Alaska Prince William Sound to Denali Multi-Adventure Tour

Since 1972, MT Sobek has led the way as an Alaska wilderness expert, and this thoughtfully paced expedition serves as the ultimate introduction to "The Last Frontier." From the glaciers of Prince William Sound to the summits of the Alaska Range, you will experience the state's wild magic through a perfect blend of kayaking, cruising, hiking, and iconic rail travel.

By Land, Sea, and Rail: Experience Alaska from every angle as you navigate by kayak, small boat, the iconic glass-domed Denali Star Train on the Alaska Railroad, and on foot through wild and scenic landscapes.

Legacy of Alaska Expertise: Since our first expeditions over five decades ago, MT Sobek has maintained a reputation as a pioneer in Alaska adventure travel, building deep connections across the state's most remote regions.

Glacier Exploration: Get up-close access to the 27-mile-long Matanuska Glacier and kayak through "bergy bits" and "growlers" at the terminus of the Valdez Glacier.

Wildlife Viewing: Journey through some of the most biodiverse regions in the world, seeking out breaching orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, and Alaska's "Big Five" in the shadow of 20,310-foot Denali.

Comfortable Lodges: Retreat each night to hand-picked, rustic lodges that reflect the remote spirit of Alaska, offering breathtaking views far from the crowds.

This adventure is exclusively designed for the Alaskan summer, from June through August, when the "Land of the Midnight Sun" is at its most vibrant. During these months, the trails are accessible, the wildlife is active, and the long daylight hours allow for full immersion in the jaw-dropping scenery of the Chugach and Alaska Ranges.

June: June offers the longest days of the year and the best opportunity to see wildflowers in bloom across the tundra while mountain peaks remain capped with brilliant winter snow.

July: This peak window typically offers the warmest temperatures and the highest activity levels for marine wildlife, including whales and porpoises in Prince William Sound.

August: As summer winds down, berries ripen on the hillsides, attracting bears and other mammals, while the changing light begins to hint at the coming autumn.

The typical group size for this trip is between 6 and 10 guests, creating an experience that feels personal, relaxed, and thoughtfully paced. Small group travel allows us to share moments that make a journey truly memorable, such as unexpected wildlife sightings.

The standard minimum age for this trip is 18. This itinerary is designed with adult travelers in mind, based on daily activity levels, accommodations, and overall group experience. Families or groups with younger children should check out our private departures . Younger children may be considered for private trips following a screening process with our team.

A Level 2 rating indicates a moderate level of challenge with a diverse range of activities—from hiking on ancient glacial ice to paddling through moving tidal waters. You don’t need any previous kayaking, hiking, or other experience, but should be in generally fit condition.

Varied Terrain: You will hike routes with up to 2,700 feet elevation gain/loss over varied terrain including mud, rocks, gravel, snow, ice, on both established and unestablished trails.

Paddling: Kayaking on Valdez Glacier Lake and Kachemak Bay typically lasts two to four hours, requiring good core strength and upper-body stamina.

The Weather Factor: While summers are generally mild, you must be prepared for sun, rain, or wind, as weather conditions in Alaska can shift rapidly.

Once your reservation with MT Sobek is finalized, we will notify you of your trip's status. After your departure is confirmed to operate, flights and travel arrangements may be purchased. While we can often confirm departures in advance, some decisions may be finalized closer to final payment. We strongly advise checking directly with your Adventure Coordinator before purchasing any non-refundable air arrangements. For expert assistance with your flight plans, we recommend reaching out to Exito Travel at 800-655-4053 or via email at [email protected].

Please consult with your Adventure Coordinator prior to booking flights to ensure your departure is confirmed. Plan to arrive in Anchorage at least one day early to adjust to the time zone and ensure you are on time for the morning orientation on Day 1.

Arrival: Arrive in Anchorage, Alaska (airport code ANC) the day prior to Day 1 of the itinerary or in time for our group meeting at 10:00 am in the lobby of the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown located at 109 W International Airport Road.

Departure: Depart from Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) after 8:00 pm on Day 9.

We recommend staying at our meeting point hotel, the Crowne Plaza Anchorage-Midtown , if you arrive early. For those staying late in Fairbanks, we suggest Pike's Waterfront Lodge or the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport , both of which offer convenient airport transfers.

Airport transfers are not included at the start of the trip; guests should make their own way to the meeting hotel in Anchorage. A hotel airport shuttle is available outside baggage claim at Door 6.

On the final day, there is a group transfer to Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) with an estimated arrival time between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm. You also have the option to be transferred to Pike's Waterfront Lodge or the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fairbanks Airport , both of which offer convenient airport transfers.

This adventure requires a good base of fitness for active days that blend hiking and paddling. You should be comfortable being on your feet for three to seven hours daily and capable of paddling for several hours in variable currents.

