Hiking in Denali National Park
from $4322
Duration: 6 Days
Fall in love with the untamed beauty of Alaska on this six-day walking and hiking trip that loops you inland from coastal Anchorage to the spectacular Denali National Park – home to the tallest mountain on the continent, Denali. Hike tundra trails that weave through wildflowers and maybe even spot some wildlife living among the landscape (is that a grizzly bear?). Walk across a massive glacier of ancient ice and choose your own hiking adventure with leader-led walks through the park. By the end of your trip, you’ll understand why, in the Indigenous Aleut language, Alaska means ‘The Great Land.’
  • Experience the rugged beauty of Denali National Park – home to the tallest peak in North America and starring some of the most scenic photo ops you’ll find anywhere in the USA.
  • Walk atop the ice of the largest car-accessible glacier in Alaska – the Matanuska – on an educational tour led by a local Alaskan guide and glacier expert (with all technical gear provided).
  • Hike the North Face Hiking Trail in Girdwood and reach the mountaintop for epic views across the Chugach range and the surrounding glaciers.
  • Take in the sweeping view of Matanuska Valley as you ascend The Butte, surrounded by pine forests and snowcapped mountains. Then, enjoy a beer tasting and group dinner at a local brewery in Talkeetna.
  • Trek on customized trails that your leader chooses specifically for your group and look out for diverse wildlife including various birds, grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and sheep.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs.
  • Girdwood - Mt. Alyeska Hike & Aerial Tram
  • Matanuska - Guided glacier trek
  • Palmer - Bodenburg Butte Hike
  • Talkeetna - Denali Brewpub Pizza & Beer Dinner
  • Talkeetna - Leader-Led walk
  • Denali National Park - Leader-led hike
  • Denali - Triple Lakes hike
  • Day 1 Location: Anchorage / Girdwood
    Welcome to Alaska! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 9 am this morning in Anchorage. It’s recommended you arrive early, as after the meeting, you’ll head out and drive the scenic Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm to the charming ski resort town of Girdwood. Stop along the way for photo ops and then arrive at Alyeska ski resort, where you’ll go on your first hike in Alaska. Take the North Face Hiking Trail and start by hiking up the mountain to the top, where you'll get incredible views over the Chugach Range and a whopping seven glaciers. You’ll start nearly at sea level, so you don't need to worry about acclimatising to the altitude. There will be time at the top to grab a bite to eat at the café for lunch, perched on the mountain top, before taking the Aerial Tram back down. Tonight, head out on an optional group dinner in Anchorage to celebrate your first hike together.
    Day 2 Location: Matanuska Valley - Glacier Hike
    Embark on a scenic drive along the Glenn Highway towards the town of Palmer this morning – a trip that’s packed with gorgeous mountain vistas and plenty of time for photo ops. You’ll eventually reach the famed Matanuska Glacier – Alaska's largest road-access glacier. It’s a jaw-dropping 27 miles long and 4 miles wide and has some of the most accessible walking areas of any glacier in the state! Don your ice cleats and helmet (included) and begin exploring the glacier on foot with the help of an Alaskan guide and glacier expert. Marvel at the ice that formed thousands of years ago, high in the Chugach Mountains. Amazingly, every day is unique at Matanuska, due to the dynamic nature of the glacier. Similarly, your tour will be customised to suit your group’s interests. After, enjoy a picnic lunch with stunning glacier views and surrounding scenery before heading to Wasilla for the night.
    Day 3 Location: Talkeetna
    This morning, you'll do a short ascent of The Butte (as the locals call it) for some incredible views over the mountain-fringed Matanuska Valley. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery along the way of local farms and the Knik River below as you walk among pine trees surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and birdlife. Then, continue to Talkeetna, where you’ll head out on a leader-led orientation walk. After checking in to your hotel, you'll have some free time to do an optional hike, or perhaps book a scenic flight. This evening, head out for a beer tasting at a local brewing company, followed by a delicious group dinner – what a great way to fuel up and get ready for your Denali National Park hikes in the coming days!
    Day 4 Location: Denali National Park
    Today, hit the road for the gorgeous Denali National Park – a park and preserve with six million acres of Alaskan wilderness featuring North America’s tallest peak – Denali. This park is Alaska’s most popular land attraction, as its diverse landscape of tundra, mountains, spruce forests and glaciers are home to various wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and sheep. When you arrive, your leader will choose a hike in the park based on the group's abilities and interests to warm you up for tomorrow’s full-day hike. Take in the scenery and enjoy a night off at your accommodation.
    Day 5 Location: Denali National Park - Triple Lakes Hike
    Today you’ll set out for the trip's most challenging (and rewarding) hike – the full-day Triple Lakes Trail. You’ll start by the Denali Visitor Centre and then trek through spruce forests, hillsides, mountainous landscapes and the three lakes where the trail gets its name. Walk along Riley Creek and ascend for beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch with the group and enjoy a breather while you listen to the sounds of nature. Look out for the birdlife that calls this park home (this is a popular trail for birdwatching) and spot the bright colours of local flora. After the hike, unwind and reset at your accommodation or enjoy a group dinner to swap stories, highlights and photos.
    Day 6 Location: Anchorage
    Make the most of your time in Denali National Park by squeezing in some free time in Denali where you might join a ranger-led hike or check out a sled dog demonstration. Head back to Anchorage this afternoon, arriving by 3 pm, where your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Alaska, just speak to your booking agent.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    09JUN2024
    Return Date:
    14JUN2024
    5085NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    16JUN2024
    Return Date:
    21JUN2024
    5230NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    30JUN2024
    Return Date:
    05JUL2024
    5185NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    07JUL2024
    Return Date:
    12JUL2024
    5185NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    28JUL2024
    Return Date:
    02AUG2024
    5380NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    11AUG2024
    Return Date:
    16AUG2024
    5380NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    18AUG2024
    Return Date:
    23AUG2024
    5380NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    25AUG2024
    Return Date:
    30AUG2024
    5380NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    01SEP2024
    Return Date:
    06SEP2024
    5185NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08SEP2024
    Return Date:
    13SEP2024
    5185NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    08 Feb 2024

