denali national park northern lights tour

Denali Aurora Quest

Description

Search the skies for the Northern Lights on a guided 3-hour tour in the Denali area. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomenons, and Alaska is one of the best places in the world for viewing.

Why take this tour?

Leave your Healy area accommodations via a climate-controlled van, and journey away from the lights of town to search for the Northern Lights. The area around Denali makes an ideal spot for stargazing and catching the sometimes elusive Aurora Borealis. Your Alaskan guide will provide commentary and conversation on the area’s unique history, formidable climate, dynamic geography, and separate scientific facts from fictional myths. Learn all about Mother Nature’s fireworks display from a local guide, sip a warm drink, and learn how the Lights are the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere. This bucket list experience lets you hop out at select locations with your camera in hand with pointers from your guide. The Northern Lights are visible only during the winter months (August to April) and sightings are not guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

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Alaska Polar Bear & Northern Lights Tour with Denali Add-on

• Included in price
• Testimonials

Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with Denali Add-on

Our Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with the Denali Add-on is the only tour package in Alaska that allows you to see Grizzly and Polar bears on the same tour! You will see Grizzly Bears and other wildlife like caribou and moose as well as experience the peak of the fall colors in Denali National Park, and stay at a small lodge in the heart of the park near Wonder Lake. Then you will travel to the Arctic Coast to observe Polar Bears in the best Polar Bear viewing area in Alaska as well as experience Northern Lights in one of the best aurora borealis viewing locations in North America.

You will also experience the world famous Dalton Highway of ‘Ice Road Truckers’ fame, cross the Arctic Circle, stay in heart of the Brooks Range in a quaint Alaskan Bush village, explore one of Alaska’s most captivating landscapes, visit an Eskimo village, relax in natural hot springs, and much more.

‘The Alaska Polar Bear & Aurora Borealis Tour with the Denali Add-on is one of the best adventures I have ever taken!’

Miquel Correll, Texas

‘This was my second trip with Laurent, having been on the Aurora Photo Tour few years ago. My prior experience assured me that I was in good hands and rightly so, Laurent and his Wild Alaska Travel ensured we had a 5-star experience yet again. Laurent does not believe in taking tourists from point A to point B, but he really tries to give an authentic Alaskan experience to the group. His well thought out itinerary, chance to interact with locals and added buffer of plan B (and C) really goes a long way in making every trip a solid lifetime experience! We were also very lucky with the wildlife sightings and remarkably good weather in Denali, Wiseman and Kaktovik. We were constantly shaking our heads not believing what we were witnessing!! Laurent – Thank you so much for such good memories!’

Hemant Parmar, Michigan

We ask that you consider the following before requesting to be part of this adventure:

• The itinerary stated is only a sample itinerary that highlights each trip. Each trip’s itinerary is fluid to adapt for changes in weather, wildlife and/or partnering subcontractor’s schedule changes. For instance, be flexible with possible flight delays due to poor aviation weather or mechanical issues that are out of our control.
• Don’t expect five star accommodations in northern Alaska because they don’t exist.
• Be prepared to use outhouses along the Dalton Highway.

If you are serious about joining this adventure, we will ask you to be available for a Zoom call. The purpose of this call is to ensure that everyone understands the nature of, and will be prepared for, this unique trip, and neither party should be surprised by what it entails.

If the above made you pause for thought, this perhaps isn’t the trip for you—we do have other tours that might be a better fit for you, and we’d be happy to help you choose. However, if the above caveats made you more excited, then we encourage you to contact us.

You may also consider our Alaska Polar Bear & Northern Lights Tour  (10 days/9 nights) which has the identical itinerary but without a visit to Denali National Park.

• Experience Denali National Park at the peak of the fall colors
• See caribou, Dall sheep, grizzly bears and moose along the park road
• Stay in the heart of Denali National Park
• See polar bears in the best polar bear viewing area in Alaska
• Experience the Northern Lights from one of the best viewing locations in North America
• Travel along the Dalton Highway, an almost mythic road that runs for over 400 miles through Arctic wilderness, and follow the famous Ice Road Truckers
• Discover some of the most dramatic scenery in Alaska
• Cross the Arctic Circle
• Stay with local Alaskans in the Brooks Range wilderness
• Visit one of the most remote native communities in Alaska
• See Arctic Wildlife
• Dip your toes in amazing hot springs
• Visit an ice museum
• Small group of maximum six guests provides for highly personalized experience
• 13 days (12 nights) of lodging
• All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• All transportation during the tour incl. return flight from Deadhorse to Kaktovik
• Full day boat excursion with native guide to view polar bears
• All activities (ice museum, hot springs)
• Professional guide
• Permit fees

Day 1 – Fairbanks

Welcome to Fairbanks, Alaska’s second-largest city. You will arrive on your scheduled flight, be picked up at the airport and transferred to our local hotel. You will share our Welcome Dinner in the evening in downtown Fairbanks. Fairbanks is called “The Golden Heart of Alaska,” a reference to the character of her people as much as to the location in Alaska’s interior, or to the discovery of gold in 1902. Its central location makes it the focal point for the tiny villages scattered throughout the surrounding wilderness, and Fairbanks is a staging point for North Slope villages such as Barrow and the oil fields of Prudhoe Bay. Yet, unlike Anchorage, it still retains its down home “frontier” feel. It is contained within the North Star Borough, similar to a county, but roughly the size of New Jersey!

Day 2 – Fairbanks – Denali National Park (Kantishna)

Today, you are driving down to Denali National Park, the crown jewel of National Parks in Alaska. The park is one of the superlative places in the world: a land of gigantic mountains, plentiful wildlife, burly rivers and sublime wilderness. Autumn in Denali offers the chance to experience Alaska’s greatest park cloaked as comparatively few see it. During any season, the park offers some of the most striking vistas found in Alaska, but at no other time is the vast tundra more colorful than in early fall. A spectacular 90-mile drive across the park into the backcountry provides our group with a broad sampling of the epic landscapes this remarkable park has to offer. With clear weather the drive places us within easy photo access of the great mountain itself—Mt. McKinley or Denali – North America’s highest peak at 20,320 feet. In autumn the mountain tends to be less frequently eclipsed by clouds, and stunning images can be made featuring it in sweeping fall-colored landscapes or reflected in lakes and tundra ponds. You will stay in a small lodge in Kantishna at the end of the Denali Park road, far away from the crowds that can be overwhelming around the entrance of the park. The lodge serves as the base of operations for Kantishna Air Taxi, and their pilots stay there as well. In the evening, we will do an excursion to see and photograph the alpenglow on Mount McKinley reflected in Wonder Lake, where most of the iconic pictures of Mount McKinley have been taken.

Day 3 – Denali National Park (Kantishna)

Today, you will have many options, including a couple of short but very scenic hikes in the beautiful Kantishna Hills to capture some exceptional views of Mount McKinley and the vast tundra landscape in blazing fall color. The fall colors will be at the peak, and opportunities to capture this magical tapestry of colors abound, as the tundra provides an endless variety of colorful subjects: dwarf willows and birch trees only a few inches or feet in height will be in full golden hue, punctuated by the vibrant reds and magentas of wild blueberries and bearberries. You also have the option to go mountain biking on the Park road and old mining roads, fishing in Wonder Lake, or taking a flightseeing tour around Mt. McKinley and the Alaska Range. If you prefer, you may just relax in the lodge. You will get a first-hand view of the daily lives of Alaskan Bush pilots and crew.

Day 4 –Denali National Park – Fairbanks

You will backtrack the 90-mile Park road today as you return to the park entrance. Denali National Park is one of the greatest wildlife viewing areas in the world. It’s simply the best place in Alaska to see and photograph some of the large mammals like moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears. We may spot these and other smaller animals that also inhabit the park such as foxes, arctic ground squirrels, hoary marmots, pikas, snowshoe hares, and beavers. We will continue our trip back to Fairbanks tonight, and embark on the journey up the Dalton Highway to Wiseman tomorrow.

Day 5 – Fairbanks – Wiseman

You head north along the James Dalton Highway, a 414 mile road connecting Deadhorse to the Elliot Highway near the town of Livengood, located approximately 80 miles north of Fairbanks. Made famous by the recent Ice Road Trucker series, it’s considered by many to be one of North America’s most scenic and beautiful wilderness roads. Also known as the Haul Road, the Dalton Highway is critical to the delivery of material, equipment and supplies to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. You will travel through the boreal forest and north of the Yukon River you will reach a milestone on our trip: the iconic Arctic Circle, an invisible line at the elegant latitude of 66º33′. North of the Arctic Circle is the land of the midnight sun, where the sun never sets during the summer. Soon after crossing the Arctic Circle you will reach the foothills of the Brooks Range, and a couple hours later you will arrive at our oasis in the wilderness in Wiseman, population 13, a historic gold mining community town located in the heart of the Brooks Range. During our nights in Wiseman we will keep a watchful eye for the northern lights. Wiseman is located closed to what scientists describe as the ‘maximum zone close to 67 degrees north’. This makes Wiseman one of the best places in Alaska (and in North America!) where you can see the northern lights most often and with greatest intensity.

Day 6 – Wiseman – Deadhorse

You will explore the surroundings of Wiseman today. Located on the middle fork of the Koyukuk River, much of Wiseman’s colorful gold rush history is preserved in its buildings. You will go for a hike in the alpine tundra near Atigun Pass (4643 ft.), the only pass in the Brooks Range that is crossed by a road. Atigun Pass also is the northernmost pass in the world that is kept open year-round and the highest year-round pass in Alaska. This area is one of the best for hiking along the Dalton Highway and a great place to look for Grizzly Bears, Moose and Dall Sheep. Beyond towering Atigun Pass, the Arctic Slope extends 170 miles, first through rolling tundra foothills, then over the broad, lake-dotted flatlands of the vast Coastal Plain that extends to the Arctic Ocean. We will keep our eyes peeled for Dall Sheep in the mountains and Caribou and Muskoxen on the North Slope. You will spend the night in Deadhorse. The town consists mainly of facilities for the workers and companies that operate at the nearby Prudhoe Bay oil fields.

Day 7 – Deadhorse – Kaktovik

You will spend the morning exploring Deadhorse and head back out along the Dalton Highway if weather permits. Around noon you will board a scheduled flight to Kaktovik. This flight will give you an incredible aerial impression of Alaska’s Arctic. The small Inupiaq Eskimo village of Kaktovik is located on Barter Island, population around 280. You are now only about 60 miles from the Canadian border, but still 1,400 miles from the North Pole! During a tour of the village, you will catch our first glimpse of Alaska Polar Bears at a place called the ‘bone pile’. Polar bears have historically used the barrier islands and sand spits around Barter Island as a resting place, a feeding place and a stopover until winter sea ice forms. However, the possibility of seeing large numbers of bears in one place can be linked to the local whaling. The greatest numbers of bears loafing in the area are typically found in September and October, just prior, during and after the time Kaktovik residents hunt bowhead whales. The Polar Bears feed on unused portions of whale carcasses that are deposited at a “bone pile” a few kilometers from the village during Kaktovik’s subsistence whale harvest season in September and October. The sea ice generally forms soonest again near Barter Island, which explains the bears’ presence in the area.

Day 8 – Kaktovik

Your Inupiaq guide, who is US Coast Guard licensed and vetted by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, will safely guide you by boat and on shore all day along the barrier reefs for rare Polar Bear encounters. Viewing Polar Bears in the wild is probably one of the most unique experiences in the world. Certainly the Polar Bears take center stage, but there are opportunities to see other wildlife. Wherever Polar Bears roam, it is highly likely that arctic fox will follow. The arctic tundra itself—stark and barren as it may at first appear—can be truly breathtaking under an ever-changing Arctic sky. There are very few places on Earth allows this kind of intense Arctic experience.

Day 9 – Kaktovik – Deadhorse – Wiseman

You will have all morning to explore Kaktovik and return once more to see the Polar Bears. By mid-day, you will fly back to Prudhoe Bay on a scheduled flight. You will then slowly work your way back across the Coastal Plain towards the Brooks Range. The snowline will have been creeping down to lower elevations, and it is not unlikely to have snow on the ground at the end of September, which will add another dimension to the already stark landscape. After crossing over Atiugn Pass, you will reach treeline again. Your accommodation in Wiseman will be a welcome sight to relax in. You will keep your eyes peeled again at night for aurora activity. Many factors do affect our ability to see the Northern Lights, however the location of Wiseman close to what scientists describe as the ‘maximum zone close to 67 degrees north’. This makes Wiseman one of the best places in Alaska where you can see the aurora most often and with greatest intensity.

Day 10 – Wiseman

Today will head up Nolan Creek Valley for an all-day hike and enjoy the peace and serenity of the Brooks Range. Some of you may decide to just want to spend the day exploring on your own, at your own pace.

