Things to do in

Denali National Park and Preserve

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hop aboard a whitewater raft and experience the unforgettable environment of the Denali National Park. Enjoy an 11-mile journey on the water including occasional rapids as you take in views of Mount Fellows and the Nenana Canyon. Benefit from pickup from your accommodation and transportation to the starting point. Make use of gear such as dry suits and river shoes as you get set for your experience. Then, get ready to experience Denali from the water on your raft. Take in the views as you glide down the Nenana River through unspoiled nature. Enjoy a family-friendly journey with small sections of rapids as you raft in the shadow of the mountains. Have peace of mind knowing that your dry suit and river shoes will keep you warm. At the end of your trip, head back to the starting point to get changed, before enjoying transportation back to your accommodation.

Enjoy a 3-hour guided walk. Immerse yourself in the wilderness and grandeur of Alaska's incredible landscape. Meet your guide at your hotel. Hop in the van for a short drive and get to know your small group of a maximum of 7 travelers. Get ready for your guided walk on one of the many beautiful trails on the north side of the Alaska range. Learn about the animals, people, and plants of Denali from your expert, local guide. Marvel at the outstanding natural landscape as you traverse the trail. Enjoy stopping for some rest and conversation along the way, and even pick some berries in season. Bring your camera and curiosity about this incredible landscape. After completing the trail, relax in the van as you're driven back to your Denali accommodation.

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.

Immerse yourself in nature with an exhilarating white-water rafting tour in Alaska. Ride through adrenaline-pumping rapids along the Nenana River as you take in the natural beauty of Denali National Park. Cover a length of 11 miles on a fascinating once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This activity of for ages 12 years and older. Get picked up from your accommodation in Denali, we will then get you suited in a dry suit and head out on your rafting adventure. Glide along powerful rapids as you take in spectacular views of the park's gems, like Mount Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain. Enjoy the company and assistance of a professional guide throughout your experience. Stay warm in the cold Alaskan temperatures with a dry suit and river shoes that'll keep your clothes and feet from getting wet. Wear warm layers and bring warm socks. Our suit will keep you dry your clothes will keep you warm.In Preparation for Your Trip. - Warm layers would include, thin base layer light long sleeve shirt or thermals if you have them, mid layer- long sleeve sweater, sweatshirt, fleece or a vest, outer layer light puff, jacket (without a hood if possible), rain jacket. - A thin glove layered by a pair of dish gloves is a great way you keep your hands warm. - Warm socks could be a wool pair of socks or an extra thick pair of winter socks for skiing, or you can layer two socks and slide in a toe warmer in between the socks. If you have booked through a third party please contact New Wave Adventures prior to your trip to ensure: - Pickup time - Important trip updates - Access to your waivers We look forward to rafting with you. Please see our policies concerning the Canyon Section High-water / Wind Policy (Canyon Wave Only) If New Wave cancels a Canyon Wave trip due to high water, wind or other safety reasons you will automatically be rebooked to the Wilderness Wave at the same time slot. If you have booked through a third party call us before your trip, for access to waivers, confirm pick up, and get any important trip updates.