into Denali's Great Wilderness
Day 3
Travel deeper into the state and Denali National Park and Preserve, encompassing six million acres of Alaskan wilderness. Along the way, keep an eye out for caribou, moose, and grizzly bears and get your first glimpse of 20,310-foot-tall Mt. Denali, the continent’s tallest peak. Today’s out-and-back hike follows the Little Coal Creek Trail to Kesugi Ridge and offers some of the best alpine hiking in Denali. You’ll traverse vast tundra and rocky ridges while enjoying sweeping panoramic views and occasional wildlife sightings, such as Dall sheep and marmots. After an exhilarating day on the trail, settle in for a cozy evening, sipping drinks around the firepit overlooking the river.
Accommodation: McKinley Creekside Cabins
Activity: 7-8 hours/12 miles hiking with 2,500' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tackle Two Summits in One Day
Day 4
Today begins with an ascent through dense spruce forests and alpine meadows. Reaching the tree line, the views open up across the Denali wilderness as the trail climbs via switchbacks to Mt. Healy Overlook where magnificent panoramas await. Celebrate your accomplishment with a picnic lunch at the summit (weather permitting) before retracing your steps down the mountain. In the afternoon, get ready for your second climb of the day, a short, steep trek to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain culminating with marvelous Denali vistas. The route’s rugged and unmaintained trail is ideal for adventure-seekers. Enjoy a fresh, locally sourced Alaskan dinner at The Perch, a popular eatery that sits “perched” atop a gravel moraine left behind by a glacier.
Accommodation: McKinley Creekside Cabins
Activity: Morning 5 hour/6 miles hiking with 1,700' elevation gain and loss; Afternoon 1.5 hours/2 miles hiking with 1,100' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Triple Lakes and Enjoy Free Time in Denali Town
Day 5
Fuel up on a homestyle breakfast before embarking on a full-day hike along Denali's point-to-point Triple Lakes Trail. This trek traverses dense forests, crosses rolling hills, and passes three crystal-clear alpine lakes. Bask in the beauty of their reflective waters while looking and listening for local wildlife, including moose, caribou, and various avian species. After a day of hiking, choose to relax or enjoy some down time in Denali, browsing the shops, perusing art galleries, or enjoying a snack at one of the local cafes. Enjoy a hearty dinner where Alaskan dishes and craft beers are the norm.
Accommodation: McKinley Creekside Cabins
Activity: 5 hours/9 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 15-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Traverse Curry Ridge & Travel to Girdwood
Day 6
Start off the day with a morning hike along Curry Ridge Trail through alpine meadows and spruce forests, offering spectacular views of the Alaska Range—including Denali itself—as you go. Along with its staggering panoramic vistas, summertime wildflower blooms make this out-and-back trail one of the park’s most alluring hikes. Depart Denali for Girdwood, stopping to enjoy a casual lunch in the quirky town of Talkeetna, known for its creative arts scene. The drive along the Turnagain Arm offers breathtaking views of coastal mountains, glacial rivers, and the waters of Cook Inlet. Check in at Girdwood’s Alyeska Resort and sit down to a delicious dinner before turning in for the night.
Accommodation: The Hotel Alyeska
Activity: 3.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1100' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 3.5- to 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Old-Growth Forest & Ride an Aerial Tram
Day 7
Enjoy a morning hike along Girdwood’s Winner Creek Trail. This scenic route winds through a splendid old-growth forest filled with towering spruce and hemlock trees. Board the Alyeska Aerial Tram right at the end of the trail fand ride to the mountain top for unparalleled wilderness views, including hanging glaciers and surrounding peaks. Refuel with a hearty lunch 2,300 feet above sea level, then settle in for the drive to Seward. Pass glacial lakes and wildflower-filled meadows on the way to this stunning coastal town that serves as the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. Dinner tonight is at a local favorite, where we enjoy delectable seafood and striking views over Resurrection Bay.
