Name: Ridge Walks & Ice Treks - 14-Day Alaskan Adventure
Brand: Zero Trace Tours
SKU: 44770610938032
Price: 6849.0 AUD
Availability: InStock

Anchorage ⇄ Anchorage

Demanding

Ages 12+

200% CO₂ Offset

Ridge Walks, Ice Treks & Kayaks | 14-Day Wild Alaskan Adventure

Push into Alaska the active way—on foot and by paddle. Over 14 days, this small-group trip strings together ridge walks, glacier-day hikes, and kayak time among ice with big-scenery road links and smart pacing. Expect real elevation gains, varied terrain, and that switch from forest to tundra as you climb.

Between efforts, reset at camp or cosy cabins and soak up long summer light. Guides keep logistics tight so your energy stays on the good stuff: steady ascents, blue ice, cold lakes, and that clear-headed calm that only comes after a big day out.

Quick Facts

Duration: 14 days
Style: Small-group Active (camping-based)
Difficulty: Demanding (Physical 4) — sustained hiking days
Start/Finish: Anchorage ⇄ Anchorage
Transport: Private vehicle, walking, kayaking session
Stays: Camping (most nights) + cabins (shared bathrooms) + 1 hotel night

Trip Highlights

Ridge & pass hikes with real elevation and wide-open tundra views
Glacier day hikes on established routes with trained guides
Kayak on a glacier lake, weaving past floating ice (conditions permitting)
A classic big push to a historic alpine mine site
Front-country park trails with options to extend if legs allow
Long daylight windows to balance effort and recovery

Good to Know

This is an active itinerary: expect back-to-back hiking days and early starts.
Weather can flip quickly—layers and a proper waterproof are essential.
Kayak and some hikes are conditions-dependent; your guides will adapt the plan to keep things safe and rewarding.
Bring broken-in boots, trekking poles if you use them, and a daypack that fits well when fully loaded.

Booking Terms & Conditions

$350.00

RESERVE WITH DEPOSIT

INQUIRE ABOUT TOUR

Day 1 | Anchorage → Seward & Crow Pass to Crystal Lake

Roll south along Turnagain Arm—tidal flats on one side, the Chugach rising hard on the other—to a classic alpine start on the Crow Pass Trail. The climb trades spruce for open tundra, with Crystal Lake tucked beneath high walls and the odd mountain goat on distant ledges. First day, first summit-feel; legs humming, lungs clear. Camp by Resurrection Bay and settle into the rhythm of early starts and long northern light.

Stay: Camping (Seward).

Included meals: Dinner.

Day 2 | Harding Icefield: From Forest Floor to Endless Ice

A full-value ascent on the Harding Icefield Trail: damp forest and alder thickets give way to heather benches, then the skyline falls away to a horizon of blue-white ice. Switchbacks earn big payoffs at the viewpoints—perfect turn-back points if snow clings to the upper slopes. It’s the kind of day that resets your scale of “vast.”

Stay: Camping (Seward).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 3 | Seward Summit Legs or Coastal Time

Test your climbing gears on Mount Marathon—steep, grippy, and rewarding with bay-wide vistas—or keep it coast-casual with the harbour, shoreline trails, or the Alaska SeaLife Center. Either path ends with sea air and an easy evening back at camp.

Stay: Camping (Seward).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Optional extras (own expense): Wildlife cruise (Resurrection Bay), SeaLife Center, kayaking.

Day 4 | Seward → Talkeetna Lake Trail → Denali Camp

Trade fjords for interior forest. On the Talkeetna Lake Trail, mirrored water and loon calls set the tempo; beaver lodges and old spruce frame a soft-underfoot circuit. Push on to Denali, pitch tents under broad skies, and watch alpenglow slide off distant ridges.

Stay: Camping (Denali area).

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner.

