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Explore the rugged terrain and breathtaking peaks of the Alaska Range with our selection of Denali tours. Choose from thrilling ATV rides, scenic flightseeing, whitewater rafting, and guided zipline adventures.
Free Cancellation Drive an ATV through Denali’s backcountry, crossing rocky creeks and spotting wildlife with views of the Alaska Range.
Free Cancellation Fly within six miles of Denali’s dual summits on a 60 or 90-minute flightseeing tour over the Alaska Range.
Free Cancellation Cross suspension bridges and fly through the trees on the only zipline tour in the Denali National Park area.
Free Cancellation Denali Rafting Canyon Wave
Free Cancellation Zipline through the Talkeetna canopy on a 3-hour guided tour with views of Denali and the Susitna Valley.
Free Cancellation Raft the Nenana River to see Denali National Park’s wilderness from the water, away from the park's busy roads.
Free Cancellation Get within a half-mile of Denali’s peak on a 200-mile narrated flight through the heart of the national park.
Free Cancellation Explore Denali’s rugged backcountry in a climate-controlled Fat Truck on this guided 3-hour wilderness tour.
Free Cancellation Drive a 4-door Jeep Wrangler past glaciers and the Alaska Range on a four-hour guided tour of the Denali Highway.
Free Cancellation Fly over the Kahiltna Glacier and circle the massive peaks of Denali, Mt. Hunter, and Mt. Foraker from Talkeetna.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Denali — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Denali National Park offers a thrilling mix of vast sub-arctic wilderness, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife. Guided tours provide safe, expert-led ways to explore the rugged terrain, whether you are taking to the skies, navigating glacial rivers, or riding along the park's boundaries.
Fly past the 20,310-foot summit of Denali and massive rivers of ice like the Kahiltna Glacier on a small plane or helicopter.
Float or crash through rapids on the Nenana River, which forms the natural eastern boundary of the national park.
Drive or ride along rugged historic mining trails and the Denali Highway for panoramic views of the Alaska Range.
Soar through the trees and over the tundra on suspension bridges and ziplines just outside the park entrance.
Keep an eye out for the 'big five'—grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves—from the safety of a guided vehicle or raft.
Planning a trip to Denali requires a bit of foresight due to the remote location, unpredictable sub-arctic weather, and high demand during the short summer season. Here is what you need to know before securing your tours.
Options range from high-adrenaline ATV and zipline adventures to scenic flightseeing and guided rafting floats. Most are small-group experiences, though private options and specialized vehicles like SHERP Fat Trucks exist.
Summer tours sell out months in advance. Secure your spots early, especially for flightseeing departures from Talkeetna and transit buses into the park interior.
Most third-party adventure tours operate just outside the park boundaries, like the Nenana River or Denali Highway, and do not require a park pass. If entering the park itself, the fee is $15 per adult, valid for 7 days.
Sub-arctic weather changes rapidly and snow can fall in any month. Tours operate rain or shine, so dress in layers, bring a waterproof jacket, and wear closed-toe shoes.
Zipline and ATV tours have strict weight limits, typically requiring participants to be between 70 and 280 lbs. These active excursions are not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back and heart issues.
Kids can join many tours, but age minimums apply depending on the activity. For example, ATV drivers must be at least 16 years old, and ziplining often requires kids to be 10 or older.
Almost all local tour operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Flightseeing tours are highly weather-dependent and will refund or reschedule if conditions are unsafe.
| Flightseeing Tours | ATV & Jeep Excursions | Nenana River Rafting | Zipline Adventures | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 - 2 hours | 2.5 - 4 hours | 3 - 3.5 hours | 3 hours |
| Best for | Unobstructed views of Denali and glaciers | Rugged backcountry exploration | Families and whitewater thrill-seekers | Boreal forest canopy views |
| Includes | Headsets, live commentary, hotel pickup | Gear, guide, vehicle rental | Drysuits, river gear, professional guide | Safety equipment, certified guide |
| Price from | $348 | $145 | $147 | $168 |
Denali National Park and Preserve is open year-round, 24 hours a day, though visitor services vary drastically by season.
