Day 1: Welcome to Alaska! | Anchorage Arrival and Optional Hike (depending on flight times)
Arrive in Anchorage and meet your Via Jolley guides for 5 days of adventure and connection. Depending on flight times, we'll stretch our legs with an optional hike up Twin Peaks (4 miles round-trip, 1,800 ft elevation gain) - a perfect warm-up with breathtaking views of Eklutna Lake and Chugach Mountains. After the hike, we'll visit the nearby Reindeer Farm, a joyful and unforgettable introduction to Alaska's charm.
HIKING: possible 4 miles | Elevation gain/loss:1800 ft| KOSHER MEALS: Snacks & Dinner included | OVERNIGHT: Stillwater Cottages
*Day 1 tentative based on flight times*
Day 2: Lazy Mountain Summit Hike & Summer Dog Sleeding in Willow
Kick off the day with a rewarding climb up Lazy Mountain, one of the Mat-Su Valley's classic summit loops. This 5.8-mile route gains nearly 3,000 feet as it winds from forested switchbacks into wide open alpine views overlooking Chugach Mountains and Matanuska River. August brings long daylight and vibrant scenery, but the trail is steep, exposed in places, and best suited for hikers comfortable with a solid climb. Your Via Jolley guides with pace the group, manage safety, and ensure everyone enjoys the big summit payoff.
After the hike, we'll head north to Willow for a uniquely Alaskan afternoon. Visit a professional dog sledding kennel, meet the spirited dogs, and learn how mushers train their teams throughout the summer months. Then hop on a wheeled sled for a fun, fast-paced ride powered by a team of excited, world-class dogs. It's an unforgettable way to experience Alaska's mushing culture and the perfect finish to a full day of adventure.
DRIVING: 1 hour transfer to Lazy Mountain, 45 minute transfer to Wasilla Dog Sledding | HIKING: 6 miles | Elevation gain: 3000ft | KOSHER MEALS: All included | OVERNIGHT: Stillwater Cottages
Day 3: Trek across the Matanuska Glacier
After breakfast prepared by your Via Jolley team, we'll head to the Matanuska Glacier, one of Alaska's most accessible and awe-inspiring ice formations. Led by professional glacier guides, you'll trek across 9 miles round-trip of shimmering blue ice, exploring deep crevasses, ice caves, and sculpted ridgelines (elevation gain under 500 ft).
DRIVING: 1.5 hours | HIKING: 9 miles| ELEVATION GAIN: 500ft | KOSHER MEALS: All included | OVERNIGHT: Stillwater Cottages
DAY 4: Summit Spirit: Reed Lakes Trail
We'll embark on one of Alaska's most scenic alpine treks- the Reed Lakes Trail (9 miles round-trip, 2,500 ft elevation gain). The trail winds through lush valleys, past waterfalls, and alpine meadows before climbing to the turquoise waters of Upper Reed Lake, surrounded by jagged granite peaks. Along the way, your Via Jolley guides will share insights into the region's geology, flora, and mountaineering history.
DRIVING: 45 minutes |HIKING: 9 miles | ELEVATION GAIN: 2,500 ft | KOSHER MEALS: All | OVERNIGHT: Stillwater Cottages
DAY 5: Eska Fall and Farewell
Our final morning brings one last adventure: a moderate 4.5-mile round-trip hike to Eska Falls (1,200 ft elevation gain), where cascading water and crisp mountain air make for a perfect farewell. We'll pause for a final group photo before returning to Anchorage for departures.
DRIVING: 45 minutes | HIKING: 4.5 miles ELEVATION GAIN: 1,200 ft | KOSHER MEALS: Breakfast and Lunch
All current information is subject to change. A full schedule with exact times will be available closer to the event time.
When you sign up, you will receive a training calendar that our Coach Chaim, the Team Friendship endurance events coach, mapped out specifically for our hikers. Additionally, you will receive weekly emails from Coach Chaim with hiking tips and practical pointers to keep in mind when training and preparing for the hike. The greatest perk of all: Coach Chaim is available to answer your questions and concerns about hiking training, gear, and preparation. Coach Chaim is always readily available and happy to help and can be reached at: coach@friendshipcircle.com. Feel free to reach out to him there and set up a time to chat.
Hikers are responsible for their transportation to and from Alaska. Flights should be booked to land at ANC airport on Sunday, August 2nd, as early as possible. Departure flights from FCA airport should be booked for Thursday, August 6th, after 3 pm
Airport transportation is provided to and from the airport.
Sunday- Wednesday, August 2nd-5th
Shared Cabin at:
Stillwater Cottages
412 S. Lake St.
Wasilla, AK 99654
(Single occupancy rooms available at additional cost)
All meals will be strictly kosher and designed to provide hikers with sufficient energy for the ride. A full breakfast will be served before the ride in the morning. Lunch will be nutritionally designed to keep you going throughout the hike. A hot dinner will be served every night of the trip.
