Top Things to do in Denali National Park and Preserve
10 Tours in Denali National Park and Preserve That You Shouldn't Miss
Denali National Park and Preserve is most famous for being the home of Mount McKinley, also called Denali, meaning "The Great One." At 20,320 feet, Mount McKinley is the highest peak in North America. The park, which is larger than the state of Massachusetts, has only one road, making it the perfect backcountry adventure. Try to spot The Big Five: moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves and grizzly bears.
Restaurants in Denali National Park and Preserve
1. Canyon Wave Oar Boat Rider
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Rafting on the Nenana river allows you to journey through 11 miles of awesome rapids on the Nenana River with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems, like Mount Healy and sugarloaf mountain. This allows you to peek into the Park without the traffic.
Inclusions: Professional River Guide, Drysuit, PFD, helmet, paddle (if needed), river shoes, transport to & from the river, safe location to store your personal belongings
Exclusions: Warm Non-cotton base layers- polyester/wool, long johns, to wear underneath drysuit, extra socks
Reviewed By michaeltU3812AF
We were camping in Denali NP and thought we'd try the rafting trip. It was well worth it, and the two teenage boys with me had a blast. The guides were great, a lot of fun and knowledgeable.
2. Wilderness Wave Oar Boat Rider
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Rafting on the Nenana river allows you to float along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. This allows you to peek into the Park without the traffic.
Inclusions: Professional River Guide, Drysuit, PFD, helmet, paddle (if needed), river shoes, transport to & from the river, safe location to store your personal belongings
Exclusions: Warm Non-cotton base layers- polyester/wool, long johns, to wear underneath drysuit, extra socks
Reviewed By mmhise
Words won't do this epic trip justice! Peacock and Chicago have to be two of the best white water guides in Alaska. They made the Canyon Run an amazing experience my best friend and I will never forget. Professionalism at its finest! The Hillbillies from Arkansas can't wait to float with you guys again!
3. Wave Train Combo: Paddle Rafting
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Get the best of both worlds with this trip! THE WAVE TRAIN COMBO combines the SCENIC with the CANYON WAVE at a DISCOUNT After enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Denali National Park, continue on down through the raging rapids of the Nenana River. This trip takes out in the town of Healy. This excursion is a total of 5 hours start to finish. End your trip at the 49th State Brewery for dinner and drinks.
Inclusions: Professional River Guide, Drysuit, PFD, helmet, paddle (if needed), river shoes, transport to & from the river, safe location to store your personal belongings
Exclusions: Warm Non-cotton base layers- polyester/wool, long johns, to wear underneath drysuit, extra socks
Reviewed By mmhise
Words won't do this epic trip justice! Peacock and Chicago have to be two of the best white water guides in Alaska. They made the Canyon Run an amazing experience my best friend and I will never forget. Professionalism at its finest! The Hillbillies from Arkansas can't wait to float with you guys again!
4. Canyon Wave Paddle Rafting
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Rafting on the Nenana river allows you to float along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. This allows you to peek into the Park without the traffic.
Inclusions: Professional River Guide, Drysuit, PFD, helmet, paddle (if needed), river shoes, transport to & from the river, safe location to store your personal belongings
Exclusions: Warm Non-cotton base layers- polyester/wool, long johns, to wear underneath drysuit, extra socks
Reviewed By mmhise
Words won't do this epic trip justice! Peacock and Chicago have to be two of the best white water guides in Alaska. They made the Canyon Run an amazing experience my best friend and I will never forget. Professionalism at its finest! The Hillbillies from Arkansas can't wait to float with you guys again!
5. Denali Photo Excursion
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Take home awe-inspiring photographs of Alaska! With a maximum of 4 participants per tour, you will receive a personalized photography experience featuring panoramic landscapes, majestic mountains, and reflection ponds. Our photo guides are professional photographers and expert light-wranglers; they will be your location scout, driver, and instructor – seeking out the best locations and the most dramatic lighting in real time. Guides provide individualized instruction so you can hone your skills as you capture beautiful images that will last a lifetime. This guided excursion offers one-on-one attention and allows you to feel like you have the locations all to yourself for a truly immersive experience.
