“Every camp placement organization I spoke with let me know that this was hands-down the favorite camp. The level of organization and professionalism was amazing. My child really grew on this trip."
- Diana Ravicchio
Rossmoor, CA
There is no better place than the vast, rugged wilderness of Alaska to harness your skills, build your friendships and eagerly challenge yourself! Experience the last truly wild place in the U.S. You must see it to believe it!
The four day Chugach Mountain Backpack offers an amazing introduction to hiking in the Alaskan wilderness! You will cross flowing rivers, traverse alder fields, practice your map reading skills; learn to be “bear safe” and summit Crow Pass. Remember, it’s day time all the time during the Alaskan summer, so get ready for a crazy adventure where you could forget where one day ended and the next began!
Spend five days sea kayaking in a remote area of Prince William Sound near College Fjord. Wildlife abounds, and you just might get to paddle your sea kayak next to an Orca whale! We’ll camp on wilderness beaches and feel the remoteness and beauty of this special place. We will paddle to a tidewater glacier, and you will never forget the sight of huge chunks of ice “calving” into the green sea. Smaller pieces of ice float around your kayak as you look for seals, sea lions, and whales.
After a logistics day in Anchorage to do laundry and shop for food, it’s time for another trip highlight. Your four-day route along Keshgi Ridge should provide great views of 20,320 ft. Denali. Use a compass and topographic map to improve your orienteering skills as you navigate your way through this spectacular wilderness area.
For the next three days you get to expand your mountaineering skills on the ice of the Matanuska Glacier. Sink your ice axe and crampons into the glacier to pull yourself to the top. Not only will you learn how to properly use ice tools and scale steep ice walls, you will also learn how to travel safely across the glacier. This is always a favorite!
On this six-day backpack in the wilderness of the Talkeetnas, we will summit dramatic peaks and marvel at the remote lakes below. Navigate your way through rugged bushwhacks. Keep an eye out for moose, caribou, ptarmigan, porcupines, wolves, bear, and coyotes. We will see waterfalls and cross rivers. At this time of year wildflowers and blueberries are in abundance. This is a backcountry backpack you will never forget!
We whitewater raft on the huge and cold Nenana River! The Nenana rises in the glacier-capped mountains of the Nenana Range near Denali. Put on your dry-suit; the class IV rapids will hold your attention every second of the way. Hang on! As if it wasn’t exciting enough already, there is always the chance of spotting grizzlies, moose, Dall sheep, and caribou on the riverbank.
Space is Limited. Call 888-954-5555 for more information about this trip and to check availability. Apply early to ensure the trip of your choice.
Arrive at Anchorage, Alaska airport (ANC) between 3pm June 27th and noon* on June 28th.
Depart from Anchorage, Alaska airport (ANC) between 9 pm July 24th and 5 pm* July 25th.
*It's normal to have a flight at 2 am out of Anchorage - we'll get you to and from the airport on time.
Already enrolled? Log in to the Registered Students Page for your Treks Checks, equipment lists, paperwork, and more!
Sunday, June 27 - Monday, June 28: Students arrive in Anchorage, AK (ANC). Nature hike and Alaska specific clinics that teach bear protocol, river-crossing techniques, and cold weather camping tips. Enjoy an amazing Alaskan welcome dinner.
Tuesday, June 29: Day hike Mt. Eklutna trail.
Wednesday, June 30 – Saturday, July 3: Backpack for 4 days on the Crow Pass Trail in Chugach State Park. You will cross rivers, traverse alder fields, practice your map reading skills, learn to be “bear safe” and summit Crow Pass.
Sunday, July 4 - Tuesday, July 6: Ice climb for 3 days on the Matanuska Glacier with MICA Guides. Sink your ice axe and crampons into the glacier to pull yourself to the top. Not only will you learn how to properly use ice tools and scale steep ice walls, you will also learn how to travel safely across the glacier.
Wednesday, July 7: Whitewater raft the Lions Head River. The class IV rapids will hold your attention every second of the way and there is the chance of spotting grizzlies, moose, dall sheep, and caribou. Logistics in the afternoon (shop for food, do laundry, and clean vans).
Thursday, July 8 - Monday, July 12: Backpack for 5 days in the Talkeetna Mountains. We will summit dramatic peaks, marvel at the remote lakes below navigate our way through rugged bushwhacks; see waterfalls and cross-rivers.
Tuesday, July 13: Logistics day in Anchorage and/or Palmer. Drive to Whittier, AK.
Wednesday, July 14 - Sunday, July 18: Sea kayak for 5 days in the western fjords of Prince William Sound with Alaska Seakayakers. We will paddle to a tidewater glacier, and you will never forget the sight of huge chunks of ice “calving” into the green sea.
Monday, July 19: Logistics day in Anchorage and/or Palmer.
Tuesday, July 20 - Friday, July 23: Backpack for 4 days in Denali State Park. Your route along Keshgi Ridge should provide great views of 20,320 ft. Denali.