Varied Terrain: Guests should be capable of hiking up to six miles with up to 2,700 feet elevation gain/loss over varied terrain including mud, rocks, gravel, snow, ice, and both established and unestablished trails.

Paddling: Guests should be prepared to kayak up to four hours in a variety of water conditions including cold water, minor waves, variable currents, and tides.

Wildlife and Glacier Cruise: For your seven-hour cruise exploration of Prince William Sound, those prone to motion sickness should bring preventatives. Travel by water cannot be avoided on this day.

We recommend starting a consistent training regimen at least several months before your departure to build balance, stamina, and strength. Focus on walking, hiking, or aerobic activities several times a week to ensure you can enjoy back-to-back active days in the wilderness.

Cardio Fitness: Engage in 30 to 60 minutes of cardio—such as brisk walking or hiking—at least once a week.

Hiking Consistency: Aim for a one- to two-mile walk or hike weekly, gradually increasing your distance closer to five to six miles as the trip approaches. Look for hikes with elevation gain and loss to help build strength and stamina.

Upper Body Strength: For kayaking, incorporate exercises that strengthen your core, shoulders, and back to prepare for three to four hours of sustained paddling with breaks.

Your days are quite active and full, but evenings generally offer time to unwind at the lodge and enjoy a hearty meal. You will have significant independent time on Day 8 in Denali National Park to choose your own adventure—whether that’s a helicopter tour, a fishing excursion, visiting the sled dog kennels, or simply relaxing. In the days prior to your arrival in the park, your expert MT Sobek guide will talk through the variety of options to choose from and provide you with some details on how to book your adventure and associated costs (these are not included in the trip price). For guests wishing to book a Denali National Park bus tour, your guide will work with you to ensure this is arranged by Day 2.

Accommodations are hand-picked to showcase the unique and remote landscapes of Alaska. You can expect a mix of modern hotels and rustic wilderness lodges. While clean and charming, some properties are remote and may feel a bit more modest or basic compared to city hotels. They are chosen specifically for their incredible views, locations, and authentic character.

Yes, we can accommodate many common restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets on this trip with advance notice. Let us know about your dietary restrictions and food allergies as soon as possible, so we can coordinate with guides, hotels, and restaurants. Please also list these on your Participant Information Form. Due to the remote nature of the areas we visit, options may be more limited.

Yes, a limited number of single rooms are available on this trip. About a third of our travelers go solo, and single room inventory often books up quickly! You can find more information on solo traveler options here .

Regardless of when you travel, you must be prepared for the "four seasons in one day" reality of Alaska. Early June and September departures may encounter cooler temperatures in the 40sF, making extra warm base layers and fleece hat and gloves essential. Insect repellent and a head net are key in summer when bugs are active.

Alaskan summer weather is famously unpredictable. While you can expect mild temperatures, you must be prepared for sun, rain, and wind—often all on the same day. Dressing in layers is the only way to stay comfortable as you move between coastal fjords and interior mountains.

Typical Summer Range: Temperatures generally fluctuate between the 40s and 60s°F, though they can occasionally climb higher in mid-summer or drop lower during early June and late August.

The Rain Factor: It rains every month of the summer in Alaska; high-quality waterproof gear is essential, including a jacket and pants. You may also want to have a waterproof hat.

The United States uses 120-volt electricity with Type A and B outlets. If you are traveling from outside North America, you may need a universal adapter or voltage converter for your electronics.

Most major expenses are included, but you should budget $500 to $1,000 for personal extras such as alcohol (which is not included), meals not included in the trip price, souvenirs, personal snacks, and optional activities and gratuities for your lead guide.

Yes, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance can help cover trip cancellations or interruptions, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel delays, and other unexpected situations. We offer travel insurance with Arch RoamRight and will be happy to provide you with a quote. Please see our Travel Resources page for more information.

If you have extra time in Anchorage, there are many incredible ways to experience the local culture and landscapes.

You can visit the Aviation Museum or spend time at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and the Alaska Native Heritage Center for deep cultural insights.

There are many hiking options near Anchorage, too. Some recommended hikes include:

Chugach State Park
Glen Alps Area: Flat Top hike or Little O’Malley Peak
Eagle River Nature Center
McHugh Creek (off Seward Highway)
Coastal Trail
Rabbit Lake Trail
Mt Baldy Loop

You might also take a day trip an hour north to Eklutna Lake for kayaking and biking, or rent a bike and ride the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

For a truly unique Alaskan experience, local flightseeing companies can even fly you out to remote fishing lodges for the day. Fishing options include:

Ship Creek or Whittier-Prince William Sound: Half and full day charters, one and a half hours south of Anchorage
Seward, three hours south of Anchorage
Kenai River