All address fields should be selected!
Full name should be provided!
The information you entered is not valid. Please try again.
The information you entered is not valid. Please try again.
No Results
Invalid email value
Invalid password value
Please enter a valid email address
Please provide a password
Your password must be at least 5 characters long
Missing password
Password short (5 chars min required)
Special Offer
Remove from Wishlist
Program No.
Ages
Length
days
New
Not yet reviewed
Starts at
Close
See More
Activity Level — Varies
Activity Level
Details
To make your experience as safe as possible, we require all participants to be fully vaccinated. See our Safety Roadmap
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name-tag (sent previously).
Afternoon: Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the hotel lobby to register with program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner: In a private room in a restaurant within our hotel.
Evening: Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances or conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 122 miles throughout the day, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Hot Springs average temperature is 106°F year-round; bring bathing suit and change of clothes; towel provided. For Ice Museum, bring warm gloves and hat; parka provided.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We will gather for an overview and introduction to Alaska by Road Scholar staff. We’ll then board a motorcoach for a field trip to Chena Hot Springs Resort, a geothermal powered facility that became famous for healing crippled prospectors of their aches and pains after its discovery in 1905. The hot springs lake is not chlorinated. All natural water constantly flows in and out, creating circulation and natural filtration. We will have an opportunity to soak in the healing waters of the natural hot springs rock lake, indoor pool, or hot tubs. The Chena geothermal system is fed by water that circulates deep underground over a period of thousands of years, picking up natural heat from the earth, and then “short circuits” back up to the surface through cracks and fractures in the granite rock underneath the hot springs area from a depth of approximately 3,000 feet.
Lunch: At the resort.
Afternoon: Next, we’ll walk to explore the Aurora Ice Museum. Created from more than 1,000 tons of ice and snow, it boasts ice sculptures, an ice bar, ice chapel, and even hotel rooms. Remaining at a cool 25°F, the ice museum stays icy cold even in summer due to the patented absorption chiller, powered by geothermal water and the first of its kind in the world used for this purpose. We will also learn how geothermal renewable energy produces 100% of the electricity used at Chena Hot Springs. It is the lowest temperature geothermal resource used for power production in the world. We’ll board our motorcoach after the field trip for the scenic ride back to our hotel.
Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles, approximately 3/4 hour riding time plus stops. Walking up to 3 miles throughout, standing up to 1 hour at a time indoors and out during field trips; mostly flat terrain, potential for rain; dress accordingly.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We’ll start the day with a lecture by our Group Leader to gain further insight into this fascinating and unique region. We’ll then board the motorcoach for a field trip to the Large Animal Research Station, a branch of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Arctic Biology. Studies of the large ungulates of the Arctic — such as musk oxen, caribou, and reindeer — have been ongoing for decades. A researcher or station staff member will tell us about the biology of the animals and the ecosystems they inhabit, emphasizing the different adaptations these various species have made to the same environment, including life cycles and survival strategies. Pelts, skulls, antlers, and horns will be available for hands-on examination and study. A special highlight will be the opportunity to see and learn about musk oxen, an emblem of the Arctic. Next, we’ll make a brief stop to see a section of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). The approximately 800-mile pipeline crosses three mountain ranges and is built on permanently frozen ground in the north and in areas of routine seismic activity in the south. Overcoming these obstacles led to the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology, making the Alaska pipeline one of the great engineering feats of the 20th century. We’ll then make our way to the Museum of the North.
Lunch: At the Museum of the North, we’ll have boxed lunches.
Afternoon: We will explore the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. This public research university is a world-renowned circumpolar research center with extensive collections gathered from current and past scientific expeditions in Alaska, America’s only Arctic state. During our self-directed exploration, we will see exhibits on Native culture, post-contact history, geology, fauna, flora, the Gold Rush, the Alaska pipeline, the Aurora, plus rotating art and photo exhibits, all housed in a beautiful and striking architectural gem. We will also be able to learn about Arctic and sub-Arctic ecology and environment and the people who inhabit this northern edge of our world. Following our exploration of the museum, we will walk to the University of Alaska Geophysical Institute where we will learn from a university geologist about the effects that climate change has had on the region, the steps that are being taken to study these effects, and the different projects that are being conducted at the university.