Accommodation: Seward Windsong Lodge
Activity: 2 hours/3.5 miles hiking with little elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike the Epic Harding Icefield Trail & Exit Glacier
Day 8
Hiking the Harding Icefield Trail alongside Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park is one of Alaska’s most iconic backcountry adventures. Climb through mossy forests, alpine meadows, and along the edge of the 700-square-mile glacier, keeping an eye out for mountain goats, black bears, and various avian species en route. Once at the top, pause to admire awe-inspiring views of the vast Harding Icefield, brimming with crevasses, moraines, and snow-covered peaks bursting through the ice, and its surrounding mountains. Time permitting, explore Seward—browsing its independent gift shops, viewing its outdoor murals, and sussing out local sea life on your own. Then join your fellow adventures for a farewell dinner, savoring local-sourced seafood and produce while swapping stories of an unforgettable trip.
Accommodation: Seward Windsong Lodge
Activity: 6-8 hours/8.2 miles hiking with 4,000' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 10-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk Along Resurrection Bay & Depart Anchorage
Day 9
Begin your final day with a morning hike to Caines Head, passing through mossy forests and along rocky coastline as you go. Enjoy views of the stunning Resurrection Bay, colorful wildflowers, and occasional wildlife. Drive to Trail Lake and cap off the trip with a picnic lakeside?one last moment in the quiet beauty of Alaska’s wilderness. Continue to Anchorage, where the trip ends. Catch homebound flights or travel onward with memories of awe-inspiring glaciers, ancient forests, majestic wildlife, and the soaring peak of Denali.
Activity: 1.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 250' elevation gain and loss
Transportation: 2.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Why Travel With Us?
- MT Sobek has been a pioneer in Alaska adventure travel since 1972, always placing a strong emphasis on responsible travel practices that support local communities and protect the natural environment.
- A hiking trip designed to appeal to repeat guests, bucket-listers, and newcoming avid trekkers alike. A perfect mix of challenge and reward, expect long-hiking days followed by comfy lodgings and delicious Alaskan cuisine.
- Travel with Alaska-based guides who hike these routes regularly. You'll gain a richer understanding of Alaska's landscapes, wildlife, geology, history, and culture.
Dates & Prices
Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates youโll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
2027
- Jul 11 - 19, 2027$9,295 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,250 Single OccupancyAvailable - Jul 25 - Aug 02, 2027$9,295 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,250 Single OccupancyAvailable - Aug 07 - 15, 2027$9,295 price per person dbl occ
Optional:+$1,250 Single OccupancyAvailable
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private with MT Sobek
Gather your favorite travel companionsโfamily, friends, colleagues, or clubโand enjoy an exclusive departure thatโs easy to book and completely unforgettable.
Private Trip RequestPrivate Trip Requirements
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your private departure.
Minimum age for guests on this trip is 18 years old.
Choose Your Own Travel Dates
June, July, August
Call for Private Trip Pricing
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of a trip designed just for you?
- Our award-winning travel experts craft custom adventuresโperfect for families, couples, and and groups.
- Enjoy insider access, expert guides, and decades of on-the-ground experience. Since 1969.
Custom Trip Details
- This is a sample itinerary. Let us work with you to perfect an adventure tailored specifically to you.
- Deposit: A 25% non-refundable deposit is required once your itinerary is confirmed.
When to Start Planning
Plan ahead for the best experience.
- Early planning secures preferred accommodations, top guides, and the widest range of activities.
- Ideal planning window: 6+ months before travel
- Short-notice trips (under 3 months): Availability may be limited
Travel Dates
June, July, August
Let's start designing your adventure!
Inclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Joe R.
Joe is a world traveler who has climbed volcanos in Indonesia and hiked to Everest base camp, adventuring through 40 countries. He spends his summers guiding in Alaska, where since 2023, heโs honed his wildlife spotting skills and deepened his connection with Denali and Glacier National Parks, hiking deep into the backcountry. He enjoys sharing his passion for the region through stories of history and adventure over a campfire.
Charlie T.
