Alaska 2 Week Itinerary

We flew from Cincinnati to Anchorage. Additionally, we picked up the Class-C RV we reserved.

We drove to Hatcher Pass to see the Independence Mine State Historical Park. Additionally, it is cool to see these old mines up close and get a feel for the people who worked there. Finally, we stayed at Grand View RV Park.

We drove the rest of the way to McCarthy. Afterwards, we stopped at Wrangell-St Elias visitor center. Lastly, we stayed at Glacier View Campground.

We booked a guide to go ice climbing at Root Glacier with St Elias Alpine Guides. Additionally, we stayed another night at Glacier View Campground.

We stopped at  Kennecott and saw the main mine there. Afterwards, we began the first day or our hike to Bonanza Mine (4.5 miles). Also, that evening, we camped at the top of Bonanza Mine. However, it is cold up on top of the mountain, even in the middle of summer, so pack accordingly!

After staying the night, we hiked back down to Kennecott (4.5 miles). Next, we drove to Blueberry Lake, Valdez. Additionally, we stayed at Bear Paw RV Park.

We booked a tour to kayak Columbia Glacier. It is probably on my top 10 list of favorite things I’ve ever done on vacation! You can kayak among the huge glaciers and it really is an experience of a lifetime! Afterwards, we stayed another night at Bear Paw RV Park.

After leaving Valdez, we took the car ferry to Whittier. It is a great trip and there was a national park ranger to give information as well. After arriving in Whittier, we drove to Seward and did a dog sled tour. Finally, we stayed at Stoney Creek.

On our first day in Kenai Fjords, we hiked Exit Glacier. Additionally, be aware that it can be pretty wet and/or icy depending on when you go and how late of a snowfall they received. Additionally, we really enjoyed the ranger-guided hike for the first part of the hike. Lastly, we stayed one more night at Stoney Creek.

On our second day in Kenai Fjords, we did a cruise to Aialik Bay and Holgate Glacier. Afterwards, we drove back up to Anchorage.

We dropped off our RV and rented a car. We stopped in Talkeetna, but it was too cloudy for plane tour. Also, it is common for clouds to move in for days or weeks at a time, so we were prepared to try again after Denali.

After leaving, we drove the rest of the way to to Denali. Additionally, we stayed at the Perch Cabins.

We drove to the Denali visitor center and checked in with the ranger to register for our backcountry camping passes and rent a bear box. Additionally, after a quick rundown of the rules, we picked a site and took the bus to the Eielson Visitor Center in the center of the park. Finally, we had the bus drop us off at our hiking section and hiked away from the road.

Be aware that the sites cannot be reserved in advance. Additionally, the popular spots, like near Denali, are full. If you want to go there, you have to plan to camp for possibly a week or more around that area until the spot opens up. However, all the sites have something to offer and we really enjoyed where we hiked, even if Denali wasn’t looming in the background.

On our second day backcountry camping in Denali, we hiked further into our region. Additionally, most sections of the park only allow a maximum of 6-12 people, so you are unlikely to see anyone else once you are in the backcountry.

If you are considering hiking in the backcountry, be prepared with bear spray and a working knowledge of orienteering with a map and compass.

We had planned to camp 3 nights, but it was pouring rain our third day, so we decided to hike out a day early. Also, once we returned back, we drove to Talkeetna and stayed at the historic Roadhouse. Unfortunately, it was still cloudy so we weren’t able to do the glacier flight.

Finally, we lucked out with a clear day and were able to take the Denali glacier plane tour. Afterwards, we stayed another night at the Roadhouse.

Unfortunately, all good vacations come to an end. However, this vacation ranks as probably my favorite ever and Alaska was amazing! Finally, we drove back to Anchorage, dropped off the rental car and flew home to Cincinnati.