STRETCH EXPEDITION 2026
Alaska: July 30-August 7
Seward
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Talkeetna
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Kenai Fjords National Park
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Talkeetna
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Palmer
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Denali National Park
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Backpacking
Seward -- Talkeetna -- Kenai Fjords National Park -- Talkeetna -- Palmer -- Denali National Park -- Backpacking
Sea to Summit: Itinerary Overview
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Day 1: Scenic Drive to Seward, Glacier Hike
Guests arrive on Day 0, Anchorage lodging is included in your itinerary. We’ll meet as a group on the morning of Day 1.
The adventure begins with a scenic drive to Seward followed by an afternoon glacier hike.
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Day 2: Kenai Fjords National Park, Kayaking
Experience the beauty of Kenai Fjords National Park by boat. We’ll take a water taxi out to a quiet bay and kayak the shoreline.
Keep an eye out for marine wildlife, glaciers, and fjords.
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Day 3: Historic Palmer and Backpacking Prep
We’ll head north to Palmer, an agriculture hub for the state of Alaska.
Enjoy a leisurely afternoon or optional history tour before prepping for our backpacking expedition.
We’ll spend a couple hours distributing gear and packing for our backcountry adventure.
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Day 4: Backpacking Adventure in the Talkeetna Mountains
We’ll spend the next 3-days in the Alaska backcountry, navigating a combination of trail and off-trail wilderness.
Soak in the scenic views and challenge yourself to help the local guides route plan.
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Day 5: Backpacking Adventure in the Talkeetnas
Wake up in your tent to pristine Alaska wilderness. We’ll decide as group if we want to basecamp or pack up and travel to another destination during Day 2.
We’ll be navigating a combination of trail and off-trail wilderness.
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Day 6: Backpacking Adventure Ends
We’ll exit the backcountry on Day 3 with ample time to decompress and adjust back to life in cell range.
We’ll return to Palmer to freshen up, recharge and repack before our next adventure.
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Day 7: Taste of Talkeetna + Denali National Park
Talkeetna, an iconic Railroad town and hub for those adventurous enough to climb Denali, is a uniquely Alaska experience.
In Talkeetna we’ll experience Denali National Park from the air.
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Day 8: Return to Anchorage; Farewell Alaska
On our final morning, enjoy Talkeetna independently. Its quaint main street is the perfect place for a morning stroll and last-minute souvenir shopping. After lunch, we’ll return to Anchorage and say our goodbyes.
The Details:
Trip Dates: July 30-August 7
Duration: 8-days, 8-nights
Starting Price: $7,619 based on double occupancy
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Overview:
Guests will arrive in Anchorage independently on day 0.
Upon arrival, guests can take a cab or utilize the hotel shuttle for transportation. Airport pick-up can be arranged upon request.
Leisure time in Anchorage, as applicable.
Inclusions:
Lodging: Downtown Anchorage hotel
Not included:
Meals
Transportation to/from Alaska
Transportation to/from Anchorage Airport to your lodging
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Overview:
Morning pick-up and scenic drive to Seward, Alaska (about 3 hours drive time)
Afternoon glacier hike on Exit Glacier, Kenai Fjords National Park
Inclusions:
Lodging: Seward hotel
Breakfast is available at the hotel
Lunch and dinner
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Overview:
Morning pick-up and transfer to docks
Water taxi to scenic glacial bay outside of Seward
Sea kayaking adventure in Kenai Fjords National Park
Inclusions:
Lodging: Seward hotel
All meals
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Overview:
Morning pick-up and transfer to Palmer, Alaska (about 4 hours drive time)
Hike break during the drive (optional)
Leisure time in downtown Palmer
Backpacking trip prep meeting + packing overview
Inclusions:
Lodging in downtown Palmer (historic hotel)
All meals
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Overview:
Morning departure to head to the Talkeetna Mountains.
Depending on our pace, hikers can expect to set up camp in the afternoon/evening.
Activity level: This day will be moderately challenging to strenuous for most hikers. Expect to travel 4 to 8 miles and climb 1,000-2,000 feet.
Inclusions:
Camp gear required for backpacking trip: Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, water filtration system, cook stove, fuel, etc.
All meals (generally dehydrated to save weight)
Tent accommodation, 2 people per 3-person tent
Not included:
Backpack (45L-60L pack recommended), rentals available
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Overview:
Continued backcountry adventures
Activity level: This day will be moderately challenging to strenuous for most hikers. Expect to travel 4 to 8 miles and climb 1,000-2,000 feet.
Inclusions:
Camp gear required for backpacking trip: Tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, water filtration system, cook stove, fuel, etc.
All meals (generally dehydrated to save weight)
Tent accommodation, 2 people per 3-person tent
Not included:
Backpack (45L-60L pack recommended), rentals available
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Overview:
Activity level: This day will be moderately challenging to strenuous for most hikers. Expect to travel 4 to 8 miles and climb 1,000-2,000 feet.
We will exit the backcountry the afternoon/evening of Day 6 and return to Palmer.
Leisurely evening in Palmer with time to relax.
Inclusions:
Lodging in downtown Palmer (historic hotel)
All meals
Not included:
Backpack (45L-60L pack recommended), rentals available
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Overview:
Morning pick-up and transfer to Talkeetna (about 3 hours drive time)
Taste of Talkeetna Tour: we’ll sample food and beverages from local businesses in the town
Evening flightseeing tour over Denali National Park (weather permitting)
Inclusions:
Lodging: Talkeetna hotel
All meals
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Overview:
Time to explore Talkeetna independently
Afternoon/early evening return to Anchorage
Guests will be shuttled to either downtown Anchorage lodging or the Anchorage airport
Inclusions:
Breakfast and lunch
Not included:
Dinner on Night 8
Lodging on Night 8
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the trip?
All lodging beginning with Night 0 and ending on Night 7/Morning of Day 8. Itinerary includes queen rooms for hotel stays (2 guests per double queen) and a 3-person tent for the backpacking trip (2 guests per 3-person tent). Single accommodation can be provided for an additional fee.
All activities and transportation costs.
All meals beginning with lunch on Day 1 and ending with lunch on Day 8. In rare cases, we may establish a maximum drink allowance on alcoholic beverages.
What is not included in the trip?
Travel to and from Alaska
Personal gear (clothing, toiletries, etc.) and a backpack for the backpacking trip. We prefer guests bring their own backpacks, but have rentals available if needed.
Meals and transportation on Day 0
Dinner and lodging on Night 8
Guide gratuities (these are not expected, but we recommend 5-10% if you have an excellent experience)
Who are my guides?
We maintain a 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio during front country travel. For backcountry adventures, we travel with a 5:1 guest-to-guide ratio.
Guides are local Alaska residents who live in the state year-round.
Backpacking guides are Wilderness First Responder trained guides.
FAQ Example here
Answer Here
How active is the itinerary?
We anticipate this itinerary will be moderately challenging to difficult for most travelers. Here are some things to consider when deciding if it’s a good fit:
Participants should have the ability to carry 35-45 lbs. across uneven terrain.
We recommend guests have some hiking experience and be able to comfortably walk/hike at least 5 miles.
Alaska’s weather is dynamic and we adventure rain or shine. Guests should be prepared for outdoor activities during inclement weather.
FAQ Example here
Answer Here
Ready to experience Alaska?
Contact Bethany at the Prouty Project for more information