    Trip title

    Hiking in Denali National Park

    Trip code

    SAXD

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    Fall in love with the untamed beauty of Alaska on this six-day walking and hiking trip that loops you inland from coastal Anchorage to the spectacular Denali National Park – home to the tallest mountain on the continent, Denali. Hike tundra trails that weave through wildflowers and maybe even spot some wildlife living among the landscape (is that a grizzly bear?). Walk across a massive glacier of ancient ice and choose your own hiking adventure with leader-led walks through the park. By the end of your trip, you’ll understand why, in the Indigenous Aleut language, Alaska means ‘The Great Land.’

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Walking & Trekking

    Transport

    Private Van

    Physical Rating

    4

    Physical preparation

    You’re in for a hiking trip and a good level of fitness is essential. We don't ask travellers to complete a physical participation form for this trip however we do ask you read through the trip notes carefully to ensure that this trip is the right trip for you. You must be comfortable hiking up to 8-9 hours a day, with many steep uphill sections, uneven, rocky terrain and in unpredictable weather. If you’re already a regular exerciser, it might be an idea to up your game a little. Run those extra laps, or take few longer walks, ideally with a day pack on your back. If you’re not exercising so regularly (2-3 times a week), it’s important to start in the weeks leading up to your departure (4-6 weeks prior at least). Your best choice would be to start walking regularly 2-3 times a week including at least one longer walk (up to 15 km). It’s important to not only walk on flat surface, so if you cannot access a hilly terrain easily, walking up and down the stairs is a good replacement. Top that up with some general fitness exercises and any other cardio related classes and you will see a huge progress in your fitness levels.