Day 11 – Wiseman – A Taste of Alaska Lodge

You will be heading south this morning, across the Brooks Range and back into the Boreal Forest of Interior Alaska. Driving the Dalton is always an adventure. Frommer’s Guide described the Dalton Highway as follows: “The experience of the Dalton Highway for a traveler is so far beyond the ordinary as to require a whole new frame of reference to take it all in. The road is so very long, so remote and free of traffic, and the scenery is so mind-boggling in its grandeur and repetition, that after a time it feels like you’re living in a dream. At some point, you have to swallow and say to yourself, “I guess I didn’t know that much about the world after all.” Your destination for the night is A Taste of Alaska Lodge, a gorgeous B&B along Chena Hot Springs Road.

Day 12 – A Taste of Alaska Lodge – Chena Hot Springs – Fairbanks

Today your destination is the Chena Hot Springs Resort, internationally known for its natural mineral hot springs and its Aurora Ice Museum, which we will visit first. This facility is kept at a constant 28 degrees F and is operational year round with the same geothermal energy that keeps the resort open for business. The museum features a gallery and ice bar, overhead chandeliers made of individually carved ice crystals which change color every six seconds mimicking the northern lights, countless sculptures including a gigantic chess set, life sized jousting knights, an ice fireplace and four galleries with varying themes. and prime location for viewing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). After lunch, you will appreciate soaking your tried bodies in the legendary healing mineral waters. Not only is this a place where you can enjoy a dip in a natural hot tub (the hot springs source is 165 degrees F), but the resort itself is an excellent example of geothermal energy and sustainable design. The entire resort is powered by the utilization of the 165 degrees hot springs ground water, which flows to a heat exchanger to develop the heating system loop and transformed to electrical power for lighting and power at the resort. There is also a green house where the fruits and vegetables used at the restaurant are grown. You will be heading back to Fairbanks in the afternoon, drop your bags at your hotel before enjoying your farewell dinner at the Pump House Restaurant, which offers one of the best dining experiences in Fairbanks.

Day 13 – Fairbanks

This morning you bid farewell to Alaska and each other. You will return home from your Alaska Polar Bear and Northern Lights Tour with a wealth of images and stories and new friendships. And you will have gained a better appreciation for a unique part of Alaska and its majestic wildlife that very few people will ever encounter.

• In Alaska, travel plans and especially flights can change in the blink of an eye, mostly due to poor aviation weather. Weather delays and/or cancellations account for about one in four scheduled flights. When wind, rain, snow or fog delays flights, there is nothing to do except sit back and enjoy your stay.  You need to be flexible with such flight delays due to poor aviation weather or mechanical issues that are out of our control.
• You must understand and be willing to accept that weather can and does affect our planned itinerary. The itinerary stated is only a sample itinerary that highlights each trip. Each trip’s itinerary is fluid to adapt for changes in weather, wildlife and/or partnering subcontractor’s schedule changes.
• You should also plan to have some “buffer” days in your itinerary. We will not be responsible for any missed flights or connections. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance.

If you are serious about joining this adventure, we will ask you to be available for a Skype call. The purpose of this call is to ensure that everyone understands the nature of, and will be prepared for, this unique trip, and neither party should be surprised by what it entails.

Peter Zemek and Merran Matheson, Australia

Hans & Anina Bodenstein, South Africa

Nirmalya Chakraborty, New York

Julianne Skai Arbor, California

“Thanks again for such a fantastic trip, don’t think I will be surpassing that one anytime soon.”

Alison Byrne, Ireland

Ruth Zhang and David Tan, Singapore

Michelle Theall, Colorado

Frans Badenhorst, South Africa

**We only require a $500 deposit per person to hold your space.

Aurora Borealis Tours

Search the skies for the Northern Lights on a guided 3-hour tour in the Denali area. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomenons, and Alaska is one of the best places in the world for viewing.

WHY TAKE THIS TOUR?

Leave your Healy area accommodations via a climate-controlled van, and journey away from the lights of town to search for the Northern Lights. The area around Denali makes an ideal spot for stargazing and catching the sometimes elusive Aurora Borealis. Your Alaskan guide will provide commentary and conversation on the area’s unique history, formidable climate, dynamic geography, and separate scientific facts from fictional myths. Learn all about Mother Nature’s fireworks display from a local guide, sip a warm drink, and learn how the Lights are the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. This bucket list experience lets you hop out at select locations with your camera in hand with pointers from your guide. The Northern Lights are visible only during the winter months (August to April) and sightings are not guaranteed.

Book Your Adventure Today!

If you have any questions about the status of your booking or wish to be removed from the waitlist, reach out to our team via email or send us a text!

• PO Box 134, Denali National Park Alaska 99755
• 907-683-1377
• moc.u 1711979542 aetah 1711979542 cnaks 1711979542 ala@o 1711979542 fni 1711979542

Aurora Quest from Denali

• Live commentary on board
• Local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Additional locations may be available at a per guest surcharge. Additional location approval is at the sole discretion of the operator and must be requested no later than 48 hours prior to the tour.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Healy Stop: 3 hours Leave your Healy area accommodations via a climate-controlled van, and journey away from the lights of town to search for the Northern Lights. The area around Denali makes an ideal spot for stargazing and catching the sometimes elusive Aurora Borealis. Your Alaskan guide will provide commentary and conversation on the area’s unique history, formidable climate, dynamic geography, and separate scientific facts from fictional myth. Learn all about Mother Nature’s fireworks display from a local guide, sip a warm drink, and learn how the Lights are the result of collisions between gaseous particles in the Earth's atmosphere. This bucket list experience lets you hop out at select locations with your camera in hand with pointers from your guide. The Northern Lights are visible only during the winter months (September to April) and sightings are not guaranteed. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• paulk6109 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Had a very satisfactory experience These folks picked us up on time (actually early) and were there promptly to return us when we finished. Jeep performed very well. We had no issues. For a 4 hr time frame don't go into the park (its only 15 miles of road). We think a better use of our time would have been to take the gold route by Cantwell. Jeep people will explain. Read more Written September 13, 2023
• Anne M 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Don’t Book in Advance After coming down with Influenza A on our cruise our land portion was canceled and we had to return home. Denali Self Guided Jeep Adventure refused to give any kind of refund. Seems like very poor customer service. Next time - there won’t be a next time for them - I’ll book last minute so I know I’m healthy. Read more Written September 9, 2023
• 277brendenj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding service. Everything was absolutely fantastic. They met us in a place where we could safely park our RV, and brought the jeep directly to us. We had a very small amount of paperwork, and we were on our way. We were given a guide book, and were told several tips and pointers to watch for on our trip. After we dropped of the jeep (back at our original meeting place), one is had forgotten out backpack in the jeep. They were very quick to get back with us so we could gather our belongings that we should have kept track of in the first place. We got what we paid for and more, we have zero complaints and would absolutely do this again next time! Read more Written August 27, 2023
• sherrylS9338ZN 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Covered wagon tour Fun relaxing tour with personable knowledgeable and entertaining guides named Linda and O’Dell and horses Chuck and Rustin. A large lunch with several courses was included in the tour also. Very good ! What I particularly liked was the encouraged interactions among us passengers and with the guides. We met interesting and friendly people and it was fun to share the experience with them Read more Written August 7, 2023
• Louise J 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Easy and fun! Nice little jeep, excellent laminated instructions and info, we had a great day on the Denali Highway and took lots of pictures! We did have a small mix-up with pick up instructions emailed to meet in 2 different places, but Mike called us and sorted everything out. Read more Written August 6, 2023
• Gordon A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get away Sometimes when you are booked on a group tour you just want to get away and this was the perfect way to do it. We were picked up from our hotel and met up with our jeep for an on our own experience. We were free to go where and when we wanted. Stop and smell the flowers or just stretch our legs as we felt the need. The jeep was fully loaded and fun the drive. We just headed down the road, grabbed some snacks and found ourselves on the Denali Highway. Worth every penny..... Read more Written July 25, 2023
• jyrkio2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun Jeep to see Denali at your own pace Great experience. We rented the Jeep Renegade for 2 back-to-back 4-hour sessions so we could drive down the old Denali Highway. First, we drove down the Denali Park Road (free entry in the National Park) to as far as private cars can go (up to Mile 15-check for the landslide details if this is an old review). Then we went down to the old Denali Highway (28 miles south of Denali Visitors Centre), starting at Cantwell. All told, we drove 149 miles in our Jeep. Jim, the owner of the Jeep's, was a really nice guy and was early for the pick-up and drop-off and he came right to our Hotel. He knew we were going farther with the Jeep, so he rented us a 'Trailhawk' Jeep that comes with higher ground clearance and firmer suspension, something you will want for the old Denali Highway as there were many, many potholes. Just remember to have you DL and insurance all ready to go to have a smooth pick-up and drop off. Read more Written July 20, 2023
• Gordon A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice break from the crowd. It is an opportunity to get out on your own. We were picked up at our hotel and met the owner with the keys. Once on the road just needed to be back at the end time but then no other schedule. We pi ked the places, the stops ans how long. Nice vehicle with the only rules, be back on time and keep the wheels on the ground and off the roof. Read more Written June 28, 2023
• 622MelanieG 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very nice rafting trip I did the wilderness rafting trip .. really enjoyed it . Perfect for families and older people. Marry was the tour guide / one doing the rowing ... very knowledgeable about the geology, the wildlife and all about the river . Really recommended this tour Read more Written June 21, 2023
• M429KYstevenj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Denali We had a great time. We drove into the park and were able to see. Denali a about 8 miles in. We would definitely rent a jeep again. Read more Written June 17, 2023
• NicoleandJohnC 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Go Somewhere Else for a Jeep Excursion First of all this is not a Jeep it is a Jeep Renegade! Two completely different vehicles! The car was filthy and wreaked of smoke! The air condition did not work!!!! The gentleman who dropped off the car was super nice. They did bring it to the hotel which was good. I should’ve read more reviews! Learn from my mistake and stay away from this. Read more Written June 7, 2023
• rmjone 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Self drive tour Great fun. They brought the jeep to us right on time. Saw lots of wildlife. Easy process. Would recommend Read more Written June 6, 2023
• 818jeannew 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Very nice & professional, on time, nice car, stunning scenery, no crowds, lifetime trip, good roads, freedom to explore. Read more Written May 19, 2023
• Roxanne H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Drive in Denali Park We had very prompt pick up and drop off. The shuttle drivers were friendly. The jeep was nice and ran good. They provided info on where to go and what to do in an emergency. Read more Written September 25, 2022
• V6681AAjohnh 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great drive, too short of time The vehicle was clean and in good condition. The pickup service, vehicle summary, and service were also very good. The reason for the 4-star rating is that 4 hours is really not sufficient to adequately explore the Denali Highway. It takes most of an hour to get to the start of the highway in Cantwell. This leaves only an hour to explore the highway before turning around. I would recommend that Stampede offer a 6-hour and 8-hour option for rental. 8 hours might be too much, but 6 would be far more appropriate. Read more Written September 3, 2022

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How to see the northern lights in alaska in 2024.

If seeing the northern lights in Alaska is on your bucket list, this is the year to do it.

How to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Chris McLennan | Courtesy of State of Alaska

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says solar activity is intensifying and will peak (at a higher level than previously thought) in 2024. This means travelers will have more opportunities to see the northern lights around the world .

If you're considering a trip to Alaska to witness this atmospheric phenomenon, read on to discover the best months to visit as well as a variety of viewing options.

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska

Where to see the northern lights in alaska, northern lights alaska cruises.

• Alaska northern lights tours

Courtesy of Travel Alaska

According to the Alaska Travel Industry Association, the best time to see the northern lights is typically from Aug. 21 to April 21 , also known as the Aurora Season. While the aurora can appear at any time of night, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. are the prime viewing hours.

The winter solstice – which is the shortest day of the year, typically falling between Dec. 20 and 23 – is a particularly good time to be in Alaska for the northern lights. This day affords less daylight and more time to spot the aurora. In parts of Alaska, the amount of daylight during the winter solstice can range from around six hours in Anchorage to less than four further north in Fairbanks. Up in remote Utqiagvik (formerly called Barrow), about 320 miles north of the Arctic Circle, there are roughly 67 days of darkness from Nov. 18 to Jan. 23, resulting in even more opportunities to spot the northern lights.

Of course, 2024 is expected to be a little different. Scientists say solar activity will reach its peak from January to October, expanding the typical time frame for spotting the aurora. Ahead of and during your visit, experts recommend utilizing these forecasting resources:

• Aurora Tracker: Whether you're a beginner or an experienced aurora chaser, you'll appreciate Explore Fairbanks' real-time Aurora Tracker . This online reference shows up-to-the-minute information on the temperature, weather and likelihood of catching the northern lights in Fairbanks. Much of the data comes from one of the world's foremost aurora research centers, the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska–Fairbanks . To further assist in your search, you can also download the My Aurora Forecast & Alerts app on your smartphone.
• Aurora Forecast: For other parts of the state, the Geophysical Institute website's Aurora Forecast has daily forecasts of geomagnetic activity up to three days in advance and taken at three-hour intervals. There's also a summation on the webpage of whether the aurora will be active – or not – and where you'll find the best visibility in Alaska.

