Backpacking · 5 + 1 days · Ages 14+
Alpine Backpacking
A real backcountry expedition for people who want rugged terrain, wild beauty and authentic Alaskan adventure: remote wilderness, wildlife, national parks and exploration.
5 + 1 days
Shake-out day plus a 5-day trek
Sunday, Anchorage pickup
Starts
Ages 14 and up
Small group
$3,295 to $3,650
Per person (2026 price)
Fully licensed and insured · Permitted with Alaska State Parks
Overview
Big mountains, solitude and your own two feet
This is a backcountry immersion for people who want big mountains, solitude and the satisfaction of moving under their own power. Expect rugged terrain, river crossings, dynamic weather and true wilderness travel, where many routes have little or no trail at all. Most of the time we travel off-trail, navigating tundra ridges and alpine passes and meeting wildlife the way Alaska is meant to be explored.
Why 5 + 1 days
Most guiding companies meet you on day one, hand you a backpack and march straight into the wilderness. We don't do that. In Alaska, the terrain is rugged, weather shifts fast, and once you step into the backcountry there's no quick exit, no easy bail-out and no convenience store along the way. So we built in a shake-out day before the expedition begins:
- We assess fitness, comfort, pacing and backpacking experience
- We try out your gear, adjust packs and spot any gaps
- We make sure you have what you need before five days in the wilderness
This extra day makes a big difference to safety, group cohesion and the whole experience. It's the difference between hoping for a good trip and setting one up.
Itinerary
Day by day
Exact routes vary by season and conditions; this is how a typical week runs.
Day 1 · Sunday
Anchorage and the shake-out day
We pick you up in Anchorage and head out for a shake-out hike, something like Flattop or a nearby alpine trail. This day is all about getting comfortable: boots that fit, packs that sit right, gear that works, and everyone feeling ready. Then we settle into our lodging in Palmer, review plans, repack bags and enjoy a hearty dinner before the real adventure begins.
Day 2 · Monday
Entering the backcountry
After an early breakfast, we drive to the chosen trailhead (Hatcher Pass, the Talkeetnas, the Chugach or the Denali wilderness) and begin the trek. The first day is about finding a rhythm: steady hiking, stunning views and settling into backcountry life. We camp or stay in a state cabin, depending on the route.
Day 3 · Tuesday
Alpine travel and mountain views
We continue deeper into the alpine, traveling ridgelines, valleys or tundra basins. Each route reveals something different: glacial cirques, sweeping vistas, wildlife or hidden lakes. We set up camp and enjoy a quiet evening in true wilderness.
Day 4 · Wednesday
Backcountry immersion
Your fully unplugged day. We climb passes, explore high routes and push into terrain where few people travel. Lunches are trailside, dinners are warm, and the scenery only gets better. Another night under Alaska's endless sky.
Day 5 · Thursday
Final push through the alpine
Our last full day on trail. We hike toward our exit route, crossing open tundra and following natural features toward the pickup point: a mix of effort, accomplishment and soaking in the last big views before returning to civilization.
Day 6 · Friday
Return to Anchorage
We hike out in the morning, meet our pickup at the trailhead and head back toward Anchorage. Expect tired legs, full memory cards and a deep sense of accomplishment. We drop you back at your accommodations by afternoon.
What's included
$3,295 to $3,650 per person
Our 2026 prices: $3,295 per person with 4 guests, $3,650 per person otherwise. Ask us for 2027 pricing.
Included
- Professional Alaskan wilderness guide(s)
- Lodging the night before the trek
- A complete kosher meal plan for 6 days and 5 nights
- Backcountry permits
- All ground transportation, with Anchorage pickup and drop-off
- Group expedition gear: tents, stoves, mess kits, bear canisters and water filters
- Safety equipment: satellite communication device, maps, GPS and medical kits
- Storage for your main luggage while we're in the field
Not included
- Flights to and from Alaska
- Lodging before or after the trip
- Personal clothing and items on the gear and packing list we send
- National park entrance fees, when they apply
- Gratuities for AKX staff, guides and other service providers
- Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend
This is a public trip; private trips can be arranged on request. A 25% deposit holds your spot, and full payment is due by March 31 of the year of your trip. Read our Reservation & Cancellation Policy.
We don't lock you into a preset trail
Alaska is massive, wild and always shifting with the seasons, so there's no single best route that works all year. Most of our routes have minimal trails, and often none at all, so conditions shape where we go: snowpack, snowfields, rain, swollen creeks, muddy passes, rockfall, wildlife and river braids. A valley that's perfect in July might be a snow maze in June (unless you're in for a snowy adventure).
Before your trip, we go over current conditions, weather, snowpack, river levels, wildlife considerations and your goals, and you help choose the final route. Ask us about going hut to hut, or getting a lift in by bush plane or helicopter.
Choosing your route
Talkeetna Mountains
Jagged, dramatic peaks often called the Swiss Alps of the North, with high passes and glacier-carved terrain.
Chugach State Park
Big, rugged, glaciated country close to Anchorage, but still remote and wild.
The Denali wilderness
Vast, open wilderness with sweeping views and deep solitude, such as the world-renowned Kesugi Ridge Trail.
WHAT TO EXPECT
From first call to airport pickup
Here is exactly how it works.
1
Discovery call
We talk through your family, your dates and the kind of Alaska you want.
2
Itinerary and proposal
A day-by-day plan with one all-inclusive price.
3
Agreement and deposit
Sign online and pay a 25% deposit to hold your spots.
4
Getting ready
Food and health forms, a gear list, and a welcome letter that answers the rest.
5
Airport pickup
We meet you at the airport with a welcome gift bag. From there, we have it covered.
Who it's for
Rugged, off-trail and unforgettable
Whether it's your first multi-day trek or you're an experienced hiker, this adventure is built to challenge you fully. It's not about being the strongest or fastest; it's about mindset, grit and resilience.
- Ages 14 and up, in good health
- Active people who can hike several hours with a 30 to 40 lb pack
- Comfortable with off-trail terrain, uneven footing and natural obstacles
- Ready for rain, wind, snow and changing conditions
- Hiking 5 to 10 miles a day with 500 to 3,000+ feet of elevation change
- Looking for a fully kosher, fully supported adventure
- Open to learning skills, adapting and embracing the challenge
We've seen people with zero backpacking experience, who love being outdoors and come with an open mind, crush it.
The Alaska Factor
Alaska doesn't follow a script, and neither do our routes. Backcountry travel here changes day by day: weather shifts, river levels rise, snowfields linger and wildlife moves through valleys. Our guides adjust routes and objectives to keep the group safe and make the most of the conditions. Flexibility isn't a suggestion; it's a requirement.
What families say
5.0 on Tripadvisor.
"The activities were all great and well organized, including hikes, boats, airplanes and more."
"If someone asked me about this trip I would tell them I would love to do it all over again. This is the way to see and experience Alaska. I loved it!"
"Incredible attention to detail; super knowledgeable."
Are you ready to experience the real Alaska?
