Majestic Wilderness and Glacial Wonders

Welcome to Alaska! TrovaTrip will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel before your welcome dinner. Plan to arrive by 3 pm. Camping is part of the incredible experience this week; you will set up and pack up your tent and help prep most meals! Since you'll be out on adventures most days, lunch will be picnic-style or bagged lunches. If you've never camped before, no worries, your professional Guide will always be there to help.

• Transfer · ANC → Hotel

  TrovaTrip will provide one transfer from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) to the hotel between 2pm and 3pm. Please arrive by 3:00pm. Exact transfer time within this window will be determined closer to your arrival based on provided traveler flight information. Travelers arriving outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own arrangements to meet the group at the the hotel. Please note, there is no parking available at the campground. If you are driving, we recommend parking your car at the airport and joining the included transfer.

  15 min

Wake up rested and fill up on breakfast. Today you're heading south to Seward to jump right into the thrills of the Alaskan Wilderness. After arriving, you'll set out to tackle a spectacular and ambitious climb - stopping to have lunch on the trail. You’ll spend the day climbing through the forest and eventually reaching the icefield. Then, return to the bottom and to camp to relax your weary legs! Be sure to bring a day pack, water bottle(s), hiking boots, sunglasses, sun screen, rain gear (jacket and pants if needed - Gortex recommended).

• Exit Glacier Hike

  Lace up your hiking boots at the trailhead and follow your guide to a hike above the tree line to the top of Exit Glacier where it meets the Harding Icefield. The icefield stretches to the horizon and is one of the most awe-inspiring views you will ever experience. This is a strenuous hike and in order to reach the Harding Icefield you will gain over 3,000 feet in just 4 miles. You will begin by hiking up through trees and brush before it thins and you make your ascent on switchbacks trails. This is the most difficult portion of the hike. After you reach the top, you'll continue on a slower but gradual incline as you make your way to the icefield. You will not need crampons; if the trail has too much snow or ice, your guide will route you on a different path or you will hike back for your safety. On your way back down the mountain, keep your eyes open for marmots, mountain goats, and of course, bears! After returning to the trailhead you'll take a 30 minute transfer back to the campground. *Depending on conditions the top may not be fully accessible. Distance: 9.2 miles out-and-back / Elevation gain: 3,641 ft on the ascent / Duration: 6-8 hours / Difficulty: Strenuous/Hard

  · 480 min· Exit Glacier
• Transfer · Anchorage → Seward

  Take a private transfer from Anchorage to Seward. Stops for restrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  180 min

This morning you'll rest your legs from the strenuous hike from yesterday, and spend it gliding across the water in kayaks in Resurrection Bay. You'll head back to camp around midday, and depending on weather, you may enjoy lunch at the campground as a group, or enjoy it on your hike this afternoon. For the second part of the day you’ll hike along the shoreline of Resurrection Bay and take in the views of this amazing wilderness. In the late afternoon or evening, you’ll return to the campground to cook and enjoy dinner together. Be sure to bring a day pack, water bottle, hiking boots, sunglasses, sun screen, ain gear (jacket and pants if needed - Gortex recommended).

• Kayak Tour

  This half day trip offers a perfect introduction to sea kayaking, the best way to experience Resurrection Bay. Glide across the water as you gaze up at towering mountains and soaring bald eagles, enjoy a visit from curious harbor seals, or stop and explore the enchanting Ghost Forest. For millennia, this serpentine coastline has been traveled by kayak, the traditional transportation in this area. This activity combines purposeful exploration, adventure, and fun! You will be provided with a paddle, pogies for your hands, life jackets, spraydecks, and splash gear (if necessary). No prior experience required. For this activity you’ll want to wear warm synthetic/wool layers and rain gear (jacket and pants - Gortex recommended), and bring a water bottle. Please note this activity has a weight limit of 220 lbs.

