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United States

Alaska: Off the Map

13 days | Ages 14-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

Welcome to Alaska, the largest yet most sparsely populated state in America. Get a glimpse of Denali, North America’s tallest peak. Drive along the Cook Inlet to the Kenai Peninsula, watching the landscapes pass you out the window. Set out on challenging hikes near Exit Glacier to see the 700-square-mile Harding Icefield. Experience the incredible Alaskan wilderness from mountains to sea during this incredible adventure.

Highlights:

  • Catch a glimpse of Denali, North America’s tallest peak
  • Hike alongside a glacier tongue and take in the spectacular views of the Harding icefield

Program Tuition

$5,995

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

Summer 2024

Program tuition refundable until March 31

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 13-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Alaska!

Arrive into Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to the hotel and settle in, relaxing after your long flight. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. We spend the next two nights in shared hotel rooms in Anchorage.
2

Alaskan Heritage

Get to know Alaska a lot better today with a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Anchorage Museum. Learn about the indigenous peoples of Alaska and the history of this area.
3

Anchorage Service

We spend the morning on a community service project with a local park. We'll install garden beds that beautify and create food. Then, it's off to our first campground. Go over the basics of camping, setting up tents, cooking and cleaning. The students share tents in a campground with bathrooms and showers.
4

Denali

We make the journey to Denali National Park today. Below the tallest peak in North America you'll set up camp. In the evening, enjoy a ranger-led talk about the park and enjoy the natural beauty of the campground. We spend the next two nights at a campground with no showers or electricity, but with flush toilets.
5

Hit the trails

We have a big day of hiking ahead of us today! After a big breakfast, we head to the Savage Alpine trail. The hike will take us most of the day, but the views and the experience will be worth every step. You'll earn a big dinner back at camp tonight!
6

Backcountry camping

We break camp today and make the drive to Maclaren Glacier. We take a boat ride to our remote backcountry location. Settle into the remote camp and enjoy the quiet. We stay in shared cabins with flushing toilets and showers.
7

Trekking

We hit the trails today to make the 8-mile hike to a glacial lake. Take a 6-mile round trip trek to Butte or an 8-mile hike to a glacial lake depending on time. Soak in the Alaskan landscapes in remote regions of the state. Back at camp, test your competitive spirit during games at the campsite. Share stories around a campfire
8

Glacier View

We depart Maclaren today to head to the town of Glacier View. On the way, we stop to top up on more perishable goods. Then we set up camp Set up camp and enjoy some downtime! We camp fro the next two nights at campground without running water or electricity, and with pit toilets.
9

Ice Climbing

Today we head out on the ice. Meet with your local ice climbing guides and learn the ropes. Put what you've learned into action on a glacier.
10

Rafting

Get set for a day of rafting! We'll get your adrenaline pumping for a moderate to challenging white water rafting experience on the Lions Head section of the Matanuska River. After we get out of the water, we head to Seward. On the way, we'll stop for an optional polar plunge in the Lower Trail Lake. Set up camp for your next two nights.
11

Harding Icefield

Learn about the effects of climate change while visiting the Harding Icefield. Head out for and 8.3 mile round trip hike with impressive views of the icefield and surrounding area. Recover during a nice dinner at a local restaurant. Go souvenir shopping in Seward. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
12

Marine Tour

Hop aboard a boat to cruise through the waters off of Alaska. We'll explore Kenai Fjords National Park from the boat and see sea birds, otters, puffins, and maybe even whales. We head back to Anchorage for a final night at a comfortable hotel before we all head home tomorrow. Get a great night's sleep and soak in your final night in Alaska!
13

Goodbye, Alaska!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 13 calendar days / 12 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

United States

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

United States offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

United States Americas 2026