Denali National Park - Alaska Excursions & Day Trips and Tours
Rafting, wildlife viewing and more on Denali Park tours
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Denali

Tours, Day Trips and Excursions

About Denali National Park Alaska

At 6 million acres, Denali National Park is larger than the state of Massachusetts. It is also one of the world's last great frontiers for wilderness adventure. World-renowned for wildlife viewing, the park is home to grizzly bear, wolves, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose. Raven, great horned owls and ptarmigan are also frequently spotted in the
Denali Park Wildlife Viewing park.

Mt. McKinley, North America's highest peak, is also located in Denali National Park. Known to locals by its Athabascan name "Denali," meaning "the high one," the mountain is 20,320 feet high. Its impressive vertical relief of 18,000 feet is even greater than that of Mount Everest.

Scheduled bus tours into Denali National Park are a foundation for many Alaska vacations and should be booked early, as space is very limited!  Choices vary from a 4-hour Natural History tour, 6-7 hour Tundra Wilderness Tour, or full day guided tour to Kantishna.  At the park entrance area, there are also opportunities for hiking, river rafting and helicopter flightseeing tours.

Denali National Park is located 238 miles north of Anchorage (and 120 miles south of Fairbanks. We offer a wide variety of independent package tours to Denali aboard the Alaska Railroad, or self drive by rental car.  Other touring options include  motorcoach transfers and private charters, ask us for more details on group and private services to tour Alaska, including Denali National Park.

 

Prices listed include all taxes and fees!

 

 


 

FULL DAY DENALI ROAD TOUR Tour 44

$ per person
This comprehensive round-trip Denali bus tour travels to the end of the 95 mile park road to the remote Kantishna region. Your naturalist driver/guide will help you search for bears, caribou, Dall sheep, and moose while explaining the geologic history of the park. Upon arrival in Kantishna, enjoy a 2 hour stop for lunch at a lodge and an activity, such as gold panning or other lodge-based program determined by the lodge guides. The return trip provides a different prospective of the park. Lunch is included.

Duration: approx. 12 hours.

Departure time: between 6:00am and 6:30am.
Daily departures:
June 4 - September 10, 2009.

*For children under 5, parents need to bring own car seat.

 


Tour Inside Denali National ParkFULL DAY KANTISHNA FLY/DRIVE Tour 45

$ per person (2 person minimum; single rates available upon request)
Get two different perspectives of Denali National Park on this full day bus and plane tour. The tour begins with
the full day Denali road tour (see above). After lunch at the lodge, you will return to the park entrance on a small bush plane flight seeing tour of the Park. If weather permits, you will fly close to Mt. McKinley. Tour includes bus tour, lunch and flight.

Duration: approx 9 hours.

Departure time: between 6:00am and 6:30am.  
Daily departures:
June 4 - September 10, 2009.

 All cancellations, including weather cancellations, are subject to a $40 administrative fee.
*For children under 5, parents need to bring own car seat.
 

 

TUNDRA WILDERNESS TOUR Tour 46 Accessible Tour

$ adult, $ child ** (14 years & under)
This narrated bus tour takes you approximately 53 miles into Denali National Park. As you travel through the pristine wilderness of Denali, an experienced naturalist will provide an overview of the land and its wildlife. Along the way, stops will be made for viewing wildlife, such as bears and moose, and taking photographs. A boxed snack with
beverage is included. 
Duration: 6 to 8 hours.
Note:
at the beginning and the end of the season, the  tour may only be 4-5 hours long and may not go as far into the park due to weather and road conditions.

Departure times: morning departures between 5:30am - 7:30am OR afternoon departures between 12:30pm - 2pm.

Daily departures: May 15 - September 21, 2009.

** For children under 5, parents need to bring own car seat. 

 

 

DENALI JET BOAT SAFARI Tour 54 

$ adult, $ child 0-11 years

Enjoying an exciting, fun filled soft adventure along the wild Nenana River! From Denali, you will be transferred to nearby Cantwell, where you depart on your jet boat tour. Watch for wildlife along the way as the boat takes you to a remote wilderness camp in the Brushkasna Creek Valley. Once there, visit with Alaskans that make their living and raise their families in the wilderness. Your hosts, woodsmen, trappers, hunters and boatmen, will share their stories and tales regarding mining, prospecting, trapping and hunting. Enjoy a welcome snack at the camp, see furs and learn how to pan for gold. Transfer provided from most Denali area hotels.

Duration: 3 hours, including 1 hour roundtrip jetboat ride and approx. 1 hour at the Camp.

Departure times: 8am,10am, 2pm, and 6pm.
Daily departures:
May 15 - September 15, 2009.

