Quick Details
Backpackers
Non-private rate per person
$ 1,299
Private Tour
Reserve up to 8 People (Select 1 to enter party size)
Experience World-Class Backpacking on K’esugi Ridge!
Highlights
Tour Time: 4-Days and 3-Nights
Travel Time From Anchorage: 6 Hours (3 Hours one-way)
Distance & Elevation Gain: ~30 miles and ~7,000 feet (or 700 flights of stairs)
Difficulty: ★★★★★ Difficult for most
Age Recommendations: 16 – 65
• Experience backpacking a world-class ridgeline boasting unimaginable sights in Denali State Park! 🌄
• Perfect for adventurous solo travelers and couples. 👩👨
• All guides are Wilderness First Aid certified, trained, and multiday backpacking experts. 😲
• Learn about Alaska’s unique geology, ecology, topography, and biology. All the ‘ologies! 🌲
• Opportunity for stunning photography, wildlife viewing, and boundless exploration. 🐇
• Rations and many items provided. Keep reading for more detail! 🍽
Description
Are you seeking an experience that captures the imagination, leaves instant memories, provides challenge, and bestows you with a feeling of, “I don’t ever want to leave”? Look no further, you are where you need to be. Join us on a 4 day and 3 night world-class backpacking trip along the K’esugi ridge line, a 27.5 mile traverse featuring lush boreal forests, unique geology, exciting topography, and an alpine paradise that lasts for miles.
The ridge parallels both the Chitina River and Alaska range where North America’s highest peak, Mt. Denali, stands at a massive 20,146 feet. Many others in our state agree it is one of the best locations for witnessing the breathtaking pinnacle. It goes without saying there is plenty of opportunity for stunning photography, wildlife viewing, and boundless exploration.
To view the general route, please click on the
K’esugi Ridge North & South Map
As part of your experience, you receive:
• Permitted, insured and renowned tour operation in South-Central Alaska
• National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Outdoor Education Trained Guide
• Wilderness First Response, CPR, and EPI-pen Certified Guide
• In-depth education on how to prepare and execute a multi-day backpacking trip
• Education on how to handle large animal encounters
• Rations supplied! Here is a Sample Rations Menu. If you have any food allergies, religious dietary adherences, or lifestyle preferences, please indicate them on the checkout questionnaire
• How to cook in the backcountry the “traditional” way (i.e., no freeze-dried food!)
• Shuttling to and from the trailheads
• Assistance with outfitting your gear for the tour
NOTE: Items such as backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are available to rent. Clothing such as base layers are available to purchase. Shelters and group gear will be provided. Other items will be your responsibility.
Click on Gear Lists to review the mandatory and optional individual gear, as well as the group gear. Lists also show items available for rent and purchase.
IMPORTANT: If you are planning to rent or purchase any gear please indicate your need when completing the checkout questionnaire. Afterwards, we will reach out to you and discuss your needs by email or phone. Our store with all the rental and purchasable items is being built, and will be released soon. After which, all orders will be processed via our e-commerce system.
Conditioning Requirements
K’esugi Ridge is not an easy hike! However, this tour can be completed by someone who has never before backpacked. You will need to train, and condition before setting out on the trail with us. Here is what you should know in advance.
• We will be traveling 29.2 miles from Little Coal trailhead to Byer’s Lake with additional mileage for securing campsites and any extra day trips we pursue
• There is considerable elevation gain over the duration of the hike, estimated at anywhere between 6,500 to 7,000 feet depending on the activities we pursue (think about climbing more than 700 flights of stairs over the duration of the hike)
• Possible scrambling and limited exposure hazards.
• Poor trail conditions, (i.e., muddy, slick, and wet)
• Harsh weather
• In general, you should be able to balance well and travel about 2 mph with a 35 lb. pack. for an extended period of time. On average we will travel anywhere between 5-8 hours per day
• The checkout questionnaire will help you, and us, identify whether this is a good trip for you to attempt. Please complete the survey when you are ready. All members of your party must complete a survey (please and thank you)!
Rates
Per Person: $1299
Solo travelers are welcome! Solo traveler policy presented at checkout
Private Party: Rates provided during checkout, starting at $1499.50 per person for a group of 2.
Reserve the whole tour to yourself or your group!
After reviewing the item lists, completing the survey, and discussing any questions you have with us regarding gear, route, planning, or anything else, you are ready to book.
Again, we welcome your questions and can help you plan your trip!
So, what are you waiting for? Book now and start preparing for your Alaskan adventure of a lifetime!