Denali Hwy Adult Retreat
Adult Retreat to the Denali Highway, Alaska: A 7-Day Journey of Adventure &Creativity
July 1- July 7th
This camp is intended to help fund our summer camps for the 25 & 26 school years.
Price: $2400
Overview: Join us for a transformative 7-day adult retreat along the breathtaking Denali Highway in Alaska. Go where rental vehicles can’t on this remote, scenic route that offers unparalleled access to some of the most stunning landscapes in the state, from towering mountains and rivers to the rugged taiga wilderness. Our retreat will focus on immersing ourselves in the natural landscape away from the distraction of the regular daily grind. Along the way, we will experience a variety of activities designed to inspire and rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit, including packrafting sections of the Maclaren River, watercolor painting, nature journaling, and more.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Departure from Anchorage, AK (July 1st)
Our retreat begins in Anchorage, where we will depart and head north towards Cantwell and the beginning of the Denali HWY. Our first night will be at the Brushkana River Camp where we will hike around the taiga forest and along the beautiful rushing river.
Day 2: Brushkana to MacLaren River Camp (July 2nd)
After breakfast, we begin our journey along the iconic Denali Highway, heading towards the MacLaren River Camp. Along the way, we’ll stop at scenic viewpoints for nature walks and photo opportunities. The drive will take us over expansive tundra, glaciers, and crystal-clear rivers. Our destination today is the MacLaren Glacier River Camp, where we will stay for the next three nights.
Day 3-6: Activities at MacLaren Glacier River Camp (July 3rd- 5th)
These two full days will be dedicated to immersion in both nature and creativity. During our time at the MacLaren Glacier River Camp, we will offer a range of activities:
Packrafting: We will venture out onto the nearby river for a packrafting adventure, gliding through calm waters and taking in the magnificent views of the surrounding glaciers and wilderness.
Watercolor Painting: Inspired by the natural beauty around us, we will have a watercolor painting session where participants can capture the stunning landscapes on canvas.
Nature Journaling: Spend time reflecting on your surroundings by keeping a nature journal. Participants will be encouraged to document the sights, sounds, and feelings they experience while observing the environment, creating a personal record of the retreat.
Typewriter Journaling: For those who enjoy writing, we will provide vintage typewriters to explore journaling in a tactile, nostalgic way. The rhythmic sound of the typewriter will create a unique and meditative atmosphere for capturing thoughts and stories.
Pressing Flowers: Collect flowers and plants from the surrounding area, then learn how to press and preserve them as natural keepsakes. These pressed flowers can become part of your journal or serve as reminders of the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
Day 6: MacLaren River Camp to Tangle Lakes (July 6th)
After a fulfilling few days at MacLaren Glacier River Camp, we’ll continue our journey along the Denali Highway toward Paxson. On this leg of the trip, we’ll enjoy even more breathtaking vistas, spotting wildlife along the way. Paxson will be our final destination for the retreat, where we’ll have time to reflect on the journey and engage in a closing ceremony.
Day 7: Tangle lakes to Anchorage
Today will be a day of relaxation and reflection as we complete our route on the Denali HWY. We did it, we escaped society for 7 days! And we guarantee you will want to keep going because once you’ve been out in a magical place like the Denali HWY, you won’t want to return.
Key Activities:
Packrafting: Explore the rivers and pristine waters of the Alaskan wilderness by packraft, allowing for a hands-on adventure while soaking in the natural beauty.
Watercolor Painting: Express your creativity through watercolor painting as you capture the stunning landscapes surrounding us.
Nature Journaling: Record your thoughts, observations, and experiences in a nature journal, connecting deeply with the land.
Typewriter Journaling: Try out journaling with a vintage typewriter, evoking a timeless way to capture your inner reflections.
Pressing Flowers: Collect and press flowers from the environment to preserve the beauty of the natural world and create lasting memories.
Location Highlights:
Denali Highway: A scenic drive through Alaska's remote interior, offering incredible views of Denali and the rugged, pristine landscape.
MacLaren Glacier River Camp: A remote, peaceful camp nestled at the base of MacLaren Glacier, along the flowing river with expansive views of the entire glacial valley. This is an ideal space for creativity and quiet reflection, hiking comfortable for all abilities and exploration by being still and taking it all in.
This retreat will not only provide an opportunity for adventure and exploration but also allow for deep reflection, creative expression, and a lasting connection to the healing natural world. Your guides will educate you on what you see, as we explore you will receive in depth explanation of geological processes, greater understanding of the Alaska Range, how braided rivers work, and ecological processes that will surround us. Natural science and field guides will be provided for you to keep track of everything you see along our trip. This is a natural science retreat intended to inspire exploration and connection through fun learning opportunities. Whether you're looking for a creative outlet, a rejuvenating getaway, or simply the chance to disconnect from daily life, this retreat offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and connection with nature. Let’s go!
