Experience Denali’s wilderness up-close on a week-long backpacking tour of the legendary Whale’s Tail! Join your experienced guide for a 20-30 mile (30-50 km) journey across Alaska’s towering mountains and massive glaciers and spend your days traversing epic ridgelines, summiting peaks, and marveling at the wildlife. Re-energize with delicious food, enjoy the serene atmosphere and make memories with fellow adventurers!
Arrive in Anchorage and check into your lakeside hotel anytime before 5 pm. Meet your guide to talk about your upcoming adventure, share goals for the trip, go over the gear, and enjoy a tasty dinner.
After a filling breakfast, head over to the Lake Hood Seaplane Base. Experience Alaska’s stunning wilderness from the sky, before landing on a small lake tucked in the path of a receding glacier. Unload your gear on the beach, say goodbye to your pilots, and take in the silence and remoteness of the place! Set up camp and enjoy a good night’s sleep under the stars.
Get ready for 4 days of hiking Denali’s magnificent Whale’s Tail! You’ll be wandering through high alpine meadows, climbing small peaks, crossing glaciers, spotting moose and bears, and marveling at the persistent alpenglow dance across the snowy Alaska Range. And when you’ve had your fill of walking, head back to the camp to tell stories, eat delicious meals, and connect with fellow adventurers.
Spend your final morning in the backcountry relishing the memories, soaking in the atmosphere, and reflecting on your Denali experience. The floatplane will pick you up early in the morning. Enjoy a final flight over the majestic Ruth Gorge and Tokosha Mountains before returning to Anchorage and saying your goodbyes.
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
Backpacking in Alaska can be quite challenging. You’ll be hiking 4-7 miles (6-11 km) per day off-trail across scree slopes, over mountain passes, and through the occasional thick Alaskan Alder, all while carrying a loaded backpack. That said, if you have previous backpacking experience and are in good physical shape, you’ll do fine. Keep in mind that you’ll also be expected to manage your pack, set up and break down your own tent, and carry a portion of the group equipment.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Group supplies, such as first-aid kits, cooking equipment, emergency communication devices, and others will be provided by your guide.
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season.
Group sizes and prices:
Backpacking in Denali National park can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has backpackers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
Secure one of the set dates for this year with a $1000 deposit upon booking. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies and the deposit is non-refundable. The remaining amount is paid 4 months (120 days) prior to departure.
To get to Anchorage, AK, the starting point of this tour, most people fly into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to your hotel, where you’ll be meeting your guide.
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, which will usually be at your hotel in Anchorage. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.
57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.
We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Denali National Park, AK, please refer to the Official site of the State of Alaska and the National Park Service’s guidelines for Denali NP.
Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!
