Denali Day Tours

Denali National Park, 240 miles north of Anchorage, has over 6 million acres of pristine wilderness and is most famous for its incredible wildlife viewing - including moose, grizzly bears, foxes, caribou, wolves and Dall sheep.    It is also home to Mount McKinley - North America's tallest peak at 20,320'.  It was called  "Denali" by the Athabascan Indians - meaning "the Great One".    The 95 mile road into the park offers restricted access, as private vehicles and rental cars can only travel the first 14 miles.  For the best wildlife viewing you will certainly want to travel beyond that point on a narrated bus tour or Park Service shuttle bus.   And you'll want to save time for the some of the many other area activities such as rafting, flightseeing, horseback riding or a Jeep Safari.

DENALI BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURE BUS TOUR:

Enjoy this full day narrated exploration along the 95 mile Denali Park Road. Your trained naturalist Guide/Driver will interpret the natural and geologic history, while helping you spot bears, moose, caribou and other wildlife. You'll stop frequently for photo ops and rest stops.  You'll also have an opportunity to photograph the jewel of Denali - Wonder Lake! Snacks, drinks are provided, along with lunch at the exclusive Denali Backcountry Lodge.   Lunch consists of a sandwich bar, soups, fruits, snacks, fresh baked goods and drinks.   There is always a vegetarian option and other dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.   Additional activities in Kantishna with a trained guide are available after lunch. Try your luck at gold panning near the lodge, or take a guided nature walk to Fannie Quigley's historic pioneer cabin, which was recently restored by the National Park Service. 
Tour schedule 6:30am -7:30pm.   (June 3 - Sept. 11)   $135.00 per person, including National Park Entrance Fee (Adult or child).

denali jeep safari:

Join your fellow explorers in a spectacular 3.5 hour 4x4 Jeep off-road adventure on the historic Stampede Trail. Your guide will interpret the scenic area along the way by means of two-way radios.  You'll have a chance to stop for photo opportunities and snacks and roundtrip transfers are included.  

Tour schedule:  7am; 11am; and 5:30pm.  (May 22 - Sept. 15)  $119. per Adult.  $79. per Child under 12.

Denali flightseeing:

Denali Glacier Landing (Fixed Wing Flight)
Come experience the ice-age as you fly over the heart of the Alaska Range and the beautiful Denali National Park. This flight originates out of the Healy air strip, located roughly 12 miles north of the Denali Park entrance area.   (Transfers provided from most Denali Area Hotels.)  Your flight will be in either a fixed wing Beaver or a 185 Sessna, as you fly across the Outer Range Mountains.  These low, rounded ridges are home to Dall sheep, wolves, and caribou.   You'll then fly over the heart of Denali National Park, and across the jagged spine of the central dramatic Alaska Range and its massive walls of rock and ice. You’ll view glacier moraines, which are mile-long piles of rubble and crushed rock scrubbed from the mountains as the glaciers receded.   Your skilled pilot will land at one of Denali Park's south side glacier landing areas, and step out onto the ice alongside you as you soak in the truly breathtaking beauty all around you. On your return flight, you’ll witness even more stunning views of Mt. McKinley, and watch out for climbers laboring up the shear snow ridges toward the summit.

This tour is provided using a small single engine bush plane (6 passenger Beaver or 4 passenger 185 Sessna)All guests have a window seat plus an interactive head set to communicate with the pilot.  The pilot will also provide exciting narration throughout the flight.)
$379.00 per person 
Duration:  (2 hours and 45 minutes flight) 
Departures at 8:30am, 12:00noon, 3:30pm and 6:00pm

Exciting All Weather Flightseeing out of Denali!

Each of these fabulous flightseeing tours includes a 15 minute pre-flight briefing and tour description with maps of the flight plan. Your flight is narrated by an experienced Alaskan pilot-guide who is well-versed in the history, geology and lore of the area.  These aircraft are presently the only all-weather aircraft operating from Denali Park. This means that even on cloudy days, when the clouds are between the ground and the mountains, you can often go above the clouds so you can get fantastic views of Mt McKinley in all its glory.  And this is the only air taxi to offer Over-the-Summit flights and Around-the-Mountain flights from Denali Park.

You’ll fly with twin engine safety and in cabin class comfort in one of 3 Piper Navajo aircraft seating up to 9 passengers per plane. These aircraft have all-weather capability, excellent heating and cooling systems, and provide a quiet, smooth ride.  Each passenger has a large, untinted window and a personal headset for two-way communication. Cabin class seating provides a center aisle and spacious seats with plenty of legroom for passenger comfort and couples can sit next to each other. Each aircraft has a wide door and 3 steps for easy accessibility.  And the aircraft can be made wheelchair accessible with the addition of a ramp if necessary.

Circle Denali Flight
Come fly around the beautiful Mount McKinley with fantastic vistas of Little Switzerland and the "Climber's High Camp" at 14,000 feet. Fly over Kahiltna Pass and circle to the north side of the Alaska Range. See the Wickersham Wall, Pioneer Ridge, and the Kantishna mining area. During the summer months, you may have the opportunity to see climbers on their way to the Summit.
$250.00 per person
Duration:  (1 hour and 15 minute flight)  Departures at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3:pm and 5pm.

