QUESTION:

I am going on a business trip to Alaska in June. I would like to get outdoors while I am there (we all know conference rooms aren’t fun!) and would like to do an organized trip, no longer than 4 days after I finish the work portion of the trip. I need the price to be under $400 and depart from the Fairbanks area. I won’t be able to bring much of my own gear with me, so I would need the trip to include that as well. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks,
Natalie in Alexandria, VA

ANSWER:
Lucky you! I haven’t been to Alaska yet but I hear wonderful things about its natural beauty and the opportunities to see wildlife and explore rugged wilderness! Can I come too? just kidding 🙂

I took a look on the web and tried to find some tours for you, however they all seem to be priced in the thousands of dollars.

I highly recommend that you check out Denali National Park while you are in Alaska – it is 120 miles south of Fairbanks, and you’ll be able to get there pretty easily.

There is a train between Fairbanks and Denali. Alternatively, you could take a bus from Fairbanks to Denali to help stay on your budget.

Denali is home to 175 species of birds and 40 species of animals including grizzly bears, moose, wolves, and caribou! Plus, it is where Mt. McKinley (aka Denali) is located – and if you can see it on a clear day I think you’re going to be stunned at its beauty (at least that’s what friends tell me and the pictures make me believe!)

Once you get to Denali, the National Parks Service operates several reasonably priced bus tours. I’m not a big fan of sitting on a bus, but apparently this one at Denali is quite good – they take you on a 92 mile road through the park where you will see stunning vistas Mt. McKinley and wildlife. Plus you’ll be able to stop and go hike and explore on your own. And you should consider taking one of the ranger led hikes. That’s definitely a way to keep costs down!

Have a wonderful time in Alaska!

Happy trails!
Hiking Lady

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