Rangers are available by phone at 907-683-9532 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
Denali is located in the interior of Alaska, approximately 240 miles north of Anchorage.
The optimal time to visit Denali is during the official summer season, from late May through mid-September. During this window, the park road is accessible via shuttle buses, visitor centers are fully operational, and wildlife is highly active.
Late August to early September is particularly spectacular as the tundra turns vibrant autumn colors and the mosquito population drops significantly.
Winter months (October through April) are extremely challenging due to sub-arctic weather, heavy snow, and limited daylight. The park road is only plowed for 3 miles, and most local hotels close entirely.
Denali strives to provide accessible experiences for all visitors.
The park entrance area serves as the main hub for visitor facilities, including the Denali Visitor Center, the Bus Depot, and the Backcountry Information Center.
There are six campgrounds inside the park, such as Riley Creek at Mile 0.25 (open year-round) and Savage River at Mile 13. Single-use plastic water bottles are highly discouraged to reduce waste; instead, visitors should bring reusable bottles to fill at water stations in the visitor centers.
Keep in mind that cellular service and internet access disappear completely just three miles past the park entrance.
To protect the wilderness and ensure visitor safety, Denali enforces strict regulations.
Only about 30 percent of summertime visitors see the mountain from the ground due to persistent cloud cover. To increase your chances, book a flightseeing tour from Talkeetna or Anchorage, or take a park bus to deep viewpoints like Stony Hill Overlook.
It depends on the tour. Most ATV, zipline, and rafting tours operate just outside the park boundaries and do not require a park pass. If your tour goes inside the park, you will need to pay the $15 per adult entrance fee, or show a valid national parks pass.
During the summer season, private vehicles are only allowed on the first 15 miles of the Denali Park Road, up to the Savage River Bridge. To go further, you must ride a park transit or tour bus.
Dress in layers and wear closed-toe shoes, as sub-arctic weather is highly unpredictable. For ATV tours, expect to get muddy. For rafting, operators provide drysuits, life jackets, and river shoes to keep you safe in the freezing glacial water.
Yes. Most zipline tours require participants to weigh between 70 and 280 lbs for safety reasons. Children are usually welcome but must be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Ground tours like ATVs, Jeeps, and rafting operate rain or shine, so you should dress appropriately. However, flightseeing tours are heavily dependent on safe weather conditions and will be canceled or rescheduled if visibility is poor.
Flightseeing tours get incredibly close to the mountain, with some flights passing within a half-mile of the summit. You will also fly directly over massive geographical features like the 45-mile-long Kahiltna Glacier.
Denali is home to 37 species of mammals. Visitors frequently spot the 'big five': grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, and caribou. You might also see eagles and other bird species along the Nenana River.
No permit is required for day hiking on trails or off-trail in the wilderness. However, if you plan to do overnight backcountry camping, you must obtain a free permit from the Backcountry Information Center.
The road is closed past Mile 43 due to the Pretty Rocks landslide, which compromised the road's safety. The National Park Service is currently building a bridge to bypass the slide, so all summer bus traffic currently turns around at the East Fork River.
