3 Nights
Denali National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve, with its primeval landscape and untamed wilderness, promises a one-of-a-kind adventure. Located in the Interior Alaska region, it is home to Denali, the tallest peak in North America. This nature lover’s paradise offers an endless sequence of breathtaking vistas all around. Free-roaming moose, grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves make for excellent wildlife viewing. Hiking along marked trails or going off the beaten path top the list of activities for visitors to Denali. Bicycling and bus tours are other ways of exploring the major attractions of this sprawling reserve. Entertaining sled dog demonstrations provide a peek into the life of park rangers and their canine partners. For a rush of adrenaline, go whitewater rafting over the rapids in the many rivers across the park. Aerial tours are also available to give you a bird’s eye view of the spectacular landscape with its mountains and glaciers.
Included activities
Denali Visitor Center at Leisure
The Denali Visitor Center and its surrounding campus were built in 2005. The campus includes the Denali Visitor Center, Wilderness Access Center, Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) and more. Though the park is open all year round, the Denali Center, the park’s main welcome and information point, is operational only in the summer months. Here you can learn more about the park through Heartbeats of Denali, a 20-minute film. This documentary plays throughout the day, giving information on the various seasons, landscapes, and wildlife of the park. You can also speak with park rangers for more information, or take some of the ranger-led activities scheduled in or beginning at the center. In fall, winter and spring, the MSLC acts as the visitor center. (Duration: 1 hr; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Available May-Sept; Please bring camera, good walking shoes and jacket.)
Group Flightseeing Tour to Denali Peak
Get a unique perspective of Mount Denali, North America’s tallest peak, on this thrilling flightseeing tour. Buckle into your window seat as you take off from a private airstrip on the eastern edge of Denali National Park. Take in bird’s eye views of Wickersham Wall, a 14,000 ft sheer wall of ice, and the Great Gorge with its dramatic granite walls. Keep an eye out for the colorful Carpe and Karstens ridgelines and glaciers such as Traleika and Brooks during the 200-mile flight across the park. As you get closer to your destination, your experienced pilot weaves between snow-capped peaks such as Silverthrone, Mather, and Huntington that make up the Denali Massif. Fly at an optimal altitude to within half a mile of Mount Denali that towers over its surroundings at a height of 20,320 ft. On a clear day, your pilot will circle the mountain to let you enjoy spectacular views from different perspectives. Gain insights into the history and ecology of the region on this fully narrated tour. (Only Possible From Mid-May to Mid-September; Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity; Group Size: Min 2 Guests; No Transfers; Total flight time is about 60 to 70 minutes)
Horseshoe Lake Trail at Leisure
Take a popular and scenic hike along the Horseshoe Lake Trail in Denali National Park. The trail circles Horseshoe Lake and traces a stretch of the Nenana River, allowing you to have many scenic photo stops and the chance of encountering wildlife along the way. This is a well-maintained, moderately easy trail, with only one steep section and plenty of pretty lake views. From the trailhead, hike up a short steep hill to reach a bench overlooking the lake. Just beyond, the trail drops sharply (about 250 feet) to the level of the lake and forks in two directions, forming a loop around the lake. Along the way, there are several viewing platforms offering stunning views of the Nenana River, the development called ‘Glitter Gulch’ right outside the park, and the surrounding mountains. A beaver dam and beaver lodge can be seen within the lake. (Duration: half day; Self-explore activity; No guide; No transfers; Entrance fees and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy-moderate; Available year-round; Please bring camera, good walking shoes and jacket)
Group Tour: Denali Highway by Jeep
Traverse the Denali Highway by jeep for a unique exploration of the Alaskan wilderness. Listed second among National Geographic Traveler magazine’s picks for ‘Drive of a Lifetime’, this 135-mile gravel road runs adjacent to Denali National Park. Make yourself comfortable in a new, four-door Wrangler Jeep that can accommodate up to four adults. If you have a valid driver’s license, you could try driving the jeep during this fully guided tour. Enjoy splendid views of snow-capped peaks, icy glaciers and serene lakes as you travel down the road that once served as the gateway to the famous national park. With most rental companies prohibiting driving along this road, you can expect minimal traffic along the way. Drive for over a hundred miles, stopping for photo opportunities along the way. Make use of the CB radio in your jeep to let your guide know whenever you want to halt. On a clear day, you might be able to enjoy beautiful views of Mount Denali. Look out for wildlife such as moose crossing your path or in the foliage along the roadside. (Duration: Half Day; Timing: 7:30am or 6:30pm/5:30pm starting Aug 6; Shared Activity & Transfers from select hotels; Snacks and Drinks Included; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Please note that you need to be 25 years or older and have a valid driving license in order to drive a jeep; This tour does not travel on Denali Park Road and does not go into the national park; Binoculars are provided in the jeep; You may have to share the vehicle with other guests)
Group Canyon Whitewater Rafting Tour Down the Nenana River
Enjoy a thrilling whitewater rafting excursion on the eastern fringes of the Denali National Park. Arrive at Kingfisher Creek Confluence for a safety briefing, and then hop on to your raft to take on these glacial waters. Choose between an oar raft, which is rowed by a guide or a paddle raft, which is rowed by all rafters onboard, following the guide’s instructions. Navigate wave trains that create mostly class III and IV rapids as you head to Healy, located about 11 miles down the Nenana River. Feel the adrenaline rush on rapids such as ‘Cable Car’, ‘Coffee Grinder’ and ‘Royal Flush’. Alpine forests, the lofty Alaskan Range highlighted by Mount Healy, and the Nenana River Gorge are sights to look out for in this pristine wilderness. Learn about Alaska’s wildlife and the history of this region. (Duration: Half Day; Time: 0730 & 1500 hrs May 20-Sept 10, 1000 hrs June 5 -Sept 3, 1830 hrs May 20-Aug 23, 1730 hrs Aug 24-Sept 3; Shared Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Moderate, for ages 12 and above; Kindly note that a Gore-Tex drysuit, neoprene booties, and a life jacket will be provided for each guest; Please wear warm clothes)