Region Overviews: Alaska Travel Guide: Overview
More than just a state, the “Last Frontier” lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s last great wild places.
Alaska was made for family multi-adventures. Kayak along the coast amid volcanoes and glaciers. Hike next to an ice field for the experience of a lifetime. Bike on one of the region's few roads. Cruise Prince William Sound and search for glaciers and perhaps humpback whales. Move through the landscape quietly and "local families" may show their faces: eagles, moose, sea otters or bears!
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual Hotels*
Start/End Anchorage
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Be on the lookout for moose as you bike from Anchorage onto the rolling Tony Knowles Coastal Trail | On the way to the lively town of Girdwood, travel along Turnagain Arm, the site of extreme high and low tides | Hike on the slopes of Mount Alyeska or take the exhilarating tram ride to the top for unparalleled views of peaks and hanging glaciers.
This stylish hotel with an aerial tram to the top of Mount Alyeska has earned accolades from Travel + Leisure. (pool, spa)
One of Alaska's most famous waterways and a vast unspoiled wilderness, Prince William Sound, sets the stage for an amazing wildlife cruise | Amid a stunning mountain backdrop, glide past towering tidewater glaciers and walk along a rocky shoreline | Journey south to the Kenai Peninsula, a wonderland of rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords and lakes | The Chugach Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop on the way to Kenai Fjords National Park | Hike along the Harding Icefield Trail to witness up close how glaciers reshape the land | Get your camera ready! Unrivaled vistas of Harding Icefield, Exit Glacier and the Resurrection River Valley await | Keep an eye out for mountain goats, moose and marmots!
An exceptional Alaskan wilderness retreat nestled in the woods of the striking Resurrection River Valley.
Travel to Homer and pedal along a route with views of Cook Inlet, the Alaska Range and Grewingk Glacier, then bike along Homer Spit, a narrow finger of land in picturesque Kachemak Bay | Enjoy the frequent appearances of harbor seals and sea lions outside our waterfront hotel | Kayak around Yukon Island, watching for bald eagles, porpoises and sea otters | Explore a local farm, complete with animals, herbs, art and views of Kachemak Bay.
Commune with eagles, otters and seals where land meets sea on Kachemak Bay. (spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
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. LEARN MORE.
Note: The terrain on this trip ranges from level to rolling with a few steep longer climbs. The hike to Harding Icefield is very rigorous due to its steep rocky terrain and the possibility of encountering snow.
The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.
A proven classic, our most popular custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Our newly redesigned titanium e-bike is a lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. It provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Alaska is a land of rustic and rugged beauty, and while Backroads has selected the best properties in the places we visit, simplicity and comfort outweigh elegance and luxury in this great state. Generally speaking, service in Alaska can seem slow and casual when compared with the high standards of service found on other Backroads trips. Patience, a sense of humor and appreciation for the cultural differences that abound in this population-sparse setting will help you make the most of your experience.
More than just a state, the “Last Frontier” lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s last great wild places.
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