Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining

Denali National Park , United States

Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining

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(145 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the rugged Alaskan wilderness on your own 4WD ATV machine. Join your guide for a personal tour of the backcountry, basking in the surrounding scenery while traversing dry creek beds and dirt paths on an off-road adventure. Your 3-hour excursion includes a hearty meal — the perfect refuel before you hop back on board the ATV for a thrilling return to your starting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Healy are included.

Available options

Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining

Black Diamond Back County BBQ<br/>Option 1: Pickup time is at 7:15am<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Use of helmet, safety goggles, gloves and optional rain gear

Professional guide

Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

Round-trip hotel transport (if option selected)

Beverages

What you'll see

Enjoy complimentary transport from your Healy hotel or make your own way to Black Diamond Resort Co to begin your 4WD ATV adventure.

Meet your guide, who provides you with a safety training and information course. Go over all the functions of your vehicle, get fitted with a helmet, safety goggles, gloves, and optional rain gear then hop on board the ATV for a trial run. If you prefer not to drive your own ATV, you can join the guide as a passenger aboard their 2-person machine. Then, it’s time to head into the Alaskan wilderness.

Journey into the back country, traversing old mining trails that spill out onto the Dry Creek River Bed — an excavation site for Athabascan Indian artifacts. Stop to explore an abandoned cabin across the river, breathe in the fresh mountain air and make your way up Black Diamond Peak for spectacular views of the entire Healy Valley. Your guide fills you in on local history, flora, and fauna along the way.

Break from your off-road excitement for a hearty, back country meal. Settle in for either a full-service lumberjack breakfast with fresh-baked biscuits and gravy, thick-cut bacon, and flapjacks, or dishes that include ribs, steak, chicken and fresh salmon, depending on the time of day. Juice, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and adult beverages are also available.

Afterward, climb back on board your ATV machine for a wild ride back to your starting point.

What's not included

Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Gratuities

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

58 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

87 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Must be 21 or older to consume alcohol

Vegetarian food option is available; please request when booking

Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.

Operates rain or shine; please dress accordingly

Meeting point

If you are driving yourself please let us know when booking. We are located at 1.2 Mile Otto Lake Road. Turn onto Otto Lake Road at mile 247 George Parks Highway. Our pick up time is the time listed at your booking so if driving please arrive 15 minutes later than the time you choose for your tour

About Denali National Park

Denali National Park is home to North America's tallest peak, Denali (Mount McKinley), and offers vast wilderness, incredible wildlife, and stunning landscapes. It's a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing unparalleled opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

Top Attractions

Denali (Mount McKinley)

Denali is the tallest peak in North America, standing at 20,310 feet (6,190 meters). It's a dominant feature of the park and a must-see for visitors.

Nature Varies by activity (scenic views: minutes to hours; climbing: weeks) Free

Denali Visitor Center

The park's main visitor center offers exhibits, ranger-led programs, and information about the park's natural and cultural history.

Visitor Center 1 to 2 hours Free

Horseshoe Lake Trail

A scenic, easy hike around a beautiful lake, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Hiking 1 to 2 hours Free

Eielson Visitor Center

Located 66 miles into the park, this visitor center offers stunning views of Denali and exhibits on the park's natural and cultural history.

Visitor Center Half-day visit Free

Wonder Lake

A stunning, remote lake offering one of the best reflections of Denali when conditions are right.

Nature Full-day visit Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Salmon

Alaskan salmon is a staple of the region, often grilled or smoked and served with local vegetables.

Dinner Gluten-free options available

Reindeer Sausage

A local delicacy made from reindeer meat, often served as a sausage or in stews.

Snack/Dinner Gluten-free options available

Bannock

A traditional quick bread often served with jam or honey.

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian, gluten-free options available

Popular Activities

Hiking Wildlife viewing Flightseeing Rafting Ice climbing Scenic drives Photography Picnicking

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Denali as the weather is relatively warm, and most park facilities and services are open. Wildlife is active, and all park roads are accessible.

5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) 41°F to 59°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Alaska Time Zone (AKT, GMT-9)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in remote areas

Denali National Park is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of the park's remote and rugged terrain. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and wildlife encounters can be dangerous.

Important Precautions:

• Be prepared for all weather conditions.
• Carry a map, compass, and other navigation tools.
• Stay on established trails and follow park regulations.

Getting there

By air

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport • 240 miles (386 km) south of Denali
Fairbanks International Airport • 120 miles (193 km) north of Denali

By train

Denali Park Station

By bus

Anchorage, Fairbanks

Getting around

Public transport

The park's transit bus system offers several routes, including access to the Eielson Visitor Center and Wonder Lake.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Not widely available

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Denali Park Village Savage River Area Eielson Area

Day trips

Talkeetna

70 miles (113 km) south of Denali • Half-day to full-day trip

A charming, historic town known for its Alaskan adventure culture and as the jumping-off point for Denali expeditions.

Healy

35 miles (56 km) north of Denali • Half-day to full-day trip

A small town with a rich history in mining and agriculture, offering a glimpse into rural Alaskan life.

Matanuska Glacier

150 miles (241 km) south of Denali • Full-day trip

One of the largest glaciers in Alaska, offering stunning views and a variety of adventure activities.

Festivals

Denali Arts Festival • June Talkeetna Winterfest • February

Pro tips

Book accommodations and popular activities well in advance, especially during peak season.
Pack layers and be prepared for all weather conditions.
Consider hiring a local guide for a more immersive and educational experience.
Take advantage of ranger-led programs and exhibits at visitor centers.
Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance.