denali alaska trip

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Wilderness adventure tours beyond imagination, denali national park tour packages | denali activities and sightseeing tours, welcome to denali national park | more than a mountain ... hiking, wildlife viewing, adventure activities in alaska.

Denali National Park and Preserve is a vast and breathtaking wilderness area that spans over six million acres. Its centerpiece is Denali, the highest peak in North America, towering at 20,310 feet. The park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, encompassing taiga forests, alpine tundra, and snow-clad mountains. Established in 1917 as Mount McKinley National Park, it was later renamed Denali National Park and Preserve in 1980, emphasizing the significance of the native Athabaskan name "Denali," meaning "the high one." The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, hosting a variety of species such as grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep, and migratory birds. A notable feature is the Denali Wilderness, which covers a significant portion of the park and is designated to preserve the natural environment in its pristine state. The park offers limited road access to reduce human impact, promoting a sense of remoteness and wilderness. Visitors can explore the landscape through bus tours, hiking trails, and ranger-led programs. The park stands as a testament to the unspoiled beauty of Alaska's wilderness and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving such remarkable landscapes for future generations. The park is crossed by a single road. Along this road, travelers see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest transition to high alpine tundra and snow-capped mountains. On a drive along the park road, visitors may see a moose grazing in a stand of willows, caribou resting on a snowfield, Dall sheep high on the slopes, a wolf trotting across the tundra, or a grizzly bear feeding on blueberries. A goal of many visitors to the park is to see the "Big Five." Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await you. We offer a wide variety of Denali vacation packages, ranging from driving tours , motorcoach tours and railroad adventures . 

Rail & Self Drive Denali Park Tours & Packages from/to Anchorage

Denali Exclusive Backcountry Lodge Accommodation

Denali Sightseeing Day Tours, Denali Activities and Adventures 

Denali & Talkeetna Hotel Accommodation

Hiking at Denali National Park

There are not very many marked trails in Denali, and most of the trails here are short (less than 2 miles) and near the park entrance. One of the reasons Denali exists is to provide people with a place to explore a trail-less wilderness, and a result of this is a limited trail network. Some of these trails are utilitarian—they travel alongside the Denali Park Road and connect the visitor center with other important facilities in the entrance area of the park. Other trails offer a departure from the immediate surroundings of the park's only road, allowing you to seek a bit of solace and quiet, while still having an obvious, established path to follow. Hiking off-trail can seem intimidating at first, but is a memorable and unique experience. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

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Backpacking Denali National Park – 7 Day

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This 7-day, 20+ mile backpacking adventure includes 5-full days of backpacking along massive glaciers, past wild creeks, and through virgin wilderness in this most amazing and virtually unexplored area of Denali National Park. Not only does this experience include float plane access via a flight-seeing tour of the mighty Ruth Glacier, it also provides backpackers the opportunity to experience Denali National Park in a way that few ever have.

Our 7-day backpacking trip in Denali National Park is a shorter, but no less spectacular, version of our amazing 10-day adventure through the biggest mountains in North America and the crown jewel of the National Park system! With float plane access from Anchorage, amazing tundra hiking, and unparalleled views of America’s highest summit (after all, you’ll be only 17 miles from the 20,310′ peak), this trip is both suitable for a novice Alaska backpacker yet challenging enough for the seasoned wilderness traveler.

Your trip begins today in Anchorage, Alaska. You’ll be staying at the Aloft Anchorage Hotel. You can arrive anytime and transfer to the hotel on their complimentary shuttle. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is yours to relax after your flight or to explore some of the city’s notable sites including the Anchorage Museum of History & Art or the city Park Strip. This afternoon, you’ll meet your guide at 5pm for an orientation and gear check, followed by a group dinner featuring gourmet pizza and local craft brews. The orientation will include a discussion of the route, an introduction to our unique style of Alaska wilderness travel, a familiarization of the principles of Leave No Trace, and a conversation about traveling safely in bear country.

This morning after a healthy breakfast at our B&B, we’ll make our way over to Lake Hood Seaplane Base, the busiest float-plane airport on earth, where we’ll board a float-plane bound for the Denali National Park and our home for the next 5 nights. This 1 hour scenic flight will take us over alpine tundra, braided rivers, and cascading waterfalls. We’ll enjoy spectacular views of Denali, the highest peak in North America as we travel up the mighty Ruth Glacier, to the entrance of the Great Gorge – the deepest trench on earth!  Our skilled bush pilot will then take us down to a small lake nestled in a cleft between the Ruth and Tokositna Glaciers, where we will unload our gear on a small beach and then wave the airplane goodbye. We’ll set up camp near the lake, bask in the new-found solitude, and then take a short afternoon hike.

We’ll spend the next 4 days headed doing a 20+ mile circuit. Our route will take us through gun sight passes, over open tundra benches, down spectacular creeks, and along big Alaska Range glaciers. We’ll camp near small lakes, drink from alpine streams, and walk through country that has seen few human footsteps. We’ll bask in the majesty of the Alaska Range and scan mountain sides for black & grizzly bears as we hike through north America’s crown jewel, completely immersed in the wild. When the weather permits, views of north America’s highest mountain range will dominate our panorama and we’ll savor the incomprehensible vastness of Alaska. By the afternoon of day 6, we’ll arrive back at our final camp near the lake, and we’ll spend our last evening truly enjoying our final moments of solitude in Denali.

After a celebratory tundra breakfast and coffee, our bush pilot will arrive at the lake by early afternoon to extract us from the wilderness. Our flight path will take us down the massive Ruth Glacier, over the Tokosha Mountains, along the mighty Susitna River, and back to Anchorage by early afternoon. If you’re returning home from Anchorage this evening, please schedule home-bound flights for after 8pm.

Please note that occasionally weather conditions prevent us from flying into our basecamp location in Denali National Park.  Given the schedule limitations encountered when our air service provider faces weather delays, there are few options available to fly after our scheduled time.  If weather looks to be improving AND the air service can accommodate a later flight, we will wait in Anchorage as long as possible. However, If we aren’t able to fly into Denali National Park on day one,  the itinerary will revert and the venue will change to Lake Clark National Park. Please download the detailed itinerary on this page for more information.

What's Included

• All group gear: Expedition quality tents, group tarp, all cooking equipment & eating utensils
• Toilet supplies including TP, trowel, and hand sanitizer
• Water treatment options
• Safety Equipment: Satellite phone, maps, GPS, and medical kit
• Trekking poles
• Lodging on night 1 at the Lakefront Hotel in Anchorage
• All floatplane flights necessary for the itinerary
• Professional guide service at a maximum 4:1 client to guide ratio
• All meals from dinner on day one through lunch on the final day of the itinerary
• Storage for your extra travel items while in the field

Alaska Factor: The Real Deal

While Alaska Alpine Adventures endeavors to follow our itineraries as written, odds are in fact slim that you actually will during the camping portion of this trip. The expeditionary factors at play quite often compel our guides to deviate from the written itinerary. Guide considerations could include weather conditions, group preference, individual ability, specific safety considerations, or unforeseeable circumstances; collectively what many have called “The Alaska Factor.” Flight times into and out of the wilderness may also vary based on any number of similar factors. Therefore we strongly suggest that you approach any adventure in Alaska with an open mind.

Available Dates

June 30 - July 6, 2025

8 available spots | 3 needed to guarantee

July 14 - July 20, 2025

July 28 - August 3, 2025

August 11 - August 17, 2025

August 25 - August 31, 2025

Questions About The Trip

Have a few questions about this trip? Fill out the form or give us a call at 877-525-2577 .

Helpful gear suggestions and recommendations for this trip.

Download a detailed itinerary of this trip.

Trip Itinerary

To receive the detailed trip itinerary please fill out the form. We'll send you an email with a link to the itinerary.

Trip Reviews

One of the reasons I chose AAA was the fact that I didn’t need to worry about logistics.Everything that was promised was delivered 100 percent.  I hope that in a couple of years I’ll come back and do the Lake Clark trip, and yes I’ll be traveling with AAA.

Patrick Cody

It was terrific. LOVED IT. Love Alaska. And the pre-trip responsiveness of Dan & Aaron was very helpful. I have recommended Alaska Alpine Adventures to others.

Lisa Krieger

Our trip was amazing! I would do this trip again and I would definitely tour with your company again.

Marlena Penta

Absolutely LOVED my first experience with you all! Cannot wait to book another trip.

Allison Blansfield

Looking for more reviews? View all trip testimonials.

Trip Photos

Have questions about this trip? We’ve got answers.

Denali’s 6 million-acre national park is located approximately 120 air miles North of Anchorage.

Access to Denali National Park is by small aircraft, car or train.

Absolutely, our trips are all inclusive from Anchorage.

Your guide(s) will meet you at the Aloft Hotel at 5pm on Day 1 for an orientation dinner of local pizza and craft brews. They will then do a full gear check, so make sure you bring your backpack and complete kit.

The group will meet at air taxi based out of Lake Hood for the flight to Denali. We will be flying with Rust’s Air Service from Anchorage to the Denali wilderness.

Lake Hood is located just south of downtown Anchorage. “Bush” flying is an adventure in and of itself and variable weather conditions may cause delays. We will try to keep you informed of any changes or delays as they occur. Remember to please be ready at least 45 minutes before your expected departure.

Absolutely. Denali has been called ‘The Crown Jewel’ of the park system and is home to grizzly and black bears, Dall sheep, caribou, moose, wolves, and tremendous seasonal populations of migratory birds.

Yes, there is an additional fee of $275 if you request OR end up in your own room at the hotel on night one.

For additional information, please reach out to us.

Related Trips

Turquoise Glacier High Route – Lake Clark National Park

Backpacking Katmai – Katmai & Lake Clark National Parks

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Alerts in effect, more than a mountain.

Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Denali. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await. Read More

Look for wildlife and wilderness during a bus trip in Denali. Most of the sole road is open only to buses during summer (May 20–mid-Sept.).

Check here for the latest updates on closures, current road status, and changes to park operations due to the Pretty Rocks landslide.

Explore the many activities Denali offers to visitors of all ages and experience levels.

Rugged wildlife habitats can intimidate even the savviest hiker. Follow these guidelines to enjoy a fun, safe field trip.

Read the latest blog posts on Denali Dispatches, a mountaineering blog that details the events of the climbing season.

Learn where you can drive, where you can ride a bus, and where to hike with road maps and trail maps.

Last updated: July 22, 2024

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Contact info, mailing address:.

PO Box 9 Denali Park, AK 99755

907 683-9532 A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali

Updated June 2024 ,  Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali was originally written in February 2020

Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s most well-known landmarks, home to the tallest mountain in North America, as well as heaps of wildlife and more nature than you’d ever be able to explore in a lifetime.

Ironically, growing up in Alaska I never actually stepped foot into the National Park until I was 26 years old.

Sure, I could see Denali from my house growing up (even now I can still see it) on a clear day, and I’ve driven past it on my way to Fairbanks countless times and even stopped to take a photo, but I never made the effort to visit the park.

Fast forward a few years and I’ve now visited several times, but nonetheless, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. So, without getting too carried away, here is a quick Denali Travel Guide, including the 15 best things to do in Denali.

May 2024 update: The Denali National Park Road has been closed at mile 42 by Polychrome Pass due to a landslide since August 2021. The park road will remain closed beyond mile 42 for the remainder of the 2024 season. Read more about it in this article on Anchorage Daily News or on the National Park Service website .

Start planning your Alaska adventure here:  The Ultimate Alaska Travel Guide

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Alaska?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Important Denali National Park Info

• Denali National Park is open year-round, however, the main Denali Visitor Center is only staffed from mid-May to mid-September. The Murie Visitor Center is only open in winter.
• Personal vehicles can only be driven to Savage River (the first 15 miles of the Denali National Park Road), beyond Savage River you must take a bus/shuttle, go by bicycle, or walk the road, with the exception of during the Denali Road Lottery.
• The entire length of the Denali National Park Road to Kantishna is 92.5 miles.
• Entrance to Denali National Park is $15 per person (age 16 and older). Park entrance is free to youth 15 and under. A park pass is good for 7 consecutive days.
• Denali was named Mt McKinley up until 2015 when it was decided to return it to the original Dena’ina name, you’ll still hear both names.
• Many visitors never actually see Denali as it is covered in clouds many days.
• Weather is erratic and unpredictable in Denali National park.
• Very few maintained trails exist in Denali National Park. 99% of the park is wild and untamed and exploring it will require wilderness survival skills, bushwhacking, river crossings, potential run-ins with wildlife, and more hazards.
• For the love of everything holy bring bug spray, and not that healthy stuff either (I don’t like to use DEET, but that stuff does work)– the mosquitos are diabolical out here, you’ve been warned. A head net can prove extremely handy on years with thick bug populations, I know they look dumb but omg will you be happy to take a breath without breathing in 3,956 bugs.

Want to see the best of Alaska in 10 days? Check out my  10 day Alaska road trip  itinerary

How To Get To Denali National Park

Denali National Park is located just off the Parks Highway. Most visitors will make the nearly 4.5 hour drive from  Anchorage  to visit the park. From  Fairbanks , you can expect the drive to take roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.

If you are visiting Denali from Fairbanks and plan to return there and you don’t want to drive yourself, this  $80 (each way) shuttle  can prove handy.

Another option is to take the train. Book your Alaska Railroad ticket from Anchorage to Denali  here , and from Denali to Anchorage  here .

Trying to visit Alaska on the cheap? Check out my  Alaska budget travel guide

Getting Around Denali National Park

Beyond Savage River (mile 15) you will need to take a bus to go any further along the Denali National Park Road (with the exception of the road lottery, which I will explain below) unless you plan to walk or bicycle the road.

Narrated Buses

There are three different narrated bus trips to choose from, which will include a narrator that will explain a myriad of history, info, stories, point out important landmarks, and more. These buses make stops of wildlife sightings and for scenery. They also include a snack or lunch depending on the length of the trip. The narrated bus tours offered and prices (adult 16+/15 and under) are:

• Natural History Tour  | $101.75/$43.50
• Tundra Wilderness Tour  | $162.50/$73.75
• Kantishna Experience  | $240.75/$113.00 (Get a discounted ticket for the Kantishna Experience  here !)

Purchase your Denali narrated bus ticket  here .

Non-Narrated Buses

Non-narrated buses serve more like a transit shuttle in comparison to the narrated buses above. Non-narrated buses will still make scenic and wildlife viewing stops along the way (as well as restroom stops).

You do not need to stay on the same bus for the entirety of your journey like the narrated buses. You can just flag a bus down in your desired direction, though this will depend on seat availability so you may have to flag a couple of buses down during busy times before finding open seats.