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Explore the rugged terrain bordering Denali National Park on a guided ATV tour. You can choose to drive a single-rider vehicle or share a two-passenger side-by-side. Both models are automatic and capable of reaching speeds up to 30 mph (48 kph) as you navigate the trail system. The route covers a variety of landscapes, including rocky creek beds and water crossings, depending on the weather. Your guide will lead you to several lookout points for 360-degree views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley. These stops offer opportunities to take photos and watch for moose, which are common in the area. Multiple departure times are available throughout the day. When booking, select your preferred start time and choose between a single-rider or a two-passenger side-by-side ATV.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Fly deep into the Alaska Range to view the south and east faces of Denali from just six miles away. The flight path brings you alongside both the north summit (19,470 ft) and the south summit (20,320 ft), providing a close look at the massive granite walls and the deep, ice-filled valleys that define the landscape. The standard flightseeing tour lasts one hour. For those who want to experience the terrain firsthand, the 1.5-hour glacier landing option includes a stop on the ice, allowing you to step out of the plane and walk among the high peaks before heading back.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This three-hour tour takes you through the boreal forest and over the tundra just outside Denali National Park. As the only zipline course in the area, it offers a unique perspective on the Alaskan wilderness. You’ll spend the outing navigating a series of seven ziplines and six suspension bridges built high above the ground. Two certified guides lead every group, handling all the gear and safety equipment so you can focus on the views. The course ends with a dual racer line where two people can zip side-by-side to the finish. Tours run seasonally from May through September.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Rafting on the Nenana river allows you to float along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. This allows you to peek into the Park without the traffic.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Spend three hours ziplining through the boreal forest in Talkeetna, Alaska. This guided, small-group tour takes you across a series of platforms with views of the south side of Denali and the Alaska Range. From these vantage points, you can see across the Susitna and Chulitna Valleys while learning about the local plants and wildlife that inhabit the area. The tour focuses on the natural history of the region, offering a look at the local ecosystem from the treetops. Participants must be at least 10 years old to join. All necessary gear and instruction are provided to ensure you can focus on the scenery and the experience of gliding through the woods.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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The Nenana River serves as the natural border for Denali National Park, providing a unique vantage point of the landscape. As you float downstream, you'll have a clear view of the park’s rugged terrain and local wildlife from the water. By choosing the river route, you avoid the shuttle buses and crowded viewpoints common within the park's interior. It is a quieter way to experience the area, offering a perspective of the wilderness that most visitors miss from the main road system.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English
This 60 to 70-minute flight departs from an airstrip located just outside the Denali National Park entrance. Because of this location, nearly the entire 200-mile route takes place within the park boundaries. You will fly over glaciers and mountain ridges, getting as close as a half-mile to the summit to see the mountain from all sides, weather permitting. The tour uses twin-engine aircraft where every passenger is guaranteed a window seat. Each seat is equipped with a headset for a fully narrated experience. Before boarding, your pilot will conduct a briefing to discuss the specific flight path, which is adjusted daily based on current weather conditions to provide the best possible views of the terrain.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
German, Japanese, English
Go beyond the paved roads of Denali in a climate-controlled Fat Truck, a specialized search-and-rescue vehicle built for rough terrain. This guided tour climbs steep, historic mining trails that offer panoramic views of the Alaska Range while keeping you protected from the elements, insects, and wildlife. As you navigate the backcountry, your guide will share stories of the region’s mining history and explain the unique geological formations surrounding Denali National Park. The excursion lasts approximately three hours, providing a comfortable way to reach remote vistas that are otherwise difficult to access. Total travel time is roughly 3.5 to 4 hours if you utilize the seasonal hotel shuttle service, which is available from select locations during the summer months.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Take the wheel of a new 4-door Jeep Wrangler or join as a passenger for a guided exploration of the Denali Highway. This four-hour journey travels through remote terrain, offering unobstructed views of Denali, the Alaska Range, and nearby glaciers. The tour is available seasonally from May through September. The four-hour duration refers specifically to the time spent on the tour route; please allow additional time for transfers to and from your local lodging.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This flightseeing tour departs Talkeetna for the high peaks of the Alaska Range, where granite and ice dominate the landscape. You will fly the length of the Kahiltna Glacier—a 45-mile-long river of ice—and pass directly over the 7,200-foot base camp used by mountaineers. From the air, you can trace the West Buttress, the primary route used to summit Denali. The flight brings you alongside the three highest peaks in the range: Denali (20,320 ft), Mt. Foraker (17,400 ft), and Mt. Hunter (14,573 ft). You will see the sheer 4,000-foot granite walls of Hunter’s North Buttress and its West Ridge, as well as Mount Frances, also known as "Bergchen." This route offers a clear perspective of the massive scale and technical terrain that defines these world-class climbing objectives.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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