Alaska's Scenic National Parks Self-Drive

Day 1 : Anchorage

On arrival in Anchorage, make your way to your hotel for check-in and time at leisure.

Day 2 : Anchorage > Seward

This morning make your way to the central downtown office to collect your rental car. Travel along the Seward Highway towards Turnagain Arm, keeping an eye out for beluga whales chasing salmon in the bay or Dall sheep along the highway.

Day 3 : Seward

In Seward, embrace the freedom to select one of five thrilling excursions:
– Embark on the Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure
– Engage in the Bear Lake Kayak or Canoe Trip
– Experience the thrill of a Wilderness Dog Sled Ride Tour
– Trek through the captivating landscapes on the Exit Glacier Hike
– Discover the wonders of Resurrection Bay on a Wildlife Cruise

Day 4 : Seward > Homer

Follow the Sterling Highway, covering miles of spectacular landscape. View snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, deep ocean bluffs and a magnificent coastline. The area also offers excellent salmon fishing opportunities along the Kenai River.

Day 5 : Homer

A free day at leisure in the “Halibut Capital of the World”. Optional activities include kayaking, wildlife cruises and Katmai Coast flightseeing tours to observe grizzly bears.

Day 6 : Homer > Girdwood

On this morning’s drive north, stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Once in Girdwood, take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountains.

Day 7 : Girdwood > Talkeetna

Pass through Anchorage and the agricultural region of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley on your way to Talkeetna, a former gold-mining centre that has retained much of its early Alaskan flavour. Today the small, picturesque town serves as a base camp for Mt Denali climbers.

Day 8 : Talkeetna > Denali National Park

Embark on a captivating Wilderness Adventure Jet Boat tour this morning, revelling in the awe-inspiring views of Denali and the Alaska Range along the Susitna River. This unique Alaskan river adventure blends folklore, artifacts, and a panoramic Denali vista for an unforgettable experience. Following the jet boat tour, drive north on the Parks Highway to Denali National Park, passing through breathtaking forest and mountain landscapes.

Day 9 : Denali National Park

Experience Denali with the freedom to select one of four exciting excursions:
– Explore the rugged Denali Highway on a thrilling Jeep Excursion
– Embark on the Tundra Wilderness Tour, immersing yourself in the untamed beauty of the landscape
– Opt for an exhilarating Denali Summit Flightseeing adventure aboard a fixed-wing plane (an upgrade fee applies)
– Choose the Denali Glacier Landing by Helicopter for an extraordinary experience (an upgrade fee applies)

Day 10 : Denali National Park > Fairbanks

This morning drive the Parks Highway north to Fairbanks. Along the way, pass through the communities of Healy and Nenana as well as the old mining camp of Ester. This afternoon, climb aboard the Riverboat Discovery III for an unforgettable 3 hour cruise into the Alaskan Interior, travelling the Chena and Tanana Rivers on the only authentic sternwheeler riverboat operating in Alaska. This narrated tour provides background on the area’s natural history and the Athabascan Indian culture.

Day 11 : Fairbanks > Chitina > McCarthy

Settle in for a day of driving through some of Alaska’s most diverse and dynamic landscapes. At Chitina board your bush plane flight to McCarthy, located in the vast wilderness of Wrangell-St Elias National Park. Along the way your pilot will describe landforms, point out wildlife and fill you in on a bit of the human history of the area.

Day 12 : McCarthy

Spend the morning exploring the features of nearby Root Glacier on a guided trail and ice hike. The afternoon is yours to visit the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark and the funky-rustic enclave of McCarthy.

Day 13 : McCarthy > Chitina > Valdez

Enjoy great views of the Wrangell Mountains on your bush plane flight back to Chitina. Continue your drive south where you enter the Chugach Mountains that ring the coast of Alaska from Prince William Sound. Admire the views of Worthington Glacier before beginning the descent into Valdez.

Day 14 : Prince William Sound

Discover the magic of Alaska on a cruise of Prince William Sound, with lunch included. A local captain and crew will guide you through the Trans Alaska Pipeline Terminal and Columbia Bay before arriving at Columbia Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in South Central Alaska. Look out for wildlife along the way; if you’re lucky you could spot porpoises, puffins, sea lions and sea otters.

Day 15 : Valdez > Sheep Mountain Lodge

Drive to Sheep Mountain Lodge, located along the scenic Glenn Highway between the towns of Palmer and Glenallen. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the area. There are over 20 kms of trails near the lodge perfect for exploring. Birds and wildflowers abound, and maps are provided in each cabin for self-guided hiking.

Day 16 : Sheep Mountain Lodge > Anchorage

Take in the beautiful views of the Chugach Range on your drive back to Anchorage, where your self-drive journey ends.