Escape to the wilderness of Alaska to leave the urban dust behind.

Alaska, renowned as the 'Last Frontier,' beckons adventurers with its vastness and natural splendor. Visitors find solace in its rugged landscapes and profound wilderness.

Embarking on our journey to Valdez, we opt for a compact RV, ideal for exploring Alaska's treasures. En route, nature's spectacle unfolds: winding rivers, cascading waterfalls, and towering glaciers. The tundra blooms in hues of pink against the backdrop of azure skies, while swaying grasses dance in the gentle breeze.

In Valdez, a hub of maritime activities, options abound—from fishing expeditions to seafood processing services. Our tour guide, Captain John, doubles as the owner of a charming two-tiered vessel, promising an unforgettable excursion.

Sunbeams pierce through billowing clouds, casting a radiant glow upon the rippling waters. Our vessel navigates amidst colossal icebergs, flanked by towering cliffs cloaked in verdant pine forests.

Wispy clouds cling to the mountainside, occasionally parting to reveal majestic waterfalls cascading from lofty peaks. Below, sea otters frolic in the tranquil waters, their playful antics a source of delight.

At times, a pod of dolphins frolics alongside our vessel, their graceful leaps evoking childlike joy. Amidst the serene seascape, a bustling congregation of sea lions creates a lively spectacle, reminiscent of a bustling marketplace.

Captain John, a jovial soul, is deeply passionate about his craft. His vessel has been ferrying passengers since 1973, with Sunday mornings reserved for complimentary trips to a nearby island for church services at eight o'clock.

Approaching the Columbia Glacier, the vessel halts about 800 meters away, allowing passengers to marvel at nature's grandeur. Captain John engages in lively conversation with elderly travelers, occasionally using a microphone to alert them of impending iceberg falls.

'A few decades ago, this glacier spanned 10 miles in thickness. Who knows what it will be like in another ten years?' Captain John muses pensively.

Spellbound by the Majesty of Wonderlake

The following day, we venture to Denali National Park, eager to catch the last bus heading towards Wonderlake for our evening camp.

Among the dozens of visitors in Denali National Park, two-thirds opt for backcountry camping—requiring permits to pitch tents hidden away in the wilderness, far from the gaze of passing buses.

As our vehicle meanders through the terrain, we spot individuals casually trekking down, disappearing into the rocky outcrops and dusty foliage. Some resemble Christopher McCandless from Jon Krakauer's 'Into the Wild,' wandering solo, while others stroll in pairs.

Hailing from Germany, Switzerland, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, their towering backpacks brim with essentials—pots, pans, sleeping bags, tents, even scent-proof containers for food, reminiscent of seasoned adventurers.

The route to Wonderlake unfolds magnificently, with towering peaks and winding roads. The afternoon sun casts a golden hue, painting a surreal and inviting landscape. Our guide, Gary, intermittently halts the vehicle, allowing us glimpses of wildlife—deer, bears, and more.

Gary, our seasoned bus driver in Denali Park, boasts 19 years of experience, shuttling passengers in and out for five-hour stints. He shares anecdotes of the park's dynamics—summer bustling with 2,000 workers, dwindling to a mere 8 in the harsh winter, himself included.

Each trip to civilization warrants bulk purchases of canned goods, sustaining life in the wilderness devoid of modern amenities like TV and internet. These provisions last for months in the remote corners of the world.

At 9 PM, Wonderlake remains bathed in daylight, living up to Alaska's moniker, the 'Land of the Midnight Sun.' Campgrounds offer amenities such as food storage, cooking areas, and dishwashing facilities, ensuring a comfortable wilderness retreat.

As early as 6 AM, the sky radiates with daylight, giving the illusion of a nightless night. Leisurely strolling 1 km, we reach Wonderlake. Graceful moose gracefully cross our path or stand majestically amidst the plains, creating an otherworldly serenity. At times, we even spot a herd of 15 moose on the mountainside, captivating visitors with an 'Alice in Wonderland' charm.

Reflection Pond proves a captivating spot. A Swiss couple spends hours here, camera poised for the perfect shot, then contentedly curls up with a Kindle, waiting for the clouds to disperse, enveloped in serene tranquility.

Returning from Denali Park to Anchorage by train offers a leisurely journey, allowing passengers ample time to admire the natural beauty. Three onboard staff take turns enlightening passengers with fascinating tidbits about Alaska. For instance, Anchorage may be the largest city, but Juneau reigns as the capital, accessible only by... boat or plane!

20% of Alaskans hold civilian pilot licenses, many with their own aircraft. Despite its vastness, Alaska has limited road infrastructure, with mostly unpaved routes. The abundance of oil reserves exempts Alaskans from state taxes, with end-of-year oil revenue dividends distributed per capita.

Here, spruce trees grow densely but stunted due to the thin layer of soil atop permafrost. Alaska sees just over a hundred sunny days annually, insufficient to thaw ice layers persisting for 10,000 years.

Areas with volcanic soil yield high-yield crops. Alaska hosts 17 of the 20 tallest peaks in the US, including Mount McKinley, the nation's highest.

As reported by Tuoitre.vn

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour