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Morning hiking and kayaking in Talkeetna, free afternoon in Denali National Park | Alaska

Women-Only Alaska Hiking and Rafting Tour: From Anchorage to Fairbanks

9 days | Moderate | 5.00
From $5,995 ()
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Some places you just visit, and some you feel—Alaska is the second kind. Over nine epic days, a small group of women travels the legendary Parks Highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks, through a landscape so big and wild it resets your sense of scale. We hike through quiet forest and open tundra, paddle still lakes, raft whitewater, and watch for moose and bears from the trail. At Denali, the mountains fill the horizon. In the evenings, the sun barely sets, and the conversations run as long as the light. Come as you are, with women who love the outdoors as much as you do, and leave with Alaska under your skin.

Tori
Tori

Adventure Highlights

  • Into the heart of Denali: A Tundra Wilderness Tour deep into the park, views of the Alaska Range, and a sled dog demonstration with the park rangers and their four-legged teammates
  • Wildlife at every turn: Keep watch for moose, bears, Dall sheep, caribou, and bald eagles as we travel through Alaska's interior
  • Hike, paddle, and raft through Alaska: Trails through forest and over tundra, a morning of kayaking on Talkeetna's lakes, and an afternoon of whitewater rafting near Denali, with something new every day
Duration
9 days
Season
July through August
Group size
Up to 10 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Locally owned lodges, cabins, and hotels
Difficulty
Moderate: Good fitness required, hiking up to 11.3 km (7 mi) per day, with up to 314 m (1,030 ft) of elevation gain
What's included
Guides, lodging, most meals, kayaking, whitewater rafting, Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour, national park fees, ground transportation, and more

The adventure, day by day

This nine-day, women-only trip follows Alaska's Parks Highway from Anchorage to Fairbanks, mixing moderate hikes with kayaking, whitewater rafting, and plenty of wildlife watching. Along the way, we hike in Hatcher Pass, paddle and explore around Talkeetna, and spend four nights near Denali National Park, with a Tundra Wilderness Tour, ranger-led sled dog demonstrations, and hikes on the park's scenic trails. Two afternoons are free for optional excursions like flightseeing or jet-boat rides. Eight nights in locally owned lodges, cabins, and hotels are included, along with all meals from the first dinner through the final breakfast, except one lunch and one dinner. The daily plan may shift with weather and group interests.

Day 1: Arrive in Anchorage
moose in alaska near fairbanks

Welcome to Alaska. Plan to land at Anchorage Airport in time to meet the group at 4 pm, then check into the hotel and sit down to the first of many dinners together. At this time of year the sun dips below the horizon for only a few hours and it never really gets dark, so don’t be surprised if you’re still out wandering long past your usual bedtime. Arriving early? There’s a fun trolley tour of the city, and plenty to learn at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Anchorage covers 1,961 square miles, nearly the size of Delaware, and about 41 percent of the state’s population lives here.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: The Courtyard Anchorage Airport (or similar)

Day 2: Hike the Gold Mint Trail, drive to Talkeetna
Hike the Gold Mint Trail, drive to Talkeetna — Hiking in Denali National Park | Alaska

After breakfast we load up the vans and head for Talkeetna, a quirky town sitting at the confluence of three rivers. On the way we stop at one of Alaska’s hidden jewels, the Gold Mint Trail in Hatcher Pass. Home to the historic Independence Mine, this is lovely hiking through alpine tundra, with rugged peaks, glacial erratics, and lichen-covered boulders left behind as the glaciers retreated. We’ll have a picnic along the trail before carrying on. Dinner tonight is together in downtown Talkeetna, a National Historic Place and host to the annual Moose Dropping Festival and the Bachelor Auction and Ball.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 4 mi (6.4 km)
Elevation: +335 ft (+102 m)
Driving: About 3.5 hours
Accommodation: Talkeetna Cabins (or similar)

Day 3: Morning hiking and kayaking in Talkeetna, free afternoon
Morning hiking and kayaking in Talkeetna, free afternoon in Denali National Park | Alaska

We spend the morning among Talkeetna’s lakes. Half the group takes to the water in kayaks for a calm (or playful) paddle while the other half hits the nearby trails, then we swap so everyone gets both land and lake. After lunch the afternoon is yours. It’s the perfect window to book a Denali flightseeing tour, jump on a jet-boat ride, rent a bike and cruise around, or simply poke through the shops and cafes downtown. Dinner is on your own tonight, so pick one of Talkeetna’s local favorites and spend the evening your way.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance: 3.2 mi (5.1 km)
Elevation: +632 ft (+193 m)
Accommodation: Talkeetna Cabins (or similar)

Day 4: Drive to Denali National Park, hike Curry Ridge Trail
Drive to Denali National Park, hike Curry Ridge Trail — Hiking in Denali National Park | Alaska

Breakfast on the patio first, then we load up the vans and point them north toward Denali National Park. We break up the drive with a hike on the Curry Ridge Trail, which climbs through forest to open views and gives us our first real chance to spot Denali itself, weather permitting. Keep the camera handy. Once we reach the Denali Grizzly Bear Resort and settle into our cabins, we head into the nearby town for a good dinner together and a first look at life on the edge of the park.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 6.5 mi (10.5 km) hiking
Elevation: +1,030 ft (+314 m)
Travel time: About 2.5 hours driving
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (or similar)

Day 5: Free morning in Denali, afternoon rafting
Free morning in Denali, afternoon rafting — Hiking in Denali National Park | Alaska

The morning is yours to use however you like. You could rent a bike, head out on an ATV tour, go meet some sled dogs, or walk one of the local trails. After lunch we regroup at the cabins and swap boots for paddles. Our splash tour covers a scenic 11-mile stretch of river with class I, II, and III rapids, and everybody paddles. Bears, moose, sheep, and caribou all live along these banks, so keep looking up between strokes. Back at the resort we order pizza, stay in, and toast the day.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Distance: 11 mi (17.7 km) rafting
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (or similar)

Day 6: Triple Lakes Trail and the Denali Tundra Wilderness tour
Triple Lakes Trail and the Denali Tundra Wilderness tour — Hiking in Denali National Park | Alaska

A hearty breakfast sets us up for the Triple Lakes Trail, a pretty route through thick forest and over gentle ridges. This is good country for wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled: a moose browsing in the trees or a fox trotting across the path are both real possibilities. In the afternoon we join the Denali Tundra Wilderness tour, which takes us deeper into the park for big views of the peaks and the open tundra rolling out below. Your guide shares plenty along the way about the ecology here and the animals that manage to thrive in it.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 4 to 7 mi (6.4 to 11.3 km) hiking
Elevation: +1,000 ft (+305 m)
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (or similar)

Day 7: Rock Creek Trail and sled dog demos
Rock Creek Trail and sled dog demos — Hiking in Denali National Park | Alaska

Another full day in Denali National Park, starting with the park Visitor Center and the Murie Science Center, where we get the backstory on the area’s history, geology, plants, and animals. Then we lace up for the Rock Creek Trail, a lovely stretch through quiet spruce and birch forest with big views out to the Alaska Range. The trail connects the Visitor Center to the park’s famous sled dog kennels, which is exactly where we’re headed next. We’ll learn why these dogs matter so much up here, meet them, and watch the rangers and their four-legged coworkers put on a demo. Afterwards it’s back on the trail to keep exploring Denali’s forests.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 8-9.7 km (5-6 mi)
Elevation: +305 m (+1,000 ft)
Accommodation: Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (or similar)

Day 8: One last Denali hike, drive to Fairbanks
fairbanks aerial view

Before we say goodbye to the “Great One”, we stretch our legs on the McKinley Station Trail for one last walk in the park. Then we point the vans north toward Fairbanks, stopping for lunch along the way. The drive takes us through several of Alaska’s ecological biomes and across the mighty Nenana and Tanana Rivers, so keep your eyes on the treeline. Moose, bears, and beavers all live out here, and with a bit of luck we’ll spot them. We settle in at River’s Edge Resort and sit down to dinner together in the Golden Heart of Alaska.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance: 4.8 km (3 mi)
Elevation: +134 m (+439 ft)
Accommodation: River’s Edge Resort (or similar)

Day 9: Depart for home
Hiking in Denali National Park | Alaska

Enjoy one final breakfast in Fairbanks before we pack up and head for Fairbanks International Airport (FAI). Book your flight for any time after 10 am. If you’d rather stick around and see more of the Golden Heart of Alaska, the lodging offers an airport shuttle, so staying on an extra night or two is easy to arrange.