Day 5 | Mt Healy Overlook or Horseshoe Lake Loops

Pick your line: the Mt Healy Overlook track gains views quickly—tundra underfoot, valleys fanning out below—while Horseshoe Lake is a gentler roam beside the Nenana, all reflections and hare-quiet forest. Either way, you’re dialling into Denali scale.

Stay: Camping (Denali area).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Optional extras (own expense): Rafting, scenic flight (weather-dependent).

Day 6 | Shuttle into Denali Interior + Horseshoe Lake

Settle into the park shuttle for the long view into the East Fork area (around Mile 43)—braided rivers, rolling tundra, and that slow, alert scanning for caribou and Dall sheep. Fresh-air stops keep the camera honest; a short Horseshoe Lake walk rounds out the day before a well-earned camp dinner.

Stay: Camping (Denali area).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7 | Denali → Anchorage Down-Day

Let the legs exhale on the drive south. Back in Anchorage, graze cafés, wander a stretch of the Coastal Trail, or hit a museum—your easy reset before week two’s push.

Stay: Hotel (Anchorage).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Optional (own expense): Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Day 8 | Anchorage → Valdez via Matanuska & Worthington

The road swings past the overlook at Matanuska Glacier—a fast tutorial in glacial geometry—then climbs to Worthington Glacier for a short, bracing walk near ancient ice. Drop into Valdez, ringed by mountains that catch the evening light like a mirror. Camp, cook, and take it in.

Stay: Camping (Valdez).

Included meals: Lunch, Dinner.

Day 9 | Glacier Lake Hike & Guided Kayak among Ice

Shake out with a scenic approach to Glacier Lake, then slide a kayak onto cold, glassy water for a guided paddle—floating ice bobbing nearby, Valdez Glacier and the Chugach skyline set like a postcard. Quiet, concentrated strokes; grins you don’t have to force.

Stay: Camping (Valdez).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Included activity: Glacier Lake guided hiking & kayaking (Valdez).

Day 10 | Valdez → McCarthy: Passes, Falls & Fish Wheels

Up and over Thompson Pass, where walls of green and rock hem the road, with a leg-stretcher at Liberty Falls. Trace the Copper River country toward McCarthy, pausing at traditional fish wheels when they’re in season. Tonight’s camp feels properly away.

Stay: Camping (McCarthy).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 11 | Bonanza Mine Ridge Hike

A hallmark ascent on the Bonanza Mine route: steady vertical, alpine benches, and relics of a high-country mine perched improbably on the ridge. Views pour in—glaciers, rivers, and the vastness of Wrangell–St. Elias doing what it does best.

Stay: Camping (McCarthy).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 12 | McCarthy Free Day: Ice Walks or Scenic Flight

Choose your flavour of “wow”: a guided ice walk, a deep-dive Kennecott Mill Town tour, a river day, or a scenic flight that makes sense of the map in one sweep (own expense). Or keep it easy around camp—sometimes recovery is the move.

Stay: Camping (McCarthy).

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Optional extras (own expense): Kennecott guided tour, scenic flight, rafting.

Day 13 | McCarthy → Glennallen: Short Walks & Visitor Centre

Thread back toward the highway with pauses for short lakeside or creek rambles, then call in at the Copper Visitor Center for context on the landscape you’ve been walking through. Overnight at Alaska’s oldest continually operating roadhouse—wood, stories, and a warm plate.

Stay: Lodge/Roadhouse (Glennallen).

Included meals: Breakfast.

Day 14 | Glennallen → Anchorage Farewell

Final miles roll by with familiar mountains now on a first-name basis. Arrive Anchorage and wrap—legs pleasantly used, head reset to big-country scale.

Included meals: None.

Key Tour Info

Where You’ll Be Staying

Nights (majority): Camping at established campgrounds (shared tents; gear provided for group cooking).
3 nights: Cabins (shared bathrooms) — simple, cosy bases close to trailheads.
1 night: Hotel in/near Anchorage for a mid-trip reset.

Rooms & tents: Shared tents while camping; cabins with shared facilities; hotel rooms are twin-share typical.
Facilities: Campgrounds offer shared amenities; showers available at select sites.
Vibe: Early starts, long daylight, and fireside dinners—perfect for big hiking days and solid recovery.

What You’ll Be Eating

Included meals: 11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners (as shown in the day-to-day).
Style:Camp breakfasts to fuel sustained hikes.Picnic lunches at trailheads, viewpoints, or lakes.Hearty camp dinners most nights; occasional meals out when not included.
Dietaries: Common requirements can usually be accommodated with advance notice—pack preferred snacks if your diet is very specific.
Hydration: Regular refill points; carry a bottle/bladder in your daypack.

✅ What’s Included

Guiding & Support

Professional Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout
All on-the-ground logistics and daily briefings

Accommodation

Camping (majority of nights) at established campgrounds (shared tents)
3 nights in cabins (shared bathrooms)
1 night in a hotel (Anchorage)

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners (as shown in the itinerary)

Transport

Private vehicle transport for the full loop

Scheduled Activities (per operator pages)

Crow Pass to Crystal Lake hike
Harding Icefield day hike (conditions permitting)
Mount Marathon summit option / coastal time in Seward
Talkeetna Lake Trail walk
Denali front-country hikes (e.g., Mt Healy Overlook or Horseshoe Lake)
Full-day Denali park shuttle to East Fork (approx. Mile 43)
Matanuska glacier viewpoint stop
Worthington Glacier short walk
Glacier Lake hike & guided kayak (Valdez)
Bonanza Mine ridge hike (Wrangell–St. Elias)
Roadside leg-stretch stops (e.g., Liberty Falls, Copper River viewpoints)

Group Gear

Shared camping and basic cooking equipment

🚫 What’s Not Included

Flights to/from Anchorage
Airport transfers (arrival/departure)
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Visas/entry documents (if required)
Optional activities (own expense): examples may include scenic flights, rafting, mill-town tours, wildlife cruises, or sea kayaking beyond the included Glacier Lake kayak (availability weather-dependent)
Meals & drinks not listed as included
Personal gear (hiking clothing, boots, sleeping bag/pillow, toiletries, trekking poles, etc.)
Laundry, souvenirs, phone/Wi-Fi charges and other personal expenses
Tips/gratuities for guides and local providers (at your discretion)

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Overview
This active loop spans coast (Seward/Valdez), interior towns (Talkeetna/Glennallen), and sub-arctic parklands (Denali, Wrangell–St. Elias). Conditions swing with elevation and distance from the ocean—pack layers you can add/remove fast.

May–June (spring to early summer)

Coast (Seward/Valdez): ~4–12 °C; sea fog or drizzle common; trails damp.
Interior (Talkeetna/Glennallen): ~5–16 °C; brighter afternoons; mozzies start at dusk near water.
Denali/Wrangell–St. Elias: ~-2–12 °C; frosty dawns; lingering snow on higher trails/passes.

July–August (peak summer)

Coast: ~8–15 °C; mild and breezy; showers in brief pulses; cold near glaciers.
Interior: ~9–20 °C; warmest stretch; occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
Denali/Wrangell–St. Elias: ~5–18 °C; strong UV at altitude, cool nights; sudden weather flips possible.

September (early autumn)

Coast: ~3–10 °C; clearer air, more frequent light rain later in month.
Interior: ~0–12 °C; colours turning, fewer insects.
Denali/Wrangell–St. Elias: ~-6–8 °C; early frosts and the first snows at elevation; cold nights.

Rain, Wind & Sun

Coast brings mist/drizzle; interiors get short, sharp showers. Carry a waterproof, windproof shell.
Glaciers and passes feel much colder than towns the same day—add a warm mid-layer for stops.
UV can bite even when cool—hat, sunnies, SPF 30+.