Courtesy of Aurora Villa

Below are the top destinations to consider when deciding where to see the northern lights in Alaska.

Fairbanks, known as the Golden Heart of Alaska, sits at 65 degrees north latitude, making it an excellent choice for aurora hunters, especially first-timers. It's easily accessible and offers plenty of accommodations , restaurants and other unique attractions . You can also be outside of Fairbanks within minutes to find excellent northern lights viewing locales.

Your chances of seeing the aurora display are excellent as the city sits where the activity of the polar lights is concentrated – under the ring-shaped zone known as the auroral oval. Local experts say that on clear evenings when the sky is very dark, you should be able to witness the skies light up on an average of four out of five nights in Fairbanks.

Where to stay:

• Aurora Villa : Located on the outskirts of Fairbanks, Aurora Villa offers luxurious guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows for viewing the northern lights in a cozy private space. The modern wooden cabin sits on 10 acres surrounded by forested hills, yet it's close enough to the city (less than 15 miles northeast) to explore all that Fairbanks has to offer.
• Pike's Waterfront Lodge : Located along the Chena River in Fairbanks, just minutes from Fairbanks International Airport, this property offers 180 rooms and 28 cabins for aurora-hunting adventurers. As a guest of the lodge, you can request that the front desk alert you when the northern lights appear – no matter the time of day or night. Pike's Waterfront Lodge also offers amenities to keep guests warm while viewing the light show outdoors.

Talkeetna sits about 115 miles north of Anchorage in south-central Alaska, at the base of Denali, the tallest mountain peak in North America. With its old clapboard buildings, log cabins and roadhouse dating back to 1917, this historic town offers a lot of outdoor fun beyond chasing the aurora. Main Street is filled with galleries, shops, restaurants and a brewery. The quirky village, once a former mining town, was the inspiration for the imaginary borough of Cicely in the TV show "Northern Exposure."

If you visit in December, check out the festivities at the monthlong Winterfest. This event features a parade of lights, a tree lighting ceremony and the Taste of Talkeetna food festival, plus entertaining events like the Bachelor Auction and the Wilderness Woman Competition.

When it's time to look up in the sky for the lights, local aurora hunters recommend heading out of town to Christiansen Lake or past the airport on Beaver Road. If you prefer to stay close by, look north into the sky toward Denali from Talkeetna Riverfront Park.

• Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge : Book a Mountain View room for views of Denali and the Alaskan Range. The cozy lodge offers multiple dining venues, including the award-winning Foraker Restaurant.
• Talkeetna Lakeside Cabins : These cabins provide peace and quiet on a private lake just 12 miles from Talkeetna.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is another spectacular place to view the northern lights in Alaska – not to mention one of the top tourist attractions in the U.S. The National Park Service says almost everywhere within the park is free from city light pollution, so if the conditions are right (meaning that's it's clear and dark enough), you should be able to see the aurora borealis, especially when looking toward the northern horizon.

However, when wintertime rolls around – from September or October through April – it's more difficult to access parts of the park, even though it's open year-round. Keep in mind, too, that the lodges closest to the park are typically closed from mid-September to mid-May.

Where to stay: Located less than 15 miles from the Denali National Park entrance, the Aurora Denali Lodge offers year-round accommodations equipped with queen-sized beds, smart TVs and private bathrooms. Rates at the lodge include a continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and complimentary hot drinks. What's more, the property says visitors can expect plenty of wildlife sightings, such as bears, moose, lynxes, owls and snowshoe hares, just outside your door.

Coldfoot Camp

Coldfoot Camp is situated above the Arctic Circle in the Brooks Mountain Range, near the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The remote wilderness destination is ideal for aurora viewing since it sits directly under the auroral oval. It's also the perfect locale for backcountry snowshoeing, wildlife viewing and dog mushing.

Where to stay: The Inn at Coldfoot Camp offers rustic accommodations located in trailers that once housed Alaskan pipeline workers. The rooms include two twin beds and a private bathroom and shower. Guests can dine at the on-site Trucker's Cafe, which offers breakfast and dinner buffets in the summer months and all-day a la carte dining in the winter. When you're ready for a cold one at the end of the day, check out the Frozen Foot Saloon and order an Alaska-brewed beer.

If you prefer camping and have your own gear , you can camp free of charge on the property during the summer months. Coldfoot Camp also hosts a selection of year-round Arctic adventures and excursions, including a trip to the nearby village of Wiseman for aurora viewing.

This remote wilderness retreat has just 13 full-time residents. Wiseman is located in Alaska's Brooks Range, about 15 miles north of Coldfoot Camp, 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 270 miles from Fairbanks. The community sits directly under the auroral oval, making it one of the best places in Alaska to view the northern lights. You can expect to see the spectacle in the sky in Wiseman about 250 nights a year, especially between late August and mid-April.

• Arctic Hive : Arctic Hive has the distinction of being the northernmost yoga studio in the U.S. A common fiberglass lodge allows guests to gather for cooking and meals, and meditation, educational gatherings and other activities are hosted in a geodesic dome. Arctic Hive also offers retreats that include northern lights viewing opportunities in February and March.
• Arctic Getaway : This bed-and-breakfast sits between the middle fork of the Koyukuk River and Wiseman Creek, offering three cabins. While here, you can learn what it's like to homestead in Alaska above the Arctic Circle and enjoy outdoor activities like dog sled rides across the vast wilderness, cross-country skiing , pack rafting and flightseeing by bush plane.
• Boreal Lodging : Reachable by vehicle, Boreal Lodging has several rental options, ranging from lodge rooms to larger cabins with living areas and kitchens.

Located in western Alaska overlooking the Norton Sound of the Bering Sea, Nome is the ending point for the more than 1,000-mile, 51-year-old Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race in March. Once the most populated city in Alaska, Nome had almost 20,000 residents and an average of 1,000 new people arriving daily during the height of the gold rush in 1899. Nome is a little quieter now, with a population of less than 4,000 residents.

Where to stay: Some of the best spots for viewing the aurora are at the end of town, where the 52-room Aurora Inn & Suites is located. The hotel conveniently offers car rentals on-site.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Situated on the banks of the Arctic Ocean, Utqiagvik is the northernmost city in the U.S. The town, formerly known as Barrow, changed its name in 2016 back to Utqiagvik, its traditional Inupiaq name. Utqiagvik is only accessible by plane: Alaska Airlines and other regional carriers offer service from both Anchorage and Fairbanks.

Where to stay: For accommodations, make reservations at a hotel named for its location – the Top of the World Hotel . The property's comfortable rooms offer views of the Arctic Ocean, and the on-site restaurant, Niggivikput (meaning "our place to eat"), serves traditional local dishes like reindeer soup. While you may be there for aurora hunting, don't miss the excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities: You may see polar bears, caribou, foxes, bearded seals, whales, walruses, migratory birds and the great snowy owl on the tundra.

Borealis Basecamp

One of the best glamping destinations in the U.S. , Borealis Basecamp is a remote 100-acre property that sits within a boreal forest 25 miles north of Fairbanks. The property features 20 individual igloos, resembling those you'd find at Arctic research stations and on polar expeditions, as well as five glass cubes. All accommodations allow guests to gaze up at the aurora and the starry night sky while snuggled up in bed. You'll also enjoy many amenities you'd find in a hotel, including full bathrooms with toiletries and a selection of coffee, hot cocoa and tea.

Choose from a variety of packages that include accommodations and activities like dog-sledding, UTV tours, helicopter sightseeing experiences and more.

Getty Images

One of the best times to cruise to Alaska is during the aurora season. Aurora season sailings to Alaska are available with the following cruise lines this year.

If you're interested in excursions for aurora viewing, look for a line that offers cruisetours, such as Holland America. These tours offer the best of both worlds, giving you time on land and at sea to view the dancing night sky. Holland America's cruisetours range from overnight stays just 2 miles from Denali National Park at the McKinley Chalet Resort to a domed luxury train ride through Alaska's backcountry on the McKinley Explorer. On a Tundra Wilderness Tour in Denali, look for Alaska's "Big Five": grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves. Just keep in mind that none of the above cruise lines can guarantee you'll see the northern lights during your journey.

The best northern lights tours in Alaska

Jody Overstreet | Courtesy of State of Alaska

If you want to experience the aurora borealis by joining a tour group, you'll find a variety of options led by expert guides and granting you easier access to many of the state's remote destinations, often with other activities included. (Just be aware that, on any tour or excursion, there's no way to guarantee that the aurora will be visible.) These are some of the best northern lights tours in Alaska:

Arctic Dog Adventure Co.: Aurora Overnight Tour

Dog-sledding is one of the top winter activities in Alaska, and you can choose to do it by day or night. If you want to experience an Alaska dog-sledding adventure while chasing the aurora, book a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Arctic Dog's Aurora Overnight Tour. Highlights of this two-day, one-night excursion – which starts in Fairbanks – are dog mushing your own sled team and glamping in a heated tent under an aurora-filled sky. Other features of the tour include cold weather gear, a photography lesson and Alaska-inspired meals.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights & Murphy Dome Tour

Located around 20 miles northwest of the city, Murphy Dome is regarded as one of the best places to watch the northern lights in Fairbanks at nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. This location, once home to Murphy Dome Air Force Station with as many as 250 personnel stationed at the base, now houses a long-range radar station that detects military air threats from overseas.

Alaska Wildlife Guide leads 5.5-hour northern lights tours to Murphy Dome, typically from late August to early April – you can check with the company for day-to-day tour availability. Excursion prices include round-trip transportation from Fairbanks, 360-degree views of the north-facing sky, hot beverages and bottled water – in addition to (hopefully) hours of memorable aurora viewing.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights & Arctic Circle Tour

This full-day (14-hour) excursion, also offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide, begins in Fairbanks and crosses the Arctic Circle into Alaska's vast and remote wilderness. The tour includes a drive along the more than 800-mile Trans-Alaskan Pipeline and a half-mile walk along the loop at Finger Mountain with views overlooking the Kanuti Flats (depending on the season). Your guide will also stop along the riverbank after crossing the Yukon River Bridge.

During the tour, you'll learn about the history of the pipeline and hear narratives around the other included stops. A snack and warm beverage are included; then, if conditions are just right, you'll have the chance to see the brilliant light show dance across the dark, clear skies before you arrive back in Fairbanks at dawn.

Alaska Journey Tours: Northern Lights (Aurora) Chasing Tour

Get picked up at your Fairbanks hotel (or meet at the Hyatt Place Fairbanks) for this three-hour northern lights tour in a heated SUV. Guides take photos of tourgoers as well as their own photos of the night sky, which are later shared with the group. Recent travelers praise this tour, and appreciate that the guides are always determined to give them the best northern lights viewing experience.

Alaska Tours: Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure

Hosted by Alaska Tours, the Bettles Lodge Winter Adventure is available January to March and August to December. This excursion includes two, three or four nights at this wilderness lodge about 35 miles north of the Arctic Circle. During the winter days, enjoy outdoor Arctic sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing or stay warm indoors chatting with other guests at the Aurora Lodge. In the evenings, you can bundle up and head outside at one of the best places in Alaska to see the spectacle in the sky.

Prices include round-trip airfare between Fairbanks and Bettles, accommodations at the lodge, meals, a village tour and complimentary use of the Arctic gear (in season).

Alaska Photo Treks: Anchorage Aurora Quest

Alaska Photo Treks offers one of the best ways to see the northern lights in Anchorage – and you'll even learn how best to photograph the aurora, which can be a challenge to capture digitally or on film. This experience, the Anchorage Aurora Quest, is available nightly (when conditions are right), typically from mid-August to mid-April. The approximately six-hour guided tour with a professional photographer explains the science behind the northern lights and provides photo tips for budding aurora photographers in a small-group format. Tourgoers are picked up from their hotel by the guide at about 10 p.m. and return around 4 a.m., though that time can vary based on the aurora forecast.

On the Alaska Photo Treks website, you'll find a list of recommended camera equipment to bring. If you're using a smartphone, the tour group suggests downloading an aurora app and bringing a tripod. The company also advises that you'll be outdoors for about two hours, so you need to dress appropriately for the weather. For the best aurora viewing, the guides usually travel between one to three locations within a 70-mile radius of Anchorage. If you're in town for an extended stay, Alaska Photo Treks also offers a four-day pass for even more nocturnal viewing of the auroral activity.

