The Top 10 Reasons You NEED to go on a Hiking Tour in Denali National Park.
Deciding what to do on your Denali National Park vacation can be incredibly difficult, but I’m here to make the decision easy for you! The fact is, a Denali hiking tour is simply the best way to discover and experience the park. Who wants to travel thousands of miles to look out the window of a bus? Not me! So join me as I go through my pick for the top 10 reasons that a hiking tour is the best way to experience any new area, and especially Denali!
Guided hikes are like the golden tickets to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory for nature lovers. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or just dipping your toes into the world of outdoor adventures, hiking tours have something magical to offer. So grab your backpack, lace up your boots, and let's hit the trail!
1. Mother Nature's Show
Hiking tours offer a front-row seat to the greatest show on Earth: Mother Nature herself! From awe-inspiring mountains to lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes, there's something undeniably magical about immersing yourself in the great outdoors. It's like being in a real-life National Geographic documentary, except you get to be the star of your adventure.
2. Learn about your area
Hiking guides are some of the most knowledgeable guides you’ll find anywhere. Unlike raft guides, who are likely to tell you whatever funny (but totally false) facts that they think will be funny to convince you of, hiking guides are expected to be genuine experts in the area that they guide, from the tiny organisms on the forest floor to the huge mountain ranges surrounding you.
Trinidad Collier describes the geologic history of the Alaska range to his tour group
3. Get “Lightbulb Moments” Throughout Your Vacation
One of the advantages of having such knowledgeable guides is that you’ll be feeling like an expert yourself by the end of your tour. As you continue your vacation, you’ll have what I like to call “lightbulb moments” where you notice things that your guide pointed out and with your newfound knowledge you can make connections and realizations about the natural world and what is going on around you. It’s a very empowering feeling!
4. Exercise Without the Gym Membership
Who needs a stuffy gym when you can get a killer workout in the great outdoors? Hiking is a full-body workout that engages your legs, core, and even your mental agility as you navigate the terrain. But here's the catch: you won't even notice you're working out because you'll be too busy enjoying the stunning scenery, taking photos, listening to your guide’s crazy stories, and having a blast.
5. Stress Reduction at Its Best
In today's fast-paced world, stress is as common as your morning coffee. Hiking tours offer the perfect escape from the daily grind. The tranquility of the wilderness, the fresh air, and the rhythm of your footsteps work together to melt stress away like snow under a warm spring sun. It's like hitting the reset button for your mind and body.
6. Socially Awesome
Hiking tours are not just about solo introspection; they're also a fantastic way to connect with others. Joining a guided tour, you'll have the chance to bond, share stories, and make new friends with the like-minded people in your group. The shared experience of conquering a challenging trail creates lasting memories and often lifelong friendships.
7. Disconnect to Reconnect
In our hyper-connected world, it's all too easy to be glued to screens and notifications. Hiking tours provide the ultimate excuse to ditch your devices and reconnect with the real world. No Wi-Fi? No problem! Trade your Instagram likes for the breathtaking vistas, and let the chirping birds and rustling leaves be your soundtrack.
8. Adventure Awaits Around Every Bend
Hiking tours are a choose-your-own-adventure storybook come to life. Every trail is a new chapter waiting to be explored. You never quite know what you'll find around the next bend – perhaps a hidden waterfall, a secret cave, or an unexpected encounter with wildlife. In fact, one of the advantages of having an expert guide is the ability to go OFF of the trail if you’re feeling bold and adventurous. The element of surprise keeps the excitement levels high.
9. Self-Discovery
Exploring the wilderness can also lead to a journey of self-discovery. As you tackle challenging terrains and push your limits, you'll learn more about your own strength and resilience. There's nothing like standing at the summit, looking back at the trail you conquered, to make you realize how truly amazing are.
Jordan Allen, head guide at Northern Epics, poses at the summit of Cleft Peak in the Alaska range after a bad-weather hike.
10. An Overview
Hiking tours offer a fantastic blend of natural beauty, physical activity, social connection, and personal growth. So, why not lace up your hiking boots and embark on your next adventure? Northern Epics is here to assist you in having the best Denali hiking experience you possibly can. Our guides are literally the best in the business, being experts in the area, as well as backcountry navigation, first aid, and wildlife encounters. Come on a tour with us and see for yourself why we’re so highly rated on every platform.