Note that non-narrated buses are green, while narrated buses are tan.

Additionally, there is a camper bus designed to transfer people hauling gear, like tents or bicycles with them that are doing the park road in one direction or taking on a backcountry trek.

Here are the non-narrated bus prices, note that anyone 15 and under rides free, but still needs to have an actual ticket which can be booked by phone or online:

• Toklat River  | mile 53 | $33.50
• Eielson Visitor Center  | mile 66 | $42.75
• Wonder Lake  | mile 85 | $58.75
• Kantishna  | mile 92 | $64.00
• Camper bus  | $42.75

Purchase your Denali non-narrated bus ticket  here .

Free shuttle buses connect points of interest along the first 15 miles of the park road up until Savage River. There are 3 free buses as follows:

• Savage River Shuttle
• Riley Creek Loop Bus
• Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle

Read up more on what each of these free buses offers  here .

Denali Road Lottery

Please note that the Denali Road Lottery will not be taking place in 2024 due to the closure of the road after the 2021 landslide. This appears to be likely the case until at least 2026.

The Denali Road Lottery takes place for four days in mid to late September each year, the weekend following the end of the summer season at Denali National Park. This is the only time that visitors are allowed to drive motor vehicles the full length of the 92.5 mile long Denali National Park Road.

You must apply for a Denali Road Lottery Permit and be selected in order to take part in the road lottery drive. You can  apply for the lottery here  between May 1 and 31 each year for the upcoming September drive. It costs $15 per entrant in the lottery.

If you are selected you will need to pay an additional $25 after you’ve been notified that you’ve won. The dates for 2022 are still TBA but will be in mid-late September. In 2015 I was able to do the Denali Road Lottery (my Dad was drawn) and drive the entire length of the road, read more about how to apply for your Denali Road Lottery Permit  here .

Things To Do In Denali National Park

See The Alaskan Big 5

Everyone talks about Africa’s Big 5, but did you know there’s an Alaskan Big 5?

• Grizzly bears

If you plan on taking the buses both narrated and non) through the park, you’ll have pretty good odds of seeing some wildlife in Denali National Park. I’ve had the chance to see grizzlies, moose, and Dall sheep up close in Denali. Plenty of visitors will see caribou (I swear caribou have a secret pact against me and hide when the word on the  street  trail is I’m headed for the interior), wolves are likely going to be the hardest of the Big 5 to spot.

If you plan to shoot wildlife photos, I recommend grabbing or renting a lens with at least 200mm zoom on it. 400mm+ is usually best.

Take A Narrated Bus Tour

The Narrated bus tours on offer of Denali National Park are a great way to get to know the park with interpretive stops and a naturalist guide to explain and point out various landmarks (as well as help you spot wildlife). There are 3 different narrated tours on offer:

Tundra Wilderness Tour

The Tundra Wilderness Tour is one of the narrated bus tours on offer of Denali National Park. If you’re out to see wildlife, this is the tour you wanna be on.

The drivers are usually excellent at spotting wildlife and tend to know the usual hangouts for lots of the wildlife, plus park rangers keep drivers in the know of what animals are spotted and where throughout the day. The Tundra Wilderness Tour lasts about 8 hours, snacks are provided, but I’d recommend bringing some of your own as well.

Kantishna Experience Tour

The Kantishna Experience Tour is the only one of the narrated bus tours that drive the entirety of the Denali National Park Road. The Kantishna Experience has a focus on the sweeping landscapes of Denali National Park and its Gold Rush history as you travel to the old mining town of Kantishna at the end of the road.

The Kantishna Experience also includes a tour around Wonder Lake with an interpretive park ranger and naturalist. This tour is about 12 hours in duration.

Get a deal on your Kantishna Experience Tour by booking your ticket  here

Denali Natural History Tour

The Denali Natural History Tour has a human focus, making stops for an Alaskan Native presentation that shows how to land surrounding Denali has been used for the last 10,000 years, as well as stops for the original ranger cabin at Savage River and more. Your driver and naturalist guide will also point out wildlife and explain the geology, landscape, and history of the park. The tour lasts about 5 hours in duration.

Mt. Healy Overlook

Mt. Healy Overlook is a trek that gives great panoramic views of the Denali National Park entrance area. From the Visitor Center, you can access the Mt. Healy Overlook trail by first taking the Taiga Trail and take the Mt. Healy Trail that veers from it.

You can optionally summit Mt. Healy by trekking an additional 1.5 miles beyond the end of the trail, but do note that it can be a bit treacherous and many people have fallen and been injured and even died, so take caution. Read more about the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail  here .

• Mt. Healy Overlook Trail | 2.7 miles (5.4 miles return) | 1,700 feet elevation gain/loss |

Whitewater Raft Nenana River

Wanna get out on the river for a wild ride getting bucked around on Alaskan rapids? No problem.

You can book a 2 hour long Nenana whitewater rafting trip. You’ll, of course, be set up with dry suits (the water is frigid), helmets, and paddles and provided with an experienced river guide.

Don’t laugh, but I’ve never actually been whitewater river rafting in Alaska (I mean, I have pack rafted and floated plenty of rivers here)- I’ve only truly whitewater rafted the Chong Kemin River in Kyrgyzstan and the Zambezi between Zimbabwe and Zambia .

With that said, my friends, Corin and Brian worked as river guides out here for a summer several years back and still talk about their adventures out here on the Nenana River.

If you’re not that adventurous, perch up from a good lookout along the river, off the Parks Highway and watch for rafters sailing down the river.

Wanna go white water rafting? This  Nenana rafting tour  comes highly recommended

Denali Kennel and Sled Dog Demonstration

For those interested in learning more about dog mushing, sled dog demos are done with park rangers at 10 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm every day in the summer.

If you are unable to make it during one of the demonstrations you can still visit between 9 am and 4:30 pm to meet the dogs.

Go On A Denali Flightseeing Trip

If you ask me, without a doubt in my mind, this is the best way to see Alaska. Flightseeing is a great way to not only cover a lot of ground but get to know Alaska from a different perspective- aerial.

Truth be told, I’ve not gone on a flightseeing trip around Denali (don’t worry it’s on the to-do list), but I have done lots of flightseeing around Chugach State Park, Prince William Sound, and Wrangell St. Elias National Park. My friend Tay dropped the money and did a flightseeing tour around Denali and raved about it, especially going past the Wickersham Wall and landing on a glacier.  Flightseeing photos by Tay & Dave

Book your Denali flightseeing tour  here

Stony Hill Overlook

Stony Hill Overlook is the spot that many of the photos you see of Denali are shot from. On a clear day, this is the best place for viewing North America’s tallest peak in all its glory.

Stony Hill Overlook is located just a hair before mile 62 on the park road.

Triple Lakes Trail Hike

The Triple Lakes Trail is about 9.5 miles one way (expect it to take about 4-5 hours), with an elevation gain/loss of about 1,000 feet.

The trailheads are located near the Denali Visitor Center (north) and at the parking lot next to the Nenana Bridge (Crabbe’s Crossing) at mile 231 (south).

There are no shuttles to the southern end of the trail, however, you can arrange a taxi or a pickup with your accommodation. Read more about the Triple Lake Hikes  here .

Hike Around Savage River

Savage River, located at mile 15 of the Denali Park Road is the furthest you can drive into the park with your own car.

From the parking lot here there you can set off on a few different hikes ranging from 0.6 miles to 8 miles in length that will suit nearly every walker and trekker’s fitness levels.

• Mountain Vista Trail  | 0.6 miles roundtrip | 50 feet elevation gain
• Savage Cabin Loop  | 0.8 miles roundtrip | 50 feet elevation gain
• Savage River Loop  | 2 miles roundtrip | 0 feet elevation gain
• Savage Alpine Trail  | 4 miles one way/ 8 miles out and back | 1,500 feet elevation gain

Eielson Visitor Center

The Eielson Visitor Center is another place for great views of Denali and the Alaska Range on a clear day (I have yet to see Denali from Eielson!).

The Eielson Visitor Center is only open in summer and houses an art gallery and has park rangers on hand to answer questions. There are 3 hikes that can be done from Eielson, they are:

• The Tundra Loop + Spurr Trail  | 0.65 miles
• Thorofare Ridge Trail  (out and back) | 4.1 miles | 1,000 feet elevation gain/loss
• Gorge Creek Trail  (out and back) | 7.5 miles | 1,100 feet elevation loss/gain

Wonder Lake & Reflection Pond

Located at mile 84.5 and 85.3 respectively, Wonder Lake and Reflection Pond are a dream for photographers. If you’re dying to get the reflection shot of Denali I’d recommend camping at Wonder Lake and moseying on over to Reflection Lake in the morning for the perfect shot (weather permitting of course). Late evening in the summer can yield some nice shots as well.

Do be warned, the mosquitos are thick out here, so come bug-doped up and wielding a bug net if you don’t want to be eaten by while simultaneously inhaling mosquitos.

There is one hike in the area called the McKinley Bar Trail that connects the Wonder Lake Campground with the McKinley River. It’s 2.5 miles one way (5 miles return).

Backcountry Hikes

Denali is comprised of 6 million acres of land- yes, that’s larger than several US States! This leaves much of the park for exploration by backcountry hiking. In order to take on any backcountry trekking into Denali National Park that will have you camping, you will need to obtain a backcountry permit for your chosen unit (unit of the park you’d like to explore).

Backcountry permits are free (though you will still need to pay for park entrance and for the camper bus), but certain units are limited to the number of backpackers allowed in per night. You cannot obtain permits in advance and all your party must be present to apply. It’s recommended to arrive at the Wilderness Access Center at 8 am the day prior to departing for your hike to apply.

You will need to complete a backcountry orientation (once per season) prior to departing, this takes 30 minutes and is offered at the Wilderness Access Center.

If you don’t have much backcountry backpacking experience units 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 34, and 42 are good choices when selecting a unit for your permit.

You need to be self-sufficient in the backcountry. Read up more on the rules, regulations and important information to know prior to taking on a backcountry hike in Denali National Park  here .

Wanna do a fly in backcountry day hike? Check out this  heli-hiking tour  in Denali

Northern Lights

Denali National Park is a great place to hunt for the aurora from, without much light pollution.

September is the best month for trying to see the northern lights from Denali National Park as it’s typically one of the most active auroral months, and the area isn’t completely shut for the winter season.

For more great places to see the northern lights in Alaska from read  this post here .

Visiting Denali in late August or September? Check out this  Denali aurora hunting night tour

Bike The Denali Park Road

For serious cyclers, it’s possible to bike the entire 92.5 miles from the park entrance to Kantishna. Read all the info you need to know to cycle the Denali National Park Road  here .

Day Hikes In Denali National Park

Here is a list of all the day hikes in Denali National Park that are on maintained trails. Note that there are unlimited hiking opportunities in the backcountry, but those are completely off-trail. For more information on the hikes in Denali National Park  click here .

Hikes near the Denali Park entrance

• Horseshoe Lake Trail  | 3.2 miles roundtrip | 250 feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Jonesville Trail  | 0.3 miles one way | 150 feet elevation gain | easy | *connects Riley Creek Campground with the business district outside the park
• Taiga Trail  | 1 mile one way | 75  feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Mt. Healy Overlook Trail  | 2.7 miles one way | 1,700  feet elevation gain | strenuous |
• Mt. McKinley Station Trail  | 1.6 miles one way | 100  feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Rock Creek Trail  | 2.4 miles one way | 400  feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Roadside Trail  | 1.8 miles one way | 350  feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Meadow View Trail  *connects Roadside and Rock Creek Trails | 0.3 miles one way | 0 feet elevation gain | easy
• Morino Trail  | 0.2 miles one way | 0 feet elevation gain | easy
• Triple Lakes Trail  | 9.5 miles one way | 1,000  feet elevation gain | strenuous |
• Spruce Forest Trail  | 0.15 miles roundtrip | 0  feet elevation gain | easy |
• Bike Path  | 1.7 miles one way | 150  feet elevation gain | easy |

Hikes near Savage Creek

• Mountain Vista Trail  | 0.6 miles roundtrip | 50 feet elevation gain | easy |
• Savage Cabin Loop  | 0.8 miles roundtrip | 50 feet elevation gain | easy |
• Savage River Loop  | 2 miles roundtrip | 0 feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Savage Alpine Trail  | 4 miles one way | 1,500 feet elevation gain | strenuous |

Hikes near Eielson Visitor Center

• The Tundra Loop + Spurr Trail  | 0.65 miles roundtrip | 0 feet elevation gain | easy
• Thorofare Ridge Trail  | 2.1 miles one way | 1,000 feet elevation gain | strenuous
• Gorge Creek Trail  | 3.2 miles one way | 1,100 feet elevation gain | strenuous

Hikes near Wonder Lake

• McKinley River Bar Trail  | 2.5 miles one way | 0 feet elevation gain | moderate

Campgrounds In Denali National Park

It’s possible to camp in Denali National Park, and it’s going to be one of your cheapest options for accommodations in and around the park. Campground fees are $13-34 per night, depending on location and whether you’ll be tenting it or in an RV.

All campgrounds are only open from mid to late May until mid-September, with the exceptions of Wonder Lake Campground which does not open until June, and Riley Creek which is open year-round. Note that camping is free at Riley Creek only in winter.

Make campground reservations well in advance as these do book up, especially between June and August. For more detailed info on camping in Denali National Park and to reserve campsites,  click here .

Also, note that there is no fee for backcountry camping in Denali National Park, however, you will need to have a backcountry permit and have completed the 30 minute backcountry safety class. For more info on backcountry and backpacking in Denali National Park  click here .

• Riley Creek Campground  | mile 0.25 | open year-round | tent + RV |
• Savage River Campground  | mile 14 | open mid-May to mid-September | tent + RV |
• Sanctuary River Campground  | mile 22 | open mid-May to mid-September | tent |
• Teklanika River Campground  | mile 29 | open mid-May to mid-September | tent + RV |
• Igloo Creek Campground  | mile 35 | open mid-May 20 to mid-September | tent |
• Wonder Lake Campground  | mile 85 | open June to mid-September | tent |

Best Hotels In & Around Denali

Lodging around Denali National Park can be quite expensive, so I’ve also included nearby Cantwell and Healy in addition to McKinley Park (which is the nearest to the park).

The Runaway House  | Cantwell |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

White Moose Lodge  | Healy |  Booking.com  |

Denali Park Hotel  | Healy |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Cantwell Lodge  | Cantwell |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Backwoods Lodge  | Cantwell |  Booking.com  |

McKinley Creekside Cabins  | McKinley Park |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Grande Denali Lodge  | McKinley Park |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Best Restaurants Near Denali

Fine dining.

