Photo: Ken Dawdy Spring Fever: Discover Denali and Beyond,
Alaska Highlights:
Includes:
Trip Number: 08011A Price: $1,795 Deposit: $200 Capacity: 10 Leader: Abigail Rankin
The Trip  Photo: Ken Dawdy We’ll visit some of Alaska’s most iconic sights on this trip, before the tourist season, when it’s still possible to experience this spectacular countryside in relative solitude. Here in southeast Alaska, where the Pacific coastline of North America makes its arc westward, the ocean floor slowly slides beneath the continent, creating the towering solitude of Mt. McKinley and an array of ice-capped peaks. Together, they form the centerpiece of our finest wilderness park: Denali, where migrating caribou, wolves, bear, moose, and Dall sheep play out the drama of their lives. This trip is intended to strike a compromise between a backpack and a lodge trip, providing the best of both Alaska's wilderness and civilization. Its short length is perfect for those who want to see some of the best spots in Alaska but don't have a lot of vacation time. It also allows for you to extend your stay beyond the trip and explore Alaska independently. In total, we will spend two nights in rustic lodges, two nights in the backcountry after moderate hikes, two nights car camping. Vans will transport us between destinations.
Day 1: After departing Anchorage early in the morning, we will drive along the scenic Parks Highway to Denali National Park. We will stop along the way to explore, take photographs and of course -- if we have the opportunity -- to view wildlife. Upon arrival in Denali, we will have time to become acquainted with the park at the visitor’s center and take in the breathtaking scenery on an afternoon hike. We will camp in one of Denali’s designated campgrounds. Day 2: We will spend our second day venturing into Denali State Park and leave the van behind for a night in order to get a taste of the Alaskan wilderness. We will hike into the backcountry and spend a night off the trails and roads. This is a great opportunity to see what it’s like to hike off trail using a compass and a topographical map to plan our own route. Day 3: Weather permitting, we will get some views of Denali peak on our hike and hopefully see some wildlife as we continue to explore the tundra, rivers and dramatic scenery. If we’re lucky we might be able to spot a moose, caribou or bear.
 Photo: Nick Vasquez Day 4: After spending our first days hiking over uneven and sometimes strenuous terrain, we will leave the park and head north for a much deserved soak in the Chena Hot Springs. We will stop for lunch in Fairbanks, maybe a cone from “Hot Licks” ice cream shop, and then continue on to Chena Lodge. Upon arrival we can enjoy an afternoon soak in the natural rock pool and spend the night in Mongolian Style Yurts. Day 5: This will be our longest day in the van, about 5-6 hours, but there will be no shortage of beautiful country to view. After an early rise and maybe one last dip, we will head through the heart of the Alaska Range on Highway 4 to Glenallen. We will plan to arrive in Glenallen early enough in the day to allow anyone who would like, to set-up a flightseeing tour over Wrangell St. Elias National Park (optional, not included in trip cost).  Photo: Nick Vasquez Day 6: There will be time in the morning for a flightseeing tour or a leisurely breakfast. Today we will head to the beautiful Hatcher Pass Lodge where we will spend our last night. The main lodge is surrounded by small rustic cabins which sit in a glacially carved valley. Here, we may indulge in the small sauna and take a frigid dip in the creek or go for a hike to seek the elusive sheep. Day 7: We will spend our day taking advantage of our last hours in the Alaskan mountains. For those who are motivated, an early morning hike through the valley might be in order. Depending on our schedule, later in the day we will hit the road back to Anchorage to bid each other good-bye. Getting There  Photo: Abigail Rankin Trip members are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the trip's starting point in Anchorage. Alaska Airlines has regularly scheduled flights in and out of Anchorage. Travel in Alaska can be unpredictable and we strongly advise that you allow some extra time for possible delays. Trip participants should plan to arrive in Anchorage at least a day before the start of the trip. There will be a pre-trip information and introduction meeting the evening before day one. This is a great time to ask any last-minute questions and to meet one another. Please note that your accommodations in Anchorage are not included in trip cost. If you plan to arrive prior to the trip or extend your stay after the trip, we are happy to provide you with suggestions of where to stay in the area.
