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: Denali Southside Explorer Scenic Air Tour

2. 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.

Talkeetna: Denali Flyer Flight Tour with Glacier Landing

3. Talkeetna: Denali Flyer 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: Guided Tour of Denali National Park By Air

4. 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.

Denali Park Zipline Adventure

5. 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.

Denali National Park: Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing

6. 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 National Park: Helicopter Ride over the Alaska Range

7. Denali National Park: Helicopter Ride over the Alaska Range

Enjoy 15 minutes in a helicopter above the Alaska range. Soar above the mountains with your pilot and guide, and learn about the local area. Touch down for 20 minutes on a tundra and use the opportunity to take lots of photos and look out for wild animals. Then get taken back to the Denali heliport. Begin by either getting picked up from your hotel (if that option is chosen), or meeting your guide at Denali National Park. Hop in the helicopter and take off, listening as your pilot and guide tells you all about the local area. Fly over the peaks and valleys that make up the Alaska Range. As you explore the mountains just outside of Denali National Park, look below for local wildlife or keep your eyes on the horizon for a chance to view Denali, North America’s tallest peak, or Mt. Deborah, her impressive sister to the East. Next, set down on the soft, alpine tundra and step into this scenic landscape. With the pilot as your guide, take this opportunity to explore the local ecosystem, scan for local wildlife, snap a flurry of keepsake photos or just sink your feet into the tundra and breathe in the mountain air.

Denali: Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park

8. Denali: Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park

This tour is a favorite for a reason! Stroll through the beautiful forest of Denali with a professional naturalist guide on this three hour tour. Along the way, your guide will tell you all about the unique and fascinating history of Denali, including information and stories about the indigenous peoples of the area, and the survivalists and homesteaders who came after them to test themselves against the wilds of inland Alaska. Your guide will also go in depth about the various plants, animals, fungi, and lichens that make this harsh landscape home. There is no better way to experience the National Park.

Denali, Alaska: Canyon Wave Raft Class III-IV Paddle/Oar

9. Denali, Alaska: Canyon Wave Raft Class III-IV Paddle/Oar

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. Get picked up from your accommodation in Denali and head out on your journey. 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.

Denali National Park: Jeep Rental

10. Denali National Park: Jeep Rental

Journey away from the crowds and into your own Denali adventure. Take advantage of convenient jeep rental and explore the park at your leisure. Climb into a new 4x4 Jeep Wrangler JL rental. Drive into Denali National Park to mile 15. Discover small towns and Alaskan treasures as you trek along the Parks Highway. Take advantage of suggested routes from the local partner, or simply be your own guide. There's also free shuttle transportation provided from most hotels, lodges, and campgrounds in the Denali area. Set a date night at 229 Parks or other restaurants just outside downtown Denali, or take a hike at Savage River or Mountain Vista. Make a drive to Stampede Road in Healy, or just explore on your own.

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What people are saying about Denali National Park and Preserve

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 234 reviews

Before the tour, the team was great about communicating pickup coordination and knowing what to expect. Great guides who gave great info about the lights and knew where to go for optimal chance of viewing. Helped the participants learn to take photos of the night sky using their iPhones or androids. Gave plenty of time at the various stops for viewing the sky.

Had an awesome experience with the Jeep Rental. I was able to explore more of Alaska at the cost of utilizing someone else’s vehicle. The service was immaculate and very informative about our tour and the route we planned to take. I highly recommend everyone take this experience.

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

The most incredible experience! Pilot was amazing!!!