McKinley Summit Flight
This is the ultimate flightseeing tour and includes all the features of the Circle Denali Tour with fantastic vistas of Little Switzerland and the "Climber's High Camp" at 14,000 feet. Fly over Kahiltna Pass and circle to the north side of the Alaska Range. See the Wickersham Wall, Pioneer Ridge, and the Kantishna mining area. During the summer months, you may have the opportunity to see climbers on their way to the Summit, and you’ll have the added excitement of a Summit overflight!
$275.00 per person
Duration: (1 hour and 25 minute flight) Departures at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3:pm and 5pm.

Kantishna Flights between Denali and the Backcountry of the Denali National Park!

The Grand Ascent out of Kantishna:
Your journey begins as you fly over gently rising terrain, past numerous kettle ponds, upward to the base of Denali (Mt. McKinley), which stands at 20,320 ft.(6194 m.). You'll spend 60 minutes viewing the enormous glaciers, towering granite walls and snow-covered peaks that enshrine North America's greatest mountain.  Ideal for in-depth sightseeing and photography.  If weather conditions allow, you will circumnavigate the entire Denali massif.  This flight is roundtrip from the Kantishna International Airstrip inside Denali National Park.
$170 per person.     2 passenger minimum (approx.1 hour)

Denali Depot Express to the Backcountry:
This trip offers an alternate travel option to the Denali Park Train Depot on your departure day. Instead of an early morning, five-hour bus ride, you can sleep in. Enjoy your extra time at the lodge, and then depart mid-morning. Fly through the awe-inspiring Alaska Range. The optional scenic flight will take us to the North Face of Denali and over a number of the north side glaciers. You will arrive at the depot with plenty of time to make your travel connections at the park entrance. Direct flight: 35 minutes. Scenic flight: 50 minutes.

Denali River rafting:

From Mild to Wild - the scenic, glacier-fed Nenana River, bordering Denali National Park, awaits you with a variety of rafting adventures! You can choose from a calm 2-hour float trip to  a vigorous 8 hour whitewater excursion!    And you can choose to let your guide do all the work or you can grab an ore and paddle as a team - led by an experienced Paddle Captain to command you!   

McKinley Run (2 hour float trip)  - Class II to III - Great for Families!
Hold on and enjoy your introduction to rafting in Alaska. You may see moose, sheep, caribou and bear, as you raft downstream 11 miles. The most scenic portion of the Nenana River gives you thrilling, yet safe rafting. A great trip for families!

• Class I, II, with one III
• $72.00 per person
• $72.00 paddle raft (15 & Older; requires 5 paddlers)
• $62.00 children 11 and under; recommended minimum age 5
• Plan to be with rafting tour company for 3 hours.
• Check in times 7:30am, 12:30 pm and 6:30pm daily

Canyon Run (2 hour whitewater) Class III to IV
Hang on! It's whitewater ahead! You'll get wet and enjoy every minute of it as we head for Healy, 11 miles down river. Get into real whitewater rafting as you hang on through thrilling rapids such as "Cable Car", "Coffee Grinder", and "Ice Worm"!

• Class III with one IV
• $72.00 Per Person.
• $72.00 paddle raft (15 & older requires 5 paddlers)
• Plan to be with rafting tour company for 3 hours.
• Check-in times are: 7:30am, 10:00am, 3:00pm, & 6:30pm daily
• Recommended minimum age is 12

Healy Express (4 hour Combination McKinley Run and Canyon Run)  Class II to IV
Begin with the "McKinley Run" A spectacular trip over class II, III water through the most scenic and beautiful portion of the Nenana River. This is your chance to sit back and enjoy the rugged wilderness. Continue on with the "Canyon Run"! Hang on! It's whitewater ahead! You'll get wet and enjoy every minute of it as we head for Healy. Get into real whitewater rafting as you hang on through thrilling rapids such as "Cable Car," "Coffee Grinder," and "Ice Worm"!

• Class I, II, III. and IV rapids
• $99.00 Per Person - Oar Boat
• $99.00 Paddle Raft (15 & older requires 5 paddlers)
• 22 miles miles of rafting
• Plan to be with us 5 1/2 hours
• Check-in Times are: 7:30am & 12:30pm daily
• Recommended minimum age 12

"Full Day" - Mild or Wild!
Guided scenic trip, with whitewater option, skirting the boundaries of Denali National Park down the glacier-fed Nenana River. This offers an excellent opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural environment and to travel the Great North Land as our early settlers traveled.   These trips offer a short hike (time permitting,) and lunch served right on the river! If you choose the whitewater option, after lunch you are in for the ride of your lifetime through the Nenana River Gorge!

Full Day (with whitewater option):
Includes McKinley and Canyon Runs plus an additional 2 hours of scenic mild water and lunch.

