Canyoneering
Rappel the dry canyon, sculpted by thousands of years of tumbling glacial water, providing several obstacles along the way.
Journey to the Gold Rush for canyoneering, prospecting and panning for gold at Crow Creek Gold Mine. Adventure into this dry creek canyon sculpted by hydro-mining by ascending ladders and utilizing ropes. Crow Creek Road is dirt and winds through spruce and hemlock rainforests along the Iditarod National Historic Trail into the Chugach Mountains. Watch for black bears foraging in the underbrush on the way to Crow Creek Gold Mine which has been continuously operating and producing gold for over 100 years. The Crow Creek locals give a gold panning demonstration and walk through historic buildings in the scenic area. Hiking a quarter mile and down a hill to the creek gives opportunities to pan for guaranteed gold, sluice and prospect for gold in Crow Creek. Then hike from Crow Creek Gold Mine along the Iditarod Trail to the dry canyon created by hydro-mining operations. Here you begin your detailed safety orientation to canyoneering techniques. Gear up in harnesses and helmets for the rappelling descents to the dry canyon and a thundering 60 foot waterfall in the Jurassic-like area. These challenges require climbing ladders, utilizing ascenders, gripping ropes and balancing around boulders in steep terrain. Bring sturdy footwear, long pants, small cameras and a sense of gold rush adventure!
2011 Price: $139 adult / $129 child 8-12
Departure Time (s): 8:30AM, 1PM & 5PM
Tour Duration: Allow 3.5 hours
Reservations: 1-855-5ALASKA or Email Mickela@alaskatickets.com
Note(s): Transportation can be arranged from Anchorage or surrounding areas for an additional fee. Transportation is provided from Alyeska Resort and our New Girdwood Townsite location.
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JetBoat Kayaking
The thrill of a jetboat combined with the serenity of a kayak!
The Twentymile, Glacier and Carmen Rivers flow from glacial snowfields high above Prince William Sound through stunning lakes to Turnagain Arm. The maneuverable jet boats, challenging river sections, skilled guides and National Forest permits provide access to this wilderness area. The boat captains and deck hands pick you up at the Hotel Alyeska front lobby or meet at the New Girdwood Townsite office. Gear up with waterproof raingear and lifejackets; remember your cameras and sunglasses.
Turnagain Arm offers scenic views on the 12 mile drive to the Twentymile River launch site; from there it is a short walk and a step onto the 6 passenger jet boat. These powerful and maneuverable jet boats have canopy tops for rainy days and Coast Guard Licensed Captains behind the wheel. Navigate the scenic corridor of Twentymile, Glacier and Carmen Rivers. Along the way you stop to view beaver logs and look for eagles. The river narrows, climbs and offers twists and turns on the way to Carmen Lake the ultimate remote destination. Step onto the shore to take in your surroundings. After a snack of energy bars and water begin kayaking in this protected area on stable and comfortable single passenger sit-on-top style Ocean Kayaks. Waterfalls cascade from the mountainsides as you kayak across glacial fed Carmen Lake. Look for wildlife like eagles, ducks, moose and bears. Paddle to a distant lookout for views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Excitement lies around every corner as you return by jet boat the 11 miles of remote, braided and log strewn channels. The Twentymile River system is managed for its wild characteristics and has limited availability so book early.
2011 Price: $209 adult / $149 child 5-12
Departure Time (s): 8AM
Tour Duration: Allow 4.5 hours
Reservations: 1-855-5ALASKA or Email Mickela@alaskatickets.com
Note(s): Transportation can be arranged from Anchorage or surrounding areas for an additional fee. Transportation is provided from Alyeska Resort and our New Girdwood Townsite location.
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Sourdough Circuit
This fun rafting trip and gold panning experience is great for groups, families and beginners!
