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Route AA1: Classic McKinley
This route is a perfect pre- or post-cruise option for those who only have a few days to visit Talkeetna, Denali National Park, home to the highest mountain in North America, the stunning Mount McKinley.
Route - 6 days/5 nights
Anchorage - Anchorage (1 night) - Talkeetna (1 night) - Denali (2 nights) - Anchorage (1 night) - Anchorage
Dates 2012
- Daily departures from Anchorage.
- Regular Season: June 1 - August 31, 2012
For travel end of May or early September, please contact us! Discounts available but exact route and inclusions may vary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival Anchorage
Arrival at the Anchorage Airport or in Anchorage where you will be welcomed by one of our representatives. He/she will take you to the rental car location (airport or downtown) where you will pick up your vehicle. It is also a chance to go over the itinerary and any last minute questions. After check-in at your centrally-located hotel, you may have time for a stroll through the downtown area of Anchorage, economic centre and largest city in Alaska. Also worth visiting is Lake Hood, a float plane base which sees over 1,000 landings and take-offs daily.
Night in Anchorage. Approx. 50 KM.
Day 2 Anchorage - Talkeetna
From Anchorage you will travel north. Stop in Eklutna to visit its unique orthodox cemetery and wooden church. Today's journey will take you through the fertile Matanuska Valley, famous for its plentiful crops and giant vegetables. If the weather is clear, we suggest a scenic detour through the Hatcher Pass offering incredible views of the valley and plenty of opportunities for short hikes (note the road is for 4x4s only and only recommended if surface is quite dry). Continuing along the Susitna River valley you will arrive at the adorable, artistic town of Talkeetna. Serving also as a base for expeditions up Mount McKinley, it is often referred to as the flightseeing capital of the world, with various companies offering flights up and around "the big one", some landing on the glaciers themselves. Another option for the late afternoon is a jet boat excursion (optional) through the rivers weaving their way around Talkeetna, with opportunities to spot bears, eagles, and moose, as well as the towering McKinley in the distance if the weather allows.
Night in Talkeetna. Approx. 180 km.
Day 3 Talkeetna - Denali National Park
Last opportunity this morning for a panoramic flight or river tour from Talkeetna. You will continue north to Denali National Park, home to Mount McKinley (also known as Denali, "the big one", in the local native tongue). It is the highest mountain in North America. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather as your view of the famous mountain comes closer and closer into view. After check-in at your lodge or cabin, we suggest a rafting excursion on the Nenana River (optional) or visiting the Denali Visitors Center near the entrance of the park.
Night in Denali area. Approx. 240 km.
Day 4 Denali National Park
Today you will participate in the official, guided Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park. The 6-8 hour tour will give you the chance to observe, with a little luck, a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, caribou, and wolves. The tour will get you extremely close to the mountain you have come all this way to see. You will have another opportunity for rafting this afternoon as well. This evening some might opt for some dinner theatre at the local "Alaskan Cabin Night" (optional).
Night in Denali area. Approx. 50 km.
Day 5 Denali - Anchorage
Today you return to Anchorage. This time we suggest a stop near Wasilla to check out the Iditarod Museum, featuring exhibitions on the famous Alaskan dog-sledding race. You can also arrange a tour to visit Happy Kennels run by Martin Buser, Iditarod champion many years running.
Night in Anchorage. Approx. 400 KM.
Day 6 Departure Anchorage
Return your rental car at the airport or downtown. Until next time!
Includes
- 5 nights lodging (tourist/superior or superior/premier)
- Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali National Park (6-8 hours with lunch/snack)
- Vehicle rental (various class types)
- Reception at the Anchorage Airport or downtown upon arrival
- Reservation service for additional activities & tours
- Taxes and levies
Optional
- Panoramic flightseeing (Talkeetna)
- Jet boat river excursion (Talkeetna)
- Rafting (Denali)
- Dinner theatre "Alaskan Cabin Night" (Denali)
- Dog Kennel Tour (Wasilla)
