Alaska 9-day Itinerary (looking for critique ...)
 

Hi,

I am planning a trip to Alaska this summer and I have so far come up with the following 9-day itinerary. Can someone (who has been to Alaska) please let me know if this looks reasonable/doable ? Also, please let me know if you have any suggestions based on your experience.

I initially planned to fly into Anchorage and fly out of Fairbanks, but it turned out to be too expensive because the rental car charges were too high if the pick-up and drop-off airports were different (Also, the flight ticket from Fairbanks -> SAN was much higher than that from ANC -> SAN). Oh well ...

I would greatly appreciate any help ! Thank You !

Day 1
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1. Flight from SAN to Anchorage.
2. Stay the night in Anchorage.
3. Activities ?

Day 2
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1. Visit Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (south of ANC).
2. Drive to Whittier and take 26-glacier cruise (1-5:30 PM).
3. Stay the night at Seward.

Day 3 (Seward)
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1. Hike Exit Glacier and (if possible) Harding Ice field.

Day 4 (Seward)
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1. (Kenai) Northwester Fjords tour.

Day 5 (Seward to Denali)
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1. Drive from Seward to Denali.
2. Stop for Talkeneea Air Taxi (if time permits).
3. Stay at Denali (McKinley chalet resort ?)

Days 6, 7 (Denali)
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1. Denali Bus Tour.
2. Explore on foot.
3. Flightseeing ?

Day 8 (Denali to Anchorage)
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1. Spend some more time at Denali.
2. Drive back to Anchorage.

Day 9
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1. Spend some time at Anchorage.
2. Flight back to SAN.

Thanks,
Vijay.

My opinion, I never recommend Seward/Denali In a single day drive. You need to allow at least 9 hours, plus allow for a grocery stop, since there are none past Wasilla, and you are looking to add a flight out of Talkeetna???

As an alternative, you may want to consider switching your Exit Glacier and Northwestern fjords. Then with an early start for your hike, perhaps you could drive to Anchorage after?? Definately, a LOT depends on other factors etc. But would be my choice. Then your day 9- plan on driving back on the Arm, so to spend some time and enjoy it perhaps, depending on your departure?? If you have 3 nights at Denali park, I would definately cut back to two there. And spread out a little better.

Not sure of your "bus tour" reference for Denali Park, but I only recommend the cheap shuttle buses to at least Eielson. :)


What is your timeframe, could also have some inpact on recommendations?

Thanks Budget Queen for your suggestions !

Staying at Anchorage on Day 3 (after Exit Glacier Hike) seems to be a good idea.

I have 3 nights at Denali Park, but one corresponding day is lost on travel to Denali and atleast half lost on travel back to Anchorage. So, I will have atmost 2.5 days in Denali.

By bus tour, I meant the "Tundra Wilderness" tour that goes into Denali Park.

Thanks,
Vijay.

BTW, I am thinking either beginning of June or sometime in July based on availability of rooms, activities, ...

Also, I will have to leave early from ANC to reach SAN in time to take some rest before leaving to work the next day :-)

Thanks,
Vijay.

I never recommend the Tundra Wilderness tour for independent visitors. WHY pay triple the cost for the least distance??? It's all about distance into the park. All buses transit the SAME road. The TWT, you get a skimpy bag lunch. SAVE your money, take all your own food and drink and get on the shuttle to at least Eielson for 1/3 the cost of the TWT bus.

ic .... I will keep this in mind. Thanks for the suggestion. One of my friend swore by the TWT, but maybe he wasn't aware of the alternatives.

For a first time visit I think it is worth taking the TWT. The bus stops a lot less and many people have found the tour guides are better. The cheap bus travels the same road but is designed for transportation not education. When you are in Anchorage don't miss the Cultural Center, it provides an important insight into Alaskan Culture.

Sorry, but stpetereb doesn't know what they are talking about in Denali park. "Bus stops less"?????? I bet you have perhaps ONE trip there?? ALL the buses stop for wildlife, one after another after another, you should have seen that when you were there?? Makes no difference WHAT bus, they all will stop. The Shuttle buses are NOT for "transportation" where do you think they are "transportating to??? All ANYONE has to do is yell "stop" and guess what? the bus stops and you look. Again, IT is all about distance INTO the park, the farther you go, the more scenery and wildlife you will see. IF you want a commentary on Denali Park there are plenty of resources to read up upon, including www.nps.gov/dena

budgetqueen is right...the shuttle buses go all the way to wonder lake if you want and will stop frequently...the drivers are usually locals and have been doing that trip for years. it is all i have taken everytime we go up there. the tour bus only goes so far and turns around...you miss the meat of the park.

oh yes and remember July is high season up here.....everything is more expensive and more crowded.