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Denali National Park Sightseeing Tours and Activities

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  • Code: SDE

Denali National Park Sightseeing Tours and Activities

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Deep in the Alaskan interior is over six million acres of preserved wilderness that includes massive expanses of forest, glacial lakes, frozen tundra, and towering mountains - including North America’s tallest mountain, Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley. Originally established as Mount McKinley National Park in 1917, the park’s boundaries have pushed outward to include Denali National Monument and Denali Preserve. In 1976 President Jimmy Carter designated the park as an international biosphere reserve, focusing on ecosystem conservation and prudent use of national resources. Finally, in 1980, Mt. McKinley National Park and Denali were incorporated to establish Denali National Park & Preserve. Today the park attracts over 400,000 visitors annually who travels for the astounding Denali wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and an opportunity to immerse themselves in the pure, untamed wilderness of Alaska. Experience Alaska's grandeur on our spectacular road trips and Alaska railroad tours, both featuring a visit to Denali National Park. Whether navigating scenic roads from Anchorage and Fairbanks or enjoying a comfortable rail journey, these expeditions promise breathtaking views of Alaska's wilderness. Join us for an unforgettable adventure, seamlessly blending the thrill of the open road or the charm of rail travel with the majestic landscapes of Denali National Park. Please note: Our sightseeing tours cannot be booked individually, but only in conjunction with our travel packages. Please note that the excursions can only be booked in combination with our travel packages.

Weather in Denali

Wednesday,20 22:40
Broken Clouds
21°F 21°F min 21°F max
Humidity: 77 %
Wind: 8.4 mph SouthWest
Pressure: 1,032 hPa

  • Description

  • Reviews

 

SDE1001 Extend Denali Transit Bus Tour to Wonder Lake

The Denali Transit Bus is the official shuttle bus service into Denali National Park. The shuttle is best suited for those visitors who are seeking flexibility in their day trip into the Park and would like to have the option of getting off the bus to hike or explore on your own. Excellent hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities all along the Park Road. Created by retreating glaciers, Wonder Lake offers visitors stunning views of Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range, as weather permits. Along the Park Road, alder and willow carpeted hills are dotted with kettle ponds often frequented by waterfowl and other wildlife. Reflection Pond, an amazing photo stop on a clear day, requires you utilize the Kantishna Transit Bus or hike 2.5 miles from the Wonder Lake turnaround stop.
Price: $20.00

Update: This tour is not available due to the reconstruction of a section of Denali Park Road near Polychrome Pass.

SDE1002 Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour

The fully narrated 62-mile Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park is led by a certified naturalist driver/guide who will also provide historical and geographical background of the area. The tour will last approximately eight to nine hours and includes ample photo and rest stops. When your tour driver is able, he/she will take video footage of animals along Park Road and project these images onto drop-down video screens, featured only our specially designed tour buses. This way you can get a close-up look at the roadside action. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a “Tundra Wilderness Tour” DVD, which will feature some of the video footage shot from your tour! Guests cannot switch buses throughout the day (only the Denali Transit Bus allows this). Update: The turnaround point is the East Fork Cabin, 42 miles into the park, as the Denali Park Road is closed from this point due to reconstruction.
Price: $130.00

SDE1003 Exchange Transit Bus Tour to Kantishna Wilderness Trails Tour

The Kantishna Wilderness Trails tour is the premier Denali Park wilderness bus excursion. Spend the entire day in Denali National Park and discover a piece of Alaska's gold rush history and warm hospitality at the historic Kantishna Roadhouse, located just past Wonder Lake on the banks of Moose Creek. Your 12 to 13-hour fully-narrated excursion to Kantishna travels via a custom motorcoach through 95 miles of Denali National Park's prime wildlife habitat. The last 30 miles allow for full viewing of Mt. Denali. Hot beverages and refreshments are included en route to the Kantishna Roadhouse. After a hearty deli style lunch in the dining room at the Roadhouse, relax and visit the Historical Recorder's Cabin and enjoy a dog sled demonstration or gold panning. Guests cannot switch buses (only the Denali Transit Bus allows this).
Price: $175.00

Update: This tour is not available due to the reconstruction of a section of Denali Park Road near Polychrome Pass.

SDE1004 Exchange Transit Bus to Denali Backcountry Adventure Bus Tour

The Denali Backcountry Adventure Tour is another premier Denali Park Wildlife bus excursion. This full-day, 13-hour tour travels 95 miles in each direction to the Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna. You'll travel by private bus with a trained naturalist driver/guide giving interpretation along the way helping you search for bear, moose, caribou and other wildlife while pointing out the biology and geology of the region. Several photo and rest stops will be made. Snacks, drinks and lunch are provided. Lunch is served at the exclusive Denali Backcountry Lodge in Kantishna. After lunch try your luck at gold panning near the lodge or take a guided nature walk before returning to the Park entrance.
Daily from June – Price: $160.00

Update: This tour is not available due to the reconstruction of a section of Denali Park Road near Polychrome Pass.

SDE1005 Nenana River Rafting Trip

All you need is a sense of adventure for this exciting tour. Take in the spectacular scenery along the most gorgeous portions of the Nenana River as your guide does all the work. You'll enjoy 11 miles of Class II, III and optional class IV whitewater as you float through a glacial valley - gentle enough to let you enjoy the scenery yet active enough to be an unforgettable adventure. Skirt the boundaries of Denali National Park for an excellent opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural environment. This is the place to see wildlife including moose, sheep, caribou and bear as you raft downstream. If you choose the whitewater option, you are in for the ride of your lifetime through the Nenana River Gorge!
Departure: Daily  | Price: $130.00 - 2 hrs tour,   $220.00 - 5 hrs tour

SDE1006 Denali Kennel Tour

Begin an exciting three-hour journey to Wolf's Den Kennel in Cantwell, where Iditarod competitor Mark Santos and his 60 sled dogs reside. The adventure starts with a picturesque drive from your hotel, accompanied by captivating stories and views. Engage with charming puppies and gain insights into the training and upkeep of sled dogs. Observe a training session, explore the Iditarod through an in-depth presentation, and peek into the tough Alaskan way of life. This engaging excursion wraps up with a guided return drive, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Alaska's wild landscapes and the culture of sled dog racing.
Duration: 3 hours, Daily Departures at 8 AM & 7 PM     | Price: $69.00

SDE1007 Denali ATV Adventure

Drive an ATV through the backcountry of northern Denali National Park. After learning how to safely maneuver the four-wheel-drive ATVs, which go up to 15 miles per hour, and donning safety gear, follow the guide onto the trail, which affords breathtaking imagery at every turn. The nearby mountains, dramatic tundra, jagged horizon and unique flora form the striking tableau that only exists in the Alaskan wilderness. As your guide describes the area’s mining history keep an eye out for wildlife. Explore Dry Creek riverbed, site of Athabascan Indian artifacts and an authentic cabin abandoned by old-timer Alaskans. Scale Black Diamond Peak for a heavenly view of Healy Valley.
Duration: 2 ½ hours | Price: $160.00

SDE1008 Denali Helicopter Heli Hiking Tour

An exhilarating helicopter flight takes you to the top of the ridge overlooking spectacular vistas of the Alaska Range dominating the landscape. An exhilarating flight will bring you to our hiking area located just beyond the boundaries of Denali National Park. Trek through the wild Alaskan backcountry with an experienced, local naturalist at your side. Once there, your guide will lead you on a gentle tailor-made trek above the tree line. Your naturalist guide will extend knowledge on local flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky – catch a glimpse of the wildlife in person. Relax on the hillside while enjoying a light snack. The hike will leave you with unforgettable views of rolling tundra and alpine ridgelines. This tour is limited to small groups in order to accommodate varying levels of mobility and guest desires.
Duration: 15 min of flight time, 3 – 3 1/2 hour hiking time| Price: $536.00

SDE1009 Denali Helicopter Glacier Landing

Walk upon an ancient glacier tucked away deep in the Alaska Range. Your adventure begins at our private heliport. Immediately upon lift off, you will be immersed in the vastness of the Denali National Preserve. On your way to the massive 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 residents – caribou, moose, bear and Dall sheep. Snow capped peaks and glaciers abound on this journey before you set down on a river of ice. Enjoy 15-20 minutes of glacial exploration with endless photo opportunities.
Duration: 50 min of flight time, 15-20 minutes on Yanert Glacier| Price: $536.00

SDE1010 Denali Jeep Safari

Don't miss the Denali Highway, the #2 “Drive of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine! Once the gateway to Denali National Park, this 135-mile gravel road is surrounded by pristine nature & is a photographer’s paradise. Snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers & panoramic vistas flank the Denali Highway! New, 4-door, 4x4 Jeeps hug the dirt road, while comfortably seating four adults who can trade off driving. Throughout the trip, you'll be able to ask the guide questions and share the experience with your fellow drivers. Each Jeep has a CB radio for communicating with the guide so stops can be made whenever desired. On a clear day you'll see Mt. Denali and a variety of wildlife. You are welcome to enjoy the thrill of manoeuvre along the wilderness road.
Duration: 4 hrs,  Departures: 7:30 AM, 6:30 PM, 5:30 PM          Price: $189.00

SDE1011 Denali Flightseeing Tour with Landing

Mt. Denali is located 90-miles from the park entrance. So, most visitors only get a glimpse of it in the distance. You can get up close and personal with the ''Great One''. Board a twin-engine airplane and let the wonder unfold as you fly over more mountains, glaciers and eye-popping scenery than you ever could imagine. When you arrive at Mt. Denali and soar around its staggering summit, you’ll feel the same sense of exhilaration a mountain climber feels. And when your pilot comes in for a gentle landing on one of Mt. Denali’s most scenic glaciers, you’ll be in privileged company indeed. Step out onto the ancient ice and immerse yourself in this astonishing world of towering rock and shimmering ice.
Duration: 1 ½ flight + 30 minute glacier landing| Price: $449.00

Kantishna Roadhouse Wilderness Tour --
Sherri: We took the 13 hour Kantishna tour to the end of Denali park. Our guide was wonderful stoping at sightings and even finding birds for the birders on board. We saw groups of caribou, two grizzly bears one with her cubs, and moose. Plenty of stops for restrooms and scenic views. Lunch at the roadside was nice also included a dog sled demonstration and gold panning. Fruit and cookies provided on the bus. So glad we did this trip.