Essence of Alaska (6 Days)

Discover Local Cultures and Traditions

Your Alaskan adventure begins with a visit to the fascinating Native Heritage Center, which gives you an opportunity to enrich your understanding of Alaska’s indigenous cultures. Departing from Anchorage, your path takes you north to the Matanuska Valley. En route, you’ll explore the Native village of Eklutna, where you’ll witness the unique blending of Native Alaskan and Russian Orthodox traditions at a historic chapel and burial site.

Continuing on north to Wasilla, you’ll enter the Mat-Su Valley, the farming belt of Alaska.

Stunning Scenery

Explore the Matanuska River Valley in three different ways.

Three Activity Options Available

1 – Zipline Adventure (2.5 hrs)

• Take on Alaska’s first and only all-tandem side-by-side zipline.
• Soar through 6 zips with a guide and cross over stunning valleys on the suspension bridges.

2 – Horseback Riding (1.5 hrs)

• Saddle up and follow a local rancher as you explore the trails of Palmer.
• Suitable for first-timers and experienced enthusiasts ages 8+

3 – Homestead Ranch Tour (2 hrs)

• Learn about the history of the Sunderland Ranch and other original farms in Lazy Mountain. We will walk about a mile to see incredible views and other unique points of interest. One of our touring rigs will pick us up to visit the horse barn.

Visit the Glaciers

After our lunch stop, 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

Towering Peaks

The tiny town of Talkeetna, a local gem where three Alaskan rivers meet, is home to some of the most photographed views in our state: the majestic peaks of Mt. Denali and the Alaska mountain range. Today, you’ll choose one of the following adventures to enjoy:

Two Activity Options Available

1 – Denali Flightseeing (1 hr activity + travel time)

• Get within six miles of Denali’s summit, the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet! 
• Includes window seats for each passenger
• An experienced pilot-guide will highlight points of interest along the way

Available Upgrade to Flightseeing

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

2 – Riverboat (2 hr activity + travel/prep time)

• Adventure down the river on an enclosed jet boat and see unique views of Mt. Denali 
• Visit an authentic trapper’s cabin and see how trappers lived in “bush” Alaska at the turn of the century

Enter a Magnificent Wilderness

Everything about Denali National Park is larger than life: the beautiful scenery, the mountains, and the animals. In the morning, you’ll embark on the Denali Park Shuttle for wildlife viewing in an unparalleled setting. Visitors have a chance to see grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, foxes, and wolves. Many smaller animals also inhabit the park, such as Arctic ground squirrels, hoary marmots, pikas, snowshoe hares, and beavers.

During this scenic five-hour tour, the bus stops regularly to better take in the surrounding wildlife and for restroom breaks. Lunch and a beverage are included. You’ll want to bring your camera and binoculars along!

For more opportunities to explore the park. Soak in the scenery and experience Denali at your own pace. Take a 2.1 mile self-guided hike on one of our favorite trails in Denali National Park or elevate your adventure by taking on a 4-hour self-guided E-bike ride to Savage River. Pedal yourself into the park on the only road that exists in the entire National Park. Your bike comes equipped with racks, bear spray, and quality rain suits to adventure in any type of weather. In the afternoon add-on a white-water raft trip down the Nenana River for $130 per person.

Relax and Recharge

Today is a day of leisure. Spend a morning at the Denali National Park headquarters, where you can watch interesting films about the region and its wildlife, or immerse yourself in nature on one of the many hiking trails in the area (which range from easy to challenging). The Murie Science and Learning Center is a treasure trove of fascinating information about this boreal forest, and informative talks with knowledgeable rangers are also available. Just tell your guide where you would like to go!

Available Upgrades

1 – ATV 4-Wheeler Adventure (1.5 hrs)

• $150 single rider, $250 double rider, $350 triple rider
• Explore 10 miles of varied terrain: coal mining trails, rocky creek beds, hill climbing, and water and mud crossings 

2 – 9-Hole Tundra Golf | $125/person

• Play a round—or several—at Black Diamond, a short but challenging course full of Alaskan hazards like tundra marsh and the occasional moose hoof print

3 – Denali Zipline (3 hrs) | $165/person 

• Your adventure begins with a three-mile trail ride through scenic Alaskan wilderness 
• After gearing up, certified guides will lead you along six sky-bridges and seven thrilling ziplines

4 – Fat Truck Tour (2.5 hrs) | $249/person 

• Travel up an old mining trail to the “upper lookout” where you will see vista views and learn about the geology and history of the area. Test out the amphibious qualities of the truck with your guide!

Gold Panning at Hatcher Pass

Soak in the beautiful scenery of Hatcher Pass as you visit Independence Gold Mine, built in the 1900s. We provide gold pans so you can try your hand at striking it rich! A park naturalist is often available to share the history of the mine and knowledge about the area’s unique flora and fauna.

Knik Glacier Boat Tour

Hop aboard an airboat headed to Lake George, the base of Knik Glacier. At 28 miles long and six miles wide, this glacier is one of Alaska’s grandest natural attractions. Born in the Ice Age 600,000 years ago, Knik Glacier appears motionless, but it’s actually in a constant state of change.

In the evening, you’ll arrive back in Anchorage where you’ll say goodbye to your AAU tour guide and your tour concludes. You may choose to add-on additional experiences (see our Tour Add-Ons page), enjoy a day of leisure in Anchorage, or cruise home via the Inside Passage.