 

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Denali Jeep® Backcountry Safari Tour 53
$129 adult, $86 child 5-12 years*

Denali Jeep Tour SafariTake the wheel and follow your guide on a spectacular off-road journey on the Stampede trail/road outside of HealyAfter the first few miles, the Stampede Road changes from pavement to very primitive gravel roadway with plenty of bumps, dips and sways. Your Jeep Wrangler® carries four guests. There will be several stops to switch drivers, so everyone can enjoy the thrill of maneuvering along this wilderness road. Interactive two-way radios allow your guide to interpret the area. You will stop for a break at a wilderness camp where you can enjoy a small "wilderness" cooked meal. Tour includes transfers in Denali and cooked meal.

Duration: approx. 3.5 hours.

Departure times: 7:15am, 11:15am, and 5:45pm.
Daily departures: June 1 - September 17, 2010.

Driver's must be at least 25 years of age and have a valid driver's license. 

*Children less than 5 years of age are not allowed on this tour.*

 

 

CABIN NITE DINNER THEATER Tour 40 Recommended for families  Accessible Tour

$ adult, $ child (3 - 12 years)

Get a taste of old-time Alaska at Alaska Cabin Nite, the popular dinner theater performed in an authentic, log-paneled roadhouse. Join heroine Fannie Quigley and an unforgettable cast of characters in this true-to-life Gold Rush tale of adventure in early 1900s Alaska. It's a great mix of colorful storytelling, spirited music and humor, brought to life by talented performers. The all-you-can-eat meal is served family-style and includes Alaskan salmon, barbecue ribs, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, biscuits, and blueberry cobbler.

The Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theater takes place at the McKinley Chalet Resort.

Duration: 2 hours.

Show times: 5:30pm and 8:30pm.
Daily shows: May 12 - September 19, 2009.
**children under three are free if sitting on parents lap for ENTIRE dinner show.

 

 

HUSKY HOMESTEAD TOUR - VISIT JEFF KING AT GOOSE LAKE KENNEL Tour 52 Recommended for families

$49 adult, $29 child 3-11 years (not recommended for children under 3 years)
Visit the home of 2006 Iditarod sled dog race champion, Jeff King! Just a few miles south of the entrance to Denali National Park lives Jeff King, his family and his champion sled dogs. Enjoy an interesting and informative presentation about daily life at the kennel, the training of the sled dogs, and running the Iditarod. You can even hold a puppy and meet some champion Iditarod sled dogs up close! Transfers available from Denali park entrance area.
Duration: approx. 2.5 hrs (including 30 minute roundtrip transfer).
Departure times: 8:30am, 12:30pm and 7pm.
Daily departures: May 11 - September 15, 2010.
*** we are happy to sell this excursion in conjunction with one of our tour packages or at least 3 other excursions.

 

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DENALI FLIGHT SEEING BY BUSH PLANE Tour 51

$350 adult, $175 child 2-12 years (children under 2 are free if sitting on parent's lap)
This 60 to 70 minute flight seeing tour in a small bush plane provides up close views of the rugged glacial beauty of the Alaska Range and Denali National Park. Flexible routing allows your pilot to provide best views. Each tour is fully narrated and all seats are window seats. Transfers in Denali available, pick up will be 60 to 30 minutes prior to departure time.

Duration: 60 to 70 minutes.

Departure times: every even hour from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
Daily departures: May 10 - September 16, 2010.
 

 

Denali Flightseeing by HelicopterDENALI FLIGHT SEEING BY HELICOPTER
Experience a flight to North America's highest mountain, Mt. McKinley. Rising from sea level to over 20,000 feet / 6250 meters Denali is an imposing sight. Touring by helicopter is a practical way to view the mountain. The heli-port is located near most Denali lodging and a free shuttle is offered.  Fully refundable if flight is cancelled due to weather.

 

Tour 41: Denali Excursion to Mt. McKinley tour, 50 minutes  
$335 per person for passengers weighing 249lbs or less
$410 per person for passengers weighing 250lbs or more**

Enjoy an aerial view of Denali National Park as you travel along the spine of the Alaska Range through unexplored backcountry of towering peaks and ancient glaciers to within 15 miles of Mt. McKinley. If you are lucky, you may even see bear, moose or Dall sheep. Transfers in Denali available; pick up will be approximately 30 minutes earlier.
Duration: 2 hours, including 50 minute flight seeing and transfers.
Departure times: 8am, 9am and 4pm.
Daily departures: May 20 - September 10, 2010.

Tour 55: Denali Discovery Flight Seeing tour, 25 minutes  
$235 per person for passengers weighing 249lbs or less
$310 per person for passengers weighing 250lbs or more**

Experience the thrill of helicopter touring in Denali National Park! Fly over the Nenana River, a hidden mountain pass, and untouched wilderness. On clear days, enjoy a full panoramic view of Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. Transfers in Denali available; pick up will be approximately 30 minutes earlier.
Duration: 1 hour, including 25 minute flight seeing and transfers.
Departure times: 8am and 8:30am.
Daily departures: May 20 - September 10, 2010.

