Meet in Anchorage and transfer to Girdwood (one hour). Crow Pass Trail; 5-6 miles, moderate, up to 2000 ft elevation gain and loss

From the meeting point in Anchorage, you set out on one of the world’s most scenic drives south along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet—today’s final destination is the picturesque town of Girdwood. The Seward Highway, linking Anchorage and Seward, is a National Forest Scenic Byway, and one of only 15 roads in the US that has been designated as an “All-American Road.” Leaving Anchorage for the one-hour drive, the highway passes through Potter Marsh, attractive to migrating birds and waterfowl and ice skaters in winter. Dall sheep are often visible at the base of rock outcroppings along the road; chance sightings of Cook Inlet’s 340 beluga whales are also possible. Turnagain Arm’s bore tide, a rare natural phenomenon, is the second highest in North America, second only to the tide in Canada’s Bay of Fundy.

Today’s walking option finds you hiking on the Crow Pass Trail, a majestic alpine route on part of the fabled Iditarod Trail. The four-mile ascent initially follows an old forested mining track to brush line, then switchbacks and transitions to alpine terrain before reaching the moraine pass with views of a spectacular alpine valley. At 3,555 feet, Crow Pass is the highest point on the historic Iditarod Trail. Rich in wildlife, sightings may include bear, mountain goats, Dall sheep, marmots, arctic ground squirrels, and ptarmigan. You are surrounded by alpine passes, mountain glaciers, shimmering mountain lakes, cascading waterfalls, and wildflowers. For decades, this trail of legend was one of the only transportation routes across Alaska. Originally a network of over 2,400 miles, the Iditarod Trail provided a link between the ports of Seward on the Gulf of Alaska, and Nome on the Bering Sea. The trail was traveled primarily in the winter by explorers, prospectors, and mail carriers by dogsled, snowshoe, and bobsled. The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race commemorates the transport by dog team to Nome of life-saving serum in 1925, when a diphtheria outbreak threatened the town.

Later you arrive in Girdwood, originally called Glacier City for the icy behemoths rimming the surrounding mountains. The town began as a gold-mining town in the 1900s when James Girdwood hit pay-dirt in Crow Creek. The 1964 earthquake sunk the town into Turnagain Arm, and it was rebuilt two miles farther inland where it’s nestled today in an idyllic valley. Girdwood has evolved from a gold-mining town into Alaska’s only year-round resort community. Your accommodation this evening is Alaska’s premier destination resort, tucked in a glacial valley between the mountains and the sea. A dramatic dinner kicks off the week at the resort’s restaurant on a mountaintop reached only by tram, and where you can enjoy local pan-seared halibut, grilled wild Alaskan salmon, and baked Alyeska for dessert.

Winner Creek; 5 miles, easy; Transfer to Seward

The day starts with breakfast in Girdwood at The Bake Shop, appreciated for its legendary sourdough pancakes and cinnamon rolls. This morning, you warm your legs up on an easy 5-mile walk along Winner Creek, where a gentle trail winds through northernmost boreal rain forest of spruce and hemlock.

After lunch you depart the lodge en route to Seward, stopping in Portage, where you visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. This non-profit sanctuary provides care for sick and injured wildlife or offers a permanent home for those that can no longer survive in the wild. You drive onto Seward, where you check into your lodge nestled within the Chugach National Forest offering beautiful views over the Resurrection River. Shortly after arrival, we will gather for a feast of the freshest of Alaskan seafood, such as wild Alaskan salmon chowder, Kodiak scallops, or king crab legs. There will be time to relax in the comfort of the bungalow-style rooms or soak in the hot tub during the next two days after dinners or in the cool of the early mornings.

