ALASKA HIKING TALKEETNA MOUNTAINS

Itinerary: Five Day Trek $1550 per person

The five day hiking adventure is a wonderful treat for folks that are interested in a fairly in- depth sojourn in the high alpine areas of the Talkeetna Mountains. There are two possible ways to spend your time in the mountains. The first is to set off cross-country from your drop off point and spend the following five days exploring new terrain and country with each step you take toward your destination lake. The second way is to land at your destination lake and spend the next five days exploring the surrounding terrain each day traveling light, carrying only a day pack with camera, water bottle, lunch and spare gear. The significant difference, of course, is how we pack for these trips. Weight is not a concern if you are "day hiking" from your drop-off lake and conversely, very important if you are to carry your "house" on a cross-country trek.

Our five day treks launch off of Christiansen Lake in Talkeetna after an orientation at our home and base of operations. Your flight will take you right over the terrain where you will be spending your time in the field and offers you an opportunity to take some aerial photographs. It's great to compare later with the pictures taken while on the ground.

Once landed, if you chose to travel cross-country during your trek, then we would probably shoulder our packs right away and head off in the tundra toward a pre-selected camping spot a few miles away.

For example, let's say we landed at Shadow Lake (other options are also available) and decided to hike to Plover Lake, a route where Grizzly Bears, Caribou and Wolves are typical of animals encountered. Golden plovers, whimbrels, jaegers, northern wheatears and rosy finches all nest in this area. The wildflowers bloom in late June, peaking by mid-July, over 50 specie add splashes of beauty to this sometimes harsh environment.

We usually make our camps near the shorelines of lakes, all pristine, crystal clear and clean (pretty doggone cold too). Each day after breakfast we will pack up our camp and begin exploring while hiking over to the next lake. There are no groomed trails, we walk the line of least resistance and usually follow game trails when they are prominent. We take plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery or take photographs of wildlife or wildflowers or scramble up a knob to glass a hidden drainage for bears and caribou. The leisurely pace contributes substantially to your enjoyment of wandering in the wild tundra habitat.

The same pace is set for folks that prefer to work out of a base camp.

Each morning after breakfast, we will pack up our lunch and head off to scout the terrain for wildlife, scenic views, wildflowers and the tundra nesting birds. We usually hike up to a favorable glassing knob or make a relaxed climb up any one of many mountains in the area. Without the burden of a heavier pack you are able to scrutinize the encompassing terrain and range over the tundra searching for that perfect image to capture on film.

Whichever method you choose for a five day hiking adventure, you will be astonished with the utterly wild and remarkable country you're immersed in.

All tents, cooking equipment including stoves, fuel, pots & pans and all food will be provided for by Denali Trekking Company. We offer very savory and nutritious meals and can accommodate a variety of dietary needs. Each trip is fully guided by one of our very experienced and knowledgeable staff. Other than the seven day treks, all trip dates are customized to suit your individual schedule.