Meals: Breakfast

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.
Tori
5.00
Tori
Tori is a Professional Concert Dancer turned multi-certified, full-time Registered Maine Guide. With a passion for healing facilitation, she has worked to become a recognized Community Herbalist, Yoga Instructor, and Integrative Health and Wellness Coach. She blends her love for movement and holistic health with her knowledge of the outdoors to create well-rounded educational outdoor experiences. Her goal is to help you gain access to natural connection and to leave trips knowing more about yourself, the environment, and the bond between the two.
Heather
5.00
Heather
Heather has decades of experience helping women and girls explore the Pacific Northwest. She's passionate about kayaking, sailing, hiking, and paddleboarding. When not guiding, she volunteers in K9 search and rescue, helping recover outdoor adventurers near her home in Seattle.  
Lainie
5.00
Lainie
Lainie has spent most of her adult life overseas, living and working across the UK, Papua New Guinea, Guatemala, Kenya, Turkey, and Mexico, which makes her a seasoned international traveler and adventurer. An avid hiker, she's tackled iconic routes like Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp, and recently summited two 19,000 ft (5,791 m) peaks in Peru with her 18-year-old son. She loves meeting new people and learning about their experiences, and has been guiding for close to 20 years.
Connie
5.00
Connie
Connie thrives on the thrill of new experiences and the beauty of the natural world. After a decade of teaching music, she made the jump to snowy Alaska, then sunny Mexico, and finally bustling Barcelona. Connie loves sharing the joy of outdoor adventures, helping others connect deeply with nature and discover a sense of personal empowerment. When not guiding trips, you can find her trail running, backpacking, rock climbing, slacklining, and dreaming up her next big adventure.
Carrie
5.00
Carrie
Carrie has lived in Saranac Lake, NY in the Adirondack Mountains for 34 years. Her first guiding experience was when she was 20, a job that entailed taking US students to the USSR and Siberia. Her love of the outdoors comes from her parents. They taught her many outdoors skills and showed her how to hike, ski, row, sail and fish from an early age; in fact, the first peak she climbed was Camels Hump in Vermont at the age of 6! These days she is an avid downhill, cross-country and backcountry skier and is a licensed guide for whitewater rafting, hiking, camping and paddling.
Brenda
5.00
Brenda
Brenda is a seasoned world traveler and guide, with trips from Everest to Machu Picchu under her belt. After working with women’s groups in Honduras and serving in the Peace Corps, she became a passionate backpacker, yoga instructor, and watercolor artist. She enjoys catching moments to sketch on trips and encouraging others to do the same.        
Haley
5.00
Haley
Haley grew up exploring Minnesota's North Shore and has spent years traveling the world ever since, chasing new adventures like rock climbing, scuba diving, and whitewater rafting, though hiking and kayaking remain her favorites. She's biked across Southeast Asia, hiked the Himalayas, and spent a week in the Amazon. A certified yoga instructor and budding photographer, she's thrilled to share her love of travel and the outdoors as a guide.
Alicia
5.00
Alicia
Alicia resides in Colorado, where she relishes the opportunity to ride her bike every day! She also enjoys hiking, backpacking, trail running, and snowshoeing, often accompanied by her family and dog (who famously proved that she is truly part border collie when she spontaneously herded 100+ head of cattle in Boulder open space!). Alicia has a well-rounded adventure background and a great appreciation for the friendships that can be forged among adventurous women, across different backgrounds and different generations. When not guiding, Alicia works in academia as a SAS programmer and data analyst.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (8 reviews)
P
Patricia H.

Wonderful guides, a great group of women, and beautiful Alaska scenery! Just a few of the highlights were kayaking, the sled dogs after the crowds left, and seeing Denali from Talkeetna.

D
Donna L.

Scout and Haley were kind, knowledgeable and caring. They worked so very hard to ensure that we all enjoyed our stay in Alaska. This was my first trip, I could not have asked for anything more. It was truly awesome thanks to Scout and Haley.

T
Teresa J.

Great guides along with great company of other group members. We all got along so well. Everyone was very flexible. The itinerary was a great representation of what Alaska offers.

5.00(8 reviews)
P
Patricia H.

Wonderful guides, a great group of women, and beautiful Alaska scenery! Just a few of the highlights were kayaking, the sled dogs after the crowds left, and seeing Denali from Talkeetna.

D
Donna L.

Scout and Haley were kind, knowledgeable and caring. They worked so very hard to ensure that we all enjoyed our stay in Alaska. This was my first trip, I could not have asked for anything more. It was truly awesome thanks to Scout and Haley.

T
Teresa J.

Great guides along with great company of other group members. We all got along so well. Everyone was very flexible. The itinerary was a great representation of what Alaska offers.

C
Cecelia D.

Our wonderful guides Emily and Elysee along with wonderful woman from all different walks in life and their stories. Alaska was pretty nice too.

B
Becky A.