Charlie began guiding in North America over 10 years ago, and since then he has been crisscrossing, circling, driving, flying, surfing, and hiking all over the continent, from Hawaii to all the way up at the Arctic Circle. In his free time, you will find him with his family and friends in his home state of Washington or traveling the world. At home or abroad, he enjoys many things that involve being outside and sharing it with others. You can always count on finding him exploring, seeing live music, snowboarding and surfing.
Justin C.
Justing grew up hiking, swimming, camping, canoeing, and kayaking in the Finger Lakes of Central New York. His love of the natural world led him to a degree in Environmental Sciences, and a grand tour of the US, visiting all 50 states and their hidden corners. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge of geology and other natural phenomena and keen eye for wildlife with guests along the trail.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. Guests should be capable of hiking up to 12 miles with up to 4,000' of elevation gain/loss over varied terrain including mud, rocks, gravel, roots, uneven tundra, and both established and unestablished trails.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
3 hours/4 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss
Day 3
7-8 hours/12 miles hiking with 2,500' elevation gain and loss
Day 4
Morning 5 hour/6 miles hiking with 1,700' elevation gain and loss; Afternoon 1.5 hours/2 miles hiking with 1,100' elevation gain and loss
Day 5
5 hours/9 miles hiking with 1,000' elevation gain and loss
Day 6
3.5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1100' elevation gain and loss
Day 7
2 hours/3.5 miles hiking with little elevation gain and loss
Day 8
6-8 hours/8.2 miles hiking with 4,000' elevation gain and loss
Day 9
1.5 hours/3 miles hiking with 250' elevation gain and loss
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guideโs discretion.
Accommodations
Cozy, rustic retreats with Alaskan charm and with ample modern amenities.
Weather
Expect long summer days, mild to cool temperatures, and fast-changing conditions, with possible rain, wind, and crisp evenings.
FAQs
This trip is designed for hikers who want to experience the best of the Alaskan wilderness on foot. You’ll witness a massive diversity of ecosystems, from dense old-growth forests and fragile tundra to colossal fields of ancient ice, trekking among the towering alpine giants of the interior and along the rugged, dramatic coastline of the Kenai Peninsula.
Glacier & Icefield Access: You won't just see glaciers from afar; you will take in panoramic views of the 27-mile-long Matanuska Glacier, look out over snow-capped peaks, and embark on an epic, strenuous hike to the edge of the world-renowned Harding Icefield.
Epic Trails: The trip features rare challenges like tackling two summits in a single day (Mt. Healy Overlook and Sugarloaf Mountain), crossing a rushing creek via a suspension bridge on the Winner Creek Trail, and hiking the iconic Kesugi Ridge.
Towns & Local Flavors: Beyond the trails, the itinerary immerses you in local Alaskan culture, featuring free time in the quirky, vibrant arts scene of Talkeetna and coastal Seward, paired with dining at local favorites.
Small Group: With a maximum guest count of just 10 people, this adventure offers a highly personalized backcountry Alaska experience.
The optimal time to experience this hiking adventure is between mid-June through August.
July to August (Peak Window): This is the prime window because high-altitude treks like the Harding Icefield Trail retain deep snowpacks well into early summer. Hiking in July and August ensures the trails are mostly clear of snow and much safer to navigate.
Wildflowers and Wildlife: Mid- to late summer is peak wildflower season in alpine meadows along Curry Ridge and the coastal paths. It also coincides with peak wildlife activity, giving you the best chance to spot Dall sheep, moose, mountain goats, and bears as they forage.
Daylight: Alaska's famous “midnight sun” is at its peak during summer, offering long days to maximize your time on the trails and in towns.
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Guest Reviews
I would highly recommend Mt Sobek. Every detail was taken care of- transport, luggage, meals, and of course hiking trails and accommodations. It made for a stress free trip and one where you can truly enjoy the beauty and culture around you.
Kristin W.
MT Sobek Guest
Mt Sobek is an excellent travel company that stops at nothing to ensure you have a wonderful vacation experience.
Stuart L.
MT Sobek Guest