Best Activities in Denali National Park
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Dog Tours
Fishing Tours
Offroad Tours
Driving Tours
Photo Tours
Rafting Tours
Flightseeing Tours
Zipline Tours
Dog Tours
Husky Homestead - 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (2,170)
Husky Homestead is a dog kennel run by Jeff King. Jeff has won 4 Iditarod races, and is often considered the winningest musher in the world. He’s famous for treating his dogs exceptionally well, and now provides tours and demonstrations for Denali travelers. I will note that you’ll need to find your own transportation to get to Husky Homestead. It’s about a 15 minute drive from the National Park entrance.
1.5 Hour Husky Homestead Tour - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (2,253) Price/person: $64
Husky Homestead doesn’t do much in the way of marketing, instead leaning on their reputation as one of the best dog kennels in Alaska. When you arrive to tour their facility, you’ll be greeted by puppies. If you’re not sold already, I don’t know what else to tell you. But there’s more. You’ll get a look into authentic rural Alaskan life, get to watch champion sled dogs do a demonstration on a 50-foot treadmill, and get behind the scenes of how a winning sled dog is raised. You’ll also hear harrowing and compelling stories from the trail. There’s a bunch more too, but if you like dogs, just book this tour.
DogGoneIt - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (460)
This is the kennel and home of Iditarod musher Mike Santos. Visit with their puppies, witness sled dogs in action, and experience running the Iditarod through their multimedia presentation. Enjoy stories of the adventures of living an ever-growing dream both on and off the trail. The intimate visit to their Alaskan home gives you the chance to learn about the real experience of living in Alaska and make personal connections with their family. This authentic atmosphere combined with a professional tour experience have made DogGoneIt winner of numerous awards including Activity of the Year and Highest Rated Attraction.
3 Hour DogGoneIt Tour - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (559) Price/person: $65
Begin with a snuggle and photo with a sled dog puppy, then watch an energetic dog team on a summer training run. Enjoy a multimedia presentation on the Iditarod, complete with videos, photos, and stories from musher Mike Santos. Conclude with a Q&A, more time with the mushing equipment and souvenirs, and a final look at the dogs and puppies. A big bonus for this tour is that transportation is included. Unlike Husky Homestead, Dog Gone It will pick you up from you hotel for no extra cost.
Squid Acres Kennel - 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (110)
Squid Acres is run by Paige Drobny and Cody Strathe. They named the kennel after Paige’s masters thesis project on squid in the Bering sea. Since starting the kennel, They’ve competed in 10 Iditarod races between the two of them, with Paige placing 5th in the 2024 race. They’re located in Cantwell, and love to show off their dogs - but they do it in a different way than Dog Gone It or Husky Homestead. They have two locations, but only one is within 30 minutes of Denali, so I’m only going to include tours at that location here. If you want to learn more about Squid Acres or check out their other location at the Susitna River Lodge, look at their website.
2 Hour Cantwell Summer Mushing Experience Price/person: $150
As with most other dog tours, you’ll start with meeting the dogs. You’ll get to know these amazing athletes one on one and take a tour of their kennel. Then you’ll help hook them up to a 5 passenger ATV (there isn’t any snow in the summer) and take them on a training run. This is the only dog tour where you actually get to run with the dogs. You’ll to experience what it’s like to be riding behind a dog team in real life. Also, they have adorable puppies.
Driving Tours
Denali Jeep Excursions - 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (592)
Locals have a fond name for the long and colorful line of Jeeps they see on the road all the time thanks to this tour: The Skittles. Denali Jeep Excursions began exploring the Old Denali Highway in 2013 to showcase the area's untouched beauty. This remote, often overlooked route offers glaciers and mountain views with limited amenities and maintenance. Denali Jeep Excursions aims to provide guests with comfortable access and knowledgeable guides, offering a unique exploration of the severely underrated Denali Highway.
4-5 Hour Denali Highway Jeep Excursion - 4.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (592) Price/person: $189
Experience the Denali Highway, ranked the #2 “Drive of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler, on a 100+ mile Jeep tour through breathtaking landscapes of mountains, glaciers, and vistas. This guided tour allows you to drive new Jeeps along the 135-mile gravel road with stops for photography and wildlife viewing, with each Jeep equipped with a CB radio to stay connected with the guide. Snacks, drinks, and child seats are included. They put a lot of effort into making sure their guides are top-notch, but there is one notable complaint about the Jeep Excursion: The dust. If it’s a very dry day, you may find yourself in a dust cloud behind 10 other vehicles. This does not happen often, and in my opinion having the opportunity to explore the Denali Highway is worth it, but the dust is a frequent enough complaint that it’s worth noting here.
