Trail of the Caribou Itinerary
Nature lovers and thrill seekers take note: Alaska’s stunning wilderness country offers an unrivaled variety of adventure activities – an outdoor lover’s playground! Keep in mind that nearly every place we visit offers additional short hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities not reflected in this itinerary. The trip will include these unmentioned sightseeing activities time permitting and according to the interests and energy level of the group.

Day 1 Arrive in Anchorage
After a long journey from mainland USA, arrive in Anchorage for the start of an unforgettable journey through the Alaskan wilderness. You will bask in the beauty of the surrounding Chugach Mountains and enjoy the comfortable climate – Anchorage temperatures average about 60°F during the summer. Greet your new friends and leaders over a hearty Alaskan buffet, including fresh salmon, seafood, and plenty of vegetarian options. Your leaders will brief you on the adventure ahead, and you will go to bed energized and excited to explore “America’s final frontier”!

Day 2 Explore Alaska’s Largest City
Today you will see the wilderness sites of Alaska’s largest city – Anchorage. The city has a fantastic location nestled among the Chugach Mountains to the east, fjords to the south, and tidal inlets to the north and west. Hop on a mountain bike and take in the views from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, one of the world’s most scenic urban rides. The trail is fairly flat and winds through dramatic spruce forest and coastal inlets. Wildlife sightings are plentiful, and if you are lucky you may spot bears, moose, caribou, sheep and – yes – even bald eagles and humpback whales! After lunch, go on an easy hike along Flattop Mountain Trail and take in the spectacular late afternoon views from the Dream Lake overlook.

Day 3 Onwards to Denali
We depart Anchorage and journey by private van to Denali National Park – home to 200 species of mammals and Mount McKinley, North America’s highest peak. Your first stop will be the Denali kennels, where you will have the chance to see sled dog demonstrations conducted by the park rangers. These dogs are very comfortable with people, so get up close and personal and see the gentle side of Aspen, Aurora, and Swifty! Afterwards, go on a fun, easy hike around Horseshoe Lake Trail and look for beavers and caribou. Finish the day learning about Denali fauna at a nighttime wildlife presentation at Savage River. You will enjoy views of the stars tonight camping beneath the clear Alaskan sky.

Days 4,5 and 6 Into the Wilderness
Today begins your three-day adventure into the Alaskan wilderness! Rise early with your team and look over available hiking routes. Alaska’s terrain is incredibly varied, so here is your chance to share with the group your ideas about what you would like to see and where you would like to go. In the taiga forest (spruce and willow trees) you may see woodpeckers and red squirrels, in the moist tundra you may see caribou and fox, and during stream crossings you may sight bears and bald eagles. Hiking in Alaska is generally very safe and rewarding for nature lovers, as the hiking routes are often trail-less allowing for great freedom to explore. Spectacular vistas, wildlife viewing, and the chance to travel just as the early explorers did through this landscape await! Your senses will also be treated to a colorful array of plants, wildflowers, and berries. Throughout the trek, you will learn about the native flora and fauna and practice leave-no-trace principles. You will carry your own food and learn to prepare and cook delicious meals, using everything right out of your backpack. The trek will also give you the chance to spend two nights camping in tents amidst the beautiful backcountry.

Day 6 Back to Civilization!
Complete your trek by early afternoon, then relax for a bit reflecting on your three-day journey. After lunch, head off again by van to your next stop – Palmer. This small town sits amidst the lush farmlands of the Matanuska Valley, and your day here will get you in touch with local life. Depending on what your group would like to see, you might visit a local vegetable farm, pet reindeer at a reindeer farm, or see how the wool of the musk ox is harvested at a musk ox farm. Take in the view of mighty Pioneer Peak before getting some much-deserved rest tonight.

Day 7 Ice Climbing Adventure
Strap on you glacier trekking boots, as today you will ice climb an Alaskan glacier! The Matanuska Glacier near Palmer is 24 miles long and provides a great team-building opportunity while learning a new adventure skill. Your guided ice climbing trek will teach you how to use a pick ax. You may – if you are up for it – learn the more technical aspects of this sport by scaling near vertical walls of ice. Those who prefer may hike along the less steep parts of the glacier. This is an unforgettable, and uniquely Alaskan, adventure affording amazing views of the Chugach Mountains. You will finish ice climbing by late afternoon, then drive 90 minutes on to your base for the next six days – Girdwood.

