Alaska Hiking
From the capital city of Juneau and the Mendenhall Glacier to historic Skagway and awesome Glacier Bay National Park, we invite you to meet Alaskawhere rugged wilderness and a pioneering spirit are at its heart and soul. Hike amid thick forests of spruce and Douglas fir, and cruise through the vibrant blue waters of Glacier Bay, where wildlife and calving glaciers take center stage. Fly above North America's longest fjord. Travel the Inside Passagepopularized by the Klondike gold stampede in the late 1890sand discover that history still thrives in landmarks along our route.
Day 1 Juneau
Meet in Juneau 
Trace the footsteps of gold miners on the historic Perseverance Trail Follow paths through Sitka spruce forests and lush flora along the scenic banks of Gold Creek Explore historic Juneau on foot.
Days 2-3 Skagway
On our way to Haines, fly over Lynn Canal, the longest and narrowest fjord in North America Hike through temperate rain forest to Seduction Point, keeping an eye out for moose, grizzlies, black bears and bald eagles Hop on a high-speed ferry to Skagway Travel along the original Gold Rush trail on the historic White Pass & Yukon Railway, which climbs nearly 3,000 feet in 20 miles at grades of up to 3.9 percent, making it one of the steepest railways in the world.
Hike to Laughton Glacier in the shadow of the Sawtooth Moutains.
Days 4-6 Glacier Bay
Get a bird's-eye view of the Chilkat Range on a flight to Glacier Bay Sea kayak to Pleasant Island, a beautiful stretch of land covered in old-growth forest and offering grand views of the Fairweather Range and Cathedral Peaks Enjoy a day-long cruise through the brilliant blue Glacier Bay National Park, a World Heritage site Watch for graceful humpback whales and listen for the thunder of calving glaciers Hike through a rain forest and along a trail lined with wildflowers, mushrooms and blackberry bushes.
Klondike Hospitality : Casual Inns
Westmark Baranof (1 night): A hotel with a host of amenities located in the heart of the bustling Alaskan capital.
Westmark Inn Skagway (2 nights): A comfortable inn adjacent to Skagway's historic district, offering warm hospitality in a rustic setting.
Glacier Bay Lodge (2 nights): A charming haven nestled on the shore of Bartlett Cove, with a perpetually blazing fire and a hearty Alaskan menu.
NOTE: IN THE 2008 WALKING CATALOG, THIS TRIP IS INCORRECTLY LISTED AS A PREMIERE INN TRIP.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 4, 7, 8.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 4, 5, 7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 3, 5, 6 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 2 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Sea Kayaking 2 hours
Day 5
- Glacier Bay Cruise
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 5, 6 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Trips For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/6-11Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $780 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $380
- 7/20-25Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $780 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $380
- 7/27-8/1Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $780 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $380
- 8/3-8Price: $2698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $780 for sgl. occ.), Internal Air: $380
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
A phenomenal experience filled with sensory awe and everlasting memories. The local guides and leaders were more than simply competent - they were effervescent personalities that precisely complemented the experience. We trekked to locations that we could not have imagined, enjoyed vistas that no camera picture will ever fully capture. It was, quite simply, the best.- Oceanside, CA
This trip was beyond anything I could have imagined! It truly was a dream trip, made even better by our fabulous leaders. I don't know how I could ever travel independently again!- Atlanta, GA