Dinner: At a restaurant near the hotel.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 130 miles throughout the day, approximately 3 hours total riding time plus rest stop. Walking 1/2 mile to the Cultural Center, walking approximately 1/2 mile during field trips and standing indoors and out; gravel, packed dirt, boardwalk, paved surfaces. Potential for rain, dress accordingly.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We’ll check out of our hotel and walk a short distance to the Morris Thompson Cultural Center that features exhibits and dioramas focusing on the people and ecosystems of interior Alaska. A docent will lead an exploration of the cultural center and we will learn about the lives of Athabascan people past and present. We’ll also have some time for independent exploration. The Alaska Public Lands Information Center, a storehouse of information and exhibits on the public lands in Alaska, is located in the same building, as is the Fairbanks Visitors and Convention Bureau.
Lunch: At the Morris Thompson Cultural Center, we will sample local delicacies commonly enjoyed by native Alaskans.
Afternoon: Back aboard the motorcoach, we will ride on to Denali National Park via the George Parks Highway. We will see the rolling hill country of the Yukon-Tanana uplands covered with spruce and birch before crossing the vast Tanana lowlands, then climbing the north side of the Alaska Range. We’ll have views of incredible Alaska Range scenery and meandering rivers. Keep a look-out for moose and other wildlife that might be present. Approaching Denali, the highway parallels a deep canyon carved by the Nenana River. As we arrive at the entrance of Denali National Park, we’ll stop at the homestead of Iditarod champion Jeff King. The homestead provides an authentic look into rural lifestyles based on 44 years of Alaskan adventures, from freight hauling on Denali to crossing the finish line in Nome with a champion Iditarod team. We’ll “meet” the husky dog team, learn about their summer training, and hear stories from the trail as you view actual racing sleds, arctic survival gear, and equipment used to traverse 1,100 miles of Alaska’s most rugged terrain. We’ll then ride on to our hotel and check in.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 86 miles round-trip, up to approximately 4 hours riding time plus stops to view wildlife as opportunities arise and for a rest stop. Denali Park Road gravelly and uneven in some areas, potential for bumpy ride. Bring binoculars if available. Distance while hiking in Denali National Park according to personal choice.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: Early this morning, we will board the motorcoach for a narrated Denali tundra wilderness field trip. As we ride 43 miles into the Park, we will have great opportunities to view the Park’s wildlife and scenery and learn about the animals, plants, and history. If we’re lucky, we may see Dall sheep, moose, caribou, wolves, even grizzly bears that might be present. Denali — formerly Mount McKinley — is visible only when conditions are right, but on clear days we will have several opportunities to view the mountain that is the highest peak in North America. We will have rest stops at least once every 90 minutes during the field trip.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like at the Denali National Park Cafeteria.
Afternoon: We'll have some time to explore the Park Visitor’s Center independently and peruse exhibits, watch the award-winning movie “Heartbeats of Denali,” or walk along one of the numerous nearby trails. Road Scholar staff will be on hand to offer recommendations to help you make the most of your afternoon in this beautiful National Park, known for its biodiversity and amazing views.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 235 miles throughout the day, approximately 4 hours total riding time. Walking at Heritage Center according to personal choice; half-mile loop trail to see Native dwelling exhibits, generally flat paved paths.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We’ll check out, board the motorcoach, and begin our ride to Anchorage. En route, we’ll stop at Talkeetna, a historic village nestled at the base of Mount Denali. Rich in history, it may be best known for being the jumping-off point for climbers hoping to summit North America’s tallest peak. We’ll explore the Talkeetna Historical Society Museum, consisting of four restored buildings introducing the native peoples, aviators, gold seekers, and who were an important part of Talkeetna’s past. A docent will give us an introduction to the museum, followed by some independent time to see the exhibits on our own. Among them is the Mountain Exhibit, showing Denali and its surrounding peaks of the Alaska Range as a room-size model that presents the history of mountaineering.
Lunch: We’ll enjoy boxed lunches in Talkeetna.
Afternoon: Upon arrival in Anchorage we’ll head to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the largest cultural institution in Alaska, to learn about the unique indigenous cultures that have shaped Alaska’s history. We’ll take a virtual journey through 10,000 years of Alaska Native history and culture through art, dance, Native games demonstrations, exhibits, and walk through traditional Native dwellings. We will then proceed to the hotel and check in.
Dinner: At the hotel.
