Hike Alaska: Glaciers and Denali - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the main focus or style of this tour?

  This Alaskan adventure focuses on active exploration of impressive scenery, featuring exhilarating hikes, treks through rugged forests, and visits to highlights like the Harding Icefield and Denali National Park. It's classified as an 'Active' travel style.

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 4, indicating it involves a significant amount of active participation and challenging hikes.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  You'll hike among glaciers and icefields, marvel at the scenery in Denali National Park, see dramatic glacier views on the Byron Creek trail, enjoy free time in Seward, hike the Talkeetna Lake Trail, take in panoramic views from Mt Healy Overlook, and look for bears and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  The tour includes 3 nights of participation camping and 3 nights in shared rustic cabins split by gender. Campgrounds vary between private sites with full services (fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, toilets, showers, some with pools/laundry) and public park sites with basic facilities (fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water, some with paid showers). Charging stations may or may not be available at every campground.

• What camping equipment is provided?

  All camping equipment except your sleeping bag and pillow is supplied, including comfortable camp mattresses and good quality, oversized 2-person dome tents with two separate zip-up doors.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• How will we travel between destinations?

  Transportation will be primarily by private 15-passenger vans (for up to 14 people plus the CEO/Driver, with a luggage trailer for groups of 8+), national park shuttle buses, and hiking. Vehicles have air conditioning.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour will be led by a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the trip.

• What is the minimum age to participate in this tour?

  The minimum age for this tour is 12 years old.

• What are the currency recommendations for this trip?

  The currency in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but be aware of potential foreign transaction fees. It's recommended to carry a combination of US Dollars in small bills (5s, 10s, 20s), traveler's cheques, and credit cards. ATMs are available, and a visit can be arranged on Day 1. Currency exchange is difficult to find locally, so it's best to obtain it before travel or at the airport.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this tour?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum of USD200,000. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage/personal effects are also strongly recommended. Ensure your policy covers all included adventure activities.

• What are the tipping guidelines?

  Tipping service providers (waiters, bartenders, taxi drivers) at approximately 18-20% is customary. For local guides, $2-8 USD per activity is recommended. If you feel your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) did an outstanding job, a guideline of $10-15 USD per person, per day is suggested, with flexibility to tip more.

• Are there opportunities to do laundry during the trip?

  Yes, laundry can be done at least once during the tour, typically at coin-operated laundromats in cities. Your CEO will provide guidance on available locations.

• What optional activities are available?

  In Seward, you can opt for a Wildlife Cruise (199-269USD), Alaska SeaLife Center Visit (30USD), or Kayaking on Resurrection Bay (109USD). In Denali National Park, optional activities include further Denali hiking, a Denali Scenic Flight (220-420USD), or Rafting on Kennicott River (95-150USD).

• What should solo travelers know about accommodation?

  Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, without an extra single supplement. However, for nights 1, 2, and 3, specific rooming exceptions may apply, which means shared rustic cabins split by gender.

• What is the recommended emergency fund for this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances that might alter the planned route.

• What general safety tips should I keep in mind?

  It's advised to check your government's travel advice, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave expensive jewelry at home, use hotel safety deposit boxes, and lock your luggage. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety reasons. For optional activities, use your judgment, as their safety standards are not guaranteed by the tour operator. When exploring cities at night, stay in small groups and use taxis. Participate in water activities only when accompanied by a guide, and swimming/snorkeling is at your own risk.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about this trip?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including the LGBTQ+ community. They encourage visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and utilizing tools like Equaldex for destination-specific information.