Saturday, July 24: Alaska day. Time to reflect on the trip, hang out with your friends, and learn more about Alaskan history and culture. The group may also elect to Summit Wolverine Peak.
Sunday, July 25: Students depart Anchorage, AK (ANC) by 5 pm.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary prior to and throughout the trip as we constantly improve the Adventure Treks experience. Itineraries may change due to: Severe weather, student ability, motivation and conditioning, high or low rivers, high or low snow pack, unpredictable natural disasters and acts of God, vehicle breakdowns, road closures, volcanic activity, forest fires, illness, ever changing permit regulations, any potential threat to safety, even a brilliant idea from an instructor or student. In the event of a schedule change, comparable activities will be substituted when possible and you will be notified by e-mail of significant changes.
Is this the best trip for me?
The Alaksa Expedition is a perfect trip for students age 16-18 who are currently in 10th, 11th or 12th grade. Students must have previous outdoor experience and permission from the director to join us in Alaska this summer. Students will be expected to take on leadership roles and to be comfortable and responsible in the back country.
What other trips might be right for me?
Will I have 6 instructors on this trip?
Alaska is has a unique group size of 20 students and 4 instructors, as opposed to 24 and 6. Because students are expected to possess a high level of maturity and be eager to accept leadership and group responsibilities, we generally use a 1:5 instructor to student ratio in Alaska.
For more answers, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or call us at 888-954-5555. We’re always happy to help you out!
*Because students are expected to possess a high level of maturity and be eager to accept leadership and group responsibilities, we generally use a 1:5 instructor to student ratio in Alaska.
*Instructors may change prior to your trip – we’ll let you know if this happens.
Chrissie Monaghan – Chrissie joined us for four summers as a student and has worked as the Marketing Director for Adventure Treks. We’re excited to have her for a fifth summer as an instructor. She spent the last year teaching in Africa for the Traveling School. Chrissie graduated with Distinction from the University of Virginia with a degree in History. She currently serves as an assistant crew coach at the University of Virginia. While at the University of Virginia, Chrissie was a member of boats that won the NCAA Division I National Championships in 2005 and 2007. Chrissie recently completed her first Ironman Triathlon and is an avid road cyclist and runner. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder.
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Corey Steben – Corey holds a degree in Political Science from Boston University and is also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School. Corey previously worked as for SUWS of the Carolinas as a senior field instructor and a wilderness instructor for Trails Carolina, where he has helped design and implement treatment goals for teens. He has traveled extensively in Central and South America and has backpacked and climbed across Ireland, Scotland and Wales. He spent the last seven month traveling in Asia and Africa. Corey is currently Cory is a certified Wilderness First Responder and we are excited to have him join us for a second summer.
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Andy Farley – Originally from Wyoming, Andy joins us for a second summer from Bellingham, WA, where he is finishing his degree in Education from Western Washington University. Andy has led trips for Odyssey Wilderness, where he also developed Leave No Trace instructor curriculum. He is an avid rock climber and is passionate about sharing his love of the outdoors with others. Andy is certified in Level 1 Avalanche, is a Wilderness EMT and Leave No Trace Master Trainer.
Reviewed by: Shalina Omar
Date: July 27, 2010
Rating: 5 out of 5
This was by far my favorite AT trip yet.Lots of beautiful Scenery and lots of awesome activitys. Ice climbing and sea kayaking were my favorite.It's definitely worth going to Alaska
Adventure Treks is a program for teenagers, so we don’t allow any inappropriate language or content in our reviews. We do screen reviews for spam and legitimacy, and we will post all appropriate comments in full.
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Fill out our online aplication or apply by phone by calling 888-954-5555 Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST.
Our core office staff, consisting of Dock, Kyndra, Dmac, Holly and Alice, welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions and help you choose the best summer experience for your child.
*Students applying to Alaska Expedition must have previous outdoor experience and permission of the Director. Please call 888-954-5555 to find out if Alaska is the right trip for you this summer.
1. Apply online (link) and submit an $800 deposit by check or Visa/MC to hold your place on the Adventure of your choice. As a smaller, more personal company, enrollment is limited, so please send in your application early.
2. You will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to complete your student essay, medical form, and 2 references (phone calls or e-mails to our office) from a teacher and another non-related adult who knows your child well. We may also arrange a brief phone interview to get to know your child better. Our acceptance process ensures a great peer group for your child.
3. Your remaining paperwork and information about your trip is available online (link to registered students page) and will be mailed to you upon acceptance. Adventure Treks is selective. Applications will be carefully reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
All deposits are refundable prior to March 1st, less a $200 processing fee, for cancellation for any reason. For cancellations after March 1st, tuition is non-refundable. We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for your protection. If a participant withdraws voluntarily or is sent home as a consequence of unacceptable behavior, no refund of any kind will be granted. It is the parents’ responsibility to cover any additional travel expenses.
Click map to enlarge
| Duration: | 29 days |
| Dates: | June 27 - July 25 |
| Ages: | 16-18 |
| Activities: |
Whitewater Rafting |
| States: |
Alaska |
| Price: | US $4,750.00 |
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