Day 8 “Glacier City”
Take one sweeping look around this city, and you will understand how Girdwood earned its nickname, “glacier city”. The city is just 38 miles southeast of Anchorage and is surrounded by seven permanent glaciers. Magnificent skiing and snowboarding await in the winter, and fishing, hiking, and biking are common summer activities in this outdoor paradise. On your first day here, you will mountain bike one of the most scenic biking trails in the United States - the Indian-Girdwood Trail. Pine forest and mountains will rise on all sides of you as you stay on the lookout for caribou, moose, and other wild animals. After your bike ride, you can rest, explore the town, help prepare food for tonight’s barbeque, or search for wildlife from the backyard of your house where you will be staying for the next few nights.

Day 9 Pan for Gold!
Today is your chance to learn about the Alaskan gold rush and pan for gold at Crow Creek Mine. Delve into an important slice of Alaska’s past and explore some of the mine’s original buildings such as the blacksmith’s shop, the bunkhouse, and the mess hall. Then grab a pan and shovel and try to hit it big – you get to keep whatever you find! The rest of your day you will spend at Winner Creek Gorge – a spectacular hike filled with dense rainforest, clear streams, and lush pine forest. Take in the views from wooden bridges that cross the gorge. Once you reach Glacier Creek, get ready to cross the gorge using a really fun hand-powered tram! The tram spans the gorge high above the river and is an exciting way to cross the river. Finish your day back in Girdwood for a delicious Alaskan dinner.

Day 10 Whitewater Raft the Sixmile River
Thrills abound on a day of rafting the Sixmile River! Today you will tackle river rapids just outside of Girdwood. Depending on how brave the group is, you will pound Class III, IV, or V rapids on one of the most exciting stretches of whitewater in the country. Canyon walls carpeted with rainforest will rise above you as you take 50-degree turns through cascading waterfalls and steep drop-offs. The adrenaline rush is awesome!

Day 11 Whittier – Gateway to Prince William Sound
Whittier is a small town along the western shores of Prince William Sound. Spend the last four days of your journey taking in the beauty of this area. Mountains and glaciers rise from the waters, waterfalls pour into the sound, and sea otter and porpoise dive in the ocean – sights that are unmatched in Alaska. This is the perfect setting to take a breather and go on an easy wildlife hike in the Whittier wilderness. The Portage Pass Trail and the Salmon Run Trail are two of the more popular routes and have great photography opportunities.

Day 12 Prince William Sound
Climb into your sea kayak for an unforgettable adventure through the Prince William Sound. Sea kayaking is a fun and easy activity to learn, and what better place than on the eastern side of the Kenai Peninsula on Prince William Sound – an area ringed by glaciated mountains and the Chugach National Forest, the second largest national forest in the United States. Blackstone Bay will be your destination for the day. You will take a charter boat ride from Whittier to a beach near the head of the bay, then paddle through an ice floe with harbor seals and sea birds alongside you. Listen and watch as glaciers calve right before your eyes, from the unique viewpoint of your very own kayak. If time allows, you may also hike along Lawrence Glacier or climb to the top of Willard Island to enjoy the view. Be on the lookout for sea otter and bald eagles along the way!

Day 13 Seward and the Iditarod Trail
Seward is a quaint port town near the Kenai Fjords National Park. The town is nestled at the base of steep slopes and tidewater glaciers rising several thousand feet. Your first stop here will be the Alaska SeaLife Center, an aquarium on the shores of Resurrection Bay. This research facility - funded largely by funds from the 1989 Exxon Valdex oil spill settlement - studies Alaska’s northern marine environment. Get up close and personal with Alaskan king crab, puffins, walruses, and seals. You will also learn about the center’s marine life rescue and rehabilitation efforts to save the lives of abandoned or injured sea otters, seals, sea lions, and many other marine animals. The rest of your day you will spend hiking part of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. This 1100-mile trail is used every March for the national sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome. Explore just a small part of the trail and learn about the trail’s gold mining history, as well as which parts were used as trade routes thousands of years ago by Native Alaskans. Tonight you will also have the chance to camp beneath the stars.

