Alaska's Wilderness & Fjords Multi-Adventure Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Casual Hotels*
Alaska's Wilderness & Fjords Multi-Adventure Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Casual Hotels*
2026: Jun-Aug 2027: Jun-Sep
From Mountains & Glaciers to Prince William Sound
Journey through the Last Frontier, each day packed with one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures. From fjords and glaciers to remote trails, Alaska’s wilderness takes center stage.
Highlights
- Ice-walk the starkly beautiful landscape of Matanuska Glacier’s terminal moraine
- Bike beneath the towering Talkeetna and Chugach Mountains past rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls
- Raft the Lowe River through Keystone Canyon’s glacially carved gorge
- Cruise Prince William Sound past tidewater glaciers, scanning for whales and sea otters
- Immerse yourself in Alaskan cultural heritage in quaint coastal towns and secluded wilderness retreats
Start/End Anchorage
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Prepare for the trip of a lifetime in Alaska • From the seat of your bike get an initial glimpse of Alaskan towns surrounded by untamed wilderness • Bike within the beautiful, glacially carved Matanuska-Susitna Valley flanked by towering mountains • Relax at our lodge and take in views of Lake Lucille and the mountain backdrop from the hotel’s back deck.
Night 1
Best Western Lake Lucille Inn provides a straightforward, comfortable stay with views across Lake Lucille toward the surrounding Chugach mountains. Guest rooms and common spaces are comfortable and simple, and the large outdoor deck overlooking the lake is a great place to spot wildlife like bald eagles.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Day 2
Ice walk on the base of Matanuska Glacier, a 26-mile-long advancing valley glacier • From our rustic retreat, enjoy sweeping views of the Chugach Range—a favorite grazing spot for Dall sheep • Share stories at the end of the day over a fresh locally sourced meal.
Night 2
Set on wooded grounds near the Matanuska River, Sheep Mountain Lodge is a small collection of individual wooden cabins with a quiet, lodge-style atmosphere. Cabins are simply designed and spread out for privacy, with a setting that feels secluded and peaceful. Common areas and the surrounding trails emphasize the property's connection to nature.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 3-4
Enjoy views of the massive Wrangell Mountains as we make our way to Worthington Glacier and the start of our epic bike ride • Pedal to Thompson Pass and begin an exhilarating descent through tundra, lakes and streams toward Valdez • A remote fishing town is the picturesque setting for our minimalistic eco-friendly retreat • Led by local guides, embark on a white water rafting expedition down Keystone Canyon • Paddle alongside towering rock walls and stop at the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls • A leisurely evening in Valdez may be the perfect way to cap off the day.
Nights 3-4
Totem Hotel & Suites offers a comfortable, contemporary base near Valdez Harbor. Guest rooms are spacious and practical, reflecting the property's emphasis on simplicity and approachability over formality. (pool)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 5-6
Prince William Sound, one of Alaska’s most famous waterways and a vast unspoiled coastline, sets the stage for an amazing cruise • Amid a stunning mountain backdrop, watch for marine life • Disembark in the tiny town of Whittier and travel to Girdwood, an only-in-Alaska novelty: a ski town by the sea! • Enjoy the spa, saltwater pool and surrounding trails at our chic retreat • Bike along the rolling Bird to Gird bike path, adorned with views of the Turnagain Arm, one of the world’s few bore tides • Cheers to an epic Alaskan adventure!
Night 5
Set at the base of Mount Alyeska in Girdwood, Alyeska Resort pairs contemporary mountain style with expansive views of the surrounding Chugach Mountains. An aerial tram climbs from the resort to the upper slopes, offering views of the surrounding wilderness. Recognized in Travel + Leisure's World's Best awards, the chateau-inspired resort is known for its Nordic spa and saltwater pool. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
Hiking trails are often uneven, with roots, mud, rocks and other obstacles. When we explore Matanuska Glacier, we’ll provide crampons for an ice walk that requires steady footing. An alternate activity is available for those who opt to skip the ice walk. Please note that unpredictable mountain weather can make hiking and biking routes feel more challenging.
- Activity
- Activity Level
- Mileage
- Elevation
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Alaska is a land of rustic and rugged beauty, and the hotels on this trip are much simpler than is typical of Backroads lodging. Properties are built to withstand the harsh Alaska weather and have minimal seasonal renovations. Service standards at the hotels and restaurants on this trip can seem slow and casual when compared with the more refined hospitality found on other Backroads trips.
Alaska’s cuisine is characterized by an emphasis on simple, hearty dishes ideal for Alaska’s cool climate and adventurous lifestyle. Meals often reflect the state’s limited growing season and rely primarily on local ingredients like fresh seafood, unique offerings such as bison and game meats, and berry-driven summer desserts and jams. This means less variety as compared to most other regions, and please note that options for vegetarian, vegan and low-carb meals may be limited and substitutions may not be available.
On Day 5, we take a private boat transfer from Valdez to Whittier through the Prince William Sound. Be prepared for possible wet, windy conditions and bring medication if you're prone to seasickness. In rare cases where conditions warrant, a Small Craft Advisory can be issued for the Sound, causing a cancellation of the boat charter. If this happens, we'll pivot and take a 7-hour van shuttle from Valdez to Girdwood.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
