The Best Alaska Tours

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Alaska is a beautiful place to visit if you're an outdoor enthusiast, boasting fantastic natural wonders such as mountains, lakes and glaciers. However, organizing a trip to Alaska can be a somewhat intimidating experience: It's the largest state in America (more than twice the size of Texas), with vast stretches of untamed wilderness. A good plan is to go on a tour---or a series of day tours---instead of trying to explore the state on your own. This way you'll be able to enjoy a true outdoor adventure with knowledgeable guides who are eager to share Alaska's rich history and culture.

Trek Alaska

This hiking tour takes you through beautiful Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, known as "the mountain kingdom of North America" for having the continent's largest number of mountain peaks that are higher than 16,000 feet. Sights on the tour include the biggest assemblage of glaciers in North America, as well as Mount St. Elias, the second highest mountain peak in the United States. You can choose from several difficulty levels, including moderate and challenging treks, as well as family-oriented trips that cater to groups with children. Tours last from three to nine days and include back-country gourmet meals, experienced guides with a deep knowledge of the area, and small group sizes of four to six people.

Trek Alaska (summer)
PO Box 771862
Eagle River, AK 99577
907-350-3710

Trek Alaska (winter)
Box MXY, #46B
Glennallen, AK 99588
907-350-3710
trekalaska.com

Alaska Adventure Tour

On this tour, groups of no more than 10 people explore Alaska's natural beauty by camping at a number of parks throughout the state. At each park, you'll participate in a variety of activities of your choice, including sea kayaking; hiking onto glacial ice or on casual or strenuous hiking trails; canoeing in the Tangle Lakes; and cruising for whales. If you're even more adventurous, there are additional activities, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking and exploring an abandoned ghost town. Camping equipment is provided, as well as a knowledgeable guide to drive you from destination to destination.

Travel Alaska Outdoors
P.O. Box 875649
Wasilla, AK 99687
800-320-2494
travelalaskaoutdoors.com

Ice-Climbing Tour

The Root and Kennicott glaciers offer a wide span of ice-climbing levels, from beginner to expert. If you're new to climbing, experienced guides will explain how to use equipment such as harnesses and other ice tools; if you're a more-advanced climber, you'll have the opportunity to scale vertical ice and explore moulins (holes in the glacier that can be entered).

Kennicott Wilderness Guides (summer)
Box MXY #1
Glennallen, AK 99588
800-664-4537

Kennicott Wilderness Guides (winter)
P.O. Box 772983
Eagle River, AK 99577
800-664-4537
kennicottguides.com/Alaska_Ice_Climbing.htm

Kenai Fjords Kayaking Tour

This full-day adventure combines a cruise to Kenai Fjords National Park, followed by a guided kayaking adventure. You'll have the opportunity to see whales, seals and puffins, as well as icebergs and glaciers. Kayaks and equipment are provided; a naturalist guide will share information about the environment. The minimum age for participation is 12 years old.

Alaska Tour & Travel
Box 221011
Anchorage, AK 99522
800-208-0200
alaskatravel.com/seward/kayak-kenai-fjords.html

Article Written By Jerry White

Jerry White is the author of one nonfiction book and numerous articles. He has also won many awards as a writer of short films, and has written articles for "Mystery Scene," "Asian Cult Cinema," "Surreal Magazine," eHow, and Trails. He received his M.F.A. from Emerson College.

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