Daylight

Late May–July: very long days (civil twilight late into the night) = flexible hike windows and mellow evening walks.
September: earlier sunsets and crisp mornings—great light, cooler evenings.

Trail & Surface Notes (Active focus)

Expect sustained elevation on ridge/pass days (loose rock, heather benches, occasional snow patches in shoulder season).
Boardwalks and coastal rocks can be slick after fog/rain; use treaded boots even for short approaches.
Mosquitoes peak June–August in still, low areas—repellent and long sleeves at dusk help.

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What to Pack

Essentials

Sleeping bag (0–5 °C comfort) + compact pillow
Daypack (22–30 L) with hip belt; 1.5–2 L water capacity (bottles or bladder)
Head torch (spare batteries) + 10–20k mAh power bank
Microfibre towel, toiletries, small personal first-aid (blister care, pain relief, any meds)
Travel adapter (US Type A/B, 110–120 V)
Motion-sickness tablets (handy for boat/kayak days)

Layering & Weather

Breathable base layers (top/bottom)
Mid-layer fleece or light synthetic puffer
Packable insulated jacket (mornings/evenings can be near 0 °C)
Waterproof, windproof shell (hooded) + light rain pants
Warm beanie, light gloves, neck gaiter (esp. May/Sept)
Quick-dry shirts/shorts + one warm trouser for camp nights

Footwear

Sturdy hiking boots/shoes with tread (already broken-in)
Camp shoes/sandals for evenings
Merino/synthetic hiking socks (3–5 pairs) + spare laces

Sun & Insect

Sun hat, UV sunglasses, SPF 30+ sunscreen + SPF lip balm
Insect repellent (picaridin/DEET); optional bug head net for still evenings
After-bite/soothing cream (optional)

Documents & Money

Passport/ID, any visas/ESTA, and travel insurance (printed + digital)
Credit/debit card + small amount of USD cash
Backup copies of key documents stored separately

Nice-to-Haves (Active Focus)

Trekking poles (collapsible) for ridge/pass days
Dry bags/stuff sacks for layers/electronics (rain/boat days)
Reusable mug/thermos & spork for roadside lunches
Gaiters (useful in shoulder season/snow patches)
Earplugs & eye mask (long daylight/early starts)
Small binoculars for distant wildlife (always view from safe distances)

Pack light, think layers, and prioritise quick-dry fabrics—the coast can be misty, and interior weather flips fast.

Local Insights

Long light = longer windows: Summer daylight stretches late—use it for early ascents and mellow evening leg-looseners. Jet lag can be your secret weapon.
Coast vs interior legs: Seward/Valdez stay cooler and breezier; Denali/Wrangell–St. Elias swing wider. Layer for fast flips; a dry base layer changes everything.
Trail etiquette on narrow ridges: Yield to uphill hikers, keep poles tips-down near others, and step off on the stable side if you need to pass.
Glacier safety mindset: Trails to ice can cross slick moraine and wind-exposed benches. Zips and straps tight, nothing dangling; micro-stops in sheltered spots.
Marathon & Crow Pass pacing: These climbs are honest—short strides, steady cadence, snack small-and-often. Turn-backs are wins if conditions call it.
Bug strategy (June–Aug): Mozzies love still, low, near-water spots. Repellent + long sleeves at dusk; a head net weighs nothing and saves morale.
Wildlife reality check: If an animal changes behaviour, you’re too close. Keep food smells sealed; never stash snacks in tents. Speak up if someone forgets.
Kayak comfort hacks: Thin liner gloves help when spray is chilly; keep a dry top ready for the beach take-out so you don’t get cold post-paddle.
Roadhouse culture: Small places run on early starts and honest portions. If you’ve got a must-try dish, go early dinner—then catch golden hour outside.
Weather windows for flights: Scenic flights often pop during morning or late arvo lulls. Your CEO will juggle timings when skies open.
Leave No Trace, dialled: Stay on durable surfaces, step through mud (don’t widen trails), and pack out micro-trash like gel tabs and tape.

