6 Day Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali For Families with Teenagers
Season
May - September
Transportation
Why This Trip?
This trip takes you through Anchorage’s most important city attractions, from biking on the coastline to kayaking in lakes and visiting interactive exhibits at the Anchorage Museum. Make your way north to Denali National Park where you will stop in the quaint town of Talkeetna on the way. Explore hiking trails and go on a zipline excursion! Once you make it to Denali, incredible scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities await you. Explore Alaska’s best trails, ATVs, rafting, and other thrilling outdoor adventures.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Anchorage! Start your Alaskan adventure with a visit to the Anchorage Museum. This interactive museum offers fascinating exhibits on Alaskan history, art, and science, making it a great introduction to the state. Afterward, head to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for a scenic walk or bike ride. This 11-mile trail offers stunning views of the coastline and is perfect for some light exercise and fresh air. Or, get an overview of Anchorage on a Trolley Tour. In the evening, consider an Escape Room experience for some family bonding and mental challenges. It's a fun way to end your first day in Anchorage.
Photo: Biking on the Coastal Trail
Today drive 2.5 hrs to Talkeetna, a charming town known for its adventurous spirit. Once you arrive, take a Flightseeing Tour to get breathtaking aerial views of Denali and the Alaska Range. Or, opt for an exhilarating ziplining adventure through the forest canopy. There are also great walking trails at the Talkeetna Lakes Park, as well as kayak rentals or a guided tours.
Photo: Denali Zipling in Talkeetna
Today you’ll drive about 3 hours to Denali, where the natural beauty and adventure opportunities are endless. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodations and take a leisurely hike on one of the nearby trails, such as the Horseshoe Lake Trail or head to the Denali Visitor Center to get an overview of the park's natural and cultural history. You can also dive into the action right away on a splashy rafting tour on the Nenana River.
Photo: New Wave Adventures Rafting
Today is all about exploring Denali National Park. Embark on a Denali Park Road Tour to see the park's incredible scenery and wildlife. You can choose a guided tour or use the hop-on/hop-off park shuttle to hike various trails inside the park, such as the Savage River Loop. These tours take up most the day with either a morning or afternoon departure, but there’s generally time to squeeze in another tour like rafting or ziplining.
If you’d like to get the most out of a hike in the park, consider going with a guide. Guides go beyond showing you the way. They’ll explain the local history, flora, and fauna. Older kids may especially enjoy tours that teach backcountry survival skills.
Photo: Horseshoe Lake Trail
Before leaving Denali, take a morning ATV Tour for an exciting off-road adventure. Afterward, drive 5 hours back to Anchorage. Once you arrive, unwind with a visit to the Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary. This serene spot is perfect for bird watching and enjoying nature. If you're up for more adventure, consider renting kayaks or paddle boards for some water fun at one of the local lakes.
Photo: Alaska Native Heritage Center
On your final day in Anchorage, start with a hike up Flattop Mountain at Glen Alps for stunning views of the city and surrounding areas. It's a challenging but rewarding hike with plenty of spots to rest and take in the scenery. Afterward, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to gain insights into the diverse cultures of Alaska's indigenous peoples. If fishing is on your agenda, you can rent poles (and a guide if you’d like one) from The Bait Shack at Ship Creek in downtown Anchorage and try your luck angling for the big one. Or, you can simply head down to Ship Creek and watch the action. Pick up a souvenir at the nearby Ulu Factory while you’re there.
Photo: View from Flattop