Evening: At the hotel, we’ll have another educational presentation by Road Scholar staff.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles roundtrip, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Hiking 3/4 mile; groomed trail, benches along the way.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: At the hotel, we’ll gather for another educational presentation by Road Scholar staff on topics related to our course of study. Afterwards, we’ll board the motorcoach for a field trip to the Eagle River Nature Center, nestled in the Eagle River Valley within Chugach State Park. After a brief introduction at the nature center, a naturalist will lead us on a hike around the Rodak trail, offering pristine mountain views, glacier rivers and streams, and opportunities to see wildlife. Returning to Anchorage, we’ll have some time for independent exploration in downtown Anchorage.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like in downtown Anchorage. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon: We will rendezvous at an announced time and place, then ride a short distance to the Anchorage Museum for a self-directed field trip. The large variety of exhibits illustrate pre-historic, historic, and present-day Anchorage and Alaska. The primary exhibition contains more than 600 objects from the Smithsonian collections and is one of the finest presentations of Alaskan history and ethnology in the state. Full-scale and miniature dioramas provide a look at the early lifestyles of Alaska’s native peoples. Other exhibits cover exploration and settlement by the Russians, the Gold Rush era, World War II and statehood.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for early check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity note: Early check-out and transfer approximately 5:30 a.m. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 20 miles total, approximately 1/2 hour. Getting on/off a train; ride to Seward about 107 miles, approximately 4 hours. Standing up to 1 hour at field trip sites.
Breakfast: Aboard the Alaska Railroad.
Morning: Up early this morning, we’ll check out of the hotel before breakfast and ride a short distance to the train station. We’ll board the train and take the Alaska Railroad south for a narrated ride through spectacular scenery, starting along the shores of Cook Inlet and Turnagain Arm, traveling through the valleys and canyons of Chugach National Forest, past glaciers, rivers, lakes, and finally to the mountains of the Kenai Peninsula and the coastal town of Seward. The stunning beauty of this trip is one of the best kept secrets in Alaska. Keep an eye out for migratory birds, moose, and other wildlife throughout our journey. Upon arrival in Seward, we’ll disembark the train, board a motorcoach, and ride to the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Lunch: At the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Afternoon: The Alaska SeaLife Center is a cutting-edge marine research facility. A member of the educational staff will give us a presentation on their work. We will learn about ongoing research projects and see exhibits on the marine life of the south-central and northern Pacific shores of Alaska. We’ll also learn about the center’s current objectives and how the establishment of this research center came in the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. Money from state damages assessed on Exxon was used to start up the research center. One special focus was to study the long-term effects of the oil spill on the people, the animals, and the land of South Central Alaska. The center has become a top-notch research facility, drawing researchers from all over the country. We’ll then ride a short distance to our hotel and check in.
Dinner: At a local restaurant.
Evening: At leisure.
Activity note: Hike at Exit Glacier is considered moderately strenuous at approximately 1.2 miles with some steep, uneven surfaces and exposure to wind. Some benches are available along the way. Getting on/off a passenger catamaran; riding approximately 6 hours; indoor seating available; warm layers, rain gear recommended. Bring binoculars if available.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: We'll begin our day with a self-guided walk to the edge of Exit Glacier in Kenai Fjords National Park. Exit Glacier received its name for serving as the exit for the first recorded crossing of the Harding Icefield in 1968. We will learn about this iconic feature and view the dense blue ice up-close while listening to it crackle. Afterwards, we'll ride to the harbor dock in Seward and board a catamaran for a glacier and wildlife study cruise. As we sail out into beautiful Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park, we’ll learn about the Russians who “discovered” the bay on Easter Sunday and named it Resurrection Bay — “Easter” commonly referred to as “Resurrection.” Ship staff will provide insightful commentary along our journey as we take in the breathtaking scenery.
Lunch: Aboard the catamaran.
Afternoon: Our study cruise will continue as we keep an eye out for seals, sea lions, otters, numerous birds including some puffin varieties, and whales set against a backdrop of magnificent tidewater and hanging glaciers. We may even see some glacial calving. We’ll return to the hotel after our field trip.
Dinner: At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 126 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time. Drop-offs at airport and starting hotel expected between approximately 10:30 a.m and 12:00 p.m. depending on traffic and road conditions.
Breakfast: At the hotel.
Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll have one more chance to absorb Alaska’s beautiful scenery on our return ride to Anchorage, with drop-offs at both the airport and our hotel in Anchorage. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!