- Home
- Alaska Expedition
- Itinerary
Alaska Expedition



Trip Highlights
Program Themes
Meet Your Expert

Alaska is truly America’s final frontier—a place where untouched wilderness stretches for unimaginable distances and nature’s beauty is displayed on an epic scale. Discover these wild landscapes while hiking, rafting, and fly-fishing with knowledgeable trip leaders and a National Geographic expert. Learn about the effects of climate change on this subarctic ecosystem as you explore the six million acres that encompass Denali National Park. Spot fascinating wildlife—from brown bears to herds of caribou—and take in spectacular views of Denali, North America’s highest peak.
Anchorage
Days 1-2
Our Alaskan adventure begins in the far northern city of Anchorage, where we’ll get to know each other during a welcome and safety orientation. Set out on a warm-up hike to the summit of Flattop Mountain, or explore the coastal landscapes of Turnagain Arm. Back in town, visit the acclaimed Alaska Native Heritage Center. Learn to throw a hunting spear, try your hand at native Alaskan games, and hear timeless legends and stories while meeting with native peoples in traditional dwellings. Examine the strong ties between native Alaskan culture and the surrounding geography, and discuss the challenges facing contemporary Alaskans as they strive to preserve their linguistic and cultural identities.
Denali
Days 3-10
Travel north along the scenic George Parks Highway into the wilds of Denali National Park, and settle into our base camp near the park’s eastern edge. This immense nature reserve covers six million acres of untouched wilderness and is home to its namesake Denali—America’s tallest mountain peak. Set out on hikes with knowledgeable naturalists who will share stories and information about the creatures and plants that call this unique ecosystem home. Trek to the summit of Mt. Healy as you track resident wildlife, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of Denali, visible from the peak on clear days. Travel to the famous Eielson Visitor Center, located at the base of the park’s towering peaks, and capture images of this epic mountain landscape. Along the way, photograph herds of caribou grazing on delicate lichen, moose wading in still lakes, or Dall sheep perched precariously on the surrounding cliffs, and scout for wildlife from brown bears to golden eagles.
Spend an afternoon at a working sled dog kennel to learn about the pups’ historic role in the National Park Service, and the history of dogsledding, Alaska’s most popular sport. Try your hand at fly-fishing alongside experienced guides, and raft along the rushing Nenana River as you try to spot bears feasting on wild blueberries in the distance and wolf packs trotting across the surrounding valleys.
After eventful days in the park, relax around a campfire with friends, and swap stories and experiences from our adventures. With insight from your National Geographic expert, discuss the ways in which Denali has evolved throughout its over 100 years as a national park, and learn how climate change is directly affecting the delicate ecosystems of this subarctic environment. Return to Anchorage for the final night of our expedition, and celebrate your adventure with your new friends before flying home.
Note
This expedition includes several active excursions, like white-water rafting and hiking. To get the most out of the program, students should be physically fit and enthusiastic about outdoor exploration.Accommodations
In Anchorage we stay in a dorm on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus, and in Denali we stay in cabins at a family-run hostel.
Dates & Tuition
Airfare is not included. We have arranged round-trip group flights from Seattle to Anchorage. Click here for information on transportation to and from expeditions.
When you travel with us, you make a difference.
Your support is vital to National Geographic's nonprofit mission to explore and protect the planet. Every year, the Society funds researchers and explorers around the globe who are working to preserve species and ecosystems, protect cultures, and advance understanding of our planet and its inhabitants.
National Geographic Society receives funds from National Geographic Partners LLC (d/b/a National Geographic Expeditions), funded in part by your tuition.