Fishing Tours
Denali Fly Fishing Guides - 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (108)
While there aren’t many fish in the main river that flows through the Denali area, the Nenana, there are plenty of tributaries teeming with Arctic Grayling. These tributaries are where Denali Fly Fishing Guides operates. They specialize in catching Arctic Grayling. Grayling are a beautiful fish. They have an enormous dorsal fin with iridescent stripes. Denali Fly Fishing Guides are truly experts when it comes to fly fishing in the Denali area. If you’re a fisherman, I highly recommend them.
6 Hour Guide's Choice Trip, May 12 - Sep. 1 Price/person: $250
This trip targets the native Arctic Grayling in their summer habitat. The longer time allows you to get to further away, less fished streams. This both helps avoid overfishing, and gives you an opportunity to fish in more remote and beautiful streams that aren’t fished as often.
8.5 Hour Full Day Trip Price/person: $385
This trip gives you more time to really explore Alaska’s beautiful clearwater streams. You’ll be fishing on the Old Denali Highway - one of the most beautiful drives in America. The weather and water conditions will decide which streams are going to be best, and your guide will know exactly where that is. Instruction, equipment, and lunch is provided.
4.5 Hour Evening Trip, May 12 - September 1 Price/person: $250
This trip is great for beginner and experienced fisherman alike. Spend an evening fishing a beautiful clearwater stream near Denali National Park. Your experienced guide will be happy to teach you the basics and get you catching in no time. Oh, and waders are included!
Flightseeing Tours
Denali Air - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (580)
Denali Air, the original flightseeing company in Denali National Park, has been operating since 1970. They operate on a private airstrip near the park entrance. The family-owned company provides unparalleled views of Denali from either side of the Alaska Range. The team consists of expert Alaskan pilots with extensive wilderness flying experience. For 45 years, Denali Air has safely shared Alaska’s breathtaking peaks with travelers worldwide, offering an unforgettable experience.
1 Hour Peak Experience Flight - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (364) Price/person: $469
This tour provides an intimate aerial view of Denali. The tour covers approximately 200 miles, bringing passengers within half a mile of Denali's summit, weather permitting. Highlights include views of the Wickersham Wall, the Ruth Gorge, and various glaciers such as the Kahiltna and Muldrow. The tour operates from mid-May through mid-September, with multiple daily departures, and is fully narrated with window seats for all passengers. Allow around 2.5 hours for the whole experience — 70 minutes in the air!
Fly Denali - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (987)
Since 1994, Fly Denali has offered a premier Denali flightseeing and glacier landing experience, with unique permission to land within Denali National Park. With a strong safety record, Fly Denali employs highly experienced pilots who regularly train on weather protocols and glacier landing conditions. They provide complimentary transportation from local hotels.
3.5 Hour Glacier Landing Tour Price/person: $779
Fly Denali’s glacier landing tour takes you to the Sheldon Mountain House landing strip near Ruth Glacier's Great Gorge, where you'll be surrounded by towering mountain peaks and dramatic crevasses. After landing just 11 miles from Denali's summit, you’ll get 20-30 minutes to take in the alpine views, take pictures, and savor the experience. On the way back the flight offers another breathtaking look at Denali’s grandeur. All told, you’ll have around 100 minutes of flight time.
TEMSCO Helicopters - 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (315)
TEMSCO Helicopters, founded in 1958 in Ketchikan, Alaska, by Ken Eichner, now provides helicopter services across the state. The company's name is an acronym for Timber, Exploration, Mining, Survey, and Cargo Operations, reflecting its diverse service offerings. Over the years, TEMSCO has expanded to include tourism, hospital transport, firefighting, and international operations. Today, the Denali chapter of TEMSCO primarily focuses on tourism.
2.25 Hour Denali Glacier Landing Price/person: $150
You’ll board the helicopter at TEMSCO’s heliport in the Glitter Gulch area of Denali. From there, you’ll enjoy a beautiful flight to the Yanert glacier. To be clear, this is not inside Denali National Park. But don’t let that dissuade you. The mountains around Denali National Park are (in my opinion) even prettier than those inside. And a helicopter is the best way to see them. Once at the glacier, you’ll get 15-20 minutes to explore and take photos before flying back.
