Denali HWY Science Camp
Denali HWY Natural Science Camp
July 30 - August 5th 2025
Price: $2600
Includes full curriculum, pre trip lessons, access to google classroom resources and 7-day adventure camp
Alaska State Students, ages 14 and up are invited to join us for a fun adventure to the heart of the Denali Hwy! This natural science adventure camp will take students into the heart of the Denali Hwy! Students have the option of receiving credit for this fun adventure as they learn more about geology, glaciology, ecology, watershed health, orienteering, backcountry travel safety and wildlife.
The Denali HWY is a true gem. The Denali Highway is a vast world of scenic wilderness with hiking, wildlife, glaciers, mountains and wild rivers and of course the Alaska range. This will be our classroom for 7 days of adventure as students learn about the natural world up close and personal. This is an excellent opportunity for students who love the outdoors, nature, science and wilderness adventure. This camp is for students ages 14 and up. Students can receive science credit from the ASD towards high school graduation.
This camp will start with pick up (TBA) at a central location in Anchorage. Then we hit the George Parks highway, en route, a beautiful scenic drive itself that travels north to the Denali HWY. We will stop along the way for incredible views of the Alaska Range and short discussion and lessons. On this tour we will be camping at established campgrounds along the HWY, a full itinerary will be given to parents/guardians and students before we depart. There will be an informational online meeting TBA 1 month prior to the departure with specifics on itinerary and the daily schedule of activities and lessons. A zoom link will be made available to accommodate remote locations.
This trip includes a stay at the Maclaren River Remote Camp, maintained by the Maclaren Lodge. The lodge will transport us to the camp via river boat where we will spend 3 nights. On our layover day students will hike to the Maclaren Glacier, approx 10 miles over rolling tundra via a social trail with little to no elevation gain. The hike is considered moderate and we will go slow, stopping for discussions, lunch and snacks. After our time at the remote camp, we will head back to the HWY via a canoe trip out the river. We finish our time on the Denali HWY and after a short morning hike we start our drive back to Anchorage via the Glenn Hwy. We will camp along this route before making our way back to Anchorage the next day.
This camp is all inclusive. Students will receive a personal packing list that includes a personal sleeping back and sleeping pad. All food, transportation and lodging are included. Students will also receive their own personal natural science kit to use and keep. The price of the trip includes all lodging and meals and while you are on the trip as well as the boat ride and canoe.
Daily Camping Itinerary:
Brushkana Camp
Brushkana Camp
Maclaren Glacier Camp
Maclaren Glacier Camp
Maclaren Glacier Camp
Tangle Lakes Camp
Drive Tangle Lakes to Anchorage (Return)
Book Today! Call or email us to express interest and to receive your reservation information.
For Homeschooling programs please read our welcome letter with registration information here.
*This program is currently offered for credit through Galena City School District, IDEA Homeschool and Anchorage School District. Please contact us for questions on how these credits can be transferred to your home school or district, either in state or out.
*50% Down payment is required to reserve space for your student, please call or email to book. The final payment will be due March 31, 2025.
Hiking out to the Maclaren Glacier.
Water testing in camp.
Students keep nature journals with notes from lessons and observations they make in the field. Students are encouraged to draw with colored pencils or watercolor. They love creating their own journals with guidance and prompts from instructors.
Lessons in the big group shelter.
Maclaren Glacier and morraines
Students learn how to cook using various methods such as camp stoves, over fire and in dutch ovens.
Group photo at the Nenana River Overlook, Denali HWY.
Maclaren River and Glacier
Maclaren Glacier Camp
Botany lesson and plant identification
Watershed health lesson and water testing.
Students looking at PH of the Brushkana River.
Water sample testing
Looking up valley towards Maclaren Glacier
Compass work
Instructor Erin gives an orienteering lesson
Denali Overlook, George Parks HWY
Students receiving a geology lesson on the Alaska Range Terrane.
Tangle Lakes, Denali HWY
Student filming his discoveries in the tundra near Brushkana Camp. The specimen collected was a mushroom.
Student shows off a drawing of the Maclaren River.
Students on a mission to explore the tundra near Brushkana Camp.
Good times in camp at Maclaren Glacier.