Next June, EarthCruiser Adventure will head north to the Last Frontier for our first Adventure in Alaska. This is set to be an incredible trip, taking in the best of the state’s jaw-dropping scenery, diverse wildlife, and rugged backroads. I was lucky enough to have grown up in Alaska, my childhood summers spent camping and exploring its wild places, and I can’t wait to share my first home with our owners.
This Adventure is set to begin in the small town of Whittier on the southern coast. The start date and location have been chosen to allow participants to put their EarthCruisers on the Alaskan Marine Highway ferry system. Those who go this route can load their vehicles onto the ferry in Bellingham, Washington, and cruise up the beautiful Inside Passage to our starting destination.
From Whittier, we will drive the longest dual-use highway tunnel in North America to Turnagain Arm. We’ll stop for a scenic lunch at the top of the Alyeska tram before continuing on to camp on the shores of the Knik River at the foot of a glacier. We’ll take this opportunity to go on a guided glacier walk, traversing the white and blue frozen landscape with the aid of crampons and expert instruction from an experienced guide.
Our journey continues as we head east over the scenic Glenn Highway, stopping at a historic lodge for the night as we make our way to the charming town of Valdez. A trip to Alaska wouldn’t be complete without some time devoted to the glaciers and wildlife of its coast, and here we’ll go out on a scenic cruise in search of whales, otters, and eagles.
We next visit a historic mining town on the outskirts of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve area, where we will have a crash course in Alaskan wilderness preparedness, learning what to do should we encounter bears and how to stay safe in the backcountry. From there, we’ll head deep into the Alaskan interior, taking gravel roads and following the historic Denali Highway to the base of its namesake mountain. Here we can head out with a working sled dog team and help their trainers put them through their paces. We’ll spend two nights in Denali National Park, enjoying plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities.
Our Adventure ends just outside Fairbanks in a campground built around beautiful hot springs. We’ll enjoy a final meal together, toasting our adventures and planning future travels together. Those wishing to continue onwards may opt to drive the legendary Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay.
This trip is the perfect escape for wildlife enthusiasts and lovers of open, remote roads. There will be plenty of opportunities to learn and practice off-road driving skills, navigation, communication, and camp cooking. Optional activities include scenic flights, and plenty of day hikes. For those who love to fish, there will be ample chances to wet a line and cast for Arctic grayling, salmon, and trout. Spaces on the EarthCruiser Great Alaskan Adventure are limited and filling fast!
