Denali National Park and Preserve: Our most recommended tours and activities

Talkeetna: Grand Denali Flight with Optional Glacier Landing

1. Talkeetna: Grand Denali Flight with Optional Glacier Landing

Explore Denali on a thrilling flight from Talkeetna. Marvel at an immense glacier, see stunning landscapes, and soar through the air. Upon checking in at a unique Alaskan log cabin, be given a weather and safety briefing and then board one a high-wing, single-engine aircraft for the flight tour of a lifetime. Let the pilot take you on a journey into the heart of the Alaska Range. Just when you think you've seen it all, be flown through 1 of 2 passes on either side of Denali. Emerge on the north side of the range to see a flattened tundra landscape stretching out before you. As your pilot turns the plane around to go back to the south side of the range, there it is, the Wickersham Wall: the 13,658 foot vertical North face of Denali. Add a glacier landing to your flight and experience the exhilaration of standing among the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range. Play in the snow, take photos, or just take it all in. Glacier landings add 30 minutes to the total tour duration.

Talkeetna: Guided Tour of Denali National Park By Air

2. Talkeetna: Guided Tour of Denali National Park By Air

See Denali National Park in the air from Talkeetna. Soar over gentle foothills, along meandering glaciers, and up to the enormous peaks of the Alaska Range. Learn from your bush pilot who loves to share Alaska’s most inaccessible and spectacularly wild settings. Get ready for your flight tour with a warm welcome and coffee, tea, or hot cocoa by the fireplace in a lodge-style, timber-framed office. Then, follow your knowledgeable pilot to your aircraft. Listen to a safety briefing, do a microphone check, and take off toward the Alaska Range. Experience Option (1 hour)This magnificent flightseeing tour of Denali takes you within six miles of the summit. As your flight departs Talkeetna, see how the last ice age has shaped the land. Next, enter a world of rugged high mountain peaks and wide glacier-filled valleys. Listen as your pilot describes the natural wonders of Denali National Park. See the Sheldon Amphitheater, beautiful Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge (the world's deepest - almost 2 miles from top to bottom). Flyer Option (1.25 hours)Explore Denali and the south side of the Alaska Range. See Mt. Foraker (17,400 feet), and Mt. Hunter (14,573 feet). Fly over the winding Kahiltna Glacier, the longest glacier in Denali National Park (45 miles long and 3 miles wide). Then, fly along to the climber's Base Camp located at 7,200 feet on the southeast fork of the Kahiltna Glacier. Spot for climbers as they traverse the glacier and make their way to the West Buttress on Denali's flank. Grand Option (1.5 hours)Make a complete circle of Denali by air. See the south side of Denali, including the Kahiltna Glacier, Denali’s famous west buttress, Sheldon Amphitheater, Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge. Then fly across the divide to see Denali's incredible Wickersham Wall.

Talkeetna: Denali Southside Explorer Scenic Air Tour

3. Talkeetna: Denali Southside Explorer Scenic Air Tour

Explore Denali National Park from the air as you fly over the river systems of Talkeetna and across the Susitna Valley into an incredible landscape of icefalls, glaciers, and snowy peaks. Upon arrival at the unique, octagon-shaped Alaskan log cabin, check-in at the office and listen to an up-to-the-minute weather briefing to prepare you for your trip. Take the opportunity to meet and chat with your knowledgeable guide for the journey, and if you’ve picked the optional glacier landing, get kitted out with all the necessary gear and glacier boots. Relax on the deck as you await your flight’s departure, then follow your pilot guide to the aircraft and listen to a short safety briefing. Board your single-engine, high-wing plane, where everyone gets a window seat to make the most of the views, as well as a personal headset to listen to your guide’s expert narration. Then it’s time to hit the skies for an awe-inspiring one-hour flight amongst the jagged peaks and glaciers on the southern side of the Alaska Range. It doesn’t matter which side of the plane you’re on, since every seat provides stunning, sprawling views across the landscape. Each flight is customized for the very best views according to the weather and includes a flyover of the Great Gorge, the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, and Ruth Glacier. With the addition of a glacier landing, the total duration of the tour becomes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Denali National Park: Wilderness ATV Adventure

4. Denali National Park: Wilderness ATV Adventure

Set off on a fun-filled adventure in Alaska. Whether a novice or expert ATVer, this tour sets you up for a memorable experience in the Alaskan wilderness on your own automatic single ATV or multi-passenger side-by-side ATV. Riding along trails surrounded by Denali National Park, at speeds up to 30 mph, your adventure includes breathtaking 360° overlook stops with views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley. Navigate through rocky creek beds and even spend time splashing through the water (weather dependent). Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the rugged terrain and provide opportunities for photography. Wildlife is abundant — watch out for moose on the trail. The total tour route covers about 10 miles with 1.5 hours on the trails. Tour length is about 2.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Talkeetna: Denali Flight Tour with Glacier Landing

