Average rating Kesugi Ridge Backpacking in Alaska

High above the birch and spruce forests of Denali State Park, Kesugi Ridge commands spectacular views of the surrounding country, including Mt. McKinley, North America’s highest peak! Spend a week up on the tundra on this breathtaking backpacking tour!

With over 100,000 glaciers, a million lakes and 34,000 miles of tidal shoreline, Alaska is without doubt one of the world’s premier adventure travel destinations! America’s largest state is home to just 700,000 people; outside Juneau (the capital) Fairbanks and Anchorage, Alaska presents as wild a landscape as you’re likely to find anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. ‘The Bush’, as it is known locally, comprises tundra, marshlands and scores of active volcanoes, along with the Aleutian Islands, a 300-strong archipelago strung out like Christmas lights between America and Asia! As you’d expect of such a wild and wonderful region, Alaska is home to a mesmerising diversity of wildlife. Terrestrial fauna include wolves, bears, beavers and moose, while the Peninsula waters abound with sea lions, whales and seabird colonies!

This seven-day hiking tour is a perfect introduction to the wild majesty of this awesome region! From your starting point in Anchorage, you’ll head out through rural farmlands to Denali State Park and Kesugi Ridge, a tundra-covered crest with breathtaking views of Mt. McKinley! The trail takes you up through lowland birch, spruce and cottonwoods along Little Coal Creek to the carpeted crest of the ridge itself. Once on the tundra you’ll set up camp; this will be your base for the next few days, which means ample opportunity for serious exploration with nothing more than a light day pack. These day hikes take you past upland lakes and tumbling creeks, across talus-covered slopes and over rocky ridges, from which the views of Denali (North America’s highest peak), the western Talkeetna Mountains and the Susitna and Chulitna Rivers are out of this world. You might even spot moose, bears and caribou en route! After three nights on the tundra, you’ll descend through lush boreal forest to Byers Lake, where this terrific trek comes to an end.

This is a truly awesome adventure in one of the world’s last great wildernesses! Needless to say, this tour is aimed at folk with a high level of physical fitness and a serious appetite for adventure – the Alaskan Bush is no place for lassitude! It’s suggested that you do some training (hiking, hill walking, etc.) before coming on this trip, preferably with a weighted backpack, as once on tour you’ll be expected to carry your own gear, often while negotiating uneven terrain. You’ll also need to ensure you’re well equipped, with quality boots, clothing and sleeping bag. As long as you’re properly prepared and up for the challenge you’re sure to adore to this backpacking tour, one of North America’s finest!

Getting there

You need to get to the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. There are no direct flights there from the UK, so you will need to change planes in Chicago or Seattle.

Price includes

Food, accommodation, activities, guide, camping gear

Comfort level

Down to earth (hostels, camping, huts)

Experience required

Some previous experience is needed