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Alaska

The Best of Alaska’s National Parks: From Denali to Kenai

Program No. 1012RJ
Come explore the National Parks of Alaska with our experts. Discover unique wildlife, stunning landscapes and ancient forests as you explore one of the most unspoiled regions on earth.

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Protecting the Environment

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At a Glance

In the Alaskan Interior, grizzlies walk lowland rivers, caribou roam the tundra, Dall sheep cling to mountainsides and the golden eagle survey it all. To the south, the glaciers of the Kenai Peninsula carve the landscape as they have for eons. Join expert field educators in the boreal forest, on the tundra of Denali and along the bays of Kenai Fjords National Park.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
This program is "Keep the Pace." Your mobility must match this description. Reach out to Road Scholar or DEC with questions. Activities include city walking, hiking on maintained trails with varied terrain, wet/dry conditions, and even ice/snow. You must move about on a catamaran in open water and get on/off a motorcoach. Distance will not exceed 4 mi during scheduled activities. Trails are up to 3 mi in length with elevation changes up to 600 ft. The pace of the hikes is up to 2 mi per hour.

What You'll Learn

  • Watch for grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose and caribou on a journey into Denali National Park.
  • Stretch your legs and minds on hikes that cross alpine tundra, through boreal forest and past mountain lakes.
  • Explore Kenai Fjords National Park on a day-long journey by boat to view marine mammals, tidewater and alpine glaciers and teeming seabird rookeries.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Nate Porter
Nate Porter was born on a homestead in Trapper Creek, Alaska. He worked as a Park Ranger in Denali National Park and Preserve for 11 years before transferring to Federation Forest State Park in Washington. Since 2008, Nate has worked as a teacher in Arizona. He has a degree in history and political science and a master’s degree in education and educational leadership. In 2006, Nate began working seasonally with Denali Education Center as a youth camp instructor and Group Leader.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Nate Porter
Nate Porter View biography
Nate Porter was born on a homestead in Trapper Creek, Alaska. He worked as a Park Ranger in Denali National Park and Preserve for 11 years before transferring to Federation Forest State Park in Washington. Since 2008, Nate has worked as a teacher in Arizona. He has a degree in history and political science and a master’s degree in education and educational leadership. In 2006, Nate began working seasonally with Denali Education Center as a youth camp instructor and Group Leader.
Profile Image of Bones Waggoner
Bones Waggoner View biography
Bones Waggoner has been working as a field educator at the Denali Education Center since 2017. He has years of experience as a backpacking leader and as an educator. He loves all outdoor activities and learning about nature. He enjoys hiking, fishing, and cooking.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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