229 Parks Restaurant & Tavern * | McKinley park

The Overlook  | McKinley park

Alpenglow Restaurant  | McKinley park

McKinley Creekside Cafe | McKinley park

The Salmon Bake  | McKinley park

49th State Brewing * | Healy

Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse * | McKinley park

Moose-AK Food Truck  | McKinley park

Denali Thai Food * | McKinley park

Denali Park Cafe  | Cantwell

Black Bear Coffee * | McKinley park

* = personal favorites

Safety In Denali National Park

In terms of safety, your biggest concerns will be wildlife, and slips and falls associated with hiking/climbing/etc.

I would recommend purchasing a can of bear spray on arrival in Alaska and educating yourself on how to use it at the very least. If you plan to camp or trek in the backcountry I recommend buying a  bear canister  (this one in the link is the one I personally own and use) to mask food odors from animals, especially bears. Read more on bear awareness and wildlife safety  here .

Denali Packing List

For general visitors.

• Warm outer shell  jacket  x1
• Fleece  x1
• Merino wool  long sleeve  base layer top x1
• Trekking pants  x1
• Merino wool  leggings  x2
• Trekking  socks  x2
• Sports bra x2
• Warm hat x1
• Sunglasses x1
• Comfortable  walking shoe  x1
• Mosquito repellent

Useful Maps & Books

• Denali National Park & Preserve Trail Map
• Denali National Park Visitors Guide

For Backcountry Trekkers & Campers

• Inreach Explorer+
• Hiking boots
• Katadyn water purifier
• Sleeping mat
• 3-season tent
• Hydration Pack
• Sleeping bag
• Campstove and Cooking set
• Silicone squeeze tubes
• Propane/butane canister
• Trekking poles
• Biodegradable  wipes
• Toilet Paper
• First Aid Kit
• Dehydrated meals such as  Mountain House
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Peanut butter
• Spice packets
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh veggies, noodles, bread, etc

Have Any Questions About Visiting Denali National Park?

Ask in the comments section below.

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2 thoughts on “denali national park travel guide + 14 things to do in denali”.

What is the best time of day to take the non-narrated bus tours?

I guess it would depend on what your objective is. If I was going in on a day trip I’d try to take the earliest morning bus in to give me time to explore around before catching a bus back later in the day. As far as wildlife sightings, generally any time is good, but the earliest and lastest buses you may see more.

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• Best of Denali & Kenai Fjords - Tour 120

In seven days see a spectrum of Alaska, from its whales to its grizzlies, its fjords to its mountain peaks.

• Alaska Vacations
• Vacation Packages

What's Included

Rates & dates, options & upgrades.

• Add to My Trip

Trip Overview

Spend seven days and six nights exploring favorite sites on this popular Alaska vacation package. The itinerary focuses on two areas, Seward and Denali Park . Activities and transportation are picked specifically for active travelers who want to experience Alaska by foot, boat, train, and even plane. The itinerary includes an overnight in Anchorage , two nights at a hotel on the Seward harbor, one night at a Talkeetna lodge, and two nights in the Denali Park area. This affords travelers time for day tours into Kenai Fjords National Park and Denali National Park , both of which often provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. The package starts and ends in Anchorage.

Trip Highlights

• Spot marine wildlife and float alongside massive tidewater glaciers on a day cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park.
• Explore deep into the Denali National Park backcountry on a guided bus tour.
• Travel by train through Alaska's scenic country between Seward, Anchorage, and Denali Park.
• See the mightiest peaks in the Alaska range on a flightseeing experience out of Talkeetna.

Why Pick This Trip

Alaska is vast and its landscapes diverse. This itinerary links two wildly different settings into a seamless trip ideal for guests traveling in Alaska for the first time.

Here is everything that is included. Remember, we can easily add or remove services so this vacation package is the perfect fit for your party.

• Collapse All

Anchorage | 1 Night

Just minutes from the Anchorage airport, the Courtyard is a top choice for travelers arriving late or departing early from Anchorage. Learn More >

Depart 6:45 AM | Arrive Seward 11:20 AM

Travel along the Turnagain Arm, past glaciers and gorges in the Kenai Mountains, and through Sitka spruce forests on this scenic Alaska Railroad route. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 1:15 PM | 3 Hours

Explore Kenai Fjords National Park by foot on this two-hour guided hike with views of Exit Glacier. Learn More >

Seward | 2 Nights

Tucked along a salmon stream and within walking distance to most of Seward's main attractions, the Gateway Hotel is also this small coastal community's newest hotel. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 11:30 AM | 6 Hours

Experience glaciers, wildlife, and Alaska's remarkable coast on this preeminent cruise through Kenai Fjords. Learn More >

Depart 10:30 AM | Arrive Talkeetna 5:30 PM

Relax aboard the Park Connection motorcoach connecting coastal Seward to the views and adventures awaiting in Talkeetna. Learn More >

Talkeetna | 1 Night

When the mountain is "out" Denali is unmissable from this ridge-top property. The lodge comprises two full-service restaurants, a coffee shop, bar, and comfortable guest rooms with either forest or mountain views. Learn More >

Talkeetna | Depart 1:30 PM | 1 Hour

Experience the extreme beauty of Denali and the fortress of granite peaks surrounding it on this must-do flightseeing trip out of Talkeetna. Learn More >

Depart 5:45 PM | Arrive Denali Park 8:30 PM

Leave in the morning or leave in the evening aboard a luxury Park Connection motorcoach bound for the entrance to Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | 2 Nights

Enjoy unparalleled hospitality minutes from the Denali National Park entrance. The hotel offers standard hillside and premium deluxe rooms as well as a restaurant serving up the area's best barbeque. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 6:00 AM | 5.5 Hours

Fully narrated bus tour with a turnaround point at the historic Murie Cabin deep inside Denali National Park. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 7:30 AM | 3 Hours

Float down the Nenana River on mild water excursion with Denali's longest-running rafting company. Learn More >

Depart 12:30 PM | Arrive Anchorage 8:00 PM

Alaskan owned and operated, this premier rail service offers passengers reserved seating in a luxury dome car and delicious dining options for lunch and dinner. The southbound Wilderness Express arrives in Anchorage at 8 PM. Learn More >

Read on for a day-by-day breakdown of this tour package. Click on an item to get started, and be sure to contact us if you have any questions.

Fly into Ted Stevens International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Explore Anchorage at your leisure. Overnight Anchorage.

Board the southbound train to Seward in the morning. After departing the Anchorage Depot, the route follows the Turnagain Arm. The first of many glaciers come into sight at Girdwood and Portage after which the train cuts into the Kenai Mountains. Upon arrival into Seward, meet a local naturalist guide for a mellow hike to Exit Glacier. Overnight Seward.

Take time in the morning to explore the shops and docks within Seward's quaint Small Boat Harbor before climbing aboard a spacious catamaran for a six-hour boat tour to Kenai Fjords National Park. You'll cruise past the gnarly spires and cliffsides framing Resurrection Bay. These protected waters provide the best chance to glimpse orcas, whales, sea otters, porpoises, seals, and an array of birdlife. Neighboring fjords lead to massive tidewater glaciers.

Upon returning to land, enjoy a final night in Seward.

This morning you'll meet the Park Connection Motorcoach for a comfortable ride north to Talkeetna. A midday stop in Anchorage gives you a chance to grab lunch. The motorcoach continues north along the Parks Highway to Talkeetna, delivering you directly to your hotel. Overnight Talkeetna.

Today's adventure takes you by air into the Alaska Range. At midday you'll climb into a bush plane flown by an experienced mountain pilot for an hour-long flight to Denali and the extraordinary ring of peaks surrounding it. After landing back in Talkeetna, return to your hotel and catch the Park Connection to the Denali Park area. Overnight Denali.

A wildlife bus excursion into Denali National Park awaits! You'll ride through untamed landscapes, stopping frequently to view wildlife spotted by your driver-guide. Overnight in Denali.

Your final day starts with a scenic raft trip on the Nenana River. The earlier hour gives rafters a better chance to spot wildlife along the water. Once the float concludes, transfer to the Denali Depot and board a deluxe dome train car back to Anchorage. The route takes you over some of the rail's most dramatic sections of track, climbing up and over Broad Pass and crossing the precipitous Hurricane Gulch. Your Alaskan adventure concludes upon returning to Anchorage.

Check out the map below for a visual overview of this specific tour package. You can see a larger version of the map here , or try our an interactive tour map by using the link below.

SHOW INTERACTIVE MAP >

The prices below will give you an idea of approximately how much this trip will cost. Keep in mind your actual price will likely vary based on your departure date, availability, and any modifications you make. You can use one of the links below to request an exact quote for your party, or price the trip yourself if you prefer using our My Trip feature. You can often save money by traveling in the value season, typically May and September.

This is one of our most popular Alaska tour packages, but you can make it even better! We can add or remove services to make it a perfect match for your party. For example, many of our guests choose to upgrade their rail tickets to Seward, while others add a day in Anchorage for a bear viewing trip. Need more adventure? Try whitewater rafting in Denali instead of the included scenic float. The choices are endless, and just a few suggestions are listed below.

You can make these changes at check out and your final package price will be updated to reflect just the services you choose. Give us a call or request a quote for more specifics.

Talkeetna | Depart 8:30 AM | 1.5 Hours

Land on a glacier deep within the Alaska Range on this unforgettable flightseeing trip out of Talkeetna. Learn More >

Seward | Depart 8:30 AM | 8.5 Hours

Explore the farther reaches of Kenai Fjords National Park on this full-day boat trip designed for birders, photographers, and marine wildlife enthusiasts. Learn More >

Anchorage | Depart 8:00 AM | 6 Hours

Fly by floatplane into the Redoubt Bay Critical Habitat, an isolated wilderness area home to a dense population of black and brown bears. Learn More >

Denali Park | Depart 10:00 AM | 3 Hours

Splash through wilder rapids in the Nenana River Gorge on this three-hour trip with Denali’s longest-running rafting company. Learn More >

Package Detail

• Tour ID 120
• Price From $2,552 + Tax
• Duration 7 Days / 6 Nights
• Start / End Anchorage / Anchorage
• Departure Dates Daily from 5/23/2024 to 9/4/2024
• Travel By Train, Motorcoach
• Tour Type Self Guided
• Destinations Anchorage, Seward, Talkeetna, Denali Park

Add to My Trip >

Select an option to book or get more details. Questions? Give us a CALL or CONTACT US online.

• Request Quote
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• Detailed Itinerary

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• Information
• About Alaska
• Meet Your Guides
• Our Testimonials
• Why Choose Us
• Arrigetch Peaks
• Canning River Rafting
• Sea Kayak Icy Bay
• Above The Circle (NEW!)
• Adventure To Oz
• Decadent Denali (NEW!)
• Seven Pass Route

The Southern Traverse

The northern traverse.

• The Goat Trail
• Photo Tours
• Alaska Landscapes
• Aurora Borealis
• Bald Eagles
• Brown Bears & Coastal Wildlife
• Brown Bears of Summer
• Fat Bears in the Fall
• Grizzlies in the Mist
• Northern Lights in the Fall
• Polar Bears
• Hungry Whales Photo Tour
• Backpacking
• Packrafting
• Sea Kayaking
• Snowshoeing

Where We Go

• Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
• Denali National Park
• Gates of the Arctic NP
• Lake Clark NP
• Wrangell St. Elias NP
• Eye of the Beholder
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• Explore Our Trips

Denali Backpacking Trip

Backpack to the future. our newest trip to alaska's oldest national park.

• Backpacking Denali National Park
• Experience Denali National Park like few others do
• Go backpacking beside North America’s tallest mountain
• Guided by Alaska's backpacking professionals
• Step into pure wilderness
• Adventure across the Alpine, no trail required (or available)
• Stunning 360 degree Mountain Views
• Customize your trip with basecamp and through-hiking options

Everybody loves Denali. The Great One.

We love it too.

We’ve wanted to put a Denali backpacking trip together for you. For a decade we’ve wanted to bring you here. So we explored a couple of options recently and this one crushes. Totally crushes.

You wanna watch the sunset, ebbing behind the highest mountain in the country? You wanna scramble along some of the loneliest alpine ridges in Alaska? You wanna camp alone in the mountains and feel like you belong here?

Decadent Denali backpacking trip will be a perfect fit for you.

Denali National Park & Mt. Denali

It’s all about ‘the mountain’ , as the locals refer to Mt Denali. Few folks in Alaska call this magnificent mountain anything other than Denali. This derives from the native Athabascan name, meaning “the Great One” . Most days, we call it ‘the mountain’ .

A breathtaking sight.

Nothing will mesmerize a lover of the outdoors more than hiking beneath Denali. Our guided backpacking trips in Denali National Park are an opportunity for solitude, for wildlife viewing and photography. Majestic vistas and fantastic backcountry travel make this trip special. You’ll know it when you feel it.

Towering over 20 000′ high, Denali oversees our entire trip. The highest peak in Alaska, indeed in all North America. Denali’s power is omiprescient. On a beautiful Alaskan summer day, Denali is visible from hundreds of miles away. Other times it lies shrouded in clouds created by its own bulk. You feel an edge for the entire backpacking trip, alert for a glimpse of this natural wonder.

Wildlife are present, but not plentiful here. The park is often referred to as “America’s Serengeti” , yet that’s a bit of a misnomer. Life in the subarctic is hard, and population densities this far north are never high.

That said, Denali is still the premier place in Alaska to watch caribou, grizzly bears, wolves, moose, and Dall sheep. Golden eagles, wolverine, red fox, marmots and pikas, etc, also live within this park. Denali National Park is a stunning hiking trip and you’re never quite sure what you might see. Bears are abundant here.

Your Denali Backpacking Trip

We’re not hiking in from the road in Denali National Park. Our backpacking trip goes deep into the wilderness of America’s oldest National Park and explores an area few people ever visit. We fly. We backpack. We fly home.

Though Denali is easily the most popular national park in interior Alaska, and backpacking numbers dwarf any of the other parks we visit ( Wrangell-St. Elias National Park , Gates of the Arctic National Park , Lake Clark National Park , etc), we won’t see anybody here. Because nobody, not even the most ardent backpackers and explorers, makes their way here.

We’ll bring you into the park on our Denali backpacking trip and you’ll see a region of the park that is simply superb. great views of the mountain (weather permitting, of course).

Catch the park in all its fall glory in late August and early September. The tundra puts on its blazing show. A myriad of golds, yellows, reds, and every possible combination of these glowing colors. A week of backpacking in Denali National Park is a lifetime of memory. You’re in good hands. Our experience and knowledge of the area ensure you can best utilize your time here.