Day 14 Whale Watching and Glacier Cruising
Today is your best chance to see humpback whales aboard a half-day Kenai fjords glacier and wildlife cruise! Be amazed as humpback whales breach near your boat - throwing their bodies out of the water and landing on their backs. You will also see sea otters, huge bird rookeries and sea lion colonies as well as Bear Glacier, the largest glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. A national park ranger will be on board to help you spot and identify the wildlife, provide whale watching tips, and describe the natural history of the area. Finish your adventure with an Alaskan salmon and prime rib feast on board and reminisce about the trip with your new friends. Then head back to Anchorage, say goodbyes to your group, and board your overnight flight.

Day 15 Your Next Destination
Arrive back home or in your next destination. This trip is designed to connect easily with other many other Rustic Pathways trips in the USA and abroad. Please contact alaska@rusticpathways.com for more questions.

An Important Note about Schedule Changes:
Rustic Pathways reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the daily itinerary for this trip at any time. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in flight or program schedules, changes in the schedules of various external tours incorporated in our trips, the addition of new activities into a trip, or the substitution of an old activity for a new activity. The itinerary shown here provides a good outline of the anticipated daily schedule for this program. As with any travel program, some changes may occur

Trail of the Caribou Packing List
A Note on Packing for Alaska’s Summer Climate
Summers are an ideal time to visit Alaska, as the days are long, and the climate is generally very comfortable. Early summer is very clear and sunny, and late summer and fall is the rainy season. The summer solstice is on June 21, and Anchorage receives about 19 ½ hours of sunlight on this day. In Denali National Park, average high temperatures are in the mid 60s, and average low temperatures are in the low 40s. Anchorage and its environs are slightly warmer. Summer snowfall is rare and very unlikely in the areas we will visit, including Denali. Pack expecting to encounter a mixture of these climates – warm, cool, dry, and rainy. Also, please pack as light as possible as opportunities to leave items behind in hotels or with drivers are limited.

Carry-on Luggage (small backpack is best)
- passport
- wallet
- photocopy of your passport
- camera
- journal
- a good book
- a pen

Checked Luggage (large waterproof backpack, suitable for a 3-day trek with a waist strap is best)
- 2 photocopies of your passport
- hooded rain coat and pants
- fleece jacket
- 5 pairs of socks
- 2-3 pairs of shorts
- 2 pairs of jeans/pants
- 5 pairs of underwear
- 5-7 short-sleeved t-shirts, tank tops, or athletic shirts
- long-sleeved t-shirt or sweatshirt
- hat/visor
- sunblock (SPF 25+ is recommended)
- sunglasses
- swimsuit
- sturdy gym shoes (for day hikes and mountain biking)
- small toweltoiletries, including travel toothbrush, toothpaste, travel soap container and - - - soap, and contact lens care supplies if needed

- hand sanitizer
- insect repellent with DEET
- plastic bags
- watch

personal medications – don’t forget to let the staff know which medications you take
- personal first aid kit: several band aids of assorted sizes
- double antibiotic ointment
- medical tape
- preferred mild pain reliever
- 4-6 sterile bandages
- ace bandage
- 10 antiseptic wipes
- Additional items you will need for the 3-day hike (avoid cotton!)
- backpack (waterproof, suitable for trekking, with a waist strap)
- water bottle
- flashlight or headlamp
- waterproof hiking boots
- sandals or flip-flops – use when fording water and rafting
- socks (merino/synthetic)
- sock liners (synthetic)
- polypropylene underwear (shirt and pants)
- 1 pair of convertible nylon pants/shorts
- Optional items
- sleeping bag (this may be rented at Denali National Park)
- sleeping pad (for use while on the trek)
- compass
- travel pillow
- pictures of home, family, and friends
- a bag of dirty clothes, such as a mesh bag, a pillowcase, or even a trash bag
- Allowance
- $150-$300 Nearly every city visited will have opportunities to buy souvenir

Trail of the Caribou FAQs

1. Will I be fit enough to do this program?
We will be hiking near Denali National Park for two full days and one half day. The hiking route will be chosen based on the ability level and experience of the group. There are also several short day hikes. We will also be mountain biking, whitewater rafting, glacier trekking, and sea kayaking. Anyone who is healthy and reasonably fit will have no problems. If you have a specific health concern, feel free to email us at alaska@rusticpathways.com or call us at 1(800) 321-4353.

2. What kind of special equipment do I need?
Only what’s on the packing list. We’ll take care of the rest.

3. How much previous outdoor experience is required?
None.  If this is your first time doing a trip like this, prepare to have the time of your life!

