Itinerary - August 1-8 - Anchorage to Anchorage

Day 0: - July 31

Arrive in Anchorage

There is no shortage of accomodation in Anchorage. Basecamp Anchorage is a great hostel, walking distance to food and a few sights.

DAY 1: - August 1

OYO for breakfast

Bus picks us up in Anchorage 9-11am.

Drive to Seward (3hrs)

hike/run some/all Mount Marathon

Camp in Seward

Hotel Options: Hotel Seward, Seward Sea Treasures Inn, Sauerdough Lodging. There are many more options for hotels. If you choose something that isn’t the previous three that I’ve listed, please be sure that the hotel is close to the Campground.

DAY 2:  - August 2

Lost Lake - 15 mile point to point or any distance shorter as an out and back.

Sleep in Seward

Day 3: - August 3

OYO morning run/hike

Drive to Whittier (3hrs)

Ferry to Valdez (6hrs)

Camp in Valdez at the Eagles Rest RV Park. Cabins available through website.

Day 4 - August 4

Drive to McCarthy/Kennekot (5hrs)

Time to run/hike in afternoon

Camp in McCarthy

Lodging options: McCarthy Guesthouse, McCarthy Lodge Resort, Lancaster’s Backpacker Hostel, Kennicott River Lodge (this is the closest to camp)

Day 5 - August 5

Run in McCarthy

Camp in McCarthy

Day 6 - August 6

Drive Denali Highway (6hrs)

Run along Denali Highway

Camp - Mclaren River Lodge - rooms available

Day 7 - August 7

Drive to Denali

Camp in Denali (no cabins available)

Day 8 - August 8

Drive to Little Coal Creek Trailhead for Kesugi Ridge Race @ 9am.

This race is entirely optional but highly recommended if you think you might still have it in you to cover 14 or 30 miles on the final day of the adventure. Those not doing the race can still enjoy the course and (weather permitting) an unmatched view of Denali.

A much shorter out and back option is to hike/run up to the 14-mile finish line (4 miles one way).

After the race, we will travel to Anchorage where evening and night departures are possible. When booking flights, take note that there are lots of flights out close to midnight (1am flight will read as August 9). Some folks might want to stay an extra night in Anchorage. We (Rickey family) plan to fly out on the night that the trip ends.