I’ll be backpacking in Gates of the Arctic at the end of June and had devised an excellent plan to spend another several days exploring by Jeep (with light hiking) afterwards. Unfortunately, due to bush flight scheduling issues, the plans have shifted a bit, which messes up my exploration week. Looking for help salvaging the trip.
I’ve got a Jeep reserved (can go on gravel roads) that I’ll now be picking up in Anchorage late on 7/2 or early 7/3. I fly out of Anchorage late on 7/6.
Originally I was going to drive the loop with Glenn Hwy and Denali Hwy, w/brief trip partway down Nabesna Rd where I was going to hike into a cabin for a night, dispersed camp and hike around Denali/Richardson Hwys a night or two, then spend two nights at Savage River in Denali.
I could keep the Denali reservations, but that leaves 7/3 open and paying the premium for a gravel-okay Jeep without the gravel (although regular car rentals at this late date look even more expensive than the Jeep). My original plan was mostly trying to stay off the beaten path, so I’m not terribly excited about spending the whole time in the busiest areas.
Any ideas? (Oh, and I’ve been around Kenai already so not terribly interested in that, plus Seward has a big July 4 festival, which isn’t my jam. I’m open to skipping Denali altogether if a better plan warrants). Thank you!!