 Photo: Abigail Rankin Our backpacking and car camping segments involve tenting and preparing our own meals. The lodge stays provide comfortable but still rustic, shared accommodations. In some cases the shared rooms may not have running water, electric heat, or indoor plumbing. At Chena Hot Springs, 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks, we will stay in several Mongolian style yurts. During our visit to Hatcher Pass Lodge, we'll sleep in quaint, A-frame cabins clustered about the main lodge on a slope below the old Independance Mine. The cabins have electricity but no running water. A chemical toilet is provided, as is a big jug of water. The sauna is a short hike downhill from the lodge. All food is included in the trip fee, along with the use of cooking gear, stoves, and fuel. On the overnights in Denali, the food will be divided and carried by trip participants in bear canisters. Trip members will be divided into cook crews so that everyone will have the chance to help prepare a meal during the trip. When staying at Hatcher Pass, dinner will be family style at the lodge. The backpacking menu will include a nutritious, high-energy diet. It will include some meats, fish, and dairy products. Vegetarian preferences can be accommodated. Let the leader know of any food allergies or limitations as far in advance as possible. Alcoholic beverages and any non-trip food items such as snacks can be purchased in local towns and are not included in the trip price.
This trip is suitable for backpacking novices. Weather in May can vary from mild and sunny to cool and wet. Snow is highly possible. Temperatures range from the high teens at night to the mid-70s during the day. Assume there will be rain for some part of the trip and prepare for cold weather camping. The hikes are moderately strenuous (M) and, although distances are not long, wet, cold weather, slick wet rocks, exposed roots, talus, mud, and even snow or river crossings can conspire to make the backpacking parts of this trip somewhat difficult. If you are prepared and can greet adverse weather as part of the adventure, you will enjoy this trip.
Trip participants are expected to furnish their own personal gear as noted below. The Sierra Club provides group equipment, including pots, cooking utensils, stoves, fuel, repair kit, bear repellent, bear canisters, water purification supplies, and first-aid kit. Participants need to supply personal medicines, toiletries, and such supplies as moleskin, tape, toilet paper, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a water bottle. A more detailed equipment and clothing list will be sent to all trip participants after acceptance. However, the following equipment needs special mention:
Conservation Some things to consider on our trip include the future of Denali National Park, the construction of a new gas line, the oil we use in our travels and how to minimize our impact when backpacking and camping. We will follow the guidelines of Leave No Trace when in the backcountry. Also to keep in mind are the threats to Alaska’s bear population as they become more accustomed to human presence.
Travel in Alaska and the Arctic Sierra Club outings in Alaska are special experiences in true wilderness, but they also carry an element of risk. Trip locales are often remote, away from the amenities of civilization, including sophisticated medical care and immediate evacuation possibilities. Many of our Alaska trips now carry satellite phones, but even with this technology, communication with the outside world can be difficult and emergency assistance can be days away. Weather in Alaska is unpredictable, and inclement weather can be severe. Among other hazards are cold river and stream crossings, tidal activity, calving glaciers, the psychological effects of remoteness, and the presence of large wild animals. You’re in good hands, though, so don't worry: Your trip leaders have vast experience in the Last Frontier, and they’ll provide all the guidance you need.
On trip meals, lodging, group gear, on trip transportation and park fees are all included in the trip. Not included, are any flightseeing tours or additional meals, snacks or alcoholic beverages. See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy. The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.
General Notes About Sierra Club Trips
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Abi Rankin has lead backpacking trips in the Brooks Range and is a road tripper in the lower 48. She is an avid hiker and climber and loves to attempt to outdo herself over a camp stove. When not on trips, Abi works and lives in Marin County, CA and is working towards her Nursing degree.
Starting with childhood trips to California's Sierra Nevada, Eric Rorer has been seeking out places less traveled for more than 30 years. His adventures have included countless trips throughout the American West, a spring semester in the Rockies with the National Outdoor Leadership School, a solo traverse of the John Muir Trail, and eight years as a backpacking guide in Alaska. Throughout all his travels, he has never found a place more sublimely beautiful than the Brooks Range. Introducing this place to others has been one of the greatest joys of his life.