Backpacking Trips

in the Denali area, and throughout Alaska. 

Experience Alaska’s backcountry with a remote, Multi-Day Backpacking Trip.

Backpacking Trip Features

Our backpacking trips are private and custom – just you and your group, with your Private Traverse Alaska Guide(s). We carefully tailor each trip to your interests and abilities, and we specialize in creating backcountry experiences that will challenge you at your level.

We focus most of our backpacking trips in the Central and Eastern Alaska Range and the Talkeetna Mountains, near our base in Denali Park, Alaska. We have multiple options for varying degrees of difficulty, as well as access. Flying in via helicopter or fixed-wing plane allows us to get deeper into the wilderness, though we have many access points that we can drive to for the sake of ease, or in the event weather prevents us from flying.

We welcome experienced and novice backpackers alike. We are also happy to turn any backpacking trip into a class to help you better prepare for an unguided trip in Alaska’s backcountry.

*Backpacking trips operate in a backcountry environment. Every member of your group should be able to, and expect to, walk uphill, over uneven terrain, and carry 25-35lbs for up to 8 hours per day.

All of our private guides are professionals, as well as locals—each of us has year-round experience in Alaska. We are well trained, and dedicated to continued education, in history, culture, flora, fauna, geology, and safety (all guides have Wilderness Medical training). We are passionate about sharing all that we know, and continue to learn, about this ever-changing part of the world we call home.

Our backpacking trips include all camp gear (tents, tarp, cook stove), overnight gear (sleeping bags, sleeping pads, backpacks) and backcountry food. Guests are responsible for supplying all personal gear, including warm layers, waterproof rain jacket, and waterproof rain pants. 

We provide top of the line backpacking equipment, however you are welcome to bring your own gear should you choose to. We do not cancel trips due to weather, so your guide will inspect all gear and items prior to departure to ensure they meet our standards. 

We do not offer technical mountaineering or climbing trips. For those, you should reach out to our friends at The Alaska Guide Collective.

Want to learn more?

See Faq

Private, 2-day Backpacking Trip

  • 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
  • Custom pricing, base price is $3,250/total for a party of 2.

Private, 3-day Backpacking Trip

  • 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
  • Custom pricing, base price is $4,725/total for a party of 2.

Private, 4-day Backpacking Trip

  • 4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
  • Custom pricing, base price is $6,200/total for a party of 2.

What Our Clients Say

Paloma S.

“Joe took us on a guided backpacking trip for four days and it was definitely the highlight of our trip to Alaska. Not only were the views absolutely stunning, he was genuinely good company and a very knowledgeable guide. Our group had differing physical abilities and Joe was able to plan the hikes accordingly to make sure we all enjoyed the trip. He was extremely well prepared with good quality food and camping tents/gear. We are so glad that we found Traverse Alaska and we recommend them to anyone looking for a great, humbling experience in magical Alaska.”

Kate R.

“We had the best time and learned so much! My boyfriend and I were planning to do a backcountry trip in Denali solo but decided to get a guide at the last minute because, well, bears. We’re pretty experienced hikers so we’re on the fence about hiring a guide but It turned out to be the best decision. The team was so accommodating with our last minute request, booked great accommodations over the busy Fourth of July week and planned a great route that exceeded our expectations. Erica taught us so much about the terrain, what it’s like to live…

Mike S.

“Three of us buddies wanted an authentic Alaska trip that included hiking in the mountains by Denali as well as fly fishing and bear viewing via helicopter in Homer. Traverse Alaska made all arrangements including working within our budget and we were extremely pleased with all of the choices Joe made. Even better he was our guide on the 5 day backpacking trip and he is an awesome guide, the tents were great as was the food and he is just a great chill guy. The places he took us were basically untouched. I’ve travelled all over the world with…

Sheila O.

“First time backpackers, my 14 year old son and I, we went out on a 7 night trek with Joe who is an outstanding guide. He has great expertise of the area and knew the best spots to camp each night. We were rewarded with impressive views of Denali throughout the week. We were in contact with Joe throughout the planning process and were able to work with some dietary specifications.The trip was totally suited to our abilities and we had a great time learning about Alaska and the tundra and enjoying being in this setting of magnificent beauty. The…

Christopher B.

“Joe Meyer is a rare find among wilderness guides–someone who combines a deep knowledge of the backcountry with great people skills and a genuine interest in having a unique trip tailored to every client.   With Traverse Alaska, Joe leads his clients into epic corners of the Alaskan wild by bike, hike and packraft, with just the right mix of planning and improvisation.  This approach allows for incredible diversity of experience even in a day trip, in the company of a great guy who appreciates the opportunity to share his favorite places and the best ways to experience them.  I…
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