Offroad Tours
Denali ATV - 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3,181)
Denali ATV is part of the larger company Denali Park Adventures. Denali Park Adventures is one of the largest activity and tour providers in the Denali area, and there’s a reason for that. They go out of their way to give their clients the best experience possible. Thy buy a new fleet of ATVs every season in order to make sure you have the best ride around. Their team is focused on getting you outside and sharing the splendor of Alaska!
2.5 Hour Denali Wilderness Adventure Tour - 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (696) Price/person: $155+ (depending on ATV choice)
Ride around just outside Denali National Park for a few hours! Your guide will stop you at a few good 360 degree viewpoints before ripping through the woods again. You’ll be splashing through creek crossings (if there’s water) and might even see some wildlife!
3.5 Hour Denali Trailblazer Tour - 4.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (235) Price/person: $230+ (depending on ATV choice)
On this tour, you’ll navigate streambeds, rutted trails, and boggy tundra. Starting in the boreal forest, you’ll soon be treated to incredible views of the Alaska Range. No matter your experience level, you can expect a challenge on this longer ATV tour.
2.5 Hour Midnight Sun Tour - 4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (32) Price/person: $155+ (depending on ATV choice)
This is one of the few tours in Denali that actually takes advantage of the long light hours. Starting at 9 pm (in full daylight) you’ll navigate trails like you would on any other ATV tour for 2.5 hours. Enjoy the wildness riding an ATV at 10:30 PM with the sun beating down on our back.
Denali Fat Truck Tours - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (470)
Denali Fat Truck Tours utilizes some of the most unique vehicles you’ll see anywhere. These “fat trucks” were first bought as search and rescue vehicles, but after the Into the Wild bus was moved, they had to find another use them. They started running tours in these wild rigs, and the rest is history. These trucks are capable of driving on almost anything - including water.
3 Hour SHERP Tour Price/person: $249
Start by traveling down an old mining trail to a good lookout where you’ll get some interesting information about the geology and history of the area. Then you’ll drive out to Dry Creek, where the cliffs look like drip sand castles that some giant created. Finish the tour off with a look at the amphibious nature of the Fat Truck as it floats you across Otto Lake.
Black Diamond Resort - 4.7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1,396)
This family-owned business has offered tours since 1995. Guests can enjoy fresh Alaskan cuisine at their restaurant, explore a 9-hole golf course, go on ATV adventures, and more. Their year-round Aurora Denali Lodge provides comfortable accommodations. They’re positioned right below Mount Healy, making their location very beautiful.
3.5 Hour Classic ATV or Side-by-Side Adventure Price/person: $149.95
This personalized Alaskan wilderness tour lets you drive your own 4-wheel ATV through stunning backcountry landscapes. After a safety briefing and gear fitting, you’ll set out with your guide along old coal mining trails, across the Dry Creek riverbed, and past an abandoned cabin and historical artifacts. With opportunities to stop, take photos, and spot wildlife, this tour is ideal for beginners and anyone eager to experience Alaska’s rugged beauty firsthand.
3.5 Hour ATV Tour With Dining Price/person: $159.95
This tour is the same as the Classic ATV Adventure above, with the addition of dining at the Black Diamond Grill. Their menu changes daily, so I can’t give you a full rundown of all that’s available, but I can say they’re pretty good. Probably not the best restaurant in Denali, but I’ve never been disappointed.
3.5 Hour Treasure Hunt With Dining Price/person: $169.95
This tour has a focus on exploring the Alaska wilds and hunting for tundra treasures. These treasures include both naturally occurring items like granite, quartz, and coal. They also include some human-placed items like geocaches. You’re in control of your adventure on this tour. You can decide when to stop for photos and anything else. Plus, there’s dining included!
Photography Tours
Denali Photo Guides - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (493)
Denali ATV is part of the larger company Denali Park Adventures. Denali Park Adventures is one of the largest activity and tour providers in the Denali area, and there’s a reason for that. They go out of their way to give their clients the best experience possible. Thy buy a new fleet of ATVs every season in order to make sure you have the best ride around. Their team is focused on getting you outside and sharing the splendor of Alaska!
3 Hour Denali Photo Excursion - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (165) Price/person: $209
Go out with an experienced photographer as your guide. They’ll take you to the best spots for photos. Depending on the time of day, time of year, and weather, these spots will change. Your guide will be happy to help you with composition, camera settings, or anything else you need help with. All skill levels are encouraged for this tour, even if all you have is a cell-phone camera.