Your Tour Offsets drive far more than Tree Planting — We Go Climate Positive By Design | Click Here to View the Method

CO₂ Footprint

Results Summary (Topline)

Estimated per guest (14 days): ~2.7 tCO₂e
Estimated per tour (assumed 13 guests): ~35.1 tCO₂e
Counter-impact applied: 200% (targeting ~5.4 tCO₂e per guest)
Method note: High-estimate (DEFRA-aligned) with Well-to-Tank and RF = 1.9 for aviation; includes single-hub guest travel, all meals (included and off-tour), on-tour road transport, accommodation, and a small allowance for kayak support logistics. +10% uncertainty uplift applied.

Purpose

Provide a clear, conservative footprint for Ultimate Active Alaska | 14-Day Anchorage ⇄ Anchorage so travellers understand impact and the 200% counter-impact applied.

Scope & Boundaries (what’s counted)

Guest travel to/from the tour: Single official feeder hub → Anchorage (start & end same city).
On-tour transport: Mini-coach/van between regions and trailheads.
Accommodation: Camping (9 nts), cabins with shared bathrooms (3 nts), hotel (1 nt).
Meals: All meals over the trip duration (42 total = 14×3), not just the included 11B/7L/6D (conservative practice).
Activities: Allowance for kayak support logistics on the Glacier Lake day.
Excluded: Personal shopping; extraordinary add-ons outside the published plan.

Feeder Hub — Single Origin City

Los Angeles (LAX) selected as the official feeder hub. Routing applied: LAX → ANC → LAX.

Emission Factors & Conservative Defaults (overview)

Aviation (economy, short/medium-haul): ~0.158 kgCO₂e/pax-km base × RF 1.9 + WTT.
Mini-coach/van: ~0.09 kgCO₂e/pax-km (smaller vehicles, mixed terrain, incl. WTT).
Accommodation proxies: Camping ~3 kg/night; cabins/hotel ~15 kg/night.
Meals: ~2.5 kgCO₂e per meal (production + prep).
Watercraft logistics (kayak day): conservative flat allowance (small motor support/crew ops).

Activity Data (applied)

Aviation (LAX ↔ ANC): ~6,900 km total great-circle distance.
Road distance (tour total): ~2,000 km (Anchorage ⇄ Seward, Talkeetna/Denali, Valdez, McCarthy/Glennallen legs).
Accommodation: 13 nights (9 camping + 3 cabins + 1 hotel).
Meals: ~42 per guest (14 days × 3/day).
Watercraft logistics: 1 kayak support day.

Results — Per Guest (rounded)

Aviation (6,900 km, RF+WTT): ~2.07 tCO₂e
Road transport (≈2,000 km): ~0.18 tCO₂e
Accommodation (9CAMP + 3CAB + 1HOTEL): ~0.09 tCO₂e
Meals (~42): ~0.11 tCO₂e
Kayak support logistics (1 day): ~0.03 tCO₂e
Subtotal: ~2.48 tCO₂e
+10% uncertainty uplift: → ~2.73 tCO₂e
Rounded for communication: ~2.7 tCO₂e per guest

Results — Per Tour (assumed 13 guests)

Estimated total: ~35.1 tCO₂e

Assumptions (key)

Feeder hub fixed to LAX for comparability across departures.
Mini-coach factor reflects smaller vehicles and elevation changes.
Meals counted in full (included + off-tour) as a conservative standard.
Kayak day is human-powered; a small emissions allowance is applied for support/crew logistics.
+10% uplift covers variability (weather reroutes, idling, load factors).

Versioning

Method: Zero Trace Standard v1.9 (DEFRA-aligned; WTT included; RF 1.9 for aviation)
Date: 26 September 2025
Preparer: Zero Trace methodology (marketplace reporting; not the tour operator)

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This is Demanding (Physical 4) with sustained hiking days, real elevation, and back-to-back activity. You should be comfortable with full-day hikes on uneven terrain.

