June 19-28 Trip Report - Anchorage, Glacier View, Seward

Question

Hi all, I just got back from an incredible trip to Alaska! We started in Anchorage and made our way north to Denali to explore the national park, where we spotted grizzlies and moose. One of the highlights was a breathtaking flightseeing tour that landed us on a glacier. From there, we continued to Glacier View for an unforgettable trek on the Matanuska Glacier and our first-ever ziplining adventure.

In the second half of the trip, we headed south to Seward for a boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park, where we saw orcas, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, puffins, and massive calving tidewater glaciers. We wrapped up with a short hike to Exit Glacier, a dog sledding tour, and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Alaska’s wild beauty, abundant wildlife, and wide-open spaces were absolutely breathtaking! I'm so grateful for all the help I received on these forums and would love to pay it forward. In the comments below, I’m sharing my detailed, day-by-day travelogue in the hope that it helps anyone who’s planning a trip.

Answer

Thank you for sharing such a detailed trip report! Your Alaska itinerary sounds amazing and packed with diverse experiences, from wildlife spotting to glacier adventures. Here’s a breakdown of your journey and highlights that could be useful for others planning a similar trip:

Anchorage & Denali: Your trip began in Anchorage with a northward journey to Denali National Park. Wildlife sightings included grizzlies and moose, which are major highlights for any first-time Alaska visitor. The flightseeing tour that landed on a glacier provided a unique aerial perspective and an unforgettable experience.

Glacier View: Moving on to Glacier View, your activities combined adventure and natural beauty:

Matanuska Glacier trek – a great way to experience the massive ice formations up close.
Ziplining – added a thrilling, family-friendly adventure element to the trip.

Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park: The southern portion of your trip offered incredible marine wildlife viewing:

Boat tour of Kenai Fjords – sightings included orcas, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, puffins, and calving tidewater glaciers.
Exit Glacier hike – a manageable hike to witness glacial landscapes on foot.
Dog sledding tour – a classic Alaskan experience, even outside winter months, for a touch of local tradition and adventure.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center visit – offered close encounters with rescued and native wildlife, rounding out your wildlife experiences.

Overall, your itinerary covers a mix of aerial, land, and water-based experiences, making it an ideal combination for anyone seeking both adventure and nature immersion. For travelers planning a similar trip:

Consider allocating at least 2-3 days in Denali for wildlife viewing and possible guided hikes.
Glacier adventures like Matanuska trek or flightseeing tours are best booked early as they fill quickly.
Seward and Kenai Fjords require at least a full day for boat tours to maximize wildlife sightings.
Mixing adventure activities (ziplining, dog sledding) with scenic hikes provides a balanced experience for families or small groups.

Your report really highlights Alaska’s unmatched combination of wildlife, glaciers, and outdoor adventures. Anyone referencing your itinerary will have a strong framework for planning a comprehensive Alaskan adventure in just over a week.

June 19-28 Trip Report - Anchorage, Glacier View, Seward

More Alaska (AK) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions