Standing at a towering 20,310 feet, Denali is not only the highest peak in North America but also one of the most iconic symbols of Alaska's wild beauty. Known to the Indigenous Koyukon people as "The Great One," Denali is a place of deep cultural and natural significance. 

Princess Cruises offers exclusive opportunities to experience Denali through its Denali National Park tour options. One of the best ways to extend your adventure is by staying at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®. This lodge provides guests with a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding wilderness. You can do so many things during your stay, like enjoy the views of the Nenana River as you dine at the lodge or hike along the 2-mile Horseshoe Lake Trail.

The Kichatna Spires—granite peaks located in the Alaska Range—are renowned for their dramatic and unique shapes that seem to shoot straight to the sky. The sheer rock faces and sharp ridges make them feel a bit otherworldly—definitely a view you don't want to miss.

Although there are no direct excursions to the Spires, their beauty can still be appreciated from afar, particularly from the nearby Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, where you can find plenty of outdoor activities and scenic viewpoints. The lodge offers stunning views of Denali from its expansive deck, along with exciting activities like river rafting, hiking trails, and even flightseeing tours that bring you closer to Alaska's peaks.

Princess guests cruising along Alaska's coastline will see spectacular views of some of the state's most prominent peaks, including Mount Fairweather and Mount St. Elias. Both are part of the Saint Elias Range, which is the second-highest coastal mountain range in the United States and Canada. Mount Fairweather, in particular, stands at approximately 15,300 feet and has an incredible vertical drop that will take your breath away.

One of the most rewarding aspects of an Alaska cruise is the opportunity to witness the seamless blend of mountains and sea. Princess Cruises offers several itineraries that showcase these stunning landscapes, including popular Alaska Cruisetours that offer exciting land and sea packages.

If you're extending your trip inland, Alaska's roadways offer some of the most scenic drives in North America. Located just outside Anchorage, Turnagain Arm is a must-see, with incredible views of the Chugach Mountains—which are home to the most frequently climbed mountain in Alaska.

For a unique experience of Alaska's interior, consider a scenic railway journey, such as the Alaska Railroad from Anchorage to Denali. Many Princess cruises offer rail excursions that cover shared territory from the Whittier port to Anchorage, so you can get where you need to go to see Alaska's mountain landscapes.

Guided heli-hiking tours allow you to reach remote and untouched areas of Alaska's mountain ranges that are otherwise inaccessible. These tours typically begin with a scenic helicopter flight, during which you'll soar over glaciers, valleys and rugged peaks before landing in a pristine wilderness area.

Once on the ground, expert guides lead you through the Alaskan backcountry, offering insights into the region's unique geology, flora and fauna. Princess provides a Denali heli-hiking excursion for occasions just like this one.

For a more relaxed yet equally breathtaking mountain experience, tram rides in Alaska offer stunning aerial views without the need for extensive hiking. These trams, such as the Alyeska Aerial Tram, take you high into the mountains, providing a wholly unique perspective of the area's peaks and glaciers.

For those eager to explore the rugged beauty of Alaska's mountain regions, several major trails should be on your list. Among the top trails is the challenging Harding Icefield Trail in Kenai Fjords National Park, which wends through alpine meadows to the edge of Harding Icefield.

Another must-visit is the Mount Healy Overlook Trail in Denali National Park, which provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness and is a perfect choice for those staying at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®.

Alaska train travel is a convenient way to see miles and miles of Alaska mountains, with routes that take you through diverse terrains, from coastal regions to the heart of the interior.

One of the most popular routes is the Anchorage to Seward journey, which showcases coastal views as it winds along Turnagain Arm and into the Kenai Peninsula. You can enjoy sights like the Chugach Mountains, glacial rivers and, if you're lucky, wildlife such as moose and bald eagles. 

Another iconic rail journey is the Anchorage to Denali route. This trip takes you from Alaska's largest city into the heart of its most famous national park, offering unparalleled views of North America's highest peak. This journey is particularly popular with guests staying at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®. You can also try the White Pass Scenic Railway, which takes passengers over historic routes into the heart of Gold Country.

For those interested in seeing a diverse range of Alaska wildlife, Denali National Park is an essential stop. Home to the famed "Big Five" (grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and Dall sheep), Denali offers Princess guests a chance to see these animals in their natural habitat. 

Along the coast, whale watching is a must. Depending on the season, you can see humpback whales, orcas and gray whales as they migrate through Alaskan waters. The best time to cruise Alaska for whales is generally from May to September, with peak sightings often occurring in the summer months.

For those seeking a less mountainous but equally thrilling wildlife experience, a visit to Katmai National Park is highly recommended. Famous for the Brooks Falls area, where grizzly bears gather to fish for salmon, Katmai offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe these powerful animals up close. Princess Cruises also provides excursions to other notable wildlife spots, such as the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, along with various whale-watching tours along the coast.

Exploring Alaska's mountain regions isn't complete without sampling the local cuisine. The state's culinary traditions are deeply tied to its natural resources, with seafood taking center stage. When visiting mountain-adjacent areas, be sure to try local specialties such as fresh-caught salmon, halibut and king crab.

Alongside the seafood, many of Alaska's mountain lodges offer hearty meals that are perfect after a day of exploration. At the Princess Alaska lodges, you can enjoy dishes featuring local ingredients, like Alaska halibut or Bison Sliders, prepared with care to reflect the region's unique flavors.

Whether you're exploring by cruise, rail or on foot, Princess Cruises provides a seamless way to connect with the region's most iconic landscapes. To make the most of your journey, consider booking an Alaska Cruisetour, which combines the best of both sea and land. 

Ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Find an Alaska Cruisetour that's right for you and start planning your unforgettable Alaska journey today.