Relax and enjoy ‘The Great One’ .

This one is for you.

Trip Details

The backpacking is endless in this area. You’ll explore the high country, traversing ridges and walking up valleys. The hidden gems of the area are right outside your tent.

From our drop-off point, we hike to camp. It’s a steep little sidehill, and a solid hit out to get you started.

Thereafter, it’s gold.

The walking here is a mix of everything. Tundra, scree, brush, plateaus, creeks and moraine. If diversity is a strength (and we think it is), this Denali backpacking trip is one of the strongest yet.

We’ll backpack and explore the area bit. Rhane checked it out recently and came back eyes wide open and mouth agape, “Carl, you gotta get in here” . So here we are.

It’s a good fit for folks who can backpack, are comfortable on different types of terrain and bring a flexible mindset on what a trip like this looks like. If you’re a “on day 1, at 3pm, what do we do?” kinda person this one might not be for you. Yet.

If you’re an adventurer, a backcountry-capable and fit, durable kinda person, who wants to explore an extremely rarely visited area in this most famous of National Parks, tag us.

We’d love to bring you along.

We’ll meet you in Talkeetna, a tiny town with a giant personality, and the gateway to all things Denali. We’ll fly from Talkeetna to our drop-off point in the park. After the trip, we’ll return to Talkeetna for one night.

We strongly recommend that you schedule your departure flight from Anchorage for the following night after 8pm or, safer, a day later. Alaska’s weather likes to upend itineraries. So, in case we need to spend an extra night in the backcountry until our air taxi can pick us up, it’s best to build in an extra day in Alaska from the get-go.

Trip insurance is required.

Is This a Fit For You?

Who’s it for.

Adventurous experienced backpackers. Intermediate level, with advanced option.

Confident, durable and fit people.

Any wilderness backpacking trip can throw a curve, even those we’ve hiked for more than two decades. Trips we’ve seen less of can be even more challenging to navigate. Newer backpacking trips tend to have more variables we haven’t yet dealt with. We want to be comfortable with changing plans and conditions.

Not everyone can do that. Fewer people still can do it well.

Weather is always a challenge in the Alaska Range, and particularly up above treeline. Be ready for everything Denali can throw at you. Wind and rain, more rain, snow, sleet, fog, more wind and rain, and (fingers crossed) some gorgeous blue skies.

Terrain is everything. You need to be confident in your balance, comfortable with a heavy load on your back. Be able to navigate varying and steeper hillsides. The Alaska Range don’t play.

Sidehilling is your biggest challenge here. So be good on your feet.

How'd we find this spot?

With a LOT of patience and scouting and exploratory diligence.

It takes time to really get into the weeds using satellite imagery, a boatload of topo maps and way too many hours of close scrutiny of terrain and topography and the lay of the land.

Then we sent 3 different guides into the park to find what goes and what doesn’t.

This one goes.

Let's Talk Difficulty Ratings

How difficult is it?

It’s this difficult. ->

This is Rhane’s mom, on our scouting trip. She crushed it, but really enjoyed this rock for a break spot.

A good rock needs to be sat upon.

Denali & Wildlife

Denali National Park & Preserve is home to some of the best wildlife viewing in the nation, but this particular area we travel is the high country. It’s more rock and ice and tundra than lush rich wildlife habitat.

Denali National Park is a stunning hiking trip and you’re never quite sure what you might see.

That said, bears live here, so black and brown bears are present, as can be wolves and even moose and Dall sheep. Caribou don’t tend to be in this area. Foxes and other small animals are often seen here too.

Sidehilling doesn't sound too bad

Sidehilling doesn’t quite “sound” like what it is.

When I say “bushwhacking” or “river crossing” , people seem to have a good sense of what that feels like. Sidehilling is a bit deceptive. it’s more challenging than it sounds. And it’s more challenging than you think it is.

Fortunately, we don’t have too much. Maybe a mile or so.

Backpacking and Basecamping

We’ll have a couple of versions of this trip.

A Denali Backpacking trip that works for those who really wanna get after it. We’re offering both 7 and 10 day backpacking trips for you folks who want to boot up and get walking. You’ll want to be a solid backcountry backpacker.

We can adjust these and tweak the itineraries if needed. So if you want something a little longer, or maybe a little shorter, give us a holler.

We’ll also have a basepack trip, 5 days, for those who want to fly in, backpack a short walk to camp, make a great campsite and explore the countryside. If this is you, let me know .

BACKPACK OR BASEPACK

An adventurer’s backpack.

A backpacking loop brings us back to our landing spot. There are options to do this over 10 days, or cut it shorter and just do 7.

The 10 day trip is a bit gnarlier. Be on top of your game for this one. We have a couple of high, rugged passes to traverse. Don’t be intimidated. But be comfortable on mountain terrain.

This longer one is going to be a bit exploratory in 2023. It’ll work well for those hardy, experienced, fit backpackers who really like to explore something new. If this is you, reach out to us.

7 Day Backpack

The 7 day is a good intermediate version, for those who can walk and carry their gear through most terrain.

Most of the hike is pretty good walking, with little adversity beyond the normal challenges (carrying 40 pounds on your back is hard)! We have plenty of time.

This trip will work well for most folks who can backpack. This is NOT for those people with no backpacking experience.

The Basepack is not for non-backpackers.

You’ll have to backpack a few miles from our landing strip to a campsite. And it’s a challenging hike. Steep sidehilling. Then we set up camp and walk and hike and camp and eat and sleep and watch the mountain all day long. Then we return the way we came to meet our pilot.

The first 3/4 mile or so is hard. So don’t think “oh this one looks like me, it’ll be easy”. This is a good choice for those folks who CAN backpack, but want to avoid the hassle and physical stresses of moving camp every day.

This trip is a new one for us, so we’re approaching it in 2023 with a “keep on your toes” mindset. We scouted it in 2022 and are sure this trip is set to be a firm crowd favorite.

We’ll plan on meeting you in Talkeetna, Alaska.

Why Talkeetna? Because it’s one of the hippest little towns in all of Alaska. That’s why.

From there we gear check and review, and then fly in to the most famous National Park in all of Alaska, and one of the most famous parks in the world.

Backpack and basecamp and backpack and basecamp.

Fly out, back to Talkeetna, overnight and depart.

Schedule your departure a good 24 hours later. Not the following morning, but no sooner than the following evening. Give yourself a day, or 2, in Talkeetna at the end of the trip, rather than the start. It makes life a lot less stressful in the backcountry when the weather turns south and our air taxi can’t come get us til the next morning.

We have 3 trip models this year. i) a shorter basepack for those of you wanting a sample ii) A weeklong backpacking trip looking to soak up the view. iii) a 10 day trip for those rockstars looking to get after it.

Which one is the right fit for you? Read More

How do we get to Talkeetna?

There are a few options. A number of shuttles run daily Anchorage – Talkeetna, and that’s probably your best bet, saving a rental vehicle, etc. you don’t really need a car in Talkeetna, but if you want to spend the cash, and can get a vehicle, it does make life a little easier and more flexible.

Shuttle Service through Alaska Shuttle .

Denali Overland is a great choice with daily runs between Anchorage and Talkeetna as well.

You can also take the train from Anchorage to talkeetna, which might be a fun adventure. More info is available here.

Bus schedules can be found here .

Is there any fishing here?

How much experience do i need.

It’s hard to say precisely, but if you’ve not backpacked before, it might be a good idea to go try it before flying into one of the largest and wildest national parks in the country and walking around with no trails.

That said, we have definitely had plenty of folks with no experience do just fine on even challenging trips, so it’s a very subjective thing

Do we include Lodging in Talkeetna?

Yes we do. It varies, but we usually include the final night of the trip. Some years/trips it might be the first night, we’ll let you know as we make those arrangements.

How are the difficulty ratings defined?

Well, “ defined ” probably isn’t the right word. This is Alaska after all. But this an important question to consider.

Go to whichever trip you would like to learn about. Click on the little hiking boot icon in the sidebar for whichever backcountry trip you’re considering and you’ll see the discussion for that particular level of trip.

One boot equals easiest and five boots the most challenging option. Thanks.

As a general rule I’d suggest rating everything here one notch HIGHER  from what you might be used to (assuming you haven’t hiked in Alaska before). If you consider yourself up for an intermediate level hike assume that a trip rated intermediate here will probably be a bit tougher than you’re expecting. Not impossible, but harder than you think.

As I mentioned above, terrain is the biggest factor here and it’s extremely subjective as to what is difficult terrain and what is not.

Some people really struggle walking over a boulder field, and others don’t find it difficult at all. Some people find sidehilling more difficult, or bushwhacking, and so on. Well, everybody finds sidehilling difficult. But the most common element people struggle with is almost always terrain. Your balance is probably a more important consideration than how miles you run on a treadmill each day in the gym.

One of the best ways to lower a rating is simply give yourself an extra day or 2. Make a 5 day hike a 7 day hike and it’ll much more manageable. Conversely, if you want a challenge give yourself a little less time and you’ll find just about any trip here as challenging as you could want it to be.

Again: please carefully read over the difficult rating discussion for your particular trip . It’s the boot icon in the sidebar of the trip page.

What gear do I need?

You’ll receive a Trip Departure Packet upon your reservation with a detailed Gear section and a comprehensive Gear Check List for you. Read it carefully  and be sure you have the appropriate gear with you. We’ll do a gear review before your trip but you really should contact me with any questions you have before you arrive in AK.

You’ll find tons of information on gear and related stuff on the blog . You’ll find some extensive commentary there about gear and backpacking and hiking trips, etc. Rain gear and keeping dry , down versus synthetic sleeping bags , backpacks , and so forth. I update it reasonably often, so do check out the blog posts for information. Here is a link to The Gear Category on the blog.

In the meantime this should help you get started below.

Bring a sturdy backpacking tent. Lesser ‘car camping’ tents can fail miserably when you need them the most. If you don’t have a tent, or aren’t certain, please inquire with Expeditions Alaska. We’ll rent you a tent if you prefer.

Good rain gear is a must. I recommend a lightweight, gore-tex type shell. A poncho-style rain jacket or shawl is NOT recommended (as in, DO NOT BRING ONE).

A sleeping bag that will keep you warm down to 20deg (F) is what I suggest (or lower). A 32deg (F) bag would be considered bare minimum for most Alaskan summer adventures and I do NOT recommend it. Either synthetic fill bags or down bags are great – you just need to keep them dry. Read more about your sleeping bag here .

Unless you’re booking a fully outfitted trip you’ll need to bring a reliable stove. Bring a reliable stove, preferably one that burns white gas, or Coleman fuel. MSR ‘ Whisperlite ‘ or similar stoves are great. Remember that with current restrictions on air travel it is illegal to bring fuel onto commercial planes. I can provide fuel for you, available when you arrive in Alaska.

Another stove that’s very popular recently is the Jetboil .

My preference is for long sleeve shirts and full length brushed nylon pants. A mosquito headnet is also recommended for those times when the bugs get gnarly.

Do NOT bring cotton pants, shirt, socks, etc. If you’re confused about this, contact me .

Trekking poles are worth their weight in gold. Don’t head for Alaska without them. Expeditions Alaskan provide these (free) if you like.

Definitely bring sturdy, waterproof boots. Your lightweight day hikers may be fine around town but they are often not durable enough to withstand a multi-day alpine adventure. Alaska Hiking boots info .

A comfortable backpack is required and a system for carrying gear on a dayhike is very handy. Many backpacks have removable tops and these work great. A rain cover that fits your fully loaded pack is a must have!

Another choice for is a small summit pack for dayhikes. I use the Marmot Kompressor. Not requisite but handy to have.

The single most important element of gear is your ability to use it.

Practice with your equipment before heading into the backcountry. Do not wait until you’re miles into the wilderness before you realize your stove doesn’t work or that you don’t know how to set up your tent. Being comfortable with your equipment and how to use it can be paramount to a safe and enjoyable trip.

Do you have a Gear Check List?

Oh yeah. Right here

Upon your reservation I’ll also send out a detailed Trip Information Packet with more than enough information on gear to keep you busy. Until then the above check list is a good outline of what you need.

Tell me about this “off trail” backpacking?

Typically, it doesn’t mean we go “off the trail “. It means there is NO trail. These are two very different things.

Offtrail hiking, or no trail hiking, is hard at times, easy at others, and very hard at others. It’s almost always changing, and not something you should dismiss as irrelevant. In fact, it’s probably the single most important thing to understand about our backpacking trips .

I’ll say that again. Louder. It’s probably the single most important thing to understand about our backpacking trips.

When we say offtrail backpacking we’re talking about traversing boulder fields, hiking through dense brush, over steep scree and talus slopes and walking for hours on steep grassy mountainsides. All of which are harder than you think they are.

I’ll keep this post brief, but you can read a lot more about this subject (and I recommend that you do) on this blog post .

Click the link and read that post. Thoroughly.

It’s important.

What comes with the Food Add-on?

If you’d like, Expeditions Alaska can handle your backcountry food for the trip. Cost depends on trip length, but it’s typically $325 for a 2-4 day trip, and $425 for a trip 5 days or longer (backcountry days).

We will organize and pack the food, handle all backcountry prep, as well as pots and pans, the stove/s, fuel and your mess kit. Assistance for cleanup and dishes is always appreciated, but not requisite.

NB: this means, if we’re doing food for your trip, you must arrive with requisite space in your backpack for your share of the food. This typically means a  BV500 , sized 8.7 in. diameter. (22.1cm) x 12.7 in. (32.3cm) height. There’ll also be your mess kit (cup, bowl, cutlery, etc) and maybe some additional group gear, whether it’s a fuel bottle, stove or pan or skillet. In general your guide will carry the bulk of this stuff, but we certainly can’t and don’t intend to carry all of it. So don’t arrive with a backpack packed full, no space left in it, if we’re doing your food for you. Your food goes in your pack.

More info linked on the page below.

All your questions about our backcountry food answered right here .

How should I structure my travel arrangements?

Travel suggestions.

3 pieces of advice

• Do  NOT  book your commercial flight early the next morning. The later the better. Better still, the day after that,
• Book a refundable/changeable ticket for your return flight home, and
• Purchase travel insurance.

Itinerary caveats

I put trip itineraries online here to give visitors a more detailed look at some of our trips and what options they include.

I can’t over-emphasize that each is simply an example.

What I work hardest on is tailoring trips to the specific interests and abilities and experience of the people who hike with us. No 2 trips are the same. Where possible we don’t use the same campsites when we do a route and we often even vary the route when appropriate to do so.

