Explore the rugged Alaskan wilderness bordering Denali National Park on a thrilling off-road adventure. Choose from guided 2.5 to 3.5-hour excursions, including late-night summer rides and side-by-side vehicles.
Free Cancellation Ride ATVs through the Denali wilderness to see the Alaska Range, cross rocky creeks, and spot local wildlife.
Free Cancellation Explore the Denali wilderness in a Side by Side ATV on a 3-hour guided tour that includes a full backcountry meal.
Free Cancellation Navigate 20 miles of rugged Denali backcountry on an ATV, featuring glacial moraines and views of the Alaska Range.
Free Cancellation Experience Alaska’s midnight sun on a 10-mile guided trail ride departing at 9pm during the Summer Solstice.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Denali — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Get ready to hit the dirt and explore the Alaskan wilderness on a thrilling off-road adventure. These ATV tours take you just outside the boundaries of Denali National Park, letting you splash through mountain-fed creeks and navigate rugged boreal forests while taking in epic views of the Alaska Range.
Navigate challenging terrain including boggy tundra, tree-rutted paths, and rocky creek beds. The trails offer an authentic taste of the wild Alaskan backcountry.
Ride solo on a traditional single-rider ATV or pair up in a side-by-side. The side-by-sides feature full windshields, roofs, and standard foot pedals for a comfortable drive.
Enjoy clear, unobstructed views of the towering Alaska Range and the serene waters of Otto Lake. Keep your camera ready for stunning landscape shots.
Take advantage of Alaska's endless summer daylight. Late-evening tours depart at 9:00 PM, letting you ride under a pink alpenglow.
Select tours include a full meal and even wine tasting. It is a perfect way to relax and refuel after tearing up the muddy trails.
Here are a few essential details to keep in mind before reserving your Denali ATV adventure to ensure a smooth and exciting trip.
You must be at least 16 years old to drive an ATV. Children are welcome to join as passengers on side-by-side vehicles, but they must be accompanied by an adult.
Options range from quick 2.5-hour introductory rides to the 3.5-hour Trailblazer tour which covers 20 miles of trail. You can also book specialized trips like the Midnight Sun ride or a tour that includes a meal.
You will get muddy and be fully exposed to the unpredictable sub-arctic weather. Dress in warm layers and bring high-quality rain gear, even if the sky looks clear when you start.
Because the trails are bumpy and rugged, these tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.
These ATV tours operate on the rugged terrain bordering Denali National Park, not inside the park itself. You do not need to pay the $15 Denali National Park entrance fee just to do the ATV tour.
All ATVs are fully automatic and easy to handle. Professional guides provide all necessary equipment and safety instructions before you hit the trail.
Many tours offer free hotel pickup from select local spots like the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. If you are staying at the Denali Crow's Nest Cabins or Denali Bluffs Hotel, the ATV office is actually within walking distance.
All of the ATV operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time, giving you flexibility if your travel plans change.
| Wilderness ATV Adventure | Back Country with Meal | Trailblazer Tour | Midnight Sun Adventure | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 2.5 hours | 3 hours | 3.5 hours | 2.5 hours |
| Best for | Quick thrills and first-timers | Foodies and couples | Maximum trail time (20 miles) | Late-night summer views |
| Vehicles | Single ATV or Side-by-Side | Side-by-Side only | Single ATV or Side-by-Side | Single ATV or Side-by-Side |
| Price from | $145.99 | $163.25 | $192.99 | $145.99 |
ATV Tour Times: Tour departures vary throughout the day, typically running from early morning through the late evening. The specialized Midnight Sun tours depart at 9:00 PM to take advantage of the late summer light.
Denali National Park: The park itself is open year-round, 24 hours a day. The main summer season, when all visitor centers and transit buses operate fully, runs from May 20 through mid-September.
Visitor Centers: During the summer, the main Denali Visitor Center is open daily. In the winter (late September through early May), the Winter Visitor Center at Mile 1.4 is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Driving: Denali is located about 240 miles north of Anchorage along the George Parks Highway (AK Highway 3). The drive takes roughly 5 hours and offers scenic stops along the way.
Train: The Alaska Railroad operates the Denali Star Train daily during the summer. It departs Anchorage at 8:20 am, takes about 8 hours, and drops you off right at the Denali Depot at Mile 1.5. Tickets range from $135 to $435.
