Help with land trip itinerary

Question

We had plans to take Alaska southbound cruise in July end but reconsidering due to spike in covid/ norovirus , as my son is immunocompromised .

We plan to keep a land trip option open to visit Glacier bay, Juneau, Hubbard glacier Skagway & ketchikan , Denali

My son is an ardent ocean & wildlife, birding photographer so we would want to view and photograph bears, bald eagles, whales . Also prefer to take day cruise to see the glaciers ( glacier bay , Hubbard ) / and or inner passage .

I ll appreciate it if someone can enlighten me with a 7-10 day itinerary ( travel from California )

Answer

Planning a land-based Alaska trip while still experiencing the highlights of the Inside Passage and Denali is absolutely feasible, and it can be tailored for wildlife photography while minimizing exposure to crowds on cruise ships. Here's a detailed suggested 8–10 day itinerary starting from California.

Day 1: Travel to Anchorage

Fly from California to Anchorage. Arrive mid-day or evening.
Overnight in Anchorage. Consider a hotel with easy access to rental cars for your Alaska road trip.

Day 2: Anchorage to Seward / Kenai Fjords

Drive to Seward (approx. 2.5 hours). Scenic route along Turnagain Arm with possible beluga whale sightings.
Take a Kenai Fjords day cruise for glaciers and marine wildlife (seals, sea otters, whales, puffins). This gives a mini-cruise experience without staying on a ship.
Overnight in Seward.

Day 3: Seward to Talkeetna / Denali area

Drive north toward Talkeetna (approx. 6–7 hours). Stop at viewpoints along the way for photography of mountains and rivers.
Overnight in Talkeetna or Denali Gateway Lodge.

Day 4–5: Denali National Park

Spend 2 full days in Denali National Park. Options include:

Guided wildlife tours into the park to see bears, moose, caribou, and eagles.
Short hikes suitable for photography, such as Horseshoe Lake Trail or Savage River Loop.
Optional scenic flightseeing tours for photographing Denali itself.

Overnight near Denali for both nights.

Day 6: Denali to Fairbanks / Flight to Juneau

Drive from Denali to Fairbanks (approx. 2 hours) and fly to Juneau.
Overnight in Juneau. Consider accommodations close to docks for easy access to day cruises.

Day 7: Juneau – Glacier Bay / Mendenhall Glacier / Wildlife

Take a day cruise to Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier to see tidewater glaciers, whales, sea lions, and seabirds.
Alternatively, explore Mendenhall Glacier and take shorter hikes for photography.
Overnight in Juneau.

Day 8: Juneau to Skagway / Haines

Fly or ferry from Juneau to Skagway (or Haines for slightly less crowded experience).
Explore historic Gold Rush town and take short hikes in nearby trails for wildlife spotting.
Overnight in Skagway/Haines.

Day 9: Skagway/Haines – Ketchikan

Fly to Ketchikan.
Explore Tongass National Forest, Creek Street, and nearby waterways for bald eagles and marine wildlife photography.
Consider a floatplane tour or kayak trip for remote wildlife viewing.
Overnight in Ketchikan.

Day 10: Return to Anchorage / Fly home

Fly from Ketchikan to Anchorage and connect to your flight back to California.

Additional Tips:

Book flights and accommodations well in advance, as July is peak season.
Consider guided day cruises for Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords; they provide the best wildlife viewing without an overnight cruise.
Pack layers, rain gear, and sun protection; Alaska weather is variable in July.
Carry binoculars and a camera with zoom lens for wildlife photography.
Renting a car in Anchorage is recommended for flexibility in the Kenai Peninsula and Denali area, while short flights between Southeast towns reduce driving time.

This itinerary balances wildlife photography opportunities, scenic travel, and glacier experiences, while avoiding the risks of cruise ships for an immunocompromised traveler.

Help with land trip itinerary

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