One Week in Alaska: Adventure Itinerary for Outdoor Lovers

So, you’ve got a week in Alaska and you want more than just pretty views from the cruise deck. You’re here for adventure—hiking, kayaking, wildlife, maybe even a glacier or two. Trust me, seven days in the Last Frontier is barely scratching the surface, but with the right plan, you’ll feel like you’ve had a taste of everything.

This one-week Alaska itinerary is designed for adventure seekers who want to get their boots muddy, their hands paddling, and their cameras full of once-in-a-lifetime shots. Ready? Let’s dive in.

Day 1: Anchorage – The Gateway to the Last Frontier

Most likely, you’ll land in Anchorage. Don’t skip it just because it’s a city—Anchorage is surrounded by mountains, trails, and wildlife.

Morning: Check into your hotel, grab a strong coffee (trust me, you’ll need it), and stretch your legs on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. It’s a flat 11-mile path with views of Cook Inlet and—if you’re lucky—a moose or two just chilling by the path.
Afternoon: Head out to Flattop Mountain for a hike. It’s the most climbed mountain in Alaska for a reason. You’ll get panoramic views of Anchorage and the Chugach Mountains.
Evening: Try some local salmon or halibut for dinner. Pro tip: restaurants here don’t play around when it comes to fresh fish.

Day 2: Denali National Park – Into the Wild

Time to hit the road. Denali National Park is about a 4–5 hour drive north from Anchorage, but the journey is half the fun.

Morning: Rent a car or hop on the Alaska Railroad for a scenic ride. Keep your eyes peeled—sometimes you’ll spot bears or caribou from the train.
Afternoon: Arrive at Denali and explore the visitor center. Then, warm up your hiking boots with an easy trail like Horseshoe Lake or the Savage River Loop.
Evening: Stay overnight near the park entrance. If the sky’s clear, look up—you might just see the northern lights dancing above you.

Day 3: Denali National Park – Wilderness Adventure

Denali is the crown jewel of Alaska, and you’ll want to spend at least two days here.

Morning: Take the park shuttle deep into Denali. It’s the only way to access most of the park, and trust me, you’ll see more wildlife in a day than you thought possible. Grizzlies, wolves, moose, Dall sheep—it’s basically an Alaskan safari.
Afternoon: Hike one of the trails or go “off-trail” (it’s allowed and kind of part of the adventure). Just make noise to keep the bears away!
Evening: Return to your lodge, totally wiped but grinning ear to ear.

Day 4: Talkeetna – Small Town with Big Personality

On your way back south, stop in Talkeetna, the quirky little town that inspired the show Northern Exposure.

Morning: Grab a cinnamon roll the size of your head at a local bakery (yes, really).
Afternoon: Book a flightseeing tour. Imagine circling Denali’s peak, seeing glaciers from above, and maybe even landing on a glacier for a snowball fight. Can you picture that?
Evening: Chill in town, wander through art galleries, and listen to some live music. This place has a surprisingly lively vibe.

Day 5: Seward – Glaciers and Fjords

From Talkeetna, head south to Seward (about 5–6 hours by car). The drive itself is jaw-dropping, with mountains, lakes, and maybe even a beluga whale or two in Turnagain Arm.

Morning: Arrive in Seward and hit up Exit Glacier for a short hike. It’s one of the few glaciers you can reach by foot.
Afternoon: Visit the Alaska SeaLife Center, especially if you love puffins and otters.
Evening: Walk along Seward’s harbor, grab dinner with a view, and prepare for tomorrow’s big adventure.

Day 6: Kenai Fjords National Park – Glacier Cruise or Kayaking

This is one of those days you’ll never forget.

Option 1: Day Cruise – Take a boat tour into Kenai Fjords National Park. You’ll cruise past massive tidewater glaciers calving into the ocean and spot orcas, humpbacks, and sea lions along the way.
Option 2: Kayaking Adventure – If you’re feeling extra bold, book a guided kayaking trip. Paddling near a glacier with harbor seals popping up around you? That’s next-level Alaska.
Evening: Return to Seward and warm up with some seafood chowder. You’ll sleep like a rock after this one.

Day 7: Back to Anchorage – One Last Adventure

Time to wrap things up, but don’t just blast back to the airport.

Morning: Drive the scenic Seward Highway back north. Make stops at Turnagain Arm, Beluga Point, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (where you can safely see bears, bison, and musk ox up close).
Afternoon: If you’ve got energy, squeeze in a hike at Byron Glacier or Winner Creek Trail.
Evening: Return to Anchorage, grab one last Alaskan beer, and toast to an unforgettable week.

Tips for Your Alaska Adventure

Pack for everything. Weather can swing from sunny to rainy in minutes. Layers are your best friend.
Bug spray is gold. The mosquitoes here are legendary.
Book ahead. Tours and lodges, especially in Denali and Seward, fill up fast in summer.
Stay flexible. Sometimes weather cancels flights or boat trips. Have a backup plan.

Final Thoughts

One week in Alaska is like trying to sip water from a firehose—there’s just so much to see. But with this itinerary, you’ll cover mountains, glaciers, wildlife, small towns, and epic adventures. You’ll leave with stories (and probably way too many photos) that’ll stick with you forever.

So, what do you think—ready to pack your hiking boots and head north?