  · 240 min· Resurrection Bay
• Tonsina Point Hike

  A short 10-15 minute drive from the campground takes you to the trailhead. This amazing trail will take you through the beautiful nature from the beach sections into the forest sections. This trail is a gradual climb along the shoreline of Resurrection Bay. As you head into the forested areas you’ll see blooming irises, cottonwood, spruce, and hemlock trees. If you’re lucky you may see salmon spawning in Tonisa creek. After returning to the trailhead, you’ll head back to camp. Distance: 3.4 miles / Elevation: 730 ft / Duration: 2.5 hours / Difficulty: Moderately Easy

  · 150 min· Seward

After breakfast, say goodbye to Seward as today you will be heading north to Hope. You’ll stop to hike to Ptarmigan Lake where you'll enjoy lunch. Then you'll hike back out and continue your transfer to Hope, stopping at different scenic viewpoints along the way. You’ll reach Hope in the evening where you’ll cook and eat dinner. Be sure to bring a day pack, water bottle, hiking boots, sunglasses, sun screen, rain gear (jacket and pants if needed - Gortex recommended).

• Ptarmigan Lake Trail

  You'll begin the hike after a 30-45 minutes transfer from Seward. The hike begins in the woods and along the creek. Then the trail slowly climbs for a bit before finally flattening out as you reach the grassy banks surrounding Ptarmigan Lake. Here you'll have views of the lake that is tucked between ridges and mountains towering up to 6,000 feet. Take a short break for lunch, and then head back down and continue onward to Hope.

  · 240 min· Ptarmigan Lake
• Transfer · Ptarmigan Lake → Hope

  After the hike, you'll continue your transfer to Hope.

  60 min

This morning you’ll have a leisure morning and some time to sleep in before enjoying breakfast. Then you'll head to the dock in Portage to hop on a half day glacier cruise. Sail through the icy cold waters as you get up close to the glaciers and ice. In the evening after the cruise, you’ll head back to your cabins to cook up dinner and close out the day. Be sure to bring a day pack, water bottle, hiking boots, sunglasses, sun screen, ain gear (jacket and pants if needed - Gortex recommended).

• Glacier Cruise

  Around mid-morning, you’ll take a quick 45 minute transfer directly to the water where you’ll embark on a public Glacier Cruise. Get incredibly close to the mighty glaciers and shimmering waterfalls cascading against the dark rock into the sea. Watch for sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, dall’s porpoises, whales, mountain goats, black bears and migratory birds.

  · 210 min· Portage

For your last full day, get ready for some amazing and memorable views! After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Girdwood and the Alyeska Resort. Rise above the Girdwood valley on an aerial tram. Have lunch with amazing views and then hike down from Mount Alyeska. After reaching the bottom, you’ll enjoy dinner in Girdwood before heading back to camp to relax. Be sure to bring a day pack, water bottle, hiking boots, sunglasses, sun screen, rain gear (jacket and pants if needed).

• Aerial Tram

  One of Girdwood’s quintessential experiences is to ride the tram at Alyeska Resort to the top of Mount Alyeska. The 60-passenger tram provides a scenic ride to the 2,300-foot level, where you'll overlook dramatic views of Turnagain Arm and seven glaciers nestled in the surrounding peaks.

  · 15 min· Girdwood
• Hike down from Mount Alyeska

  Hike down from the top of the Aerial tram ride. Take in the views of the Girdwood valley as you descend the steep trail down the mountain over many switchbacks. Alyeska North Face Trail - Distance: 2.2 miles / Elevation loss: 2300 ft / Duration: 2.5 hours / Difficulty: Moderate

  · 150 min· Mt Alyeska
• Transfer · Hope → Girdwodd

  Take a private transfer to Girdwood.

  60 min
• Transfer · Girdwood → Hope

  Take a private transfer back to Hope.

  60 min

All good things must come to an end! After breakfast you'll transfer to the airport and bid farewell for now. Please book your flights after 3pm.

• Transfer · Hope → ANC

  TrovaTrip will provide one transfer from Hope to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) on the last day. Please book your flights after 3:00 P.M. Travelers departing outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC).

  105 min