Alaska Tours: Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights

Chena Hot Springs Resort is known for its therapeutic waters and aurora-viewing opportunities. If you prefer to head out with a guide rather than on your own, book the Chena Hot Springs and Northern Lights tour with Alaska Tours. This package includes a four- to five-hour Aurora Expedition tour, four nights of accommodations, and access to resort amenities including cross-country skiing and snow machine tours.

Alaska Wildlife Guide: Northern Lights and Chena Hot Springs

Day trips are also an option for those who'd like to enjoy the resort amenities and a chance at seeing the northern lights from Chena Hot Springs. This tour offered by Alaska Wildlife Guide includes admission to the hot springs and Aurora Ice Museum as well as pickup from local hotels. Recent travelers say the tour guides are top-notch.

John Hall's Alaska: Alaska's Winter Wonders

For an extended land tour to chase the aurora – and experience Alaska's magical winter wonderland – book this bucket list eight-day adventure with John Hall's Alaska. The company's Alaska's Winter Wonders tour is offered in February and March; it features up to seven nights of northern lights viewing, as well as adventure-filled days with skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. You'll also take an awe-inspiring flightseeing bush plane ride over Denali National Park, which includes a fly-by of the Foraker, Silverthorne, Hunter and Moose's Tooth peaks before landing on the Great Gorge of Ruth Glacier – the deepest in the world.

If that's not enough adventure, test your skills at dog mushing and curling or take an aerial tram ride. Travelers can also check out the local breweries or just sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views. Additional highlights include spending two evenings under the dancing night sky in one of the domed igloos at Borealis Basecamp, as well as aurora borealis photography lessons.

All-inclusive pricing covers accommodations, meals, luxury land and small plane transportation, fully guided service, gratuities, and baggage handling – plus a black subzero jacket to keep you warm during your Alaska adventure.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times on land trips and by ship for year-round outdoor adventure and to chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. She writes about the travel and culinary industries for a variety of major publications.

You might also be interested in:

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Denali National Park Guide: The Best Tours, Lodging, and Things to Do

By Lisa Maloney

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Six million acres of untouched wilderness. All 20,310 feet of North America's tallest peak. And only 92 miles of roadway. All told, Denali National Park is larger than the entire state of New Hampshire —but even those impressive statistics sketch only the faintest reflection of the park's immensity and grandeur.

To really appreciate Denali , you have to see it in person. Driving , hiking , or even flying through the park is an opportunity to surf seemingly endless waves of land that roll past you in the form of mountains and valleys, all laced together by fast-moving creeks and rivers and peppered with free-roaming bears, moose, wolves, and other wildlife large and small. 

Denali sits at the intersection of the  ancestral lands of the Ahtna, Dena’ina, Koyukon, Upper Kuskokwim, and Tanana peoples, all of which are part of a larger language group collectively known as the Dené or Athabascan; human artifacts found in the Denali area have been dated back more than 12,000 years.

If you're planning a visit, know that there are visitor amenities, but they're almost all clustered within about a mile of the park entrance, leaving the rest of the land over to wilderness. Consider this your ultimate guide to navigating this terrain—from how to get to Denali, to the best in-park experiences and where to rest your head. 

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler  are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Fly into Fairbanks or Anchorage, then drive or take the Alaska Railroad to the Denali National Park—either way, the views won't disappoint. 

Getting to and around Denali National Park

There is just one major highway leading to Denali National Park: The Parks Highway connects Denali to Fairbanks, about two and a half hours to the north, and  Anchorage , about four and a half hours to the south. Both cities have well-connected airports and multiple  car rental  options.

If you don't want to drive, limited motorcoach services can get you to Denali during the summer: Try  Alaska/Yukon Trails or  The Park Connection .

The last, most luxurious option for reaching Denali is the  Alaska Railroad which, like the Parks Highway, runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks or vice versa. 

You don't need a car to get around in Denali National Park, but if you visit during the shoulder season you can drive your own vehicle as far into the park as road conditions allow.

Denali National Park's peak season is mid-May through mid-September. Most tour, lodging, and restaurant amenities shut down as soon as the peak season ends, but if you're prepared to DIY a trip in winter conditions—or want to book a day tour out of Fairbanks—you can still visit during the winter. Visiting during the early-May or mid- to late-September shoulder seasons offers a more secluded experience. Amenities and tour options are extremely limited, but September in particular is a beautiful time for exploring the park, when the weather cooperates.

Travel the park road

Perhaps the best-known excursion in Denali is taking a bus ride on the lone road running into the park.

Narrated tour buses and hop-on, hop-off  transit buses , both joint ventures between global hospitality provider Aramark and  Alaska Native corporation   Doyon, Limited , used to run all the way down the 92-mile park road—but an  ongoing land slump has forced partial closure of the road, so all vehicle traffic currently turns around at mile 43. Officials are building a bridge across the landslide/slump area and  hope to have it open by 2025 .

For a quick (and free) taste of the park road, you can catch the  courtesy shuttle that runs between the Denali Visitor Center and Savage River (mile 15 of the park road).

You can also rent a bicycle from  Bike Denali , about a (bikeable) mile outside the park entrance, and explore as far as you like along the park road, or drive your personal vehicle as far as mile 15 during peak season, although the small parking area at Savage River fills up fast.

See North America's tallest peak

It's natural to expect a glimpse of North America's tallest mountain, Denali, when you come to the park that bears its name. But you'll have to venture to at least mile 9 of the park road before the elevation is high enough to reveal 20,310' Denali. If you're feeling adventurous you can also hike to the top of the aptly named Mountain Vista trail, at about mile 12, for more views.

The mountain is often obscured by clouds so if you don't get to see it while in the park, don't despair: You can also catch a glimpse from the Alaska Railroad trains or, if you're driving, from several well-marked waysides along the Parks Highway. 

Denali National Park has hiking trails with views of the namesake mountain, lakes, and wildlife like beavers. 

Take a hike

Denali is home to a handful of beautiful hiking trails, including the beloved Savage River and Alpine trails, and the stunning Triple Lakes Trail where you might be able to add beavers to your wildlife-viewing checklist, but you're also welcome to hike off-trail from the park road. Just hop off at any likely-looking pullout and explore.

Stacey Lastoe

Tonya Russell

Laura Kiniry

Nora Zelevansky

No matter where you hike, it's important that you carry bear spray, which you can rent from the  Alaska Geographic store in the park, next to the Denali Visitor Center—and know  what to do if you encounter wildlife . Park rangers are also available to help you choose a hiking destination and coach you on how to handle wildlife encounters. They also lead a  variety of group activities , including hikes both on- and off-trail.

Visit with sled dogs

Denali National Park is home to the National Park Service's only working kennel of sled dogs.  Rangers demonstrate how they work with the dogs two-to-three times per day through the summer; you can walk to the kennels from the park entrance, or catch a free shuttle bus.

Other tours

You'll see a wide variety of other tour options advertised for Denali National Park, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ATV tours, and Jeep tours. With very few exceptions, these take place along the boundary of the park, not actually in it. But adventuring alongside Denali can be a fine—and thrilling—way to spend your visit. 

Among companies operating just outside the park,  Denali Horseback Tours is a perennial favorite. Their reliable steeds take you off into the hills for beautiful vistas overlooking the park and neighboring lands, without any of the noise or exhaust from a Jeep or ATV tour. If you do want the thrill of a motor-driven vehicle, though,  Denali ATV Adventures is hugely popular.

A last, favorite way of seeing Denali at near-distance is from the water. Whitewater rafting tours from companies like the family-owned  Denali Raft Adventures take you down the Nenana River, which forms the natural boundary on the east side of Denali National Park. Rafting excursions range from pulse-pounding to relatively sedate, so there’s something for almost everybody.

If you’re ready to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience,  Alaska Alpine Adventures is an excellent guide service that does have the required permits to work inside the park. Their custom hiking and backpacking tours demand a fairly high level of physical fitness, but if you’ve been working out regularly before your trip, they might be a good fit. 

Visit Denali between September and April if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. 

Where to stay in Denali National Park

Most of Denali's lodges and hotels cluster just outside the park entrance, but you'll find others dotted up and down the Parks Highway, extending as far north and south as the small towns of Healy and Cantwell, respectively.

For a true wilderness experience, consider flying in to one of the backcountry lodges at the end of the Denali National Park Road, like the  Denali Backcountry Lodge —the only lodge in this area that’s posh enough to offer (limited) spa service—and the famed  Kantishna Roadhouse , which serves gourmet food and offers guided programs in a small-group setting. Usually these lodges are accessed by bus, but due to the partial closure of the park road they're expected to operate on a fly-in-only basis through 2024.

If you like sleeping under the stars, Denali offers numerous options for camping during the summer. Usually all six of  the park’s established campgrounds are open through peak visitor season, but only five of those campgrounds are currently accessible (due to the aforementioned road closure).  Backcountry summer camping is also an option, as long as you get a permit (available only in person), carry a bear-resistant food container, and take the requisite wildlife-safety training (also only offered in person). 

Nearby attractions

If you've brought a vehicle to Denali National Park, consider taking a side trip on the spectacular Denali Highway, which threads an east/west route through spectacularly wild, remote terrain between the tiny towns of Cantwell (near the Denali park entrance) and Paxson, which sits on the north/south Richardson Highway. 

This "highway" can be very slow, rough going, so you might want to break up the trip by staying at one of the remote lodges dotted along its length, including the Alpine Creek Lodge (near Cantwell) and the Maclaren River Lodge (near Paxson). You'll also need to make sure your rental car agreement allows travel on gravel highways. Try  Alaska Auto Rental , which has locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Denali.

Fairbanks is your closest source of city amenities, and offers a wealth of day and multi-day tours in its own right, like  Northern Alaska Tour Company’s flying and driving tours to the Arctic Circle (and beyond), the most authentic gold-panning experience in town with family-owned  Gold Daughters , and a chance to roam the forest with reindeer at the delightfully unexpected  Running Reindeer Farm . If you happen to visit in winter, Fairbanks is your very best home base for  seeing the northern lights .

Also in Fairbanks, don’t miss a chance to  learn more about local Alaska Native culture with a stop by the  Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center , which houses several dioramas depicting traditional life through the seasons, an excellent gift shop for purchasing Alaska Native crafts, and the  Tanana Chiefs Cultural Connections show in July and August.  

If you've heard of the famous small-plane "flightseeing" trips around Denali the mountain, it might come as a surprise to hear that most of them don't set out from Denali National Park at all. Instead, the nearby small town of Talkeetna—accessible by driving, the Alaska Railroad, or Park Connection motorcoaches—is the usual launching-off place for flightseeing trips around the mountain, offered by  Talkeetna Air Taxi ,  Sheldon Air Service , and  K2 Aviation .

Where to eat 

During the summer, there's a surprising variety of dining options packed into the road just outside the park entrance. For casual pub-style grub try  49th State Brewing Company , and for the most upscale meal available in the area, check out the  Alpenglow restaurant in the Grande Denali Lodge. Last but absolutely not least, the beloved  Moose-AKa's restaurant provides Eastern European cuisine in an authentic tavern setting.

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Experience True Nature

Wilderness adventure tours beyond imagination, rr#07 alaska fall colors and northern lights viewing rail tour, tour itinerary, dates | rates, options | extensions, accommodation, aurora borealis faq, railroad faq.

▶ Northern Lights Viewing in Alaska | Canada – New Moon Dates  

Ideal viewing time is approximately from 7 days prior to New Moon and until 7 days after New Moon. While some people may be concerned that a full moon is a problem,  only weak aurora may be obstructed by the light of the moon, but in Alaska the aurora is frequently strong enough that aurora viewing is still possible on a moonlit night.  As far as aurora photography goes, the aurora above a moonlit landscape actually tends to have a pleasing effect.  On the whole, when participating in an aurora tour, one doesn’t need to be worried about the moon.The moon does not influence the aurora activity, the sky is just darker. You can therefore travel any time of the month.

Aurora Photography: When you do your research for shooting the aurora, you’ll find pluses and minuses for going when a full moon is present.  On the minus side is if the lights that night are somewhat faint, the brightness of the moon’s reflection of the sun can fade them out.  On the other hand, a full moon can be used to illuminate objects in the foreground.  Many aurora shots include buildings with lights on inside to provide an interesting foreground subject.  Depending on your shooting location, this feature might not be available.  However, a full moon will help light up anything you have in front of you, no matter where you are.  Because shots are done for at least six to eight seconds and up to fifteen seconds or more (depending on your shutter and ISO settings), the full moon will do a great job of making what would otherwise be a silhouette into a well-lit subject.  Conversely, if you choose to go when there isn’t a full moon, a strong flash can be helpful in popping light onto a foreground subject.

▶ Aurora Viewing | Prime Viewing Dates

Q: When is the best time of the year to see the Aurora A: In northern regions such as Alaska, the Yukon Territory, Northern British Columbia and the Northwest Territories - the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are seen from late August to mid April. Furthermore, during the autumn and spring, the weather is rather unstable and has a lower percentage of clear skies. Therefore, we have determined the best viewing seasons to be from mid-August to the end of September and from mid-November to mid-April. In This time of the year offers the best trade off between mild weather and dark skies. During the summer months, night skies are not dark enough to view the Aurora Borealis and in midwinter temperatures in the – 40 degree range make outdoor aurora viewing somewhat unpleasant. In other locations farther from the average aurora oval, the main consideration is the level of geomagnetic activity, which varies rather unpredictably through the year. Q: When is the best time of the day A: Within the most active regions of Alaska and prime viewing areas the Aurora oval typically becomes visible around local midnight. Note: this is an astronomical midnight - which may be an hour or two different from the civil or the “ wall clock “ midnight due to daylight savings time and/or peculiarities in your time zone. Spectacular Aurora displays due to geomagnetic disturbance may be seen at any time when the sky is dark, but they are relatively unpredictable. Under average conditions, observations around local midnight are most likely to yield results. Q: What are the Temperatures in the Northern Regions A: The average daily temperatures in February/March are approximately +20/-30 - equivalent to –8/-33 degrees Celsius.

Q: How to observe the Aurora A: If you follow our recommendations you should be able to enjoy some pleasant Aurora viewing.

• A: Ensure - that you be there when the action begins. Because more often than not, the show picks up very quickly and also fades out as quickly as it started! Most of the auroras are out only about 2 to max 10 minutes at ones.
• A: Be Patient - this is maybe the most important thing in aurora viewing. If the show starts, it's always worth. Seeing a full-blown aurora show is just an indescribable experience.
• A: Experience - this is maybe the second most important (human) factor in aurora viewing. If you are first patient and then successful in seeing auroras, the direct consequence is that you will gain of course - experience. After a while you will begin to recognize what the aurora is doing, in which phase it is and so on. And the most important thing - You will learn how a weak aurora looks like!!! Because, even that we are hoping to see a bright "eruption phase " aurora, the aurora isn't all the time bright. So the experience will help you to see and determine if there is a weak aurora, which could get brighter in the future! I
• A: Light Conditions - the primary reason for not seeing an aurora are any city light obstruction or a bright twilight. Our destinations are far away from a city or other light obstruction and therefore should guarantee the best viewing conditions possible.
• A: Weather - don't think overcast weather prevent you from Aurora viewing. Although often clouds do ruin everything, but at times...you can also get lucky breaks! Another example, during a major aurora storm in 2001 the forecasts and satellite pictures showed that it should be overcast, but it was not. We could see the stars and the aurora through the thin clouds! So, give it a try anyway...it could be worth it!

Q: What causes the Aurora A: Energetic charged particles from the magnetosphere. These particles are electrons and protons that are energized in the near geo-space environment. This energization process draws its energy from the interaction of the Earth's magnetosphere with the solar wind. The magnetosphere is a volume of space that surrounds the Earth. We have this magnetosphere because of Earth's internal magnetic field. This field extends to space until it is balanced by the solar wind.

Q: What is the altitude of the Aurora Borealis A: The bottom edge is typically at 100 km (about 60 miles) altitude. The aurora extends over a very large altitude range. The altitude where the emission comes from depends on the energy of the energetic electrons that make the aurora. The more energy the bigger the punch, and the deeper the electron get into the atmosphere. Very intense aurora from high-energy electrons can be as low as 80 km (50 miles). The top of the visible aurora peters out at about 2-300 km (120-200 miles), sometimes high altitude aurora can be seen as high as 600 km (350 miles). This is about the altitude at which the space shuttle usually flies.

▶ Sun | Solar Wind | Magnetosphere

The solar wind is the outermost atmosphere of our sun. The sun is so hot that it boils off its outer layers, and the result is a constant outward expanding very thin gas. This solar wind consists not of atoms and molecules but of protons and electrons (this is called a plasma). Embedded in this solar wind is the magnetic field of the sun. The density is so low that we may well call it a vacuum. However tenuous it is, when this solar wind encounters a planet, it has to flow around it. When this planet has a magnetic field, the solar wind sees this magnetic field as an obstacle, as protons and electrons cannot move freely across a magnetic field. These charged particles are constrained to move almost always only along the magnetic field. Likewise, when they are forced to move in a specific direction, a magnetic field will move with them or will be bent into the direction of the flow. Whether the magnetic field forces the plasma motion or whether the plasma motion bends the magnetic field depends on the strength of the field and the force of the motion. When the solar wind encounters Earth's magnetic field, it will thus bend the field unless the field gets too strong. The strength of the magnetic field falls off with distance from Earth. The distance at which the solar wind and the magnetic field of the Earth balance each other is about 60,000 km away, or 1/10 of the distance to the moon. The inside of this volume that is bounded by the solar wind is called the magnetosphere. At the interface of the solar wind and the magnetosphere, energy can be transferred into the magnetosphere by a number of processes. Most effective is a process called reconnection. When the magnetic field in the solar wind and the magnetic field of the magnetosphere are anti-parallel, the fields can melt together, and the solar wind can drag the magnetospheres field and plasma along. This is very efficient in energizing magnetospheres plasma. Eventually, the magnetosphere responds by dumping electrons and protons into the high latitude upper atmosphere where the energy of the plasma can be dissipated. This then results in aurora. Here is an animation (1.6Mb) that illustrates this process.

▶ Alaska and Canada Northern Lights Viewing | Photo Support

Q: How do I take the best pictures A: For the first -time or for seasoned aurora photographer, a 35 mm camera on a tripod equipped with a cable release is a must. Use a wide-angle 24 mm to 50 mm lens and set it to an f-stop which is the fastest – or one slower to avoid distortion of bright star images – usually f/1.4 – f/2.8.

• Exposures of 5 to 15 seconds work well unless the aurora is faint or mostly stationary, in which case the exposure time should be doubled. People tend to overexpose their photos, causing the aurora to look washed out. If the aurora is bright, moonlight and city lights should not interfere and can offer an interesting foreground. Never use filters because they could cause internal reflections. If it is very dark, a silhouette of a tree of lit cabin will certainly add to the scene. Video cameras are normally not sensitive enough to successfully record the aurora.
• Because aurora occurs under clear skies , photographers will often be shooting in temperatures well below zero. Since cold saps camera batteries, it is advisable to use an older camera with mechanical shutter instead of one that is fully automatic. Cold makes plastic brittle, so the cable release should be wired mesh vice plastic. At minus 40 Fahrenheit, all cameras will freeze in less than 10 minutes; before taking it inside to warm, place it in a zip-lock plastic bag to reduce condensation.
• Tape the lens to infinity so that it doesn’t slip and cause your images to be out of focus. Don’t try for a 37th exposure; it might break the film, and it is best to overexpose your first frame on the roll so that the film processor knows where to start cutting your negatives. Wind your finished roll of film slowly so that it doesn’t shatter or cause static buildup – this may appear as scratch. While Kodak film processing mailers are generally reliable, it may be worth the extra cost to have the film processed through a custom photo lab. Going the custom lab route will save the film from being lost in the mail or scratched in an automated process.
• Slower speed film (print or slide) has better gain resolution ; making for a sharper image when enlarged. Thus it may be too slow to record the fine detail structure of the aurora.
• Medium-speed color film (200 /400 ASA) works as well. Purists insist on slide film. You can try a faster film, but keep in mind that graininess and color quality tend to decrease with increasing film speed. We recommend using 400-speed film is a good compromise between detail and quality of the image.
• Different films will emphasize different colors of the aurora, so experimentation is advisable. Bracketing your exposures (05 seconds, 10 seconds and 15 seconds) will give you the characteristics of the film. Even in a roll of 36 exposures, there are only a few shots that are acceptable to me.

Q: Can I videotape the Aurora A: Videotaping the aurora generally takes highly specialized video equipment. Generally – camcorders are not sensitive enough to see the aurora, though a few will record a faint, smoky image given a sufficiently bright aurora. Your best bet for video showing the color and motion of the aurora is to purchase a professionally – recorded tape such as one distributed form the Geophysical Institute in Fairbanks. Thus, some home video cameras are capable of picking up bright auroras. In particular, a camera rated at for example: less than one-lux sensitivity has captured – faintly and colorlessly a bright auroral arc. Many cameras which have special features such as digital zoom and / or vibration compensation are much less sensitive and will not show the aurora. The most annoying problem with home video cameras in low-light situations is their inability to focus. If your camera has a focus-lock button, you may be able to focus on a distant, brightly-lit object, and lock the focus then see if you can pick up the moon or perhaps catch a hint of an extremely bright aurora. Just don’t expect much, because home video cameras aren’t designed to do low-light recording.

Q: Do you have any Aurora Photography Tips A: When you do your research for shooting the aurora, you’ll find pluses and minuses for going when a full moon is present.  On the minus side is if the lights that night are somewhat faint, the brightness of the moon’s reflection of the sun can fade them out.  On the other hand, a full moon can be used to illuminate objects in the foreground.  Many aurora shots include buildings with lights on inside to provide an interesting foreground subject.  Depending on your shooting location, this feature might not be available.  However, a full moon will help light up anything you have in front of you, no matter where you are.  Because shots are done for at least six to eight seconds and up to fifteen seconds or more (depending on your shutter and ISO settings), the full moon will do a great job of making what would otherwise be a silhouette into a well-lit subject.  Conversely, if you choose to go when there isn’t a full moon, a strong flash can be helpful in popping light onto a foreground subject.

▶ More about Northern Lights Tour Packages

Q: Flights to Alaska A: Alaska -, Continental -, United -, Delta Airlines and US Airways are providing multiple flight connections daily to Anchorage and Fairbanks from the lower 48's. For current rates please refer to: >> Alaska Airlines or other airlines and any ticket reservation systems of your choice. Sorry, but we do not provide a reservation service for airlines tickets. Accordingly our advertised tour rates do not include any flights to/from Alaska.

Q: Recommended Clothing A: We recommend fleece or heavy wool sweaters, down jackets or similar cold weather gear with attached hood, gloves, sun glasses, swimsuit, wool shirts, cotton or thermal underwear, mittens, sturdy winter boots, lip balsam, moisturizing cream. Winter gear and clothing may be rented at your local outdoor stores or at REI - Recreational Equipment INC - in Anchorage (please contact the stores directly)

Q: Meals A: Meals are not included in our tours (except as otherwise stated within each "Tour Included" section) The cities of Fairbanks and Anchorage are providing a large number of restaurants in all categories. Our lodges and resorts are providing a dining room or a full service restaurant with a extended food and drink selection.

Q: Sightseeing Tours A: Sightseeing tours are not included in our tour packages (except as otherwise stated within each "Tour Included" section) Thus, we do offer a variety of optional tours. Please contact us or simply check our websites.

Q: How far in advance should I make a Reservation A: This is hard to predict but if you travel during: (1) New Moon Dates (2) Public Holidays (3) Long Weekends (4) Alaska Events etc. tours are most likely sold out and it will be virtually impossible to materialize a last minute request. Accordingly it is highly advisable to book as early as possible.

▶ Chena Hot Springs Resort | Accommodation Description

Go Alaska Tours | Secured Reservation Request Form

A secure transmission of your personal information is very important for the Alaska Travel Network Group LLC at these days and that's why we have taken steps to ensure that we have the most secure method of transmission on the Internet available. All online reservation request and contact forms are providing a SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) technology with a 128-bit encryption for transmission of data between your web browser and our web server which provides the highest level of protection from tampering and eavesdropping. 128-bit encryption is considered so secure that cryptographers consider it impossible to crack. There is no safer way for your personal information to be transmitted. In fact, both the Canadian and US Governments use 128-bit encryption for transmission of their sensitive data. The Go Alaska Tours Website (www.goalaskatours.com) uses GeoTrust for its SSL and 128-bit encryption.

11 BEST Denali National Park Tours for Adventurers

What are the best Denali National Park tours? Which Denali bus tour is best?

During our time in Alaska, we were fortunate enough to be able to book both a Denali bus tour as well as some of the top adventure tours in Denali National Park! Thus, we can attest to the pros and cons of each type of tour and are here to help you experience the breathtaking beauty of this sprawling wilderness nestled in the heart of Alaska.

From the majestic Denali, North America’s highest mountain peak, to encountering a remarkable array of wildlife including grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep, it’s no wonder that visitors often opt for guided tours of the park!

But, with dozens of tour operators to choose from, we know how frustrating it can be to spend hours behind a computer trying to find the tour that’s right for you and your group.

Don’t have time to read the entire article? No problem!

The Denali Highway Jeep Excursion is undoubtedly the #1 Denali park tour on this list!

