FAQs

How difficult is this trip?

This trip is considered a difficult. Hiking in Denali tends to be steep climbs to gain elevation, and easier walking along tundra benches. In other words, big ups, big downs, with sloping ‘side-hilling’ walks along the spines of mountains. You will be backpacking and hiking off-trail over steep, hilly, and uneven terrain, often covering up to 6 miles in a day with up to 2,000 feet of elevation gain/loss.

You may encounter short stretches of thick vegetation and may also experience Alaska’s diverse selection of insect species. You will be camping in a very remote wilderness, sleeping in tents, relieving yourself in places with a stunning view, and sometimes enjoying all of the above in the rain. You will be expected to load and unload your own gear, carry a portion of the group gear, and manage your own physical comfort and well-being. Pre-trip physical conditioning should begin no later than 2 months before departure and should include walking or hiking, preferably with loaded backpack of 30 to 40 pounds.

Our support staff will be with us for the entirety of the adventure, ensuring our safety, setting up camp, cooking all meals, and helping us experience the true Alaskan wilderness.

Who is this trip appropriate for?

This adventure will be limited to no more than 7 fellow adventurers and your Modern Adventure team. Our trip is recommended for travelers aged 18 and above who are in excellent health and have previous experience with backpacking. You will be expected to load and unload your own gear, carry a portion of the group gear, and manage your own physical comfort and well-being.

Pre-trip physical conditioning should begin no later than 2 months before departure and should include walking or hiking, preferably with loaded backpack of 30 to 40 pounds.

How much can the itinerary change?

We will spend all of our time hiking the Whale’s Tail between Ruth Glacier and Tokositna Glacier, however our exact route will not be confirmed until we arrive in Denali, and we will make continuous adjustments each day based on weather, terrain, daylight, ability and animal movements. Out here, we roll with what Mother Nature gives us—that’s true Alaska.

What are the accommodations like?

We'll camp in the wilderness for five nights, typically on the shore of a glacial lake. Modern Adventure provides most group gear including expedition-quality tents, group-size tarp shelters, all cooking equipment, utensils, toilet supplies, and water-purification equipment.

On our first night we stay in Anchorage at the Lakefront Hotel, close to the floatplane airport.

What about supplements if I am traveling solo?

Prices are based on double occupancy. For solo travelers, there is a $650 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private lodge room and solo tent accommodations.

If you selected "Single - Willing to Share", Modern Adventure will pair you up with a roommate of the same gender. These 'Single - Willing to Share' spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Single tents when camping may be available by request. Note that if we are unable to pair you with a traveler of the same gender, you will be required to pay the single-supplement fee.

What if I have special dietary needs?

Traveling with dietary restrictions or allergies can be a challenge, but we’re here to help. Prior to your departure, we’ll send you a questionnaire where you can inform us of any special dietary needs you have. Depending on the information you give us, we will work with our Alaska partners to adjust menus and be aware of allergies and restrictions on the trip.


Are transfers included?

On Day 1, Modern Adventure can provide a transfer from any centrally located Anchorage hotel to our trip meeting point (see Travel & Logistics for details).

On our last day, Modern Adventure will arrange a complimentary transfer to Anchorage's ANC airport. Your flight should depart from ANC at 8pm or later. Please note that if your flight departs at an earlier time, we cannot ensure you will make it to the airport on time (see Travel & Logistics).

What is the cancellation policy?

You may cancel on or before April 24, 2022 and receive a full refund minus a $500 per-person service fee. If you cancel on or after April 25, 2022 there is a 50% cancellation fee; on or after June 23, 2022 there is a 100% cancellation fee.

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (see our Terms and Conditions for full details).

What travel documents are needed?

US citizens and residents should check the TSA’s website for requirements and acceptable ID for domestic air travel. Some State issued IDs may no longer meet TSA standards. If you are a Non-US Citizen traveling to Alaska, visit the US Consulate or Embassy for requirements and information about passports & visas.

What's Next?

Over the coming months, we will reach out to gather the information necessary for our departure. Look for Modern Adventure in your inbox!

Questions? We have answers! Speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist at +1 (855) 219-8018, Monday - Thursday 9am to 2pm (Pacific Time), or email us: support@modernadventure.com