Originally called Glacier City by pioneers, Girdwood Valley is full of gold mining history. The Crow Creek Gold Mine was established in 1896 with the celebrated Iditarod Trail passing through from Seward to the interior gold fields. Today historic trails, gold mines and waterways allow unmatched recreational opportunities in this lush northern rainforest. Sourdough bread/pancake starter was carried by early prospectors as a staple ingredient to their diet. The rugged individuals consequently earned the “Sourdough” nickname. Combine gold prospecting at Crow Creek Mine with hiking on the Iditarod Trail and whitewater rafting on scenic Glacier Creek. Find guaranteed gold with shovels and pans on the guided tour of the placer mining area and historic buildings. Hike a mile on the Iditarod Trail through the dense forest to the cable hand tram crossing Glacier Creek. Whitewater rafting Glacier Creek Gorge offers non-stop class II+ action. Paddle past waterfalls, view distant glaciers and take advantage of photo opportunities.
2011 Price: $149 adult / $129 child 8-12
Departure Time (s): 8:30AM, 12:15AM and 5PM
Tour Duration: Allow 3.75 hours
Reservations: 1-855-5ALASKA or Email Mickela@alaskatickets.com
Note(s): Transportation can be arranged from Anchorage or surrounding areas for an additional fee. Transportation is provided from Alyeska Resort and our New Girdwood Townsite location.
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Sourdough Circuit w/BBQ
The Sourdough Circuit above combined with intensive gold sluicing at Crow Creek site #2, crossing the cable-hand-tram, hiking to Winner Creek Gorge and a BBQ lunch. Paddling whitewater rafts through gorges formed by nature and mining add to an unforgettable journey.
2011 Price: $209 adult / $179 child 8-12
Departure Time (s): 11:30AM
Tour Duration: Allow 4.5 hours
Reservations: 1-855-5ALASKA or Email Mickela@alaskatickets.com
Note(s): Transportation can be arranged from Anchorage or surrounding areas for an additional fee. Transportation is provided from Alyeska Resort and our New Girdwood Townsite location.
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BackCountry JetBoat Ride
This trip is unmatched in Alaska and perhaps the world!
Adventure waits around every corner on this exhilarating jetboat ride into the wilds of Alaska. Jetboats allow access to wilderness areas of the Twentymile Valley where glaciers flow from snowcapped mountains and stunning scenery surrounds you. Carmen Lake is the ultimate up-river remote destination where you will go ashore to view and photograph nearby glaciers, waterfalls, avalanche debris and mountainous slopes.
Navigating the scenic Twentymile, Glacier and Carmen Rivers allows up close views of the glaciated Chugach National Forest. Along the way eagles, moose, porcupine and bears share nature’s corridor as you look at beaver logs and salmon streams. Braided and log strewn river sections add to the excitement as the rivers narrow, climb and offer twists and turns.
Skilled Coast Guard licensed captains utilize powerful and maneuverable 6 passenger jetboats equipped with convertible tops for rainy days. They share their backcountry knowledge, unique lifestyle and friendly nature along the way. They also provide you with waterproof raingear; remember your warm layers, cameras and sunglasses.
2011 Price: $169 adult / $119 child 3-12
Departure Time (s): 7:30AM, 9:30AM, 1PM
Tour Duration: Allow 3 hours
Reservations: Call 1-855-5ALASKA Email Mickela@alaskatickets.com
Note(s): Transportation can be arranged from Anchorage or surrounding areas for an additional fee. Transportation is provided from Alyeska Resort and our New Girdwood Townsite location.
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ATV Adventure
This is an excellent way to access some of Alaska’s best backcountry and wildlife. This 1/2 day trip is the perfect way to end or begin an Alaskan Cruise or vacation. We can choose a route taking us across the Penguin River up more than 2000 feet to the high alpine meadows of Hidden Valley or travel to a place called “Sanctuary” where you take a short hike down to a clear water pool with a spectacular waterfall. This place is one of Alaska’s best kept secrets and all within close distance to Anchorage. How is that possible? Because there are no road signs marking this trail. Most locals don’t even know about this area and travel many miles out of town searching for the same experience. To keep the area as pristine as we first found it we limit our tours to small groups.
2011 Price: $205 per person
Departure Time (s): 10AM & 2PM
Tour Duration: Allow 4.5 hours
Reservations: 1-855-5ALASKA or Email Mickela@alaskatickets.com
Please Review Terms And Conditions