    Joining point

    Springhill Suites by Marriott Anchorage Midtown

    3401 A Street

    Anchorage

    99503

    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    Phone: +1 9075623247

    Joining point description

    Located near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, our hotel is right in the center of the hustle and bustle of the city. With downtown just north of the hotel you are not too far away from restaurants and shops. All rooms have a microwave, mini-refrigerator, hairdryer and coffee maker as well as a separate living room and spacious bedroom. All rooms have complimentary Wi-Fi. A hot breakfast buffet is available each morning in the hotel breakfast area. There is also an indoor pool onsite.

    Joining point instructions

    The hotel has a complimentary airport transfer which is on request. Upon arrival call the hotel to advise them of your arrival +1 (907) 562-3247. Alternatively a taxi will cost $10 USD one way (approximately).

    Finish point

    Springhill Suites by Marriott Anchorage Midtown

    3401 A Street

    Anchorage

    99503

    UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

    Phone: +1 9075623247

    Finish point description

    Located near Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, our hotel is right in the center of the hustle and bustle of the city. With downtown just north of the hotel you are not too far away from restaurants and shops. All rooms have a microwave, mini-refrigerator, hairdryer and coffee maker as well as a separate living room and spacious bedroom. All rooms have complimentary Wi-Fi. A hot breakfast buffet is available each morning in the hotel breakfast area. There is also an indoor pool onsite.

    Important information

    1. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 9am on Day 1. Please consider booking extra pre tour night in Anchorage to make sure you will be on time for the start of your adventure.  2. On the final day, this trip finishes at approximately 3pm on arrival in Anchorage.  If departing this day, please do not book any flights before 8pm. If you would like to spend more time in Anchorage, we can request additional accommodation for you post tour. Please speak to your booking agent. 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

    Group leader

    Your group leader’s role involves organising the overall operation and smooth-running of the trip and managing trip logistics. Your leader is also fully qualified and experienced to lead all the treks/hikes included in this trip, therefore, your leader is also your trekking/hiking guide. In addition, they are responsible for driving the van and navigating across the country/state. The allowable driving times for drivers is strictly controlled in North America. This ensures our drivers are well rested and are not over-tired from too many hours on the road. Please note that guides are required to take 8 hours off each 24 hour period to sleep, recuperate, take personal/down time, etc. It is essential that leaders are well-rested in order to safely lead hikes. We ask our travellers to respect these requirements and to not interrupt guides’ time off and sleep time unless there is a true emergency.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    BEARS Human-bear encounters are rare. Your leader is trained in bear safety and will carry bear spray during hikes as an extra precaution. When hiking in regions where bears live, hike in groups, be alert, and never approach a bear or other wildlife. When hiking, periodically yell “Hey bear!” to alert bears to your presence, especially when walking through dense vegetation/blind spots, traveling upwind, near loud streams, or on windy days.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Experience the rugged beauty of Denali National Park – home to the tallest peak in North America and starring some of the most scenic photo ops you’ll find anywhere in the USA.

    Walk atop the ice of the largest car-accessible glacier in Alaska – the Matanuska – on an educational tour led by a local Alaskan guide and glacier expert (with all technical gear provided).

    Hike the North Face Hiking Trail in Girdwood and reach the mountaintop for epic views across the Chugach range and the surrounding glaciers.

    Take in the sweeping view of Matanuska Valley as you ascend The Butte, surrounded by pine forests and snowcapped mountains. Then, enjoy a beer tasting and group dinner at a local brewery in Talkeetna.

    Trek on customized trails that your leader chooses specifically for your group and look out for diverse wildlife including various birds, grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and sheep.

    By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Grand Canyon Conservancy. Donations help them protect Grand Canyon National Park and support trail restoration, conservation of native plants and wildlife, and educational programs.

    Is this trip right for you

    This is a hiking trip, so a good level of fitness is desirable to enjoy all included hikes fully. Be sure to bring appropriate gear for this trip, including good walking boots, rain gear, warm clothing and sun protection for glacier hikes, including sunglasses.