4. How often can I do laundry?
We’ll be able to wash our clothes about every 5 days and soon after the hiking trip.  Plan on having wet and sometimes muddy clothes, so a bag for dirty laundry is a good thing to have. Also keep in mind when packing that synthetic materials dry much faster than cotton.

5. Are the mosquitoes a problem?
Much like wilderness areas in other parts of the US, Alaska has its fair share of insects. Mosquitoes are the most prevalent and persistent, especially in the early morning and at dusk. You will want to have a long sleeve shirt and long pants in the evenings.  Also bring a small bottle of insect repellent containing DEET. 

6. What is the weather like?
Summers are an ideal time to visit Alaska, as the days are long, and the climate is generally very comfortable. Early summer is very clear and sunny, and late summer and fall is the rainy season. The summer solstice is on June 21, and Anchorage receives about 19 ½ hours of sunlight on this day. In Denali National Park, average high temperatures are in the mid 60s, and average low temperatures are in the low 40s. Anchorage and its environs are slightly warmer. Summer snowfall is rare and very unlikely in the areas we will visit, including Denali. Expect to encounter a mixture of these climates – warm, cool, dry, and rainy. Light, synthetic clothes that dry quickly are suggested over cotton clothes.

7. How often will I have access to email and phones?
You will never be away from phones and email for more than four days.  At the same time, parents should understand that often, these internet access points are quite limited, or expensive and should not be concerned if their child is having too much fun to email or call home during their trip.  Remember, no news is good news!

8. How many staff members will be leading this trip?
There will be a minimum ratio of one staff member for every six students.

9. Will I be drinking bottled water?
Bottled water is available most of the time, including during van rides when driving between cities. Tap water in the places we are going in Alaska is generally safe to drink and another option. While hiking near Denali National Park, we will carry water filters and silt-stopper devices and obtain water primarily from fresh water sources. We will also carry iodine tablets as a second option. Water used for cooking on the hike will be boiled.

10. Do I need to get a visa for this program?
Entering the United States has become more difficult in recent years. U.S citizens who pass between the U.S. and Canada may need to make additional preparations. Please check your flight itinerary carefully. U.S. citizens who fly to Alaska directly from the U.S. will not need a visa, but bring your passport. Students from countries other than the USA, including Canada, please check with your embassy for visa requirements, and bring your passport. One good source for information on entry requirements is www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.

11. What will the accommodation be like on this trip?
Expect up to four nights of camping outdoors with the group in a tent and sleeping bag. A few nights will be spent in guesthouses or hostels. In Girdwood, we will stay in either a comfortable, furnished house or a guesthouse for six nights.

12. What immunizations do I need to get for this trip?
No special immunizations are needed in Alaska, but Rustic Pathways requires an up-to-date Tetanus shot for all students participating on our programs.

13. What costs are not included on this trip?
Airfare to Anchorage is not included in the trip cost. Phone calls and email time are not included. Students may also want to bring allowance money for souvenirs, snacks and laundry. Please refer to the online itinerary to see what activities are included on the trip.

14. Will there be a flight leader to Alaska?
Students must make their own flight preparations to Alaska, and no flight leaders will accompany flights to or from Alaska. Please send us a copy of your flight itinerary as soon as possible, as Rustic Pathways staff will be available to pick up and drop off all students at the Anchorage airport. Please note the departure and arrival city is Anchorage.

15. How does this program connect to other programs?
Alaska programs finish on Mondays, and many Rustic Pathways trips depart the United States on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Students fly out of Anchorage on Monday nights and should arrive at a gateway city in time to connect to these programs. Airport coordinators will be available in Anchorage and all gateway cities. Please see
http://www.rusticpathways.com/2009/extra/travel_desk.html for general information on connecting programs. You may also look up departure dates at www.rusticpathways.com and then navigating to the specific trip.

16. How long is the flight to Alaska?
Non-stop, one-way flights from Seattle to Anchorage average 3 ½ hours.

17. What kind of food will I be eating?
Alaskan food is delicious, and most meals will be very filling and eaten in nice restaurants in cities. We may have the chance to barbeque once or twice. While hiking near Denali National Park, we will be preparing all of our meals. Pasta, sandwiches, mac and cheese, fruit, cereal, and nuts will be some of the meal and snack options while on the trail.

18. How many girls and boys are usually on this trip?
Rustic Pathways adventure programs generally see approximately a 50-50 balance of males to females, but sometimes our programs tend to lean to a 60% female and 40% male balance.