It feels like the end of the earth... or the beginning of it. Two legs take you to places that few humans have seen. Glaciers sheer down mountainsides to waters brimming with sea life. Poets fishand fishers write poetryin the coastal town of Homer. You marvel as Kachemak Bay shows you all its weather, or at the rushing waterfalls and endless wildflower fields on hikes throughout the Kenai Peninsula. Your sense of the wilderness will never be the same after this.
Day 1 Homer, one of Alaska's most scenic towns:
see for yourself why it was nicknamed "The End of the Road" 
Hike along bluffs overlooking town and the dramatic Kachemak Bay, a 40-mile-long arm of the Cook Inlet which we boat across tomorrow.
Day 2 Trek to amazing Grewingk Glacier,
where you may spot caribou and Dall sheep En route to Glacier Lake, you're surrounded by Kachemak Bay State Park's 400,000 acres of wilderness, reachable only by air and sea Care to meet some water-loving locals? Sea otters, porpoises, loons and bald eagles may say hello.
Days 3-4 Sensational Exit Glacier and Harding Icefield
Enjoy the wildflowers on a steep but rewarding hike to stunning Carter Lake The picturesque town of Seward invites a wander 
The hike of a lifetime along Exit Glacier leads to staggering views of Resurrection River Valley and Harding Icefield, a glacier spanning more than 900 square miles Keep your eyes out for moose, bears and marmots in the dense forest of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Days 5-6 Hike to Crow Pass for a closer look at the Raven Glacier,
following a route that was once part of the historic Iditarod Trail Experience Alaska's dramatic temperatures as you climb to the pass' snow-laden heights Follow Winner Creek through the temperate coastal forest of Cook Inlet while snacking on wild blueberries.
Trip Highlights
- The hike of a lifetime along Exit Glacier to staggering views of Resurrection River Valley and Harding Icefield
- Boat across Kachemak Bay, then trek to amazing Grewingk Glacier
- Coastal towns of Homer and Seward
- Watch for black bears, marmots and moose
Casual Inns
Land's End Resort (2 nights): Commune with eagles, otters and seals where land meets sea on Kachemak Bay. (spa)
Seward Windsong Lodge (2 nights): Nestled in the woods of the striking Resurrection River Valley.
Alyeska Resort (1 night): This stylish hotel with an aerial tram to the top of Mount Alyeska has earned accolades from Travel + Leisure. (pool, spa)
Routes 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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 5.0 | 200 | ||||||||
| 2 | 5.0 | 400 | 7.0 | 400 | 8.0 | 1200 | 11.0 | 1700 | ||
| 3 | 6.5 | 1000 | ||||||||
| 4 | 4.0 | 2200 | 6.0 | 2000 | 8.0 | 3200 | ||||
| 5 | 3.5 | 700 | 5.0 | 1200 | 7.0 | 2200 | ||||
| 6 | 2.5 | 300 | 5.0 | 500 | ||||||
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/17-22 Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/15-20 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/29-8/3 Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/12-17 Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $630 for sgl. occ.)
Plus 6% Kenai Peninsula tax
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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
Amazing, amazing, amazing! I knew we'd be taken care of, but was still impressed with the seamlessness of the entire week. We joked how things seemed to just happen magically, luggage ready in our rooms, keys handed to us upon arrival, lunch tables ready with beautiful presentations for us to pack our lunches every morning, extra water bottles, walking sticks, cold drinks and snacks always available, and daily schedules that were followed. The amount of work that went on behind the scenes must have been immense, but none of us ever got the sense that either of the leaders were scrambling. It was so greatly appreciated! Additionally, the hiking was superb. I don't think I'll ever forget sitting and looking out over the Harding Icefields. I could have sat there for hours! This was my first trip and though I got home just this morning from Alaska, I have already looked online to see what I should do next. I think the best way to sum it up would be to share that at the end of the trip I was hugging new friends with tears in my eyes at the thought that it was all over.- Chicago, IL
In regards to the value of my trip relative to the price...everything was far beyond what I expected. The quality, care, and preparation that Backroads put into planning this trip really shows and made me feel special...like being part of a family that cares about you and not just like a paying guest on a week-long tour. The friendships I made have a value that far exceeds any amount of money I spent on this trip! Thank you so much for a truly amazing vacation!- Rensselaer, NY
This was one of the best trips I've ever taken -- the scenery was spectacular, and we were very fortunate with the weather. It was a wonderful way to experience Alaska -- I'm so glad to have hiked rather than taken a cruise.- Cos Cob, CT
My Backroads hiking trip to Alaska was amazing. It seemed that each hike had something unique to offer and far exceeded my expectations. The Harding Ice Field hike was challenging and so worth the breathtaking view of the Exit Glacier.- Trinity, NC
Fantastic! This was my 15th Backroads trip and first hiking trip. It was wonderful!- Las Vegas, NV
An unforgettable and wonderful experience!- San Francisco, CA