5. Talkeetna: Denali Flight Tour with Glacier Landing

Upon arrival, enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, or hot cocoa by the fireplace while watching a short flight video in our theater. After, receive a safety briefing and be assigned window seat. Then, take off toward the Alaska Range, flying over the beautiful Susitna Valley where you might spot moose and bears. Your skilled pilot will provide interesting stories and commentary while taking the group within 6 miles of Denali's massive summit. Upon entering the Alaska Range, head up the Tokisitna Glacier before heading west to view the impressive 44-mile (71 km) long Kahiltna Glacier, the longest in Denali National Park. During early parts of the summer, you can spot mountain climbers camping at Kahiltna Base Camp and perhaps ascending to the summit. The flight will then head east behind Mt. Huntington passing the south face of the majestic Denali, the tallest mountain in North America (20,310 feet or 6,190 meters) as well as Mt. Foraker (17,402 feet or 5,304 meters) and Mt. Hunter (14,573 feet or 4372 meters). The pilot will be sure to point out the famous peaks, Moose's Tooth and Bear's Tooth before heading into the Sheldon Amphitheater, over the magnificent Ruth Glacier and through the worlds deepest, the Great Gorge.

Talkeetna: Mountain Voyager with Optional Glacier Landing

6. Talkeetna: Mountain Voyager with Optional Glacier Landing

Check-in at a unique Alaskan log office before hopping on a single-engine, high-wing aircraft to begin your fantastic scenic flight. Enjoy a 1 hour and 15-minute flight winding in and around the Alaska Range's major peaks—Hunter, Foraker and Denali. Follow the massive glacier highways from above while listening to fascinating expert narration from your pilot. Witness Kahiltna Glacier, the longest in Denali National Park, stretching 45 miles with stunning ridges of earth and ice. This tour is perfect for those who want to soak in traditional Denali views while adding additional views from the south and west. The extra time in the air also allows for greater flexibility in finding the best views of the day. Upgrade your tour to include a glacier landing during your flight. Experience the exhilaration of standing among the majestic peaks of the Alaska Range. Play in the snow, take photos or just take it all in. Glacier landings add 30 minutes to the total tour duration.

Denali: 5-Hour Guided Wilderness Hiking Tour

7. Denali: 5-Hour Guided Wilderness Hiking Tour

Explore Alaska's spectacular wilderness on an exhilarating trek with an experienced naturalist guide. Hike 5 to 7 miles and climb 1,500 feet. Enjoy amazing views and learn about the area's natural spaces. Embark on a hike in the Denali wilderness accompanied by a licensed guide. Challenge your body with substantial elevation gain, and reward yourself with amazing views as you rise above the tree line. Enjoy entertaining narration from your expert guide as you hike along and explore the glacier topology in-depth while learning about the area's geography and history. Experience the hiking trails, wildlife, and magnificent views of nearby Denali. Climb from lush forest to alpine tundra and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Alaska Range peaks and glaciers.

Denali: Highway Jeep Excursion

8. Denali: Highway Jeep Excursion

Begin a guided and narrated 100-mile round trip Jeep excursion along a gravel road flanked by snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers, and panoramic vistas. The Denali Highway, once the gateway to Denali National Park is an exhilarating drive and wildlife viewing opportunity. Climb aboard a new, 4-door Jeep that hugs the dirt road, while comfortably seating 4 adults who can trade off driving. Each Jeep has a CB radio for communicating with the guide so stops can be made whenever desired. As driving the Denali Highway is prohibited by most rental vehicle companies, this exclusive excursion provides access to more of Alaska's spectacular scenery and wildlife and is a great alternative to crowded bus trips. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Denali National Park: Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

9. Denali National Park: Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

Enjoy the stunning aerial views of the Denali National Park on a scenic helicopter flight. Land on the imposing Yanert Glacier and admire the snow-capped peaks and rolling tundra. Your adventure begins at the private heliport. Enjoy 50 minutes of helicopter time and upon lift-off, be amazed by the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the Yanert Glacier, your pilot will serve as your guide through this unique glacially-carved environment. Soar over the rolling tundra, keeping an eye out for local wildlife species below including caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep. Admire the sight of snow-capped peaks and glaciers. Land on the Yanert Glacier and enjoy 20 minutes of glacial exploration with fantastic photo opportunities. Afterward, fly back to the starting point.

Denali Park Zipline Adventure

10. Denali Park Zipline Adventure

Your adventure begins with a three-mile rail ride through the scenic Alaskan wilderness. After gearing up, your certified guide will lead you along six sky bridges and seven thrilling zip lines, which includes the dual racer finale. The built-in hands-free braking system allows you to relax and enjoy the breathtaking mountain views. Challenge yourself by traversing to the top of the boreal forest on the uniquely designed ascending bridge tower. Soar through the trees and over the tundra on over half a mile of ziplines. End this once-in-a-lifetime experience by racing to the finish zipping alongside your friends and family.

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What people are saying about Denali National Park and Preserve

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 234 reviews

One of the best Alaska adventure that my husband and i done. Best birthday gift ever for my husband! Thank you for once in a lifetime experience! Majestic Alaska.

Supper amazing experience as there are no words to justify the beautiful views of nature. Guide was very friendly. Supper recommended

Weather wasn’t greAt but Pilot Trent made the most of it and we ended up having an amazing trip! Thank you

Beautiful views and our guide demitrius was funny and informative on the sights

The most incredible experience! Pilot was amazing!!!