Lost Lake Trail; 8-10 miles, moderate, 2,000 ft elevation gain and descent

Today you embark on a spectacular hike up Lost Lake trail. The round trip is 10 miles, with a 2,000-ft elevation gain. The route winds through the northernmost coastal rainforest of moss-covered hemlocks and spruce as it leads to the high country where patches of stunted evergreens give way to alpine tundra. A stunning site for a picnic lunch is at the top of this glacial valley, with 360-degree views of snowcapped mountains and Resurrection Bay, which sits along the southern horizon. En route you are likely to see signs of wildlife habitat, if not the animals themselves. A pleasure not to be missed is simply to sit quietly, listening to the silence while scanning for Dall sheep or black bears grazing the steep hillsides above.

Tonight you enjoy a hearty meal at a rustic Alaska roadhouse situated on the shores of beautiful Kenai Lake featuring microbrews and specialty wines. You toast the day’s efforts, as featured fish and seafood delights are prepared. Routinely you will find salmon, halibut, rockfish, scallops, shrimp, and calamari on the daily menu. Also known for outstanding salads, pastas, and meats, you may even be tempted by their homemade desserts.

Russian River Falls; 4 miles, easy; or optional fishing or Kenai River float trip

This morning, after breakfast at the lodge, you have a range of exhilarating options, from a beautiful walk to an optional fishing or river floating trip. The easy walk takes you to the Russian River Falls, where a series of viewing decks overlooks a rocky cascade and falls. Here you can see dozens of red sockeye salmon in the pools below the falls and those that are leaping to get to the higher pools. Brown bears can occasionally be seen gorging themselves on the salmon. Continue on the river trail towards Lower Russian Lake to observe an active eagle’s nest and sockeye salmon pooling in eddies. Or today may be the day that you choose to try your hand at fishing or take a rafting trip along the Kenai River (both of these arranged at the hotel and at your own expense). You regroup for lunch at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge on the deck overlooking the river before the three-hour transfer to the scenic town of Homer.

The route leads farther south along the Kenai Peninsula, this time along its western shore. Approaching Homer, an incredible panorama of mountains, white peaks, and glaciers unveils itself—presenting the landscape to explore over the next three days. Your resort accommodations provide spectacular views overlooking Kachemak Bay, and mountains and glaciers farther in the distance. An independent dinner this evening allows you to explore Homer and choose from one of its many restaurants.

Grewingk Glacier; 5 miles, moderate

Starting the day with coffee and pastries at the locally famed Two Sisters Bakery, we soon set off aboard a water taxi taking you across Kachemak Bay. Your walk today begins in the Kachemak Bay State Park, which extends 200 miles along the southwestern edge of the Kenai Peninsula and is home to glaciers, high mountains, lakes, islands, beaches, and a picturesque rocky shoreline. Your walking trail skirts the shores of Kachemak Bay and its rocky beach, then crosses a huge glacial outwash plain. From here the views further unfold as you approach Grewingk Lake at the base of spectacular Grewingk Glacier.

Your walk continues along a low ridge between Grewingk Glacier and Halibut Cove, the trail providing stunning views as it descends through short switchbacks and steep forested terrain. A picnic lunch is enjoyed along the trail.

Tonight you are warm and dry in comfortable accommodations with spectacular views overlooking Kachemak Bay, and mountains and glaciers farther in the distance. An unforgettable farewell dinner is at a favorite restaurant perched above the water, in an intimate artist colony reached by water taxi.

Sea kayaking on Kachemak Bay; 4 hours (no experience necessary)

After breakfast at your oceanside inn, you return to Kachemak Bay State Park, this time to discover the shores and coves of the bay by kayak. Following a thorough dry-land orientation and instruction on paddling technique, safety, and boat handling, you launch your kayak. The adventure features spectacular scenery as you wind your way through two bays, paddling in narrow tidal channels and close to bold sea cliffs before emerging into more open water. The route provides a glimpse of diverse scenery and sea life including the Gull Island seabird colony, where you may see puffins and other species of seabirds. This is a perfect way to explore the bay, its wildlife, and its incredible beauty.

During our final lunch together at our lodge or local eatery you celebrate the week’s sights and accomplishments. If you are departing Homer on this day, transportation to the airport can be arranged through the front desk at the Land’s End Resort.