Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

​​​​​​​Day 1: Fairbanks (D)
We’ll start our journey in Fairbanks, a northern hub surrounded by boreal forest and rolling hills. This time of year the birch and aspen trees will be glowing gold against the darker spruce, and if we’re lucky, we might even catch the aurora after dark. The Chena River winds through town, offering reflections of the colors and plenty of foreground interest for wide-angle shots. It’s the perfect introduction to Alaska’s autumn palette.

Day 2: Black Rapids (B,L,D)
Driving south along the Richardson Highway, we’ll make our way toward the Alaska Range and spend the night near Black Rapids. The Richardson is one of the most scenic roads in Alaska, tracing glacial rivers and cutting through mountain passes. Around Black Rapids, the Delta River valley opens up into wide vistas with glaciers spilling down from the peaks. We’ll stop along the way to photograph braided river systems, rugged ridgelines, and the reds and oranges of tundra plants that thrive in higher elevations.

Days 3 & 4: Valdez (B,L,D)
From Black Rapids we’ll continue toward the coast, descending into the fjords of Prince William Sound and the charming port town of Valdez. The drive itself is a highlight, with the Worthington Glacier, Thompson Pass, and countless waterfalls lining the route. In Valdez, we’ll have two nights to explore. We can photograph the harbor at sunrise, capture reflections in the calm waters of the Sound, and head out toward Keystone Canyon where waterfalls tumble through narrow rock walls. If the weather cooperates, boat trips into Prince William Sound will offer views of tidewater glaciers and marine wildlife — all framed by brilliant autumn colors on shore.

Day 5: Sheep Mountain (B,L,D)
Leaving Valdez, we’ll retrace our path back over the mountains and spend the night near Sheep Mountain, along the Glenn Highway. This stretch of road is one of the most underrated in Alaska, winding through valleys painted with vibrant tundra reds and dotted with glacial rivers. Sheep Mountain itself offers dramatic cliffs and sweeping views of the Matanuska Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the state. Sunset light over the ice and tundra should give us some striking compositions.

Days 6 & 7: Palmer (B,L,D)
From Sheep Mountain we’ll follow the Glenn Highway west into the fertile Matanuska Valley and base ourselves in Palmer for two nights. This area is surrounded by farmland, mountains, and rivers — a diverse mix for photography. The Talkeetna and Chugach ranges rise dramatically to the north and south, and on clear days we may even glimpse Denali in the distance. Autumn here means hay fields lined with golden trees, red tundra on the mountain slopes, and crisp mornings with fog lifting off the rivers. We’ll also have the chance to explore Hatcher Pass, a high alpine valley where abandoned gold mines and rolling tundra provide endless photo opportunities.

Days 8 & 9: Talkeetna  (B,L,D)
Our final stop will be Talkeetna, a quirky little town at the base of the Alaska Range. With two nights here, we’ll focus on photographing the rivers and views of Denali. The Talkeetna and Susitna rivers converge just outside of town, offering wide open vistas perfect for capturing reflections of fall colors. If the mountain is out, Denali’s massive profile rising above the autumn landscape is one of the most iconic views in Alaska. Even if the peak hides behind clouds, Talkeetna’s trails, historic buildings, and colorful birch forests will keep our cameras busy.

Day 10: Talkeetna to Anchorage (B,L,D)
On our final morning, we’ll rise early for one last sunrise shoot around Talkeetna. Whether we’re framing the soft morning light on the Susitna River, capturing golden birch trees glowing against the Alaska Range, or hoping Denali peeks through the dawn clouds, it’ll be a fitting farewell to our time in the north. After the shoot, we’ll make our way south toward Anchorage. The drive offers plenty of chances to stop along the Parks Highway for a few last photos of autumn landscapes and sweeping mountain views before wrapping up our fall colors adventure in Alaska.