I try to be flexible with how far we hike each day and how many days we spend in the backcountry. What time we get up in the morning, for example, is largely up to the trip participants (unless for some reason I feel we need to be up and on the trail by a particular time – this rarely happens).

Itineraries are somewhat fluid. As they should be. Weather, hiker experience and many other factors determine the actual trip.

So don’t expect the itinerary for a trip to match an outline of Day 1 we hike abc, Day 2 we hike xyz, etc, etc. It doesn’t (and in my opinion shouldn’t) work that way. The itineraries listed on this site are

a) to outline the travel time and logistics for you, and

b) attempt to help give you some sense of the route and how it goes.

But with wilderness trail-less backpacking routes, these kinds of structured itineraries are really not very useful.

What’s Included/Not Included?

All trips and trip prices include the following.

* Professional Guide Service: Experience is paramount, as is a friendly, flexible atmosphere for your trip, and Expeditions Alaska go out of our way to bring that to the backcountry. I know the routes, the natural history and the place as well as anyone, and all the best campsites! Backcountry camping in Alaska can be intimidating for a novice and even for some intermediate and experienced hikers. A qualified guide service can go a long way to minimizing problems that may come up. Customers returning for seven eight nine ten consecutive hiking trips with Expeditions Alaska speaks volumes for the value of a good guide.

* Travel and Accommodations: Expeditions Alaska typically offers a complete Door-to-Door service .

For example, for our Wrangell-St. Elias National Park trips, we’ll pick you up from your hotel in Anchorage, drive to McCarthy in our comfortable conversion van, stay the night at the Kennecott River Lodge, enjoy a hot breakfast the following morning in McCarthy, then fly into the backcountry. Backpack and hike for your trip, fly back to McCarthy, have the afternoon in and around McCarthy, exploring the Kennecott Glacier, or the old mines up at Kennecott, spend another night at the Kennecott River Lodge, and drive back to Anchorage the final day, right to your hotel in Anchorage.

For the ANWR trips, we’ll usually travel from Fairbanks to Coldfoot or Kaktovik by plane, then fly into the backcountry. Whether we pick you up at your hotel in Fairbanks or not will depend on whether we’re driving or flying north. If we fly, we’ll meet you at the airport. If we’re driving, we’ll pick you up.

For all other trips, check first as to exactly what the plan is .

* Gear: We can provide all cookware, fuel, etc for the trip. Feel free to let us know if you’d like to bring your own. We can get the fuel you need as it’s not possible for you to fly with any fuel in your luggage. If you would prefer a fully outfitted trip we can accommodate that. You’ll need to bring your personal gear, such as a sleeping bag and backpack. We’ll also provide bear-resistant food canisters and bear spray for the trip. Expeditions Alaska trips will also provide a cook tent for the trip. We also provide hiking poles for you if you don’t have your own.

* Safety: Any professional guide service puts safety first. This means caution, it means responsibility and it means an excellent knowledge of the area: the terrain, wildlife and travel, backcountry camping and safety. Fully qualified Wilderness First Aid certification. A satellite phone available for emergency backcountry service if necessary and a backup emergency messaging device such as Delorme inReach or PLB. We bring a GPS, map and compass on every route we do. This is an owner-operated business and all participants can feel confident knowing they’re not getting an intern or inexperienced guide for their trip.

* Storage: Extra travel items that won’t be needed while we’re in the backcountry (limited space available).

What’s Not Included?

Expeditions Alaska do not provide the following unless otherwise specified.

a) food and camping gear — Expeditions Alaska will outfit your trip if you would like us to. For a minimal addition in cost, I’m glad to supply food and camping gear (you will need your own personal gear, such as a sleeping bag, pad, clothes, pack, etc). Any specific items you may need help with, just send me an email or call me and I’ll work it out for you.

b) travel arrangements to Anchorage from outside Alaska.

c) trip insurance. Our suggestion is Travelex .

d) travel meals. Any hotel or lodge meals we eat in the frontcountry are not included in your price. So if we stop to eat along the road, for example, we do not pick up the tab for that.

d) guide gratuities.

Please note

The ANWR and Gates of the Arctic National Park trips include all travel (return) from Fairbanks to Coldfoot, or from Fairbanks to Kaktovik, where we fly into the Refuge, as well as rafts, dry bags, etc. The Icy Bay and Malaspina Glacier trips start and end in Yakutat, Alaska. Because of the nature of backcountry adventure, trips vary year to year. Each trip is also available for longer or shorter durations, and trip prices vary accordingly. Similarly, group bookings (3 or more participants) can receive substantial discounts.

For more information, contact us using the Contact Form here .

All clients complete the backcountry waiver before departing for any of our trips.

Cancellation policy

Reserving your place on a trip requires a 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable. All trips MUST be paid in full 45 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

If the client cancels on a trip paid in full, 80% of the price can be deferred to another trip within the next 12 months, provided that

i) Expeditions Alaska is able to fill the spot, ii) the trip is full and iii) 30 days (or more) notice is given.

If cancellation is within 30 days of the trip only 50% of the fee can be carried over to a future trip.

No refunds or other reimbursements are given for cancellations within 14 days of the trip departure.

Expeditions Alaska reserves the right to cancel and/or modify the itinerary of a trip. You will be refunded your payment in full if Expeditions Alaska cancels your trip.You will be refunded your payment in full, minus a $250 administrative fees plus any unrecoverable deposits Expeditions Alaska made to organize the trip if Expeditions Alaska cancel your trip.

If weather or other factors delay or impede your trip, there will be no refund of fees. Expeditions Alaska is not responsible for any other costs incurred by the client as a result of the cancellation. Additional costs incurred through weather delays and itinerary changes are the responsibility of the client. Additional costs incurred by the client, such as changes to flights or additional costs, etc, are the sole responsibility of the client.

Why are there so many questions?

At the same time, the rewards and the thrill of a place like this are also unique. I’ve no question at all that if you’ve read this far, you’ll love your Alaska backpacking trip, whether it’s with me, or another guiding service, or a trip you take on your own. Just be careful out there.

Happy Trails!

I still have more questions

We all do. Questions are good. That’s how we learn. Either give me a call or send me an email and we’ll go through them.

I also send out a comprehensive Trip Information Packet upon your reservation and that will usually answer your questions.

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The Brooks Range. Backpacking in the Arctic just got even better.

On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, five hiking boots is right up there.

1 boot = basecamp/dayhike easy 2 boots = easier backpacking trip 3 boots = intermediate level trip 4 boots = intermediate to advanced backpacking 5 boots = ask yourself are you really ready for this?

Expect whatever level you think might best fit you to be one level LOWER on our scale. Hiking here in Alaska is generally a step or three above what you’ll find in the Lower 48 states.

Expect it to be tougher than you think it will. At least in part, anyway. Some sections will inevitably be easier. Some will make you feel it.

One of the best hikers I’ve walked with, Ben, said it perfectly one day, as we traversed a step sidehill on the Southern Traverse. “Man, Alaska just beats you up, doesn’t it?”

And he’s right. It does. Don’t be fooled by the low mileages and the lower elevations. The catch is the difficulty of traversing rugged country with no trails. However much you think that might impact you, double it.

You need to be athletic, well balanced, in good shape, and an experienced backpacker for this kind of trip. If you’re not that .. well, don’t say you weren’t well warned.

An epic backpack for the ages. Crisscross the divide and explore the Arctic.

Backpacking the Arctic Refuge

A Trail of Glory. Backpacking the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Intermediate

On a scale of 1 – 5, five being the most challenging, three hiking boots is smack in the middle.

If you consider yourself up for an intermediate level hike, for example, assume that a trip rated intermediate here will probably be a bit tougher than you’re expecting; not impossible, but harder than you think. Intermediate level trips don’t mean you won’t be challenged, won’t struggle at times, and won’t have any easy sections either. On any trip you’ll probably find some easy sections, some harder, and some are challenging.

Also, understand that all these rating are so completely subjective that they’re not entirely all together practical. They’re a VERY loose idea of how the trips might compare to one another, for some people.

Lastly, understand that even a trip we might rate as “intermediate” (3-4 hiking boots) may still have some difficulty at times. Weather changes things. There may be a tough steep climb on the route that takes a few hours.

Above the Circle. Backpacking the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

65 miles. No Trail. No people. Just Wild.

A challenging backpacking trek through the eastern reaches of the Chugach Mountains. Not for the faint of heart. But we'll get you there.

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Denali National Park

Explore the reaches of this legendary park.

Denali National Park is home to the tallest mountain in North America, Denali at 20,310 feet, as well as over six million acres of diverse wilderness. This includes the famous Big Five — grizzly bears, moose, wolves, Dall sheep and caribou. With only one park road, nature exists as it has for thousands of years, and your visit offers a glimpse into an era that most can’t imagine, even in their wildest dreams.

Denali National Park Tour Options

See Denali National Park — your way.

Natural History Tour - Primrose Ridge

This narrated tour through Denali National Park spans four and a half hours and takes you to Primrose Ridge at mile 17. Several interpretive stops enhance the experience with an hour of off-bus experience. Beginning with a stop at the Denali Bus Depot, learn about the creation of the Denali Park Road with the film “Across Time and Tundra.” Next, visit the historical Savage Cabin to learn how the cabin was once used, and how it continues to be used today. Finally, a stop at Primrose Ridge to experience a memorable Alaska Native presentation will enlighten you with how the land has been used for nearly 10,000 years! Most cruisetours include this park tour.

2024 Price: $115 USD adult, $60 USD child. Note: This does not include the Denali National Park entrance fee which is $15 USD. This fee is charged separately with non-cruise government fees and taxes.

Tundra Wilderness Tour - East Fork Cabin

The Tundra Wilderness Tour lasts five hours and will guide you along the spectacular road corridor to mile 43, promising a wonderful experience, as Denali’s wildlife moves at its own pace and according to the seasons. Travel to the Murie Cabin near the East Fork River to experience where Adolf Murie lived while conducting his famous research inside what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park!

2024 Price: $150 USD adult, $84 USD child. Note: This does not include the Denali National Park entrance fee which is $15 USD. This fee is charged separately with non-cruise government fees and taxes.

Denali's Big Five

The royalty of Alaska.

Brown bears, also known as grizzlies, are lucky enough to call Denali National Park home thanks to abundant food and a safe environment. These bears are solitary creatures that hunt, fish and forage on their own. As you travel through the park, you’ll likely find them wandering the open tundra in search of their next meal, or you may uncover their footprints that tell a story of their latest adventures.

Weighing over a thousand pounds and towering above the heads of most people, moose are an impressive sight. They’re most often found roaming the forests of Denali National Park or grazing on plants along the tundra. Moose are even known to make a splash as they swim toward tasty aquatic plants. Surprisingly fast, strong and imposing, moose are also well-adapted to the snow with wide feet and warm coats.

Wolves symbolize Alaska wilderness. They’re a rare and special sighting, as they usually stay far from visitors whenever possible. However, Denali National Park’s wilderness status makes it one of the only places where wolf sightings are more common. They live, hunt and raise their pups in small packs, and their howls can often be heard echoing throughout the land.

Dall sheep are identifiable thanks to their large, curved horns and thick white coats of fur. Males are often recognized when fighting over a mate, creating a unique dance as they run into each other and lock horns. There is a good chance of seeing these creatures on the hillsides of Denali National Park, where they use ridges and steep slopes for feeding, resting and eluding predators.

As they wander along the tundra, a herd of caribou is usually detected by their massive horns, long faces and brown fur. While they’re called reindeer in other parts of the world, that name is strictly reserved for domesticated caribou in Alaska. Whether they’re traveling with their young or looking for mates in the spring, there are many chances to see caribou when you visit Denali National Park.

More to Consider

More information to help you plan your day in Denali.

How to book or change your park tour

Park tour availability is limited and is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. If your Alaska cruisetour does not include a Denali National Park tour, reserve your spot via the  Cruise Personalizer , by calling Princess Cruises or contacting your travel advisor. To change the Denali National Park tour on an existing booking, please call Princess® or your travel advisor.

Helpful tips

• Water is provided on all Denali National Park tours.
• A box lunch can be purchased at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®.
• We suggest you bring warm clothes, rainwear, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera and personal medication as necessary.
• Tour buses are school buses. The park road isn't paved after mile 15.

Other park activities

A shuttle service can take you from the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge® to the main visitor center or the Horseshoe Lake Trailhead – a 3-mile trail full of beautiful pathways and beaver dams. If you choose to explore the visitor center, watch films about the park, check out cultural and historical exhibits of Denali National Park and join hikes lead by knowledgeable park rangers.

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge®

The perfect home base for exploring Denali National Park.

Located less than a mile from the Denali National Park entrance, Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge® is your home base for exploring the Great Land’s beloved nature preserve. All Alaska cruisetours exploring the wonders of Denali will have the chance to stay at this unforgettable lodge. With the comforts of home, incredible dining options and expert-crafted excursions, discover your ideal way to explore the Great Land.

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Alaska cruises.

See the Great Land’s glaciers, wildlife, and national parks.

Alaska Cruisetours

Combine a cruise + train + lodge + Denali for an in-depth Alaska experience.

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge

Your home base at the doorstep of Denali National Park.

Unique Photography Excursions in Denali, Alaska

"Best excursion of my trip to Alaska" - Guest Review

Explore Alaska on a 5-Star Photography Tour

Capture the majesty of Alaska with your personal guide. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro we will help you get the most out of your camera and take you to the best locations Denali has to offer.

Denali Photo Excursion

These photo tours offer exquisite light on the Alaska Range, potential for reflection shots over mountain lakes, and optimal lighting on Mt. Denali when visible.

• Most Popular Tour

Midnight Sun Photo Excursion

Experience the thrill of chasing the Midnight Sun!

Learn to photograph the dramatic sunset colors in Denali and revel in the prolonged golden hour.

Backcountry Photo Excursion

Discover true wilderness and capture epic vistas of endless mountains!

Only 20% of the entire state of Alaska is accessible by road, so why not fly?

5-Star Rating on TripAdvisor

"Terry & Eva are both so helpful and knowledgeable. With their help I got a pile of amazing landscape photos, including numerous pond/lake reflections. They helped me get my settings on my dslr correct while also helping a couple get great photos with their iPhones."

"Over the years I have taken several photography tours but is the best one that I have taken. Eva did a wonderful job getting us to great spots. She helped me get comfortable with shooting not on the auto mode. If back in Denali, I will book with them again."

