Denali Peak Sightseeing by Plane
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Denali Peak Sightseeing by Plane

Active
(453 reviews)
Duration varies
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

Fly with the original flightseeing company in Denali for your best odds of seeing The Mountain "face to face."  Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often than anyone else.  Your highly experienced pilots possess the skills and knowledge to take advantage of the unique airstrip location just outside the road entrance into Denali NP.  99% of the flight is within Denali National Park, giving you a comprehensive tour of its wild and majestic beauty.  Fly among jagged mountaintops and over tumbling glaciers on a stunning 200-mile flight to get within ½ mile and circle Denali to see every spectacular corner (weather permitting).  

Special Note(s):   This tour is headset equipped, fully narrated and all seats are window seats on twin engine aircraft. Precise flight routes are dictated by current weather conditions.  Anticipated flight routes will be discussed with passengers during a pre-flight briefing. Flight time is 60 - 70 minutes.

Available options

6pm Denali Peak Flight

Fly with Denalis original flightseeing company for your best odds of seeing The Mountain face to face. Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often than anyone else.

4pm Denali Peak Flight

Fly with Denalis original flightseeing company for your best odds of seeing The Mountain face to face. Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often than anyone else.

8am Denali Peak Flight

Fly with Denalis original flightseeing company for your best odds of seeing The Mountain face to face. Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often than anyone else.

8pm Denali Peak Flight

Fly with Denalis original flightseeing company for your best odds of seeing The Mountain face to face. Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often than anyone else.

10am Denali Peak Flight

Fly with Denalis original flightseeing company for your best odds of seeing The Mountain face to face. Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often than anyone else.

12pm Denali Peak Flight

Fly with Denalis original flightseeing company for your best odds of seeing The Mountain face to face. Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often than anyone else.

2pm Denali Peak Flight

Fly with Denalis original flightseeing company for your best odds of seeing The Mountain face to face. Passengers on this flight see more of Denali, more often than anyone else.

What's included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board

What you'll see

Enjoy a complimentary shuttle from your hotel near Denali National Park with our friendly and professional drivers en route to our private airstrip, located approximately 8 miles south of the road entrance into Denali.   The pick-up time at your hotel depends on your hotel location but is approximately 30-60 minutes prior to flight time. 

Upon arrival at the airstrip, you will check in at our office and listen to a passenger map briefing to orient you to our location and the flight routes.  Your pilot will escort you to one of our comfortable twin engine airplanes and provide a safety orientation to the aircraft before settling each passenger into a window seat.   You will depart from the airstrip and in moments cross the Nenana River, the eastern boundary of the National Park.  The exact flight route will depend on weather but here are some highlights you can expect:
• Comprehensive views of all the features of the Park that you would otherwise see on a Park bus tour
• Views of the Wickersham Wall, arguably the tallest vertical relief on any mountain in the world. This 14,000 foot sheer wall of ice and snow is the best opportunity you’ll have to gain a stunning perspective of the towering size of Denali.  
• Intimate views of the glaciers tumbling down Denali’s north side, including the Traleika, Brooks and the long-running Muldrow flowing from between the north and south summits at 17,000 feet
• Ridge-hopping the dramatic Carpe and Karstens ridgelines, used by the first climbers to summit Denali
• Close views of the south side glaciers, including the deepest glacier (the Ruth), the longest glacier in the Alaska Range (the Kahiltna), the meandering Tokositna and the colorful Eldridge
• Views of the Great Gorge in the expansive Ruth Amphitheater, with its dramatic 5,000 foot granite walls rising straight from glacial ice almost 4,000 feet thick
• Views of Mount Foraker, Mount Russell, and Mount Hunter, the next 3 tallest mountains in the Alaska Range, rounding out the Denali Family
• Views of the most popular climbing routes and climbing camps at various altitudes (during climbing season)

While this flight focuses heavily on Denali and its immediate vicinity, you will also be able to experience all the striking signature features of the 6 million acres that comprise Denali National Park, including the vivid Polychrome Mountains, the Toklat river basin, and the colorful contrasts of Denali’s vast geological displays as you ascend along the spine of the Alaska Range. Prepare to be humbled by this vast, utterly unique and remote Alaskan landscape that is best seen by air in order to appreciate the sheer magnitude of its beauty.

After landing at our airstrip, you will have the opportunity to take pictures of the plane and with the pilot and discuss the flight before boarding the shuttle van to return to your hotel. 

What's not included

Gratuities (at passenger's discretion)

Available languages

Audio guide
DE JA EN
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9
51 reviews
5★
48
4★
3
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.9
402 reviews
5★
383
4★
12
3★
0
2★
1
1★
6

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Denali (Mt. McKinley) is 80 miles away from our airstrip. Weather conditions at the Mountain will often be different from those in our area. Please feel free to call for the current pilot’s reports but know that we do not make decisions based on weather until about an hour before flight time. We will always send a driver to pick-up locations with the most up-to date information at the allotted pick-up times. Exact route and specific sights are weather dependent but due to our airstrip's unique location, we are able to access either side of the Alaska Range when others cannot. We have the highest success rate of showing Denali to our guests of any tour option, anywhere.

Meeting point

Departure Point: Denali National Park entrance area
Address: Mile 229.5 George Parks Highway, Denali National Park, Alaska

Important notes

• NO carry-on bags or large purses allowed on the aircraft per FAA regulations.  You are welcome to leave bags in a secure location in our office. 
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Dress comfortably and appropriate for the current outside weather conditions.
• Bring sunglasses
• Denali (Mt. McKinley) is 80 miles away from our airstrip. Weather conditions at the Mountain will often be different from those in our area. Please feel free to call for the current pilot’s reports but know that we do not make decisions based on weather until about an hour before flight time. We will always send a driver to pick-up locations with the most up-to date information at the allotted pick-up times.

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

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.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-99
1
Childs
Age 2-12
0
Infants
Age 0-1
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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