Inclusions: Professional tripods and filters are provided. Digital cameras with long zoom lens are available to rent, and guests keep the memory card. , Air-conditioned vehicle
Exclusions:
Reviewed By crayner2021
Took this class after had to cancel trip in 2020 due to Alaska. I am a beginner-intermediate photographer and the instructor was amazing and the advice she offered is still things I use today. Very helpful when the offer pointers on your shots. Plan on taking again before our rescheduled Alaska trip.
6. Denali Winter Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Denali Winter Drive provides a one day guided round trip journey by land from Fairbanks into Denali National Park. Guests will meet an informative and friendly Alaskan guide who is certain to make the day a memorable one by learning about the Tanana Valley and Denali National Park. Along the way the guide will share the history of the region and who lives here and how they make their home - both humans who live here and wildlife.
Inclusions: Landing and facility fees, Air-conditioned vehicle, Includes park entrance fees.
Exclusions: Meals are not included. Guests are more then welcome to bring their own or know we will stop at a general store in Nenana where food/drink can be purchased., Parking Fees, Gratuities
Reviewed By Ashpat1783
We had a great time and experience..our tour guide rob was so much fun and friendly!! Overall we had amazing time !!
7. Private Dog Sledding Adventure in Alaska
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Our champion sled dog kennel is family-owned and operated in Willow, Alaska, the mushing capital of the world! Let us introduce you to our team of Iditarod dogs, experience a traditional Alaskan sled ride, and learn about our unique dog-driven lifestyle. We welcome you to our home, a humanitarian-winning kennel with the fastest distance-racing dogs in the country!
Inclusions: Dog Sled Ride
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Freedom47065270623
Sooooo nice couple of newly weds helping have good experience to tourist! More than justva service! They are greaaat! And also good photografers
8. Summit Flight Tour with Glacier Landing from Talkeetna
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
-Only tour to fly over the summit of Denali -Unique perspective of North America's tallest mountain -Opportunity to see climbers on the mountain during climbing season (April-June) -Landing on a glacier in the middle of the Alaska Range -Due to use of supplemental oxygen for a portion of the flight, you must be 12 years of age or older to take the flight.
Inclusions: Live narration from your expert pilot, Hotel pickup and drop-off for select hotels in Talkeetna (Does not include Denali Park hotels), Local and Federal Transportation Tax
Exclusions: Entrance to Denali National Park is not included ($15 for a 7 day permit), Gratuities
Reviewed By tenapolu
We were hesitant to take this adventure because of the cost but OMG we are so glad that we did! It was truly an amazing adventure. There's no describing it- you just have to do it! Definitely a bucket list experience that we didn't expect.
9. Paddle Rafting on the Nenana Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
Experience Denali in a unique way: dig in for an adrenaline filled ride down the Class III-IV Nenana River Gorge. Paddlers work as a team under the direction of their guide. They attack a dozen major rapids, each with a story behind its name, for example, “Cable Car,” “Ice Worm,” and “Trainwork.” Become a part of Denali and challenge the river itself. Minimum age: 14
Inclusions: Professional River Guide, All necessary safety equipment - Dry Suits for everyone, Personal Floatation Device (PFD), & river booties.
Exclusions: Gratuities, Photos and Video are available for purchase after the trip. (optional)
Reviewed By 701lynleyp
Had a really nice time with this company. Ended up doing the denali double for a full day adventure. Josh and the owner were fabulous guides and I would certainly come back to try my hand at the paddle boat on the rapids. Beautiful day and the scenery was amazing! Theybeven allow you to float if youbwould.like to get in the glacier water, which is highly recommended! The dry suits kept me nice and dry.
10. Denali Hiking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Hike the wilderness trails at the entrance to Denali National Park with an experienced naturalist guide on this tour. This narrated tour spends five hours hiking through boreal forest, taiga, and tundra. Geology, botany, natural and human history of Denali National park is explained in detail in the fresh air and sweeping landscape.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Rain gear & over boots are available
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Maria B
Dana led a 3 hour hike into Denali. We viewed 3 separate lakes and mountain views. She shared fun facts and great knowledge regarding edible plants and berries, wildlife clues and behavior. I learned so much! She paced the hike perfect to fit our comfort level. It was the highlight of our summer. I would definitely hike with Dana again!