"After many years, I finally learned what all the buttons on my SLR do, and how to use them! My tour was with Todd, who was very encouraging and helpful. He also helped me and my friend to compose better photos with our IPhones. It was a fantastic easy to spend our first afternoon, after arriving by train from Fairbanks. We had stellar weather, sky’s was crystal clear, so Todd took just a little extra time at the end of the tour, to drive us to a site where we could take beautiful shots of Denali. I am so happy that I did this tour, and it helped me take much better pictures ever since."

"Using this knowledge he was able to take us to the best views for both landscape and wildlife. His teaching skills and expertise in photography helped each of us to become better photographers and to bring home a portfolio of captivating pictures of the Denali area."

"Being part of a small group of guests (4 + Eva) made the event more relaxed and focused. Eva allowed us all the time we wanted, provided insights in using our equipment and was very personable. I would highly recommend this tour regardless of your photography expertise."

"Todd was so helpful, showing me the finer points of using my camera to take awesome shots of flowers, landscapes, and wildlife. Appreciated the small group, personal experience. I would do it again if I return to Denali! Was definitely worth the money and time!"

"The locations were amazing and I brought home not just some terrific photographs but also a renewed enthusiasm for photography. That much is priceless."

Denali Photo Guides

Take home awe-inspiring photographs of Alaska! 

Learn to photograph the majesty of the Alaskan landscape with a maximum of 4 participants per tour. Our top-rated local photography guides will be your location scout, driver, and instructor – seeking out the best locations and the most dramatic lighting.

Our tours are designed to benefit all skill levels with any type of camera (smart-phones welcome). You’ll enjoy the luxury of being able to capture your photos at a pace that is comfortable for you.

• Beginners will learn techniques to get more out of their equipment and how to photograph Alaska’s stunning scenery and wildlife in a way that “does it justice.”
• Advanced photographers will enjoy the luxury of being driven to the best locations without having to rent a car or trying to scout the vast and unfamiliar landscape.

Professional tripods and filters provided. Digital cameras with long zoom lenses are available to rent for use on any of our photo tours, and you keep the memory card.

Become familiar with your own camera and learn techniques to truly capture your trip of a lifetime .

We honor and acknowledge Denali as the homeland of Alaska Native people, and we are thankful to be in such an inspiring place.

Alaska Native peoples have used Denali, the highest peak in North America, as a landmark for millennia. At 20,310 feet above sea level, the peak can be seen from hundreds of miles away on a clear day. Several Alaska Native groups have their own names for the mountain. The Koyukon Athabascans, who live closest to it, called it “Denali”, which means “the great one”. The area in and around Denali comprises part of the aboriginal homeland of five Northern Athabascan groups—Dena’ina, Koyukon, Lower Tanana, Upper Kuskokwim, and Western Ahtna. The affiliation of five Native groups with one national park is unique and illustrates the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Denali area.

3 Alaska National Parks Trip Report - Denali, Kenai Fjords, and Glacier Bay

C heck out our week-long 3 Alaska National Parks Trip report including Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Glacier Bay National Park. Where we stayed, how we got to the park, and so much more. 

3 Alaska National Parks Trip Report

Day 1 - travel to fairbanks and denali np.

We flew Alaska Airlines from Spokane to Seattle and then took a 4-hour flight up to Fairbanks.

One bonus when we were about an hour from landing Fairbanks was realizing we were flying over Wrangell St Elias National Park . 

Fairbanks is the perfect airport to fly into to head to Denali National Park . 

We grabbed our rental car quickly and headed out the door as fast as we could.

We found out the day before that our Denali Bus Tundra Wilderness Tour left at 1:50 pm which was earlier than we had hoped it would be.

Especially since we didn't land in Fairbanks until 11 am.

Thankfully it is a quick and easy drive from the airport to the Parks Highway.

The drive is gorgeous heading from Fairbanks to Denali NP .

We made it to our tour with a few minutes to spare.

The tours are held on modified school buses. Make sure to dress in layers and be comfortable because you will be sitting for a while.

We were barely 20 minutes into the tour when we saw a moose!

This kicked off an epic tour seeing multiple Caribou, moose, Dall Sheep, Willow Ptarmigan, ground squirrels, and more.

Sadly no bears or wolves but that just means we need to do the tour again. 

We also saw Denali mountain clearly for the 1st part of the tour which was spectacular. 

After the tour we headed to 49th State Brewery in Healy, Alaska about 10 to 16 minutes from the park entrance.

We had seen the sign for the restaurant on our way to the park and looked up the menu and it looked amazing. 

The 49th State Brewery is honestly fantastic! We really enjoyed the eclectic atmosphere and great food.

I tried Yak for the 1st time in a ½-pound Yak Burger and the thing was massive! It was just what my stomach was waiting for after a full day.

 Oh, and did I mention the jokes that have come from it?

It was so big I started to reach for my knife to cut this monster in half. 

The table of 6 women next to us started laughing and teasing me about not being man enough to handle the full burger.

Even my wife started laughing at how much the other girls were teasing me.

Right then I knew what I had to do.  That's right.  I went in and squished down that burger to a more manageable size while the juices ran down my arm I dug into my first bite.

I'm not sure what I enjoyed more, the quality of the burger or the fact that there were 7 women admiring my ability to take down the Yak.

This was my second highlight of the trip already as the Mountain was out today also. I Had to finish this great day with a really good local brew. 

The restaurant has the Into the Wild Bus which makes for great photos.

We stayed at the Grande Denali Lodge and it worked great.

You have to see the warning signs leading up to the lodge. So funny and truly Alaska! 

Day 2 - Denali to Kenai Fjords

We woke up early to hit the road and drive to Seward, Alaska to visit Kenai Fjords National Park . 

The drive along the Parks Highway is gorgeous most days. We ended up driving in torrential rain and wind so we didn't see the views we hoped for.

It was quite the drive but so worth it.

By the time we got to Seward the storm had broken up so we were hopeful we would be able to take the Kenai Fjords dinner cruise we had booked.

Sadly when we went to check in for the cruise they let us know it was canceled due to rough water and weather.

We found ourselves with a free afternoon in Seward with nothing planned.

We ended up having an amazing lunch at the Highline Restaurant. 

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Seward.

The grilled halibut sandwich was unbelievable and the clam chowder was one of the best I have ever had.

We really enjoyed relaxing while enjoying an epic lunch.

Since we had time we explored Seward and found mile 1 of the Iditarod National Historic Trail.

We stopped by the Kenai Fjords visitor center to pick up the park brochure and junior ranger program before heading to Exit Glacier.

Did you know there is an Exit Glacier Campground for tents only? It is really nice and offers the opportunity to camp in Kenai Fjords.

After exploring Exit Glacier we headed to our hotel for the night.

We booked a room at Angels Rest which has cabins and rooms.

The hotel is located outside of Seward along the coastline offering epic views of the water. 

We stayed in the Herons roost which had 2 rooms on the 2nd floor.

Being able to relax with views of the water was the perfect way to end a crazy day of storms and driving 6+ hours.

Day 3 - Kenai Fjords NP Boat Tour

We started the morning at the Sea Bean Café in Seward.  They have a great breakfast menu and were open early.

The Blackbeard mocha was amazing with vanilla and caramel.

After breakfast, it was time for our boat tour. We booked the 7.5-hour Kenai Fjords tour .

Our hope was to have epic weather and killer wildlife views.

It has been 13+ years since we did this tour so we were crazy excited to do it again.

The boat tour leaves from right in Seward making it really easy to find paid parking nearby.

Check-in was quick and easy and we were boarding the boat heading out to sea.

I have to admit leaving Resurrection Bay into the Gulf of Alaska was a bit rough.

There were leftover storm waves that made it a bit rocky for a good 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, a few passengers lost their breakfast while others were having problems finding their sea legs. 

Once we were back in a protected bay the waters calmed down quickly and the trip became much more pleasant.

Our first wildlife sighting was tufted puffins!!!! They were flying all around due to a Peregrine Falcon being in a tree nearby.

The day continued with more epic wildlife including multiple Humpback Whales, sea otters, harbor seals, horned puffins, and even a fin Whale.

We saw 2 tidewater glaciers during the cruise and the weather turned out amazing. 

They said about 70% of boat tours experience rain during the tour and we didn't have any.

It was so sunny we came off the ship a bit sunburned from spending the entire 7.5-hour cruise on the top deck.

There is inside seating but we didn't want to miss a single thing during the cruise.

After the cruise, it was time to drive up to Anchorage for the night.

The drive up the Seward Highway is amazing. It passes by Chugach State Park which we really want to explore on our next trip.

The Alaska State Park looks amazing with tons of overlooks looking out over the water. 

Next time we need to plan more time to explore the Kenai Peninsula and finally make it to Homer, Alaska.

We stayed at the Downtown Anchorage Marriott for the night and it was fantastic.

Our room had a view over the water and it was so crazy seeing the sunset at 10:30 pm over the water.

Day 4 - Anchorage to Denali to Fairbanks

We had planned to get up super early and leave for Denali but the Marriott bed was so comfortable we ended up sleeping in.

The drive from Anchorage to Denali is about 4 hours.

The views between Anchorage and Wasilla are epic! We didn't see any moose on the drive but have seen huge bull moose nearby on prior trips.

The Parks Highway is a direct link between Anchorage to Denali and onto Fairbanks making it really easy to explore this part of Alaska.

We did see a momma moose and baby near a river when we were almost to Denali.

They were so perfectly posed they looked fake. Sadly traffic was too busy to safely pull over to take a photo.

We had so much fun driving around Denali NP . We finally saw the Ranger Program about the sled dogs and it was amazing. 

The 2022 Sled Dog puppies are beyond cute and cuddly. We watched them put on a mini race that had 100+ park visitors swooning over the little pups! 

We drove up to Savage River to the cut-off for personal vehicles. There are a ton of epic Denali Hiking Trails in this part of the park. 

We did see 2 caribou along the way. The weather was fantastic.

It still amazes me to see the sun go down at 11:35 pm in Fairbanks.

We stayed at the Marriott Springhill Suites in Fairbanks . We have stayed at this hotel a few times and really enjoy it. 

Day 5 - Fairbanks to Glacier Bay National Park

Today was a big travel day. We had to leave the hotel early to get to our flight from Fairbanks to Anchorage.

We then flew from Anchorage to Juneau and relaxed in the tiny airport for 4 hours before our flight to Gustavus. We highly suggest having a window seat on the flight from Anchorage to Juneau!

We had epic views of tidewater glaciers and mountains during our flight. 

The flight from Juneau to Gustavus is supposed to be 20ish minutes.

We ended up having 2 missed landings and finally were able to land on the 3rd attempt.

The Gustavus Airport is not large. LOL!

We are staying at the Glacier Bay Lodge , one of my top bucket list National Park Lodges that I have not been to before! 

I have been dreaming of staying in the lodge for years. 

The lodge offers a free shuttle from the airport to the lodge. 

Thank goodness since it was absolutely pouring rain when we arrived.

We stayed in a 2 double bed cabin with a view of Bartlett Cove.

The room is small but fantastic. It has everything you need for enjoying time in Glacier Bay National Park . 

They offer breakfast and dinner at the main lodge building.

The halibut fish and chips were fantastic.

We spent the rest of the evening relaxing and getting a great night's sleep.

Day 6 - Glacier Bay National Park Boat Tour

The Glacier Bay Lodge offers a great breakfast buffet.

We were so excited to spend our day on the Glacier Bay Boat Tour.

Before we even left Bartlett Cove we saw multiple Humpback Whales. 

We also saw Stellar sea lions, Tufted puffins, Pelagic cormorants, and glaucous-winged gull near South Marble Island.

When we got to Gloomy Knob we saw an epic Coastal brown bear walking along the tidal zone.

There were Mountain goats way up high that we could barely see. 

The day was filled with unbelievable wildlife! As we headed back to the lodge we saw an Orca Whale in the distance.

It was sad to see the boat tour come to an end but we were so happy to have another night at the Glacier Bay Lodge.

Dinner was epic! We had to have the spinach dip again. It was that good.

I had the baked halibut and it was delicious. 

After dinner, we relaxed and savored the quiet of Glacier Bay.

Day 7 - Glacier Bay to Seattle

We slept so well in the Glacier Bay Lodge . I am thankful we set an alarm so we didn't sleep through breakfast.

The room was so comfortable and the light sound of rain was amazing. 

After a fantastic breakfast, we decided to check out the coastal trail to the Glacier Bay Campground. 

We could hear multiple Humpback Whales in Bartlett Cove as we walked the trail.

This is one of the most amazing national park lodges we have stayed in.

The campfire circle is on the beach with views of sea otters and humpback Whales.

We spent a couple of hours wandering the lodge grounds and watching the Whales.

There are a few hours between checkout and the shuttle to the airport. We spent it watching Humpback Whales from the deck of the lodge.

We even saw one do multiple tail slaps and breach right in front of us.

This Alaska National Park trip has been amazing. It is hard to think about heading home when we are watching humpback Whales right near the lodge.

I wish I could say our departure from Glacier Bay was as epic as the rest of the week has been.

When we arrived at the Gustavus Airport the line was outside the building.

We had to stand in the misty rain for over an hour to get into the building.

Once we were checked in and on the flight, we found out they needed to burn off some fuel onboard the plane so we were delayed arriving in Juneau. 

By the time we arrived in Juneau our original flight to Seattle had already departed.

We also found out it is the weekend of the Juneau Ironman so there were no hotels in town.

We spent the night sleeping on benches inside the airport.

One travel tip is to make sure you pack lots of snacks with you.

The Juneau snack shop was closed when we arrived so we were unable to get dinner. Snacks got us through the night.

After a lovely night of little sleep, we finally boarded our flight to Seattle and on to Spokane.

Additional Alaska National Park Resources

Denali National Park

Kenai Fjords National Park

Lake Clark National Park

Katmai National Park

Wrangell St. Elias National Park

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Check out all of the  Alaska National Parks  along with  National Parks in Washington ,  California National Parks , and  National Parks in Hawaii

Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.

The park pass covers everyone in the car for per vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy on  REI.com  and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

Alaska by Train: A Car-Free Itinerary for Touring the 49th State

August 19, 2024

As you might have heard, getting a rental car in Alaska can be tough. Inventory is limited and demand is high, especially during the peak travel months of May to September.

But if you’re planning to vacation in what is known as "the rail belt”—a wide swath of Southcentral Alaska that includes Denali National Park, Seward, Fairbanks, and Anchorage—you can take the train instead, thanks to passenger service available from the Alaska Railroad . 

There are some serious perks to seeing the state by rail, starting with the relief that drivers will feel from not having to keep their eyes glued to a narrow, winding road. On the train, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery, some of which you can’t even access by car. 