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.  PERSONAL MEDICATION Medical prescriptions written outside of the US and Canada aren't accepted at local pharmacies. We recommend you bring along your personal medications in the necessary quantities for your trip. DEHYDRATION & SUN PROTECTION The most likely medical incidents to occur on our trips are dehydration, over exposure to the sun and twisted ankles from walking on uneven ground. While hiking please ensure you drink enough water to remain hydrated as some hikes don't have refill stations for your water bottles. The sun (especially in desert areas in the West) can be harsh, particularly in the warmer months. Ensure you apply adequate sunscreen and wear a hat. Motion sickness due to winding roads or during boat tours is not uncommon in Alaska. You may wish to consult with your medical professional about bringing motion sickness medication.

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. Since most food is shipped to Alaska from outside, you may find the cost of groceries as well as restaurant meals expensive.  Our leaders are experienced with giving restaurant recommendations based on a variety of budgets, but you should plan to spend about 30% more on food than you would elsewhere in the USA.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. The most convenient way to access money is via ATMs, which are plentiful throughout North America. Check with your bank for information on their international fees. Most optional activities can be paid for with credit card. TIPPING Tipping is part of the culture in North America – while it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of many industries including the tourism industry, in North America. YOUR LEADER You may consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline US$10-20 per person per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your leader on your trip. Tipping is always appreciated. LOCAL GUIDES During your trip you may have a local expert guide for an included activity. As a guideline we suggest $5-$10 per person per local expert as a tip. TIPPING WHILE OUT AND ABOUT Restaurants: We suggest 18% to 22% of your bill. Bars: We suggest US$1 per drink. A charge that isn’t normally listed in North American menus or pricing are the state and federal taxes. Keep this in mind when your bill comes out slightly higher than the original price listed. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    All luggage is carried in trailers or inside the vehicle so please don't bring more than one medium sized bag, backpack or suitcase (20kg/44lb maximum) per person. Your suitcase/rucksack may get some rough handling, so make sure it's a tough one. A small daypack with your water bottle and camera may be carried with you inside the vehicle. You should be prepared for cold and wet weather in Alaska, even during the summer. ESSENTIAL:  Water bottle or bladder system. We recommend 2-3 litres of total capacity  Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses  Closed-in hiking shoes with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day  Trekking clothing: A mixture covering lightweight clothing and warm layers. Your activities will take place in the outdoors, where weather may change quickly. Lightweight, comfortable, and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. We’ve listed some specific recommended pieces below. Laundry facilities may not be available on every day basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes.  Light jacket, fleece and base layers including warm non-cotton socks.  A warm outer layer, a wind and waterproof jacket  Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts  Light winter gloves/mittens and a hat  Long hiking pants or zip-offs  Comfortable shoes or sport sandals for shorter walks or evenings spent at the hotel  Torch/flashlight/headtorch  Personal travel documents which may include a passport, visa, driver's license, travel insurance, flight tickets and your Essential Trip Information. Photocopies of these documents stored separately from the originals will be handy. While not valid, a photocopy of your identification makes it much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. RECOMMENDED:  Cell phone, camera with spare batteries, charger, and power/plug adaptor (Types A & B are used in North America. Voltage is 120V). Some of our vans have USB-2 style charging ports inside.  Insect repellent (Mosquitos can be a nuisance in Alaska, especially in July)  Personal trekking/hiking poles  Gaiters or waterproof pants – recommended for wet or snowy conditions  A bell you can clip to your bag or clothing to alert wildlife to your presence  Travel eco-friendly wipes/hand sanitizer  Swimwear  Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes, anti-diarrhoeal, antibacterial gel, wet wipes, blister patches/moleskin, bandaids/plasters etc. OPTIONAL:  Travel pillow if you like to sleep during long drives  Binoculars to help you spot far-off wildlife.  Ear plugs to guard against a snoring roommate  A good book, a journal or headphones to listen to music with. If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our essential checklist for hiking/trekking trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/trekkies-packing-guide/

    Climate and seasonal

    WEATHER IN NORTH AMERICA Due to the size and topography of the US and Canada, there's a huge amount of variation in the climate. We recommend you consider both the season and the part of North America you intend to visit, so that you can best pack for your adventure. We recommend you check the weather in your destination 10 days prior to your arrival to help guide your packing choices. WEATHER IN ALASKA Alaska's weather can be highly variable, so it's essential to be prepared for rapid changes in conditions. Alaska is famous for its “midnight sun” during the summer when there can be up to 20 hours of daylight so you may want to bring a sleep mask. Don’t be fooled by the northerly latitude – the sun can be quite strong so bring sun protection. You will almost certainly experience rain during your trip so come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear. Coastal Areas: Coastal areas, such as Anchorage and Seward, experience a maritime climate with milder temperatures and more precipitation than interior areas. It is not uncommon to experience a wide range of weather conditions from bright sunshine to cold wind and rain on the same day. Summers (June-August) have long daylight hours (16-19 hours) and high temperatures ranging from about 15°C to 21°C (59°F to 70°F) and average lows from 9°C to 13°C (48°F to 55°F). Fall (September-October) has cooler temperatures and beautiful fall foliage. Fall highs average 10°C to 5°C (50°F to 41°F) and lows average 3°C to -3°C (37°F to 26°F). Interior Alaska: Inland areas, like Talkeetna and Denali National Park, have a subarctic climate with warm summers, frigid winters and drier conditions, however they can experience periods of rain during the summer. Mosquitoes can be abundant during summer, so pack insect repellent. Daylight hours are especially long during the summer months in interior Alaska (18-20 hours). In Denali National Park average summer high temperatures are in the 60s to the low 70s Fahrenheit (around 15°C to 24°C) and average low temperatures are 40s to the mid-50s Fahrenheit (around 7°C to 13°C). In the fall, temperatures can drop more than in coastal areas. Average highs in September and October are 28°F to 50°F (-2°C to 10°C) and average lows are 16°F to 38°F (-9°C to 3°C). USA NATIONAL HOLIDAYS The following national holidays are observed in the US, which can affect our itinerary as traffic can be extreme, and shops, restaurants and attractions can be closed: New Year's Day (01 January) Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January) Washington's Birthday (third Monday of February) Memorial Day (last Monday of May) Independence Day (4 July) Labor Day (first Monday in September) Columbus Day (second Monday of October) Veterans Day (11 November) Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November) Christmas Day (25 December)

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section. LEGAL DRINKING AGE In the US the legal drinking age is 21. In Canada the legal drinking age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 in the remaining provinces and territories. Our leaders are not able to help underage customers buy alcohol.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    POLICE AND AMBULANCE In case of an emergency, local authorities can be contacted by calling 911 – this is the toll free phone number for the police, fire department and the ambulance in the USA and Canada. In case of doubt, call the operator on 0. While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid local operator : Available for phone call on +001 435 767 0002

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ The Grand Canyon Conservancy is on a mission to protect the Grand Canyon National Park for future generations. With almost 6 million visitors to the park annually, the Grand Canyon Conservancy runs educational programs and immersive experiences that teach people about the park's cultural and environmental significance. Donations support trail restoration and maintenance, conservation and preservation of native vegetation and wildlife, and educational programs. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation: https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/grand-canyon-conservancy

    Accommodation notes

    The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

    Transport notes

    NORTH AMERICA VEHICLES Our large fleet of 15-passenger vans are fully equipped with air-conditioning system, V8 engines and any camping or cooking equipment needed for your trip. Most have cloth-upholstered seats and carpeted interior with radio or CD players. Your luggage is typically transported in a trailer which is towed behind the van. The vans are regularly serviced by a well-established network of maintenance and service facilities throughout the continent. However, unforeseen maintenance problems can still occur while on the road and we appreciate the patience of our travellers as we make necessary repairs as quickly as possible. While your group will have a van for all included activities on the trip, the services of the van and leader may not be available for your use during free time, or after you have arrived for the day. If you need a special trip into town you may need to arrange transport or a taxi.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

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