Bus: The Alaska Park Connection Motorcoach offers a 5-hour deluxe bus ride from Anchorage for $75 to $180.
ATV Tour Access: If you are staying at local hotels like the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge or Denali Bluffs Hotel, the ATV Tour Office is within walking distance. Otherwise, hotel pickups are available, or you can meet directly at the Otto Lake tour site.
Summer Season: The best months to visit Denali and book an ATV tour are late May through mid-September. This is when the weather is most manageable, the park road is accessible via shuttle buses, and wildlife is highly active.
Midnight Sun: If you want to experience the 9:00 PM ATV rides, plan your trip around the Summer Solstice in late June to enjoy the longest days and beautiful pink alpenglow.
Autumn Colors: Late August to early September is an incredible window. The tundra turns vibrant autumn colors, the mosquitoes die off, and the air is crisp.
Winter: October through April brings extreme sub-arctic weather, heavy snow, and limited daylight. ATV tours and most local hotels shut down during this period.
ATV Tours: Due to the bumpy, rugged off-road trails, ATV tours are not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. However, side-by-side ATVs offer standard seating and seat belts, and infants/small children can ride in specialized seats or strollers on certain tours.
National Park Facilities: The Denali Visitor Center and Bus Depot feature paved routes, push-button doors, and accessible restrooms. Transit and tour buses can be equipped with wheelchair lifts if requested in advance.
Trails: The park offers easy, flat trails near the entrance, such as the Spruce Forest Trail, which has a compact gravel surface suitable for wheelchairs and elderly visitors.
ATV Tour Base: The ATV tour operators provide all necessary safety gear, including helmets. Limited parking is available at the Denali ATV Tour Office and the Otto Lake site.
Park Amenities: Inside Denali National Park, you will find the main Visitor Center, the Bus Depot, and the Backcountry Information Center. The park actively discourages single-use plastic bottles, so bring a reusable container to fill at water stations.
Campgrounds: The park features six campgrounds. Riley Creek at Mile 0.25 is open year-round, while others like Savage River (Mile 13) and Teklanika River (Mile 29) are open during the summer.
ATV Driving: You must be at least 16 years of age to drive an ATV. All children must be accompanied by an adult. No previous ATV experience is required.
Wildlife Interactions: Federal regulations require you to stay at least 300 yards away from bears and 25 yards from all other wildlife, including moose and caribou. Feeding or harassing wildlife is strictly illegal.
Drones and Photography: Drones are strictly prohibited inside the national park. Commercial filming or photography groups of 6 or more require a special permit.
Park Driving Limits: During the summer, private vehicles are only allowed on the first 15 miles of the Denali Park Road up to the Savage River Bridge. Beyond that, you must use the park's transit or tour buses.
No ATV experience is necessary. All the vehicles are fully automatic, and professional guides will provide a safety briefing and all necessary equipment before you head out on the trails.
You must be at least 16 years old to drive an ATV on these tours. Younger children are welcome to join the tour as passengers in a side-by-side vehicle, provided they are accompanied by an adult.
No, off-roading is not permitted inside the national park itself. These ATV tours explore the rugged, wild Alaskan backcountry trails immediately bordering the park, offering incredible views of the Alaska Range.
You should dress in warm layers and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. You will absolutely get muddy and be exposed to the elements, so bringing a high-quality rain jacket and clothes you don't mind getting dirty is highly recommended.
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available from select local hotels. If you are staying at properties like the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge or Denali Bluffs Hotel, the ATV office is actually within easy walking distance.
The ATV tours operate in all weather conditions, including rain. Splashing through the mud actually makes the off-road experience more fun, just be sure to dress appropriately for wet sub-arctic weather.
Yes! The Midnight Sun ATV Adventure departs at 9:00 PM during the weeks surrounding the Summer Solstice. It takes advantage of Alaska's endless daylight, letting you ride under a beautiful late-evening sky.
Most tours focus purely on the ride, but the 'Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal' includes a full meal and even wine tasting after your 3-hour wilderness drive.
You can receive a full refund on your ATV tour as long as you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
Service animals are allowed on the tours. However, keep in mind that the trails are bumpy and loud. If you plan to visit the national park afterward, pets are strictly prohibited on all park trails and buses.
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