The 10-day itinerary we’ve put together below involves some fairly long-distance train rides on the Alaska Railroad. You won't have to deal with any quick, commuter-style transfers, but the cost of train tickets does add up pretty quickly. That makes this kind of trip best for singles, couples, and small families with some money to burn—if you’re looking to save money, you’ll probably find that accessing the stops along the route we’ve mapped will be cheaper if you rent a car or bring your own vehicle. 

If you don't have a full 10 days to spend in Alaska, you can easily split this itinerary into two parts: The first runs from day 1 through day 4 and includes Anchorage and Seward; the second part is day 5 through day 10 and includes Anchorage, Talkeetna, Denali National Park, and Fairbanks.

To book train tickets, find travel packages, and get additional information, go to AlaskaRailroad.com .

Alaska Railroad trains comes with two classes of service. Adventure Class is equivalent to economy class on an airplane, except that the seats are much more spacious, and both sides of the train car are covered in large picture windows. For true 360-degree visibility, drop by the vista dome car, capped by an arched glass ceiling. Dining and bar service are available for a fee.

GoldStar Service , available only on Coastal Classic and Denali Star trains, is equivalent to business class on a plane. You get an assigned seat in the dome car (pictured above), with priority seating in a full-service dining car, as well as food, soft drinks, and two adult beverages included in the price of your ticket. There's a private bar if you want to buy more drinks.

Both ticket classes come with access to outdoor viewing platforms, but the observation area for GoldStar riders is on the upper level, where the views are decidedly better.

Flight times into and out of Anchorage can be a little wacky, and all trains leave early in the morning, so it's best to plan on giving yourself a day to spend here before catching the train. Your top priorities should be getting a good dinner and checking into a downtown hotel for a good night's sleep. But if your flight schedule allows, there is a lot to see and do in Alaska’s most populous city. 

What to do : Staying downtown keeps you close to several prominent attractions, including the Anchorage Museum , which has a beautiful Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, and the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (pictured above),   where you can rent a bike and pedal 11 miles to the wooded Kincaid Park. Catch a free shuttle bus to reach the Alaska Native Heritage Center on the edge of town. 

Where to stay : I love the famously haunted Historic Anchorage Hotel , located a 10-minute stroll (or a short taxi/Uber/Lyft ride) from the train depot.

Where to eat : You have lots of choices downtown. 49th State Brewing is very popular for its pub-style food with an Alaska twist. The Bridge Company is only open for limited hours, but if you can get a table, the seafood is superb.

This is why staying close to the train depot pays off: The train to Seward leaves Anchorage at 6:45am. That gets you to Seward by 11:20am, so you'll have plenty of time for adventuring that day. Book a round-trip journey to return to Anchorage on the evening of day 3 to continue our itinerary. 

What to do : Take a half-day wildlife adventure cruise from either Kenai Fjords Tours or Major Marine Tours . You can see all sorts of wildlife, both on land and sea:  humpback whales (pictured above), orcas, porpoises, sea lions, seals, sea otters, bald eagles, bears, moose, and mountain goats. 

Where to stay : The Harbor 360 Hotel sits on the harbor waterfront, so you can walk right out the door and hop on a cruise. Or try to get a waterfront cottage at Rustic Roots . You'll have to catch a taxi to get there and back again, but it's worth it for the tranquil seaside setting.

Where to eat : The Cookery uses lots of fresh, local ingredients in creative combinations.

Your train back to Anchorage leaves at 6pm, so you'll spend most of the day in Seward.

What to do : If you're physically adventurous, book a full-day kayaking trip with a company like Adventure Sixty North , or book a water taxi to take you to and from Caines Head State Recreation Area , where you can hike a couple of miles to an abandoned World War II fort.

If you'd rather stay in town, take a walk along the Seward waterfront, browse through local shops, and check out the Alaska SeaLife Center , a combination research-education-rehabilitation facility. There's a lovely seabird exhibit, resident seals and sea lions, usually at least one sort of octopus, and of course tons of colorful fish. You might also see rescued animals being rehabilitated; in the past, the center has taken in otter pups, seal pups, and even an orphaned walrus calf. 

Consider also hopping on the Exit Glacier Shuttle for a lift to the only maintained land access to Kenai Fjords National Park . From there, you can take an easy, 2-mile round-trip hike (pictured above) for views of Exit Glacier.

Where to stay : You'll be back in Anchorage tonight. I recommend staying downtown again; for a nice bed and breakfast, try the  Copper Whale Inn .

Where to eat : In Seward, stop in at Resurrect Art Coffee House for coffee or Zudy's Cafe for lunch.

Catch dinner on the train north to Anchorage. Adventure Class passengers usually have a couple entree options, such as reindeer sausage with mashed potatoes, peppers, onions, and a Dijon demi-glace; or pesto chicken with yellow rice and vegetables. GoldStar passengers have more options, including slow-braised pot roast, Alaska cod, and a couple of sandwich or burger options. Don't wait to eat till you arrive in Anchorage because the train won't get there until 10pm.

You can catch a round-trip day train to the charming, stunningly scenic town of Whittier (leaving at 9:45am), or hop aboard the Glacier Discovery Train  for a day trip to a beautiful backcountry destination: Spencer Glacier .

But if you're ready for a break from day-long train rides, stick around Anchorage and check off any activities you couldn't do on the first day. Options to add to your list include riding the Flattop Mountain Shuttle for a day hike on the city's most popular mountain, or taking a day tour of the  Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center   (pictured above), a rehabilitation, conservation, and research center where you can view wild Alaskan animals in a natural environment.

This time you're taking the Denali Star Train north to the famously quirky little town of Talkeetna  (pictured above). The train leaves Anchorage at 8:20am, arriving in Talkeetna by 11:05am. 

What to do : Talkeetna has a host of tour options, including jet boats , zip-lines , and bike tours . Don't forget to leave yourself some time to browse the locally owned gift shops along Main Street. Some of the planes you’ll see taking off and landing from the local airstrip are ferrying climbers to and from Denali, while other aircraft are taking visitors on flightseeing trips. If you want that to be you, check in with Talkeetna Air Taxi .

Where to stay : The expensive Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge has dazzling Denali views from the hotel’s picture windows. At the opposite end of the price spectrum, the Talkeetna Inn puts you right in the middle of town, where you can watch how the place transforms back into a fun, outdoorsy little town once all the tour buses pack up and go home for the day. 

Where to eat : Talkeetna is lousy with good restaurants. Some of the most popular include Mountain High Pizza Pie , the Denali Brewpub , and the Salmon Spot , a recent transplant from Juneau that specializes in salmon burgers.  

You could easily stay another night in Talkeetna, but don't miss out on spending time in Denali National Park . If you hop aboard the northbound Denali Star Train at 11:20am, you'll get to Denali by 3:40pm. 

What to do : You have just enough time to explore the visitor centers and go for a quick day hike near the park entrance.

Where to stay : Whatever lodging you choose, make sure there's transportation to and from the train depot near the park entrance (since you won't have a car). Among the solid options that fit that bill are the Aurora Denali Lodge in Healy and, in Carlo Creek, Denali Hostel & Cabins or the more luxe McKinley Creekside Cabins .

For the best prices and selection on accommodations near Denali, it's smart to book at least 3 to 6 months in advance.  

Where to eat : Restaurants are clustered near the park entrance and in the nearby communities of Healy and Cantwell. One spot worth a try is Moose-AKa's , a self-described "Eastern European restaurant and tavern" with offerings such as moussaka, meat-stuffed peppers, and schnitzel. Note that there's always some sort of shuttle that circulates between the park entrance and nearby restaurants, but you will have to pay for this transportation. 

You put in the effort to get here—now enjoy it!

What to do : The big attraction today is a bus ride along the one and only road that leads into the park. Although buses run all day, your odds of seeing wildlife like bears, moose, and sometimes even wolves are best if you go early or late; I recommend starting as early as you're willing to get up. Buy tickets online to scope out the scheduling and make sure you don't miss out.

There are narrated and non-narrated ride options; the narrated ones are much more expensive. The good thing about the non-narrated version is that you can hop on and off whenever you like, but if this is your first time in Denali, it's probably worth splurging on the narrated version.

When you get back from the bus tour, drop by the National Park Service sled dog kennels . These working dogs help rangers patrol the Denali backcountry during the winter, but in summertime the pups serve as canine ambassadors. During your visit, you can meet the dogs, chat with rangers, and watch demonstrations of the pooches' sled-pulling skills (using wheeled carts instead of sleds). Free to visit, the kennels usually stay open until 4:30pm. You can hop a circulating shuttle bus to get there, or walk about 2 miles from the park entrance and call it a day hike.

Where to stay : Stay put in your hotel from the previous night. 

Where to eat : Try the well-regarded draft beers and brick-oven pizzas at Prospector's Pizzeria & Alehouse .

The Denali Star doesn't head north to Fairbanks until 4pm, so you have enough time to squeeze in one more day hike or half-day tour before you go.

What to do : There are many half-day tours in and around Denali—on everything from  ATVs  to rafts  (pictured above) to horses . Your hotel should be able to help you book a tour and arrange transport.

Where to stay : You'll sleep in Fairbanks tonight. I recommend the locally owned Wedgewood Resort or River's Edge Resort . For a B&B, check out  A Taste of Alaska Lodge , where a log-cabin-esque interior with cozy touches like homemade quilts pairs with a majestic setting on a shelf of land overlooking a broad valley where the northern lights are often visible during the winter. 

Where to eat : It's best to eat on the train to Fairbanks because once you arrive you'd likely need to take a taxi to reach any restaurants. 

Fairbanks has almost boundless tours and adventures to choose from. If you can imagine doing it in Alaska, it's probably available here.

What to do : If you're looking for a big, all-day adventure, look no further than one of the Arctic Circle or Coldfoot tours from Northern Alaska Tour Company  to find out quiet and peaceful remote Alaska can be. 

That trip will take all day, so if you'd rather have a little free time to shop or otherwise explore Fairbanks, consider experiences such as riding the Riverboat Discovery , which takes passengers on the rivers outside Fairbanks aboard a sternwheeler paddleboat; communing with reindeer at Running Reindeer Ranch (pictured above); panning for gold at Gold Daughters ; or marveling at historic vehicles at Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum . Budget for taxis or Uber/Lyft rides to reach any of these places. 

Where to stay : Stay put where you slept on day 8. 

Where to eat : You'll almost definitely need a taxi/Uber/Lyft to get to restaurants, or you can rely on DoorDash for food delivery (unless you're staying at Taste of Alaska, which serves a great dinner). For restaurants, local favorites include The Crepery , The Pump House , Jazz Bistro , and anywhere serving Thai food.

Day 10: Leaving Fairbanks

Most flights out of Fairbanks leave in the morning or early afternoon, so you'll have just long enough to catch breakfast and make your way to the airport without a rush.

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The Best Glacier Shore Excursions in Alaska

As the premier excursion expert, Shore Excursions Group provides some of the finest glacier shore excursions in Alaska. We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding travel experiences for cruise passengers globally, and our Alaskan glacier excursions are no exception. With small group glacier tours and personalized service, we guarantee to maximize your adventure.

A Quick Word About Glaciers

Alaska’s glaciers are nature’s giant ice sculptures, created over thousands of years. These massive ice rivers form when several layers of snow accumulate over time and compress into dense ice. As gravity pulls this ice downhill, it slowly grinds the land beneath, creating stunning valleys and fjords.

Glaciers are far more than just visually stunning; they play a critical role in monitoring the health of our planet. These majestic ice formations hold around 70% of the world’s freshwater, and the water produced from their melting nourishes rivers and ecosystems located far downstream.

Witnessing these immense ice formations in person is an absolute necessity when exploring Alaska. Imagine walking on a sheet of glacial ice, or paddling on a glacial lake buffered by a towering wall of blue ice shimmering in the sunlight. It’s a truly humbling experience — and one that connects you to the boundless and delicate nature of our planet.

As climate change jeopardizes these icy behemoths, observing them in person becomes even more poignant and pressing. It’s a call to appreciate, respect, and protect the natural wonders that make our world so extraordinary. So, embrace your adventurous spirit and make your way to Alaska – the glaciers are calling!

Here are some top-rated glacier excursions to consider for your next Alaskan cruise:

Helicopter Icefield Excursion in Juneau

The Helicopter Icefield Excursion is an unforgettable experience that allows you to explore Alaska’s magnificent glaciers from above. This two-and-a-half-hour helicopter glacier tour starts with a thrilling ride over the stunning Juneau Icefield . Pinch yourself as you look out over glistening ice rivers punctuated by deep blue crevasses on this truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

You’ll then land on a glacier, where you will strap on snowshoes for an authentic glacier walk on the ice as you soak in the breathtaking views. This tour is perfect for those looking for a unique and thrilling way to experience Alaska’s natural beauty.

Grand Denali Tour with Glacier Landing

For a bird’s-eye view of one of Alaska’s most iconic landscapes, the Grand Denali Tour with Glacier Landing is an excellent choice. This two-hour excursion includes a glacier flightseeing tour over the 6 million-acre Denali National Park , followed by a landing at the base of Mount McKinley .

Ideal for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers, this tour brings you up close to the daunting Wickersham Wall , or “ Wick Wall ”, the massive north face of Mount McKinley. Along the way you will also be treated to views of climbers at Kahiltna Base camp , as well as ancient gold mines.

Hike Float and Summit in Skagway

Explore Skagway three ways with this full-day Hike Float and Summit adventure. This six-hour excursion combines a hike on the historic Chilkoot Trail , a scenic float down the Taiya River , and a visit to the White Pass summit.

Follow in the footsteps of gold seekers with an invigorating 2-mile hike along the legendary Chilkoot Trail, the primary route to riches during Alaska’s Gold Rush era. At the end of the trail you will board an 18-foot rubber raft and glide past granite fjord walls back to the abandoned mining town of Dyea .

Wrap up your experience with a ride along the scenic Klondike Highway and the top of White Pass for jaw-dropping views of snowcapped peaks, alpine lakes, and the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls .

The diverse activities make this tour perfect for active travelers looking to experience Alaska’s stunning landscapes from multiple perspectives. Snacks and beverages are included, ensuring you stay energized throughout the day.

Helicopter Dog Sledding Adventure in Skagway

Experience the thrill of mushing your own team of sled dogs with the Helicopter Dog Sledding Adventure . Perfect for those seeking a unique Alaskan adventure, this two-hour tour begins with a helicopter ride over the picturesque glaciers of Skagway, followed by a dog sledding experience on the ice.

Once at the dog camp, you’ll learn the fine art of dog sledding and hear stories of the famous Iditarod dog sledding races. Then it’s your turn to hop on the sled and command your team of huskies over the ice — making this an exciting and interactive excursion. You can also opt to ride instead, and enjoy the breathtaking views as you zoom along.