It was my first time to Alaska and the itinerary was perfect for getting to see and do as much as possible in our time there while also giving us down time and keeping the pace comfortable with plenty of rest breaks on the hike. PLUS- we had the most awesome weather the whole trip. It was beautiful every single day and the fires did not impact us – thankfully! We were able to see Denali 5 days in a row. Also- our guides were the best. They took care to be sure we knew what was going to happen, if they needed to adjust the itinerary and their compassion, concern, knowledge, guidance was great.

L
Linda B.

The natural breathtaking beauty of Alaska, the incredibly fun activities, the delicious food (halibut and salmon in particular) and two absolutely wonderful, supportive, kind and informative guides. A truly awesome and fun adventure trip!

V
Vickie M.

We had great weather and wonderful group of women. Alaska was beautiful and our guides were amazing.

M
Maxanne W.

Scout and Emily, the expansiveness of AK

Things to know

  • Included:

      • 1 to 2 experienced, local hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area, depending on group size
      • 9-day adventure in Alaska, from Anchorage to Fairbanks (7 days of hiking, rafting, paddling, and other activities)
      • Accommodation for 8 nights at locally owned hotels, cabins, and lodges (double occupancy, with your own bed guaranteed)
      • All meals from dinner on day 1 through breakfast on day 9, except one lunch and one dinner (restaurant meals, some guide-prepared meals, and packed or picnic-style lunches)
      • All activities on the itinerary unless specified as optional at additional cost, including the kayak paddle in Talkeetna Lakes Park, the Denali rafting trip, the Denali Tundra Wilderness tour, and the sled dog demonstration
      • All ground transportation within Alaska
      • National Park entrance fees

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout)

      • Single occupancy room
      • Optional activities on the free afternoon in Talkeetna and the free morning in Denali, such as flightseeing, a jet-boat ride, bike rental, or an ATV tour — can be arranged at an additional cost, leave a note at checkout if interested

    Not included:

      • Transportation to Alaska (airfare to Anchorage and from Fairbanks)
      • One lunch and one dinner, as specified in the itinerary
      • Alcoholic beverages
      • Optional activities
      • Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • In order to join this Alaska women’s hiking tour, good fitness is required as well as comfort on uneven, rocky trails with the occasional steep section. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 10.5 km (6.5 mi), with up to 314 m (1,030 ft) of elevation gain, and you’ll spend 2 to 6 hours on trail on most days.

    This trip is designed for women in good health and physical condition who want to see Alaska, with moderate hikes on most days. Mileage, weather, and trail conditions are what make it a step up from a walk in the park, so some aerobic conditioning helps: walking briskly uphill, jogging, or stair stepping for 30 to 45 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, is a good way to get ready. Hikes mix woodland with wide open country, and even this far north the sun can be strong, so pack sunscreen.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Alaska hiking adventures here! Looking for more adventures with like-minded women? Browse our women-only trips.

  • Gear:

      • Day pack (25-40L)
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L)
      • Hiking boots or sturdy hiking shoes, already broken in
      • Hiking poles (optional)
      • Headlamp
      • Camera (optional, but recommended for the wildlife)

    Clothing & footwear:

      • Waterproof rain jacket and rain pants
      • Insulating layers, such as a fleece or light puffy, for cool mornings and tundra wind
      • Moisture-wicking hiking shirts and pants
      • Hiking socks
      • Sunhat and sunglasses
      • Light gloves and a warm hat
      • Quick-drying clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting wet for the kayaking and rafting days
      • Casual clothes for evenings in town and at the lodges

    Other:

      • Sunscreen, the sun is strong this far north even on cool days
      • Bug spray
      • Hand sanitizer and personal toiletries
      • Any personal medication
      • Snacks or extra protein bars if you have specific dietary needs

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

  • Group sizes and pricing:

      • For this Alaska women’s hiking tour, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1, with two guides for full groups.
      • The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
      • All participants are guaranteed their own bed, and a limited number of single occupancy rooms may be available.
      • Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.
      • Alaska women’s hiking tours can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Alaska women’s hiking tour on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
      • If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
  • Every participant is guaranteed her own bed. This price for this Alaska women’s hiking tour is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout. Please note that single rooms are limited and subject to availability.

    Solo travelers are welcome—they can either share a room with another same-gender solo traveler at no extra cost, or guarantee a private room by paying a single occupancy fee.

  • The starting point of this Alaska women’s hiking tour is Anchorage, Alaska. To get there, most people fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), arriving by 4 pm.

    You will meet your guides at 4 pm at the Anchorage airport.

    The trip ends in Fairbanks, so plan a flight out of Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) any time after 10 am on day 9. If you’d like to stay longer, the hotel offers an airport shuttle.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
    • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
    • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
    • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.
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