 

Tour 42: Glacier Landing Expedition, 75 minutes
$435 per person for passengers weighing 249lbs or less
$560 per person for passengers weighing 250lbs or more**

Explore the beautiful Yanert Valley, located at the base of Mt. Deborah. Just east of Denali National Park, view cascading icefalls and the Polychrome Mountain Range. The highlight of this tour is a 15 to 20 minute landing on Yanert Glacier. Glacier boots provided. Transfers in Denali available; pick up will be approximately 30 minutes earlier.
Duration: 2.5 hours, including 1 hour flight time, 15 to 20 minutes on the glacier,  and transfers.
Departure times: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 5pm and 7pm (7pm does not operate in September).
Daily departures: May 20 - September 10, 2010.

 

Tour 43: Heli-Hiking Adventure, 3.5 hours Recommeded for active travelers
$465 per person for passengers weighing 249lbs or less
$590 per person for passengers weighing 250lbs or more**

Experience the backcountry Alaska with a guided hike through Yanert Valley. A naturalist guide will lead you on a soft-adventure hike, above the tree line, to track animals and learn the history of the area. Relax on a hillside overlooking the valley and take in the magnificent vistas while enjoying a small snack. Transfers in Denali available, pick up will be approximately 30 minutes earlier.
Duration: 5 hours, including 10-15 minutes flight time, 3.5 hours hiking and transfers.
Departure times: 7am and 4pm.
Daily departures: May 20 - September 10, 2010.

**Important Notes: Helicopter flight seeing tours have a 4-passenger minimum to operate. Also, due to safety and comfort concerns, passengers weighing 250 lbs or more are required to pay a surcharge. Please advise weights upon booking; we are not able to confirm helicopter tours without weight.

 

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Denali Rafting Tours - Mildwater Floats or Whitewater

RIVER RAFTING - DENALI NATIONAL PARK
A variety of rafting options awaits visitors to Denali National Park.  Select from calm water float trips to thrilling whitewater lasting 2 to 8 hours. The glacier fed Nenana River provides a convenient departure point at the park entrance plus a great day on the river. Transfers are provided to local hotels. 

Tour 47:  2-hour "McKinley Run" Scenic Float Recommended for families 

$84 adult, $72 child (5 - 11 years)

You may see moose, sheep, caribou and bear, as you raft downstream 11 miles. The guide will handle to oars so you can relax and enjoy the views. This scenic portion of the Nenana River provides a rafting trip that is mild yet at times thrilling. Rapids are class I and II, with one class III rapid. A great trip for families!
Duration: 3.5 hours including transfers and outfitting time.

Departure times: 7:30am*, 12:30pm and 6:30pm*. (*NO 7:30am and 6:30pm departures after August 23)

Daily departures: May 20 - September 10, 2010.

Tour 48:  2-hour "Canyon Run" Whitewater run Recommeded for active travelers

$84 per person (age 12 years and older only)

Hang on - it's whitewater ahead! Choose to paddle as a team or let the guide do the work on this exciting rafting trip. Enjoy every minute of your journey as you head for Healy, 11 miles down river. Get into real whitewater rafting as you hang on through thrilling rapids such as "Cable Car", "Coffee Grinder", and "Ice Worm"! Rapids are class III with one class IV. 
Duration: 3.5 hours including transfers and outfitting time.

Departure times: 7:30am, 10am, 3pm, and 6:30pm* (* 6:30pm departure changes to 5pm departure after August 23). Daily departures: May 20 - September 10, 2010.
 

Tour 49:  4-hour Combo Healy Express Recommeded for active travelers

$116 per person (age 12 years and older only)
This tour combines the scenic float of the McKinley Run with the whitewater of the Canyon Run. 
Departure times: 7:30am*, 12:30pm (*NO 7:30am departure after August 23)

Duration: 5.5 hours including transfers and outfitting time.
Daily departures: May 20 - September 10, 2010. 
 

Tour 50:  8-hour full-day Denali tour Recommeded for active travelers

$177 per person (age 12 and older only)
Guided scenic trip (with class I, II , III and IV rapids) skirting the boundaries of Denali National Park down the glacier-fed Nenana River. This offers an excellent opportunity to experience wildlife in its natural environment and to travel the Great North Land as our early settlers traveled. This trip includes a short hike (time permitting,) and lunch served right on the river! If you choose the whitewater option, after lunch you are in for the ride of your lifetime through the Nenana River Gorge! Tour includes the remote sections of the Nenana River starting from the Denali Highway.
Tour times: 9am

Duration: 9.5 hours including transfers and outfitting time.
Daily departures: May 20 - September 10, 2010.

 

 

Click here to view great activities and short trips in Alaska other locations:

 

Anchorage | Denali | FairbanksGirdwood | McCarthy - Kennicott | Palmer - Wasilla | Seward | Talkeetna

Homer | Kenai   | Kodiak | Cordova   | Valdez

Haines | Juneau | Ketchikan | Skagway | Sitka | Wrangell

 

For Winter Activities, please click here.

 

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