3.5 Hour Midnight Sun Photo Excursion Price/person: $265
Get a chance to photograph the legendary midnight sun of Denali. You’ll get to snap shots of the Denali sunset, which last for hours due to Denali’s northern location. Everything else, from the small group nature to the care that your guide will take to help you out is the same as the 3 Hour Denali Photo Excursion. This one is just a bit longer, and with a focus on the sunset!
3.5-4 Hour Backcountry Photo Excursion Price/person: $750
Fly into the Denali Backcountry on a TEMSCO helicopter. Once you touch down, your guide will help you get the best shots possible of the incredible 360 degree views you’ll be treated to. You’ll be off trail in the tundra, so there may be some uneven terrain. You’ll have about 2 hours to hike around and take photos before the helicopter comes to pick you up and take you back to the heliport.
Rafting Tours
Denali Raft Adventures - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (2,113)
Denali Raft Adventures has been operating in Denali for over 50 years. A lot has changed in that time. As opposed to rain jackets, you now get dry suits to keep you warm and dry on your river trip. Believe me, you’ll be glad to have it. They’ve been committed to their guests’ safety and fun since the beginning. They hire experienced guides, and know the river like the back of their hands - at every water level.
3 Hour Wilderness Run Price/person: $149
Float for approximately 2 hours down a beautiful and fairly mild section of the Nenana river. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful mountains, forests, side streams, and more. You might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife! If you’re looking for exciting whitewater, this might not be the tour for you. The Wilderness Run features mostly Class I and II rapids with one Class III.
3 Hour Canyon Run Price/person: $149
Get wet and wild on this exciting whitewater rafting trip! You’ll be met with big splashes and turbulent waters as you float down the wildest section of the entire Nenana river. This run features Class III and IV rapids. The large volume of water in the Nenana river combined with the high quantity of glacial silt make for a unique rafting experience you won’t get anywhere in the lower 48 states.
5 Hour Healy Express Run Price/person: $249
This run is a combination of the two above. After rafting the Wilderness Run to warm up and see some beautiful scenery, you’ll continue down the river into the Canyon run, getting the full whitewater experience. You’re basically getting two tours for the price of one and a half. If you like rafting, this is my recommendation.
New Wave Adventures - 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1,822)
New Wave Adventures is the new kid on the block, and they’re killing it! Since starting up a few years ago, they’ve been focused on quality, and their reviews reflect that. A 5.0 rating from 1,500+ reviews is no easy feat. They operate very similarly to Denali Raft Adventures and also offer dry suits to all guests.
3 Hour Wilderness Wave Price/person: $147
Float for approximately 2 hours down a beautiful and fairly mild section of the Nenana river. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful mountains, forests, side streams, and more. You might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife! If you’re looking for exciting whitewater, this might not be the tour for you. The Wilderness Run features mostly Class I and II rapids with one Class III.
3 Hour Canyon Wave Price/person: $147
This tour is the same as the Canyon Run from Denali Raft Adventures. Get wet and wild on this exciting whitewater rafting trip! You’ll be met with big splashes and turbulent waters as you float down the wildest section of the entire Nenana river. This run features Class III and IV rapids. The large volume of water in the Nenana river combined with the high quantity of glacial silt make for a unique rafting experience you won’t get anywhere in the lower 48 states.
5 Hour New Wave Combo Price/person: $290
This tour is the same as the Healy Express Run from Denali Raft Adventures. This run is a combination of the two above. After rafting the Wilderness Run to warm up and see some beautiful scenery, you’ll continue down the river into the Canyon run, getting the full whitewater experience. If you like rafting, this would be my recommendation.
Zipline Tours
Denali Park Zipline - 4.9 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (1,921)
This zipline course constructed in the Denali boreal forest is part zipline and part challenge course. It was constructed by a company in Portland, OR with an emphasis on experience, ease of use, and safety. For that reason, you don’t need to worry about getting stuck in the middle of the line, or doing things like hand braking. To date, Denali Park Zipline is the only zipline in Alaska to be given the Operation Accreditation from the Association for Challenge Course Technology.
3 Hour Denali Park Zipline Tour - 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (547) Price/person: $179
This tour offers an exhilarating adventure through the Alaskan wilderness, just outside Denali National Park. It begins with a 3-mile trail ride and leads participants through a thrilling course of 6 sky bridges and 7 zip lines, including a dual racer finale. You’ll get to soar above the boreal forest and enjoy mountain views, with all safety gear provided. This tour is suitable for ages 8 and up, with a focus on fun and safety.