Denali National Park is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, covering 6 million acres of pristine wilderness, towering mountains, and incredible wildlife. But with so much to explore, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do!
Whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures, scenic tours, or unforgettable wildlife encounters, this ultimate guide will help you find the top 10 tours in Denali National Park at a Glance.
1. East Fork Transit Bus (Best for Flexible Wildlife Viewing & Hiking)
 What It Is: A hop-on, hop-off shuttle that lets you explore the park at your own pace. Unlike the narrated Tundra Wilderness Tour, this is a non-narrated transit bus, ideal for independent travelers.
Where It Goes: Mile 43 (East Fork River), the farthest you can travel in 2024 due to road closures.
Duration: 4-6 hours roundtrip
Cost: $ (Most budget-friendly way to explore deeper into the park!)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: Best chance to see Denali and wildlife in one trip and the option to get off the bus whenever you want to hike!
2. Tundra Wilderness Tour (Best for Wildlife Viewing)
🚌 What It Is: A narrated bus tour that takes you deep into the park, with a great chance to spot grizzly bears, wolves, caribou, moose, and Dall sheep.
Where It Goes: Up to Mile 43 (East Fork River), offering some of the best views of Denali.
Duration: 7-8 hours
Cost: $$ (Mid-range, includes snacks and drinks)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: Best chance to see Denali and wildlife in one trip!
3. Denali Naturalist Hiking Tour (Best for Guided Hiking)
What It Is: A guided hike led by experts who explain wildlife, geology, and plants in Denali.
Where It Goes: Trails near the park entrance or deeper into the wilderness.⌛
Duration: 3-5 hours
Cost: $$ (Great value for a guided experience)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: You’ll learn so much while enjoying incredible scenery!
4. Denali Flightseeing Tour (Best for Epic Aerial Views)
What It Is: A scenic flight over Denali and the Alaska Range. Some tours land on a glacier for an unforgettable experience!
Where It Goes: Over Denali, glaciers, and rugged mountain peaks.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Cost: $$$$ (Pricey, but worth it for the view!)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: #1 rated activity. Seeing Denali from the air is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
5. Black Diamond Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride with Backcountry Dining (Best for a Unique Dining Experience)
What It Is: A scenic horse-drawn wagon ride through Alaska’s wilderness, followed by a delicious backcountry meal.
Where It Goes: Through beautiful landscapes near Healy, just outside the park.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Cost: $$ (Includes meal and drinks)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: Great for families or those looking for a relaxing way to experience Denali’s backcountry!
6. Husky Homestead Tour (Best for Dog Lovers)
What It Is: A tour of an Alaskan sled dog kennel, run by four-time Iditarod champion Jeff King.
Where It Goes: A kennel outside the park, where you meet future racing huskies!
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Cost: $$ (Affordable and family-friendly)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: Cuddle with puppies and learn about real dog sledding and the last great race, the Iditarod!
7. Denali Rafting Adventure (Best for Water Lovers)
What It Is: A whitewater rafting trip on the Nenana River, with options for gentle floats or thrilling rapids.
Where It Goes: Through canyons and glacial waters near the park entrance.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Cost: $$-$$$ (Depends on the trip length)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: A fun and unique way to see Denali from the river!
8. Denali Park Zipline Adventure (Best for Adrenaline Junkies)
What It Is: A ziplining tour through the forest, with views of the Alaska Range.
Where It Goes: A scenic zipline course near Healy, Alaska.
Duration: 3 hours
Cost: $$ (Affordable for an adventure tour)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: Flying through the trees with Denali in the background is unforgettable!
9. Denali Photo Guides Tour (Best for Photography Enthusiasts)
What It Is: A small-group photography tour with expert guides helping you capture the best shots of Denali’s landscapes and wildlife.
Where It Goes: Scenic locations inside and outside the park, customized based on wildlife activity and weather.
Duration: 3-5 hours
Cost: $$-$$$ (Depends on tour length and group size)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for photographers of all skill levels who want to capture stunning shots of Denali!
10. Denali Fat Truck Tour (Best for Off-Road Fun in All Seasons)
What It Is: A guided all-terrain vehicle tour on a massive, amphibious Fat Truck that can handle mud, snow, and rugged terrain with ease!
Where It Goes: Remote areas outside the park with amazing views of Denali.
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $$ (Unique and fun for all ages!)
🔥 Why You’ll Love It: A one-of-a-kind way to explore Denali, no matter the season!
Final Thoughts: Which Denali Tour Is Right for You?
Denali National Park offers something for everyone, whether you love wildlife, adventure, hiking, or scenic tours.
Want to see wildlife? → Tundra Wilderness Tour or East Fork Transit Bus
Want epic views of Denali? → Flightseeing or Photo Guides Tour
Looking for adventure? → Rafting, ATVs, Fat Truck, or Ziplining
Want a unique experience? → Horse-Drawn Wagon or Husky Homestead
Have you been to Denali? What was your favorite tour?Â
Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
We hope you have enjoyed our article: Top 10 Tours in Denali National Park at a Glance, the Ultimate Guide
Happy adventuring in Denali!Â
