Denali Fall Colors (7 Days)

Fall Abundance

Your Alaskan adventure begins with a scenic drive from Fairbanks to Denali National Park. This two-hour drive offers beautiful vistas and chances to spot wildlife.

Enter a Magnificent Wilderness 

Denali National Park boasts grandeur in every aspect: in its breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, and magnificent fauna. While wildlife watching, you may spot moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, and wolves. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll board the Denali Park Shuttle at the Wilderness Access Center and take a five-hour round-trip tour deep into the park. Remember your camera and binoculars! The bus stops regularly for up close animal sightings and about once an hour for restroom breaks.

Denali From a New View

Your morning will begin at a leisurely pace allowing you to further explore the Denali area. You will then travel to the charming town of Talkeetna, a local gem where three Alaskan rivers meet. Talkeetna is also home to some of the most photographed views in our state: the majestic peaks of Mt. Denali and the Alaska mountain range. From Talkeetna, enjoy a flightseeing ride where you’ll get within six miles of Denali’s summit, the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet!

Denali Flightseeing (1 h activity + travel time) 

• Includes window seats for each passenger
• An experienced pilot-guide will highlight points of interest

Available Upgrade

• Ruth Glacier Landing on the Side of Denali | $100/person

Riverboat Adventure

Today’s adventure begins on the river aboard the “Talkeetna Queen,” an enclosed jet boat. This river jet boat is designed to safely navigate small waters that were previously inaccessible. It is glass-domed, providing new views of Denali and the wilderness that surrounds it. You will also visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and see how trappers lived in “bush” Alaska at the turn of the century.

Irresistibly Cute Puppies

After your riverboat adventure, you will travel south to WIllow to visit with Vern, an experienced dog musher and finisher of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race. Vern will tell you the history of dog mushing in Alaska and take you on a ride pulled by some of his sled dogs that are training for the winter. Of course, the visit wouldn’t be complete without some time spent playing with the most recent sled dog puppy litter!

Fall Colors of Hatcher Pass

Soak in the beautiful scenery of Hatcher Pass as you take in the changing colors of the area’s flora and fauna. This is the perfect day to photograph water cascades with beautiful backgrounds. You’ll also have an opportunity to hike on your own and take pictures of the alpine flowers and scenic mountain views. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including marmots, that frequent this area!

Visit the Glaciers

After lunch, discover the true beauty of glaciers up close as you walk on the Matanuska Glacier. Ice cramp-ons are provided, and no experience is necessary to join in the fun!

Available Upgrade

Helicopter Glacier Landing | $249/person 

• This scenic 45-minute helicopter ride lands at a glacial pool on the Matanuska Glacier, which is only accessible by air
• See wildlife and experience the glacier in a spot few have ever visited

Arctic Wonders

At the Musk Ox Farm, take advantage of a guided tour where you’ll have the rare opportunity to see one of the Arctic’s oldest living species—including powerful bulls and adorable calves!

Knik Glacier Boat Tour

Next, you’ll head to Lake George, at the base of the Knik Glacier—one of Alaska’s incredible natural attractions. Knik Glacier formed around 600,000 years ago during the Pleistocene Glaciation Period and once covered the Anchorage area and the Cook Inlet completely. While the glacier’s movement is hard to see, it’s still an active and constantly changing natural wonder.

Next, you’ll travel to Anchorage where you’ll have the night to rest up. Early tomorrow morning, you will begin your choreographed two-day railroad Kenai Peninsula adventure.

Breathtaking Views

Embark on one of the world’s most incredible rail journeys! Join us for a ride on the renowned Alaska Railroad and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Kenai Peninsula, a truly unique and scenic gem of Alaska. You’ll travel south from Anchorage along the magnificent Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet to the port city of Seward. Along your rail journey, you’ll go through mountain passes, over gorges, and within a mile of three majestic glaciers: Spencer, Bartlett, and Trail.

Gold Star Rail

• Upper-level glass-dome ceilings and outdoor viewing platforms
• Includes breakfast and drinks

Voyage into the Wild

Upon arrival in Seward, adventure on a cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, considered “Alaska’s # 1 Wildlife and Glacier Cruise.” These custom cruising vessels have walk-around viewing decks and inside seating with large picture windows perfect for up-close, clear viewing of glaciers, wildlife, and the rugged coastline. You’ll journey into the heart of the Kenai Fjords National Park and have a chance to see the abundance of marine and land-based wildlife that call the park home: whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, and more than eighty different species of birds.

Transportation Options

This morning, you’ll return via motorcoach to Anchorage at 10:30 a.m. You can also choose to take a 6 p.m. motorcoach so you can enjoy more time in Seward hiking, exploring the town, or visiting the Alaska SeaLife Center.

Available Upgrade

Gold Star Rail Return | $175/person 

• 6 p.m. departure arriving in Anchorage at 10:30 p.m.
• Dinner is included