While you’re here, take the opportunity to interact with the sled dogs and their puppies, and gain insider secrets of dog sledding from the mushers.

Bennett Scenic Journey from Skagway

The Bennett Scenic Journey offers a full day of breathtaking sights along the Klondike Highway. This eight-hour tour includes a scenic train ride and a bus journey, taking you through the beautiful landscapes of Skagway.

You’ll see waterfalls, rivers, mountains, and glaciers, making it a photographer’s dream. Enjoy a coveted stop at Lake Bennett — accessible only by train or the Chilkoot Trail. While here, take a tour of the 1910 Bennett Station historical museum and learn more about this historic gold rush boom town.

You will also be treated to the Yukon territory ’s most photographed lake. Known to the First Nation people as Rainbow Lake , the gorgeous Emerald Lake mesmerizes you with its striking blue and green hues, formed by glacial limestone and mud deposits.

Fuel your full-day adventure with a complimentary lunch, ensuring you have the energy to fully enjoy all the day’s activities.

Helicopter Glacier Discovery in Skagway

Short on time but want to see glaciers up close? We got you! This exhilarating, one-and-a-half-hour ride above the magnificent Skagway glaciers on the Helicopter Glacier Discovery tour is the perfect solution.

Trade Skagway’s historic waterfront for stunning aerial views of jagged mountain peaks and majestic glaciers, followed by a landing on the ice to explore a glacier up close. This walking tour of a lifetime brings you face-to-face with deep crevasses, ice rivers, and the enormity of Alaska’s icy formations.

Alaska Hike and Canoe Paddle in Juneau

For a combination of hiking and paddling, the Alaska Hike and Canoe Paddle tour is an excellent choice. This five-and-a-half-hour excursion takes you on a hike through the beautiful Mendenhall Glacier area, followed by a canoe paddle on a pristine lake.

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Tongass National Forest with a peaceful stroll before setting off on a unique glacier canoe experience. Upon disembarking, you’ll have the opportunity to take a breathtaking trek up to the glacier’s edge, where each visit unveils a distinct experience thanks to the ever-changing nature of the glacier.

You’ll experience the majesty of the glacier from both land and water, making it a truly immersive adventure. This family-favorite tour is ideal for active travelers looking to explore Alaska’s wilderness.

Is a glacier landing worth it in Denali?

Absolutely! Experiencing a glacier landing is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is worth every minute and penny. It is a unique and surreal opportunity to connect with nature in a way that few experiences can.

The sheer scale and majesty of a glacier is not only awe-inspiring, but also provides you with a profound sense of serenity and insignificance in the face of Earth’s ancient and powerful landscapes.

The Grand Denali Tour with Glacier Landing offers an incredible perspective and stunning photo opportunities, making it a worthwhile experience.

What is the best time of year to visit Alaska for glacier tours?

Alaska’s glaciers are accessible throughout the year, but the best time for Alaska glacier tours is during the warmer months of summer and early fall. Consider visiting between May and September for better weather conditions suitable for outdoor activities.

What should I wear on a glacier hike?

Temperatures on glaciers can vary depending on many factors: the weather, the time of year, and the altitude of the glacier. It’s also important to consider your personal tolerance to cold. Subzero temperatures can be present even in the warmer months, and winds can compound the chill.

You will want to wear warm, layered clothing to be comfortable and protect yourself from possible hypothermia and frostbite. Plan on a base layer , such as a wool thermal, then add a second layer for additional warmth; fleece is lightweight and non-bulky, making it a great choice. Wear an outer layer of fleece-lined snow pants and a waterproof parka.

Finish your ensemble with sturdy hiking boots, woolen or layered socks, a beanie to help keep your head warm, and gloves (ski, wool, or fleece) to protect your hands. Hand warmers are great to put inside your gloves, and can also help warm up your torso or feet post-walk. It’s also wise to bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your eyes and face from the sun’s rays reflecting off the ice.

Reserve Your Glacier Experience Today

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure exploring Alaska’s majestic glaciers with Shore Excursions Group. Our affordable glacier tours in Alaska , delivered by local experts, offer you a rare and immersive experience in some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. From helicopter tours to dog sledding and hiking adventures, we truly have an adventure for everyone.

We are proud to be recognized as the gold standard in shore excursions, with numerous awards including travAlliancemedia’s “ 2018 Travvy Award ” for “ Best Shore Excursions ” and the 2017 Magellan Award for “ Best Travel Website .” Book your glacier excursion today and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime.

Following these recommendations will ensure you have an incredible time exploring Alaska’s stunning glaciers. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you discover the beauty and adventure that awaits.

A dad who has been taking family road trips for 13 years says these are the 5 biggest mistakes he's made in the car

• Rob Taylor and his family have traveled over 30,000 miles on road trips.
• In the last 13 years, they've made mistakes with packing, planning, and infrequent stops.
• He shared the biggest lessons he's learned about family road trips from his mistakes.

Rob Taylor and his husband Chris have been taking their kids on road trips for 13 years. Together, they've traveled over 30,000 miles in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

"Our first trip was when our oldest was just a month old, so we're going on 13 years," Taylor told Business Insider, adding that they've spent an average of two weeks on the road monthly in 2024.

Over the years, Taylor's family has picked up some tips for long car rides with kids — primarily through learning from their mistakes.

Taylor shares family road trip advice on his blog, 2 Travel Dads , and in his book, "The Road Trip Survival Guide."

When the kids were little, Taylor said they overpacked for road trips.

When packing for a road trip with kids, Taylor said not to overdo it.

"A lot of people love to have that viewpoint of you can't be too prepared, but you can be too prepared," Taylor told Business Insider. "When we first started traveling with two kids , we made sure to bring the entire house."

Taylor said the family used to load the car with various toys and stuffed animals, which made their car more cluttered and trips more stressful.

"When you have so much stuff in your vehicle on a road trip that you can't be comfortable, it's just not worth it," he said. "For me, keeping things clean is how I manage my stress level."

After all, when road-tripping with babies and toddlers, Taylor said there's already more to pack.

"You already have equipment you have to travel with — car seats, booster seats, a diaper bag, and a pack-and-play popup," he said. "Bringing so many toys just doesn't help anybody."

He added that leaving toys at home has made Taylor's kids more content with simply looking out the window on long car rides.

"We've definitely learned over the years how much less stress it is when you're not worried about either forgetting something at home or having a filthy vehicle," he said.

But not bringing a pillow for each passenger was a mistake ...

"It's absolutely worthwhile to sacrifice space to ensure that people are not tired and miserable," Taylor told BI.

He learned this early in his family travels, when they would leave their pillows at home to save space in the car.

Still, if people aren't sleeping well on a road trip, everybody's cranky," including the adults, he said.

Nowadays, Taylor's family always packs one pillow for each person so everyone is well rested.

"For a lot of families doing a summer road trip, this is the vacation that they get," he said. "So making sure that people are not unpleasant is totally worth it."

... and so was only packing a few snacks.

"Kind of like how when you don't sleep because you don't have your own pillow, we all get hangry and it can really have a huge impact," Taylor told BI. "As much as adults like to pretend like they're in full control of their emotions, hungry adults are absolutely miserable."

Taylor learned this tip when his family would hit the road without enough snacks in the car.

"You can't have too many snacks," he said. "It seems really obvious, but one of the things that we have seen both with airplane travel and with road trip travel is that we all get hungry at different times."

To keep your car clean , Taylor recommends bringing jerky, grapes, and string cheese.

"I know a lot of families take the chip route," he said. "We avoid crumbly things when we're doing road trips because we know how that contributes to the grossness of a car."

In Taylor's experience, spending too many hours in the car without stopping can spoil a road trip.

When traveling with children, don't forget to stop frequently.

"Kids are influenced by one another in tight spaces like a car," Taylor said. "Plan your travel in a way that allows [you] to have as little time in a car as possible so you can have as much time expelling energy that the kids need to get rid of."

He figured this out in 2016 when his family drove through the Redwoods up the California coast.

"Both kids had escalating breakdowns in unison after about an hour and a half without any break," he said. "From that point out, all of our travel included intentional stops, no matter how much it added to our total travel time."

Taylor said his family typically spends less than two hours in the car at a time.

"Now that the kids are older, we can make it longer, but stopping to stretch our legs is a welcome habit nowadays," he added.

Forgetting to make an alternate travel plan has made chaotic situations more stressful.

"Approaching a road trip with either an alternate route or a backup plan is something we've had to get good at," Taylor told BI.

For example, on a recent road trip to Alaska's Denali National Park , Taylor said the family planned hikes and booked tours, but a wildfire made the area inaccessible.

"There were thousands of tourists scrambling at the same time," he said. "We hadn't done any research about what to do if our plans had to shift."

Taylor said the family thankfully extended their trip but had to opt for a smaller accommodation where the kids had to sleep on the floor.

Luckily, Taylor used to live in Alaska , and he knows locations that had fewer tourists

"There's the whole scenic side of the state that people pass over because everybody drives on the Parks Highway that goes from Anchorage up to Fairbanks," he explained. "On the other side, you can drive through the wilderness and experience the tundra. It's not a mainstream destination."

Taylor said it's always good to do more research on destinations to have a more flexible itinerary in case of cancellations.

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Alaska elections officials plan to debut new ballot-tracking system with Aug. 20 primary

The Alaska Division of Elections is using a new tool this year in an attempt to avoid the kinds of ballot-counting problems that have occurred during previous elections.

Enclosed in the bright red and green paperwork bags sent to every remote polling station is a small, black tracking device that will allow workers to trace the location of each precinct’s ballots as they travel across the state and on to Juneau for final counting.

That’s an important change, because ballots have occasionally been delayed during their return voyage through the mail, causing elections officials to postpone certification.

Two years ago , ballots from seven rural precincts were so badly delayed during the special election to replace Rep. Don Young that they couldn’t be included in the second and third counts in the state’s first-ever ranked choice election.

“We’re hoping that with these tracking tags that we have in there, we can see if it’s an issue of the precinct workers not mailing it soon enough, or if it is sitting in one of the post offices,” said Carol Beecher, director of the Alaska Division of Elections.

“If we are able to find that it’s sitting in a post office, then the post office has been working closely with us. We meet with them regularly, and we would be able to track that down a lot quicker,” she said.

Ahead of the state’s Aug. 20 primary election, the trackers were included in packages sent to all 131 polling stations where ballots are still counted by hand on Election Day. The state has 402 polling stations altogether.

The trackers are based on cellphone service, so they don’t function in all parts of Alaska, but they’re a step above what was previously available.

Elections officials said the idea for the trackers came from Apple’s AirTag system, but Apple has a limit of 16 AirTags per user ID, which wasn’t workable, election workers said.

That meant searching for a different commercial provider. The testing process wasn’t finished in time for the 2022 election, which delayed implementation until this year.

James Brooks, Alaska Beacon

Alaska Beacon  is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Alaska Beacon maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Andrew Kitchenman for questions: [email protected] . Follow Alaska Beacon on  Facebook and X .

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OPINION: Finishing strong on a great trail season for Alaska

David Adams, right, and Jonathan Earl, both of Palmer, cross the snow at the top of the Austin Helmers-Pioneer Ridge Trail on Oct. 15, 2016, as Pioneer Peak looms in the background. (Vicky Ho / ADN)

Alaska Trails is excited about trails — which is right in our name. That’s why we were so delighted with Bill Sherwonit’s recent piece about our work in partnership with the Chugach Park Fund on the Hidden Lake trail. There is indeed much to celebrate with that project, and we are already busy planning for next summer with the Chugach Park Fund for more projects on other great trails in Chugach State Park.

I wanted to take some time to highlight a few other exciting trail projects, so that you can be sure to check them out this fall, or perhaps put them on your 2025 list. Through funding from the Alaska Legislature, we have hired a contractor, Happy Trails, for two big projects in Chugach State Park. Happy Trails is nearly done with its work on the Eklutna Lakeside Trail. This popular trail is one of my fall favorites. In recent years, weather and water have combined to erode large sections of the trail, making it nearly impassable, especially for people with small children. Happy Trails has addressed those issues, and we are eager for trail users to check them out and report back.

Indian Valley is next on the list for Happy Trails. Even though the trail is popular, it is in very poor condition. The challenging terrain, large trees and many creeks to cross mean that work will continue into 2025. This trail is an important connection, linking the Anchorage front range via the Ship Lake Pass Trail and Arctic Valley via the Arctic Valley to Indian Creek Pass Ski Traverse. It is a popular destination for hikers, Nordic skiers and horseback riders. The final outcome of the project will be a sustainably designed and built trail that connects the Turnagain Arm to the alpine of Chugach State Park.

Looking to the north and the Mat-Su, we are proud to be partnering with the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation (MSTPF) on some great trail improvements. Our Alaska Trails crew just finished work on upgrades to Pioneer Peak Trail, managed by the Mat-Su Borough. With unparalleled views of the Knik Glacier and the mountains around it, the Pioneer Peak trail is a unique gem. It also provides the only access to the northern tip of Chugach State Park. Trail users will be thrilled with the improvements that will safely get them up to the alpine and awesome adventures.

Next, our crew will turn their attention to a couple of the more popular trails in Hatcher Pass. I promise they won’t pick all the blueberries. The Reed Lakes Trail is one of the most appealing hiking trails in the area. It sees a ton of traffic, especially once the berries get ripe. Regrettably, its popularity has taken a toll on the trail, subjecting it to more erosion and degradation. The Reed Lakes Trail also has many social trails that are unsustainable and undermine the integrity of the main hiking path. Elevating this trail to a sustainable standard through brushing, closing off social trails, and tread improvements, such as stone retaining structures and stairs, not only ensures its longevity with minimal maintenance, but also encourages hikers to adhere to the designated path.

Farther north, there is another new trail connection for you to check out. Interior Trails was contracted by the MSTPF to complete the connection from the K’esugi Ken campground to the Curry Ridge trail. The newly established Curry Connector Trail adds spectacular new day-hike and overnight trip options, and links up to the beloved 30-mile-long K’esugi Ridge Trail, creating a roughly 50-mile backcountry trail opportunity that is largely above treeline and offers spectacular views of Denali and the Alaska Range.

Alaska Trails is proud to be part of these and other trail enhancements that improve outdoor recreational opportunities, benefit public health and boost our economy.

Steve Cleary is executive director of Alaska Trails — more information and volunteer events are available at alaska-trails.org .

The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com . Send submissions shorter than 200 words to [email protected] or click here to submit via any web browser . Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here .