Mostly camping in established campgrounds (shared tents), plus 3 nights in cabins (shared bathrooms) and 1 hotel night in/near Anchorage.

11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 6 Dinners are included as shown in the itinerary. Common dietary needs can usually be accommodated with advance notice; bring preferred snacks if your diet is very specific.

Ridge and pass hikes (e.g., Crow Pass, Mount Marathon), the Harding Icefield day hike (conditions permitting), Talkeetna Lake Trail, front-country Denali hikes (e.g., Mt Healy Overlook or Horseshoe Lake), a full-day Denali shuttle to East Fork (around Mile 43), Worthington Glacier short walk, a Glacier Lake hike & guided kayak in Valdez, and the Bonanza Mine ridge hike in Wrangell–St. Elias.

How big is the group and who leads it?

Small group (maximum 13). A professional Chief Experience Officer (CEO) handles logistics, safety briefings, and daily plans.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes, 12+. Must be accompanies by an adult

Do I need special gear?

Bring broken-in hiking boots, a 0–5 °C sleeping bag, and a comfortable daypack. Trekking poles are helpful on steeper/looser sections. A full packing list is provided in “What to Pack.”

Are activities weather/conditions dependent?

Yes. Glacier and high-ridge routes, as well as the kayak session, run conditions permitting. The CEO may adjust timings or choose safer alternatives to keep the experience strong.

How much luggage can I bring?

Pack light and soft—one main bag/duffel plus a daypack works best for shared vehicle space and easy camp moves.

Will I have phone signal or Wi-Fi?

Towns (Anchorage, Seward, Valdez, Denali entrance area) generally have coverage; it’s patchy to none in parks and along remote roads.

What about wildlife safety?

You’ll travel through bear and moose country. Keep very safe distances, never feed wildlife, and follow camp food-storage instructions. If an animal changes behaviour because of you, you’re too close.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes—weather, park advisories, trail conditions, and road status can prompt adjustments. Any changes aim to keep the trip’s intent intact while prioritising safety.

What’s not included that I should budget for?

Flights, airport transfers, optional activities (e.g., scenic flights, rafting, mill-town tours, wildlife cruises not listed as included), meals/drinks not included, personal gear, laundry, souvenirs, phone/Wi-Fi charges, and tips/gratuities at your discretion.

CO₂ Emissions

0t

CO₂ Reductions

0t

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Anchorage ⇄ Anchorage

Demanding

Ages 12+

200% CO₂ Offset

Ridge Walks, Ice Treks & Kayaks | 14-Day Wild Alaskan Adventure

Key Tour Info

Where You’ll Be Staying

What You’ll Be Eating

✅ What’s Included

🚫 What’s Not Included

Seasonal Weather Expectations

We are working to bring live on-site reviews for this tour

What to Pack

Local Insights

CO₂ Footprint

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Optimum Travel Time Heat-Map

Point A - B Travel Time Estimator

Co2 Calculator

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Live Dates, Matched Prices

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Country/Region

Country/Region

Anchorage ⇄ Anchorage

Demanding

Ages 12+

200% CO₂ Offset

Ridge Walks, Ice Treks & Kayaks | 14-Day Wild Alaskan Adventure

Key Tour Info

Where You’ll Be Staying

What You’ll Be Eating

✅ What’s Included

🚫 What’s Not Included

Seasonal Weather Expectations

We are working to bring live on-site reviews for this tour

What to Pack

Local Insights

CO₂ Footprint

Save time planning with our helpful travel tools

Optimum Travel Time Heat-Map

Point A - B Travel Time Estimator

Co2 Calculator

Would you like to hear from us (occasionally) with cool adventure stuff..?

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets

Verified Reviews

Live Dates, Matched Prices

Secure Payment Portals

Vetted Tour Operators

200% Restoration Offsets