• Class I, II, III, and one IV rapids
• $159.00 per person, recommended minimum age 12
• 36 miles of rafting
• Plan to be with rafting company for 9 1/2 hours
• Check-in time is at 9:00am

Perfect trip for families with young children. It is just like the "Full Day", but without the whitewater.

• Class I and II
• $119.00 per person
• $109.00 children 11 and under, recommended minimum age 5
• Plan to be with rafting company  for 7 1/2 hours
• Check-in Time: 9:00am
   

Denali helicopter tours:

A spectacular helicopter flight offers stunning views of Denali National Park  and its mammoth peaks, ancient glaciers and park residents – moose, sheep, and bear. The helicopter base, located one mile from the Park entrance, offers a variety of tours to suit all passengers. All tours operate May 15th – Sept. 15th and complimentary shuttle service is provided from most Denali area hotels.  Weather cancellations are fully refundable.

Denali Excursion Helicopter Flightseeing
This 50-minute flightseeing tour offers a panoramic view of Denali National Park. Travel along the spine of the Alaska Range through unexplored backcountry of towering peaks and ancient glaciers. View the impressive Cantwell Glacier as it cascades over a 900-foot cliff, while North America’s Highest Peak, Mt. McKinley, towers on the horizon. Keep an eye out for park residents, such as bear, moose and Dall Sheep. Allow two hours for this tour, which includes transportation to and from your hotel.

Price: $284.00 per person*

Glacier Expedition Helicopter Flightseeing (with Glacier Landing)
Stunning views of Denali Park, ancient glaciers, and towering peaks combine to make this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Depart from our heliport overlooking the Nenana River on the way to the Yanert Valley, located just east of Denali National Park. Traveling along the spine of the Alaska Range, view how the Pacific and North American tectonic plates have collided with each other, creating massive mountainous peaks. View ancient glaciers that have carved their way through rugged backcountry. Your flight offers views of the stunning Alaska Range. Plenty of photo opportunities await you on this adventure. Glacier walking boots are provided for your added safety on this tour. Please allow (two) hours for this adventure, which includes transportation to and from your hotel.

Price: $384.00 per person*

Denali Glacier Trekking (Flightseeing plus Glacier Hiking Tour)
Extend your Glacier Expedition Tour on this exciting adventure. Passengers enjoy the highlights of the Glacier Expedition Tour, but once on the glacier, a professional guide will lead you on a two-hour guided hike across the glacier. Explore ice pools, moraines, ice bridges, and ice streams in depth while learning about glaciology and how glaciers have carved the surrounding landscape. Glacier walking boots, ice poles, and outerwear is provided for this tour. Allow four hours for this adventure, which includes transportation to and from your hotel.

Price: $489.00 per person*

Heli-Hiking Adventure 
For those passengers wanting to “experience” Denali Park, this tour offers you the opportunity to explore the backcountry. This four-hour tour transports passengers to the Yanert Valley for an unforgettable guided hike. Your naturalist guide will lead you on a soft-adventure hike, above the tree line, to track animals and learn the history of the area. Relax on a hillside over looking the valley and take-in the magnificent vistas while enjoying a small snack. Tour includes approximately three and one-half hours of guided hiking and a 10-15 minute helicopter flight. Please allow five hours for this tour, which includes transportation to and from your hotel.

Price: $374.00 per person*

* Due to passenger safety and comfort, any passenger weighing 250 pounds or more, will be assessed a seat and one-half charge. Additional space will then be allocated on the aircraft for those passengers. Failure to report accurate weight could result in denied boarding and rescheduling or cancellation of your tour without refund.

Denali Horseback Riding:

The Taiga Tour (1 hour - no experience required)
This ride winds through the boreal forest at the tree line boundary with the tundra. It offers great 360° views and an integrative natural history lecture. Our only complaint is that it’s over too quickly. Elevations are around 2000 ft, and there are great wildflower, berry and wildlife viewing opportunities. No experience required!
Tours 8-9am and 3-4pm.  $59.00 per person. 

The Tundra Tour (2 hours - moderate difficulty)
The perfect ride for those who want a real taste of Alaska but who don't want to brave four hours in the saddle. Your savvy horse will carry you up the open tundra to an elevation of 2500 feet, and return through a beautiful ravine that melds into taiga. Amazing views will have you constantly reaching for your camera. Excellent natural history lectures and great chances to view wildlife, especially moose.  Moderate difficulty. 
Tours at 9-11am and 5:30-7:30pm.  $99.00 per person.

The Alpine Tour (4 hours - Requires Intermediate Experience)
You and your sturdy mountain horse will ascend a 3800-foot ridge overlooking the Healy drainage and the National Park. Ride up into pure alpine terrain where 100-year-old trees are only 6 inches tall. This ride offers astounding views of 'The Great One'- Denali. This tour covers it all- taiga, tundra, the alpine- from wildflowers to marmots, moose and bears. Snack provided.  Requires Intermediate Experience.
Tour at 9:45am-1:45pm.  $159.00 per person.