⭐ Hundreds of 5-star reviews ⭐ Viator’s Badge of Excellence ⭐ Listed on National Geographic Traveler!

Fortunately, we know exactly how this goes, so we’ve done all the research for you! In this post, we’ll break down the top Denali National Park tours and analyze which type of tour is best for different types of travelers.

We’ve also included ample information in the FAQ section on the best time to visit Denali, which tour is our #1 pick, how much Denali tours typically cost, what you should pack for your tour, and more!

11 BEST Denali National Park Tours

1. denali highway jeep excursion.

Easily one of the top tours on this list, you can embark on an exhilarating journey through the untamed wilderness of Alaska on the Denali Highway Jeep Excursion ! This thrilling 4-hour tour beckons adventurers with the lure of rugged landscapes and the promise of a once-in-a-lifetime driving experience.

From behind the wheel of a 4×4 Jeep Wrangler, or as a passenger soaking in the panoramic views, you’ll traverse the Denali Highway, renowned for its raw beauty and striking vistas. Your knowledgeable guide will lead the way, sharing captivating stories of the region’s history and the natural wonders that unfold along the 135-mile stretch.

This tour always books up months in advance, so be sure to secure your spots once you know your travel dates!

2. Alaskan Back Country Side-by-Side ATV Adventure with Meal

For those who crave adventure coupled with a good Alaskan meal to finish it off, the Alaskan Back Country Side-by-Side ATV Adventure with Meal is another fantastic Denali tour choice!

This 3-hour adventure takes you off the beaten path and into the expanse of Denali’s backcountry on a side-by-side ATV. Navigate through a variety of terrains, from tundra to taiga, and up Black Diamond Peak to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness.

The tour’s climax is a delicious, hearty meal served in the midst of this serene landscape, providing a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation!

3. Denali Peak Sightseeing by Plane

Take to the skies for an epic aerial adventure of the iconic Mount Denali with the Denali Peak Sightseeing by Plane tour ! This hour-long flight offers a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Denali National Park, soaring over pristine, scenic landscapes and providing you with unparalleled vistas of Denali Peak itself along with the glaciers that surround it.

The aircraft’s large windows allow for ample sightseeing opportunities of the rivers carving through valleys and the vast alpine tundra below. Not to mention the chance to spot wildlife from an entirely unique perspective!

Your pilot doubles as a tour guide, filling the journey with fascinating stories and facts about the terrain’s geology and history. For those eager to see Alaska’s natural grandeur from the best seat in the house, this sightseeing plane tour is simply unmatched.

I took the photo of Mount Denali above on our flightseeing tour and I still recall it as one of my favorite days out of our entire year in Alaska!

4. Denali Fat Truck Tours

Experience a ride like no other on the Denali Fat Truck Tour , where you’ll venture through the rugged Alaskan terrain in a search-and-rescue fat truck designed for the most intrepid of explorers! This unique 3.5-hour tour offers an unrivaled experience as you traverse dense forests, and over tundra, fully immersing you in the wild beauty of Alaska.

The vehicle’s innovative design allows you to conquer both land and water obstacles with ease, ensuring an adventure-packed outing with seamless and thrilling transitions.

In addition to a unique vehicle, visitors will also be treated to personal headsets with built-in microphones, allowing for easy communication with your guide and group members throughout the tour.

This is a popular option for families and those looking for a more interactive experience in Denali National Park!

5. Denali Canyon Wave

Probably one of the most exhilarating tours on this list, those who decide to book the Denali Canyon Wave Whitewater Rafting Tour should come prepared! As one of Denali National Park’s most thrilling experiences, this 3-hour adventure takes you along Alaska’s Nenana River where you’ll encounter Class I-IV rapids.

Guided by expert river navigators, you’ll paddle through the surging waves and take on the river’s untamed might. The scenery is just as impressive with magnificent views of the river canyon framing your tumultuous ride. Plus, the tour ensures you’re equipped with all the necessary safety gear and instruction for an exhilarating yet secure excursion on the water.

Definitely one of the top ways to experience Denali adventurously, this tour is suited for both experienced and novice river rafters alike!

6. Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour

Undoubtedly one of the top Denali ATV tours on this list, the Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour takes you through the rugged wilderness of Denali National Park! This thrilling 3.5-hour expedition will take you to some of the park’s most remote and majestic spots, accessible only by ATV.

Whether you’re a novice or an expert rider, the tour caters to all skill levels, ensuring an unforgettable ride across a landscape that’s as challenging as it is beautiful. As you power through the untamed Alaskan frontier, expect to encounter a variety of terrains, from forested trails to open tundra, and even rocky creek beds.

With ample opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views of the Denali range (plus some time for photos!), it’s easy to see why this tour has over 200 5-star reviews!

7. 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali

For those with a passion for hitting the trails in the top national parks in the country, the 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in Denali offers a sensational way to experience Alaska’s famed Denali! This 5-hour excursion leads you on a journey through some of Denali’s most breathtaking high alpine environments. If you’ve ever researched “best hikes in Denali”, then chances are you’ve heard just how dangerous it can be.

Fortunately, this tour is guided by local experts who are well-versed in the area’s flora, fauna, and geography, so you can just enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about your location, return times, and so forth.

The trail winds through diverse terrains taking you above the treeline, granting hikers spectacular panoramas of Denali’s mountainous landscapes and sprawling valleys. Along the way, your guide will provide insightful commentary on the natural and cultural history of the region, enriching your understanding and appreciation of this majestic park.

8. Denali National Park Walking Tour

If a leisurely walk appeals to you, then don’t miss the Denali National Park Walking Tour ! This delightful tour offers a cultured showcase of Denali’s more subtle beauty. Over the course of approximately 3 hours, you will stroll through a variety of ecosystems, each revealing different facets of Denali’s rich tapestry of wildlife and landscapes.

Your path will take you along serene forest trails ripe with the scents of spruce and the soft chorus of local birdlife. Wander through the vibrant tundra, where the park’s delicate ecology can be seen in its full splendor and possibly observe some of Denali’s wild inhabitants from a safe distance.

Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights into the local geology, flora, and fauna, ensuring you leave with a wealth of knowledge about this magnificent national treasure. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, this tour is perfect for those looking for a calm, guided walk through the woods.

9. Denali Park Zipline Adventure

If you aren’t afraid of heights (or you’re up for facing your fears…), the Denali Park Zipline Adventure offers an unmissable experience! This exhilarating tour stretches over three thrilling hours, whisking you high above the treetops of the park’s lush boreal forest.

Glide along the high-speed cables as you traverse from platform to platform, while trained guides ensure your safety and offer pointers to ensure that each participant has a blast while flying through the fresh Alaskan air.

Suitable for most fitness levels and ages and boasting over 500 5-star reviews, this action-packed zipline adventure is bound to be a unique and unforgettable part of your Denali National Park visit!

10. 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour

As one of the top-rated tours on this list with over 600 5-star reviews, the 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour is perfect for those looking for a jam-packed 2.5-hour adventure!

The tour leads you across the rolling taiga and through glacial riverbeds, offering a glimpse into the untouched natural splendor of the Alaskan backcountry. Skilled guides will accompany you, providing insights into the breathtaking environment around you and showing you the best paths to take.

And while the focus is on adventure, safety is paramount, with all necessary gear and detailed instructions provided. Whether you’re an ATV enthusiast or a first-timer, this tour promises a dash of adrenaline and a lifetime of memories amidst the wilds of Denali.

11. 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park

For nature enthusiasts who crave an intimate understanding of the Alaskan wilderness and the flora and fauna that call it home, the 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park presents a splendid opportunity.

You’ll amble through pathways enriched with local flora and click the shutter on scenic spots along gravelly river beds and lush green forest clearings. Here, the delicate interplay between species and their habitat is narrated by your guide’s expert knowledge, transforming your walk into an educational treasure.

Besides being a treat for the curious mind, the tour’s moderate pace makes it accessible for a wide range of fitness levels. Embark on this walk to gain deeper insights into Denali’s complex biodiversity — an enriching experience that goes beyond mere sightseeing.

FAQ: Denali National Park Tours

In this last section, we’ve answered some essential questions and provided some of our top travel tips for your trip to Denali! From the best time to visit to whether or not you should go on the Denali bus tour or one of the adventure tours we provided above, we’ve got you covered.

What is the Best Tour of Denali National Park?

The pinnacle of Denali National Park tours has to be the remarkable Denali Flightseeing Tour . Climbing aboard a small aircraft, you are whisked into the skies, where the grandeur of North America’s tallest peak and surrounding snow-capped mountain range unfolds in breathtaking clarity beneath you.

This tour provides an unrivaled perspective, revealing hidden glacial valleys, pristine alpine lakes, and the sheer scale of the Alaskan wilderness. From the safety and comfort of your seat, you’ll be treated to a narrated journey that covers vast tracts of untouched nature.

The flightseeing tour garners unanimous praise for offering a once-in-a-lifetime viewing experience that simply can’t be matched from the ground. Not to be biased, but if we were to plop down in Alaska right now , we would be getting on a bush plane around Denali!

Is a Denali National Park Tour Worth It?

A tour of Denali National Park is well worth it for anyone looking to experience the raw beauty of one of America’s wildest national parks !

Whether you opt for a bus tour, which affords you comfortable and expansive views of the landscape and wildlife past Mile 14, or an adventure tour that gets your blood pumping, a tour is the #1 way to see the park.

Without a guided tour, visitors will be limited to Denali Park Road which only consists of the first 14 miles and severely limits the amount of wildlife and landscape you will see.

Plus, most tours include local guides who can provide interesting facts and insights into the park’s history as well as mindblowing stories! The first time we visited, our guide told us all about a landslide that just missed his bus full of people and stranded them for an entire day.

Having been to Denali more than a half dozen times now, we will never return without a tour.

How Much Does a Denali National Park Tour Cost?

On average, Denali National Park tours may start from around $90 for a short trip and can go up to $200+ for a comprehensive, full-day tour with narrated guidance. Adventure tours tend to be more expensive, ranging from $140 to $200+, considering they often include specialized equipment and more personalized experiences.

However, the cost of a Denali National Park tour can vary significantly depending on the type of tour, length, and the level of luxury you’re looking for.

For those wanting an immersive experience, flightseeing tours, which offer aerial views of the park, can range from $200 to $500+. Keep in mind prices fluctuate with the season and demand, so booking early can often secure a better rate. And despite the cost, visitors who opt for a tour will rarely remember what they spent, but will always remember what they saw and heard!

What Should I Pack for a Denali National Park Tour?

Denali is exceedingly guilty of its unpredictable weather, so it’s important to have some items that will ensure comfort and readiness for any adventure that comes your way. Here’s a list of essentials we’d suggest bringing along regardless of when you decide to visit:

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing : Layers are key. Pack moisture-wicking base layers , a fleece or down mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer.
• Sturdy Hiking Boots : Ensure they are well broken in before your trip to avoid blisters! Columbia has some great options.
• Daypack : For carrying snacks, water, and other essentials during your excursions. This Osprey 26L backpack is my favorite!
• Binoculars : To spot wildlife from a distance without disturbing their natural habitat. This 25×70 set is some of the best I’ve ever used.
• Sunglasses and Sunscreen : Even in colder weather, the sun can be intense, especially when reflecting off snow.
• Insect Repellent : Mosquitoes in Alaska can be bothersome, particularly in the summer months.
• Reusable Water Bottle : Staying hydrated is important, especially at higher altitudes! This LifeStraw bottle has two filters and has kept me from getting sick all over the world.
• Camera with Extra Batteries : Cold weather can drain batteries quickly, so extras are a must for capturing all the scenic views.
• Snacks : Energy bars, nuts, and other portable food can keep you fueled during the day, just don’t bring more than you will consume in a day. Remember, food attracts unwanted attention from animals!
• First Aid Kit : Including personal medications and items like bandages and pain relievers.
• Bear Spray : For safety, especially if venturing into backcountry areas. You’ll need to pick this up in Alaska since you can’t fly with it (even in your checked luggage).
• A Map and Compass or GPS : If you plan on doing any hiking or unguided trips within Denali, these are a must.
• Headlamp or Flashlight : With extra batteries for any low-light situations.
• Thermal Hat and Gloves : Morning and evening temperatures can be frigid, even in summer.

Always check the weather forecast and prepare for unexpected changes before your trip!

What is the Best Month to See Denali?

The optimal time to visit Denali National Park to ensure the best chance of witnessing Mount Denali and the local wildlife is during the brief summer months, particularly from June to late August .

The warmest conditions occur in July, which is the time most likely to afford clear views of the mountain. However, we’ve also visited Denali in the middle of July when there was nothing but rain and clouds for two weeks straight and at the same time in September when we had perfectly clear views of Denali.

Typically, between June and August is best for wildlife spotting and the weather is supposed to be at its best for the year with lots of sunshine, but don’t be surprised if you end up with less-than-preferable conditions.

How Many Days Do You Need to See Denali National Park?

In our opinion, we usually recommend a minimum of 2-3 days to explore the park’s vast landscape and enjoy a variety of experiences without feeling rushed.

This allows sufficient time for an adventure tour through the park to see wildlife, day hikes, ranger-led programs, and possible flightseeing tours (weather permitting). Those with a penchant for leisurely exploration or who desire to undertake extended backcountry adventures may opt for a longer visit, potentially spanning a week or more, to fully immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Denali.

We usually visited for 2 days or so at a time, but some of the people we met staying at Teklanika River Campground at Mile 29 of Denali Park Road were staying for over a week! They were there to go fishing, do some day hiking, take a flightseeing tour, etc.

So, depending on what you want to do, you may need more or less time in the park.

What Kind of Wildlife Can I See on a Denali National Park Tour?

On a Denali tour, visitors may spot grizzlies and black bears foraging for berries, herds of caribou running, moose roaming the open landscapes, or Dall sheep on the rocky mountainsides. Foxes, wolves, and lynxes are more elusive but thrilling to witness!

We were fortunate enough to see all of these animals during our visits in July and September, but of course, every visit will be different.

Additionally, the park is home to numerous bird species such as golden eagles, ptarmigans, and wheatears. Sightings are never guaranteed, but early mornings and evenings (particularly in the hours surrounding dawn and dusk) often provide the best opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Is a Denali Bus Tour Worth It?

A bus tour in Denali National Park is undoubtedly worthwhile! Not only does it reduce personal vehicle traffic, supporting the park’s conservation efforts, but the knowledgeable drivers also offer insightful commentary about the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.

With their expertise, you’re more likely to spot animals and learn about their habitats. We were shocked at how many animals we didn’t see right in front of our eyes when we were navigating the first 14 miles of Denali Park Road on our own versus when we were on a bus tour!

Bus tours also provide access to areas of the park that private vehicles cannot reach, significantly expanding your range of exploration and increasing your chances of memorable wildlife encounters. Moreover, they come with the convenience of not having to navigate or park, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes around you.

Whether you choose one of the narrated tour buses tailored to educating visitors or a non-narrated transit bus which gives more flexibility for hikers, a bus tour is a gateway to the full breadth of experiences Denali offers.

Do I Need Reservations for Denali National Park?

Reservations for Denali National Park are highly recommended, particularly if you’re planning to visit during the peak summer months . The first time we visited, we wanted to rent bikes and ride through the park, which was only made possible because I reserved the two bike spots on the Eielson Visitor Center transit bus months in advance.

Accommodations within the park, such as campgrounds and the limited rooms at the Denali Park lodges, often book up many months in advance. Additionally, bus, ATV, and flightseeing tours, which are the primary means of seeing the park, fill up very quickly, so it’s advisable to book these as early as possible.

Even backcountry permits for those wishing to venture into the wilderness require planning ahead as there are limits on the number of people allowed in each area per day. Reservations help ensure that you have a spot and can help in planning your Alaska itinerary more effectively.

What City is Closest to Denali National Park?

While technically Healy is the closest city to Denali, we wouldn’t call it much of a city at all. It’s home to a small population of under 1,000 people and primarily serves as the gateway to Denali National Park. The next closest city is Fairbanks , about 110 miles northeast, which has an international airport and 10x the accommodation, restaurant, and shop options.

The small town of Healy is only about 11 miles north of the Denali Park entrance and provides a very limited variety of services, lodging options, and dining establishments for travelers seeking proximity to their Denali adventure.

Can I Visit Denali National Park on an Alaska Cruise?

Certainly, you can visit Denali National Park as part of an Alaskan cruise shore excursion! Hollan America Line offers land tours that include Denali as a key highlight, including up to 3 nights at their very own private resort.

These tours frequently provide transportation from the ship to the Park and might involve a train ride along the Alaska railroad , offering scenic views en route.

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Getting the chance to explore Denali National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many. It allows you to immerse yourself in the vast wilderness of Alaska, witness stunning landscapes and wildlife, and enjoy one of the last untouched pieces of nature in the world.

Whether it’s a short visit or an extended stay, the best way to see the park is by taking one of these Denali National Park tours !

Emily and Sean Concannon are passionate travelers, photographers, and adventurers at heart. This intrepid duo is always on the move, exploring the wild corners of the world and stepping out of their comfort zone for the thrill of discovery and the majesty of nature.

Their adventures are amplified by their love for wildlife, a passion that drives them to capture the earth's stunning biodiversity through the lens of their camera. Their faithful canine companion, Leska, adds a touch of enthusiasm to their journeys.

Together, they encapsulate the spirit of wanderlust, driven by love, curiosity, and a relentless thirst for life's next great adventure.

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7 National Parks Where You Might See The Northern Lights

• The Northern Lights can be seen in several US national parks, providing a surprising alternative to traveling abroad.
• To ensure a great view, find locations with minimal light pollution and check the Kp Index for optimal viewing times.
• Acadia National Park, Denali National Park, Glacier National Park, Isle Royale National Park, North Cascades National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Voyageurs National Park are all recommended for viewing the Northern Lights.

When people think about witnessing the Northern Lights in person, many think that they have to take a trip out of the United States to see them. With them being the most visible in places like Iceland, which includes the Northern Lights as one of their tourist attractions , Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia, Canada, and even parts of Greenland, it makes sense that this is what is believed. However, there are places in North America where the Northern Lights can be seen , including several spectacular Northern Lights displays in the US —a fact among many facts that surprise people about the lights .

There are several locations where the Northern Lights are visible in the States, but there are a couple of requirements to ensure a great view of the lights. One requirement is that there is no light pollution to see the "beautiful dancing waves of light" that are caused when "energized particles from the sun" make contact with the Earth's magnetic field can be seen. The second is to check the Kp Index , based on a 0 to 9 scale with 9 being the most visible, to determine the best night and the time to see the colors in the sky change from green to purple or even pink. And one of the best places to witness this solar phenomenon is at one of several national parks.

Here are national parks in the United States where people might see the Northern Lights.

RELATED: 10 Best Places To See The Northern Lights Around The World

Acadia National Park, Maine

From august to october at any location on the east side of mount desert island.

While it has yet to reach the distinction of being an International Dark Sky Park, Acadia National Park can boast that it has some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Because of this, it makes for a great park for star gazing and seeing the Northern Lights, with a KP Index of 4 to 5.

When visiting the park to see aurora borealis, the best location to be is on the east side of Mount Desert Island. This ensures the least amount of light pollution from the neighboring town of Bar Harbor is kept to a minimum.

Some of the best spots to witness the Northern Lights include :

• Jordan Pond
• Cadillac Mountain

While there is the Acadia Night Sky Festival that takes place every September, which may offer the best chance of viewing the Northern Lights, they can be witnessed anywhere between August and October .

• Entry Fee: $6.00 per vehicle
• Best Time To See The Northern Lights: August to October
• Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Sand Beach, Jordan Pond, Ocean Path, Seawall, Cadillac Mountain

Denali National Park, Alaska

From august through april from denali viewpoint south.

With portions of Alaska having the same latitude as areas in Russia, Norway, Finland, and other countries where the Northern Lights are seen constantly, it makes sense that Denali National Park would offer amazing views of the spectacular light show as well.

In Alaska, August through April is known as the "Aurora Season." This is because the Northern Lights are the most visible during those months of the year, with a Kp Index of 1 to 3.

When visiting the park at night, the best place to see the Northern Lights is at Denali Viewpoint South . From this location, the Northern Lights will be seen over the top of Mt. McKinley, offering a truly unique view for those who visit.

If hiking into the park is not at the top of the list because of cold temperatures, it is recommended to stay at a lodge that is right near the park. This way, visitors can be awakened by staff when the Northern Lights appear versus braving the cold in the wilderness that is Denali National Park.

• Entry Fee: $15.00 for adults; Children under 15 years old are free
• Best Time To See The Northern Lights: August through April
• Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Denali Viewpoint South

RELATED: These Are The 10 Best Northern Lights Hotels In The US

Glacier National Park, Montana

From september through april from lake mcdonald, looking glass road, or bowman and kintla lake.

Montana is not called Big Sky Country for no reason. With the lack of light pollution that the low population density affords, the state makes for a wonderful place to witness the Northern Lights. Specifically, seeing the aurora borealis at Glacier National Park .

With winter and spring nights longer than summer, September through April is the best time to witness the Northern Lights at Glacier National Park. Unless there is a storm, the nights are clear and crisp, making it the perfect time to see the solar light show in all of its beauty with a Kp Index of 4.

Glacier National Park is rather large, with one million acres of land to boast. As such, knowing where to view the Northern Lights is key before trying to navigate the landscape.

Some of the best places to view the Northern Lights in Glacier National Park include:

• Lake McDonald
• Looking Glass Road
• Bowman Lake
• Kintla Lake

From these locals, the Northern Lights will shine bright and be a memorable experience for all who witness them.

• Entry Fee: $35.00 per vehicle, $30.00 per motorcycle, or $20.00 per person
• Best Time To See The Northern Lights: September through April
• Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Lake McDonald, Looking Glass Road, Bowman Lake, Kintla Lake

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

From mid-april through october from the north side of the park.

Isle Royale National Park may not ring a bell as a national park for many. This is because it is the least-visited national park in the United States. However, it is also one of the best places to view the Northern Lights from with a Kp Index of 4.

Located near Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park allows visitors to see the Northern Lights from mid-April through October. While it may be possible to see the Northern Lights at other times of the year, it should be noted that the park is closed during the winter due to unpredictable weather and freezing temperatures.

Local experts who have visited the area several times to witness aurora borealis recommend the following locations in Isle Royale National Park to view the Northern Lights :

• Greenstone Ridge
• Todd Harbor
• Little Todd
• Birch Island

Isle Royale National Park is known for its dense woodland areas. While this makes for a sight of beauty during daylight hours, it can also cause problems with trying to view the Northern Lights at night. As such, the fewer trees on the park's north side, the better.

• Entry Fee: $7.00 per person; Children under 15 years old are free
• Best Time To See The Northern Lights: Mid-April through October
• Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Greenstone Ridge, Todd Harbor, Little Todd, Birch Island, Belle Isle

RELATED: These Are The 10 Best Northern Lights Hotels Around The World

North Cascades National Park, Washington

From september to april at diablo lake overlook and washington pass.

With its proximity to Seattle, it might be believed that North Cascades National Park would be filled with too much light pollution to view the Northern Lights. But the one-hour trek outside the city proves to be enough to change the landscape completely at night, from the bustling lights of Seattle to the complete darkness and remoteness of the national park.

September through April promises the best viewing time for the Northern Lights . With a Kp Index of 5 or more, it might be one of the best places in the US to see the colors change in the night sky.

Short hikes out to Diablo Lake Overlook and Washington Pass allow visitors to be enveloped in darkness. And while the best viewing time is in the fall through spring, with the trails always being open and the chance that the Northern Lights could be seen in the summer, there truly is no bad time to visit this lesser-known national park.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time To See The Northern Lights: September to April
• Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Diablo Lake Overlook and Washington Pass

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Year-round from peaceful canyon ranch, wind canyon & more.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is renowned for its open skies that allow visitors to see meteor showers, constellations, and the Milky Way without a telescope. There are even nights when the Northern Lights are visible when the Kp Index is between 4 and 5.

Unlike other national parks, it is possible to see the Northern Lights year-round at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Because of this, it is not unheard of for those visiting the area to listen out for the local weather reports, which include a report on the Kp Index. More often than not, the lights will show themselves "two to three hours after sunset" and can last up to 15 minutes at a time.

While the entire park is a great place to view the Northern Lights, there are some spectacular spots in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to look up at the heavens . Those places include:

• Peaceful Valley Ranch
• Wind Canyon
• Beef Corral Bottom
• Riverbend Overlook

The park is open 24 hours per day. As such, many take in the sights during the daylight hours and stay for the Northern Lights show at night.

• Entry Fee: $15.00 per person; $30.00 per vehicle; $25.00 per motorcycle
• Best Time To See The Northern Lights: Year-round
• Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Peaceful Valley Ranch, Wind Canyon, Buck Hill, Beef Corral Bottom, Riverbend Overlook

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Between late august and early april from the rainy lake visitors center upper parking lot.

Voyageurs National Park is open year-round and has everything the outdoor enthusiast would want to do both in the summer months and the winter as well. However, for those chasing the Northern Lights and looking for a Kp Index of 4 or higher, the best time to visit is from late August to early April .

With 12 to 14 hours of darkness during the late summer and into spring, the Northern Lights are easy to view. The best places to see them are from the Rainy Lake Visitors Center in the upper parking lot and the Meadwood Road Day Use area . From here, the colors will change from greens to blues, purples, and the occasional pinks. As such, they make for an event to be remembered while visiting Minnesota.

• Best Time To See The Northern Lights: Late August to early April
• Top Places/Spots To View The Northern Lights: Rainy Lake Visitors Center upper parking lot and Meadowood Road Day Use Area

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Denali Highway Tundra Fall Colors & Northern Lights

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Home » Alaska Photo Tours & Workshops » Denali Highway Tundra Fall Colors & Northern Lights

A laska is a fall landscape lover’s dream with potential to capture the essence of the north – the northern lights dancing across a pristine dark sky and reflecting on lakes and ponds. Wild, unspoiled and uncrowded, join a small group as we explore and photograph the vast and sweeping tundra landscapes of the Denali Highway and the Eastern Alaska Range at or near the peak of fall colors.

Jump start your fall color photography season on this unique and intimate Alaskan photo tour created and led by one of Alaska’s most experienced travel and adventure photography teams. Our tour begins and ends in Fairbanks, one of the best places in Alaska to capture the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, in relative comfort. This is a magical time with potential to capture aurora reflections and color on the numerous lakes along our route before they freeze for the winter, and to photograph sunrise on Denali, North America’s tallest peak.

Alaska – an undiscovered and fantastic fall color landscape photo destination without the crowds seen elsewhere.

WHEN: Sep 1 – 7, 2024 (7 Days/6 Nights)

WHERE: Starts & Ends in Fairbanks, AK

FEE: Single Occupancy: $3,795; Double: $3,395 each

DEPOSIT: $500

GROUP LIMIT: 6 – TOUR FULL

WHO: Advanced beginner and above

FITNESS LEVEL: Easy ⓘ

REGISTER BY: June 30, 2024

• Small group (up to 6 participants) for maximum personal attention and group mobility
• High top van travel and quaint Alaskan lodging
• Home-cooked meals included during remote lodge stay (3 nights)
• Pristine wilderness landscapes: glaciers, rivers, lakes, tundra colors, and big peaks
• Potential to capture aurora and reflections
• Potential to photograph Denali, North America’s tallest mountain

WHAT CLIENTS SAY

“Michael and Lauri ran a great Alaska photo tour experience. We saw the aurora, animals and some amazing sunsets and sunrises. Their knowledge of Alaska and the great places to shoot was exceptional. I truly enjoyed the experience.”

– George R. (Santa Fe, NM)

Click on any image for a larger version to display. Hover over any image to pause.

The auroras can be just as active in the fall as they are in winter but without the frozen landscape and bitter cold. To add a little spice, our tour will include chances to view and photograph North America’s highest peak, Denali at 20,320’, from the east and south.

When the auroras are not dancing across the night sky or covered by clouds, we will focus our cameras on a pure visual delight of reds, oranges and golds that make up the endless fall tundra with big open skies and sweeping views of glacier clad peaks of the Eastern Alaska Range. The blazing fall tundra also affords limitless macro and intimate landscape opportunities. If we are fortunate, dustings of snow will add visual interest to the already stunning landscapes of Denali country.

There are many places in the northern latitudes that afford decent and frequent aurora viewing. Fairbanks and Denali country are among them. All locations in northern latitudes regardless of what others may tell you are subject to long periods of cloudy weather even during the dry spring season and nights where the auroras don’t develop due to lack of solar activity. When looking at any aurora tour, go for the destination as much as the aurora potential.

This is why we’ve chosen this route and this time of year to capture the best of two worlds. There is a narrow window beginning in late August and lasting into early September when we see the convergence of two great photo subjects: the height of fall color on the tundra and upper taiga forest below big glacier clad peaks and aurora displays on relatively warm nights (compared to winter) with possible reflections on bodies of open water.

Winter comes early to these parts and usually by early October snow covers the landscape and the lakes are frozen. Snow can fall in late August and anytime afterward on the Denali Highway. Aurora displays increase toward the autumnal equinox but by then, the tundra colors are long gone and the landscape can be blanketed in snow while fall colors are peaking in the lower elevation boreal forests.

South of the Alaska Range, where the Denali Highway is, has a cloudier climate than the north side but potentially better aurora foregrounds based on orientation of the Alaska Range relative to where you will most likely see displays. If the aurora isn’t out we still have a visually stunning landscape to see and photograph. Spectacular displays do occur along the Denali Highway in late August and we’ve been seeing them for years. Every night of this tour, including the arrival and departure days in Fairbanks have potential for aurora viewing and photography. There are nearby lakes to capture aurora and reflections while in Fairbanks.

NOTE: This tour is along the Denali Highway , a 130-mile stretch of improved dirt road that connects the Parks Highway (Cantwell) on the west and the Richardson Highway (Paxson) on the east. It is not the road into Denali National Park. While we would love to run a commercial trip in Denali National Park, the Park Service does not issue commercial use permits for us to take you into the park itself. We could arrange for participants to ride the official park shuttle buses but you do not have much flexibility on the bus, photographically, so we opt not to pursue that option. We’d be happy to help you arrange that trip.

ADDITIONAL NOTES ABOUT THIS TOUR: We are big supporters of sustainable tourism and practitioners of Leave No Trace. As much as possible we support local businesses with a commitment to quality and service. The lodges, B&Bs, restaurants, and even the van rental are all from locally owned businesses. On location, we practice and insist on Leave No Trace principles. Our small groups traveling in one vehicle allow us to minimize our impact and presence. We strive to make our small group maintain a light footprint on the tundra.

We encourage participants to stay an extra day or two at the end of the tour to increase chances for capturing aurora with newfound skills and knowledge of the local area.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• All transportation provided to and from lodging in Fairbanks during tour dates.
• 6 nights of lodging (sharing cabins may be required at Maclaren River Lodge along the Denali Highway).
• Meals ONLY during our stay at Maclaren River Lodge.
• Constructive image critique sessions with post processing instruction and guidance.
• Michael and Lauri as your guides and instructors.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Transportation to and from your home to Fairbanks, AK
• Meals (except for the time at Maclaren River Lodge)
• Gratuities for lodge staff and photo guides
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses

PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is a guideline as weather conditions and northern light forecasts will affect the itinerary.

DAY 1 (SEP 1): ARRIVAL IN FAIRBANKS

Plan to arrive in Fairbanks no later than 3PM. (A free shuttle service from the airport is available by the hotel.) Our group meets at 5PM for introductions and group dinner to go over the details of our adventure.

Alaska is 4 hours earlier than the East Coast. To help you adjust to the difference in time zones, you may wish to arrive a day or two earlier to acclimate. We will be happy to assist you with booking additional lodging in Fairbanks.

DAY 2 (SEP 2): TRAVEL TO REMOTE LODGE – DENALI HIGHWAY

We depart Fairbanks after breakfast and photograph mountain scenics along the way to the Denali Highway, where we will spend the next several days. After checking into our rustic cabins, we will hop in the van and travel to one of several lakes to capture the fall colored tundra vegetation and nearby mountains reflecting in the lakes at last light. After dinner, if the forecast is favorable and participants are willing, we will head out to photograph the Northern Lights.

LOGDING: Participants will most likely need to share a cabin (which has 2 queen beds per cabin and 1 bathroom) as this is a remote lodge with limited capacity. Room assignments will be made on location based on the make up of the group. Couples will have their own cabin as will friends traveling together. We will make our best efforts before pairing up participants of the same gender that do not know each other. Regardless of room sharing status, the lodge is comfortable, warm, dry with an exceptional staff and outstanding meals. Meals at the lodge are included in tour fee.

DAY 3 & 4 (SEP 3 & 4): REMOTE LODGE- DENALI HIGHWAY

We start the morning with a sunrise landscape shoot and return to the lodge for breakfast. We can spend time photographing around the lodge or meet up for an informal image critique session and/or answer any technical or creative technique questions individuals may have. In the afternoon, we head back onto the Denali Highway for more fall color landscapes and sunset photographic opportunities.After dinner, if the forecast is favorable and participants are willing, we will head out to photograph the Northern Lights.

DAY 5 (SEP 5): TRANSFER TO REMOTE CABINS OFF PARKS HIGHWAY –

If we are not out too late the previous night shooting Northern Lights, we’ll start the morning with a sunrise landscape shoot and return to the lodge for breakfast. We’ll check out of our cabins, gather our gear, and travel to our next quaint Alaskan accommodations off the road from the Parks Highway allowing for more photographic opportunities on the western edge of the Denali Highway.

DAY 6 (SEP 6): DENALI VIEWS & PARKS HIGHWAY FALL LANDSCAPES

We start the morning off with an early morning sunrise shoot with views of Denali and other tundra fall landscapes. The rest of the day will be spent shooting other fall landscapes, hopefully ending the day with a sunset shoot of Denali.

DAY 7 (SEP 7): FAIRBANKS – END OF TRIP

We head out early, weather permitting, for some more sunrise views of Denali along the Parks Highway before heading back to Fairbanks around 2:00PM to say our goodbyes and treasure the experience we all just shared.

PLEASE NOTE: While the photo tour officially ends around 2:00PM, we encourage participants to spend an additional night for the opportunity to photograph northern lights in the Fairbanks area, weather permitting. Michael and Lauri will remain in the Fairbanks area to take participants who wish to go out.

GETTING HERE/EXTEND YOUR STAY

The official group meeting location will be at 6:00PM at Sophie Station Suites (1717 University Avenue, Fairbanks AK 99709). Alaska is 4 hours earlier than Eastern Standard Time and 1 hour earlier than Pacific Standard Time so you may want to consider arriving a day or two before to allow yourself time to adjust.

Lodging from Sep 1 – 6 is included in your tour fee. If you plan to arrive earlier and/or stay later you will need to make your own additional reservations. If you wish to stay at the same hotel we reserved for the tour’s first night, you can make reservations online at Sophie Station Suites or calling them at 907.479.3650 and request the Deluxe One Bedroom Suite. Unfortunately, there is no group rate we can extend at this time. We are working to change that.

We strongly recommend making any additional reservations early as hotels can fill quickly.

If you prefer staying at a different hotel or need help in making additional lodging arrangements, we’d be happy to assist.

The Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is a large, visitor-friendly airport with several flights a day. Some of the major airlines that service to Fairbanks include:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines

Sun Country Airlines and JetBlue has service to only Ted Steven’s International Airport in Anchorage – not to Fairbanks. However, check the above airlines for a connecting flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks.

There is a 24-hour courtesy shuttle service from the airport to Sophie Station Suites. Please call them upon your arrival at 907.452.1442 to coordinate pickup.

Sophie Station Suites s is approximately 3 miles away (as the roads go) to Fairbanks International Airport.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

WEATHER: Alaska has a harsh climate. While many of us want warm sunny conditions with direct light for our photography day, Mother Nature does not always provide us those conditions. Please do not get discouraged. It is unrealistic to go anywhere, especially Alaska, for only a day or two and expect magical light conditions that produce the kind of images we all seek. Our tour is timed to take place during peak fall with maximum red and gold colors. With careful and creative techniques, it is still possible to get colorful and beautiful landscape images in cloudy weather and even light rain. Remember, often times, bad weather can equate to great photos.

FACILITIES: While this trip is about wilderness landscapes without leaving modern amenities, participants may be in remote locations with no restroom facilities for up to several hours. Please be prepared to answer nature’s call in actual nature if necessary and we always practice Leave No Trace. We will always have bathroom necessities with us and available should the need arise.

PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES

PAYMENT TERMS: A minimum deposit is due at registration to reserve your space. Required deposit amount is $500. Final payments, which can be made in installments, are due 90 days prior to tour start date. Invoices for final balances will be emailed to registered participants approximately 120 days prior to tour start date to allow time to spread out making payments.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

When a participant cancels a reserved spot in a regularly scheduled (i.e., non-custom) photo tour, it takes time and effort to fill the vacancy. Please be sure to check your personal schedule well ahead of the dates of the trip to make sure there are no conflicts. If you discover that you will not be able to attend we would very much appreciate knowing this as soon as possible.

The following fee schedule applies:

Because of the unique nature of this workshop, If your cancellation is received more than 120 days prior to the beginning of a tour or workshop, we will refund your registration fee less a 5% of your initial deposit. Any fees paid up to this point, less 5% of your initial deposit, can be applied to another scheduled tour or converted to a private photo tour or private photography instruction session.

As other vendors we book with have limited refund policies, if your cancellation is received less than 120 days prior to the beginning of a tour or workshop, we will retain the entire balance paid to date unless you are able to locate someone who will fill your position.

If the photo workshop or tour is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot, we will refund your entire balance paid to date less 5% of your initial deposit.

No refund of any fees will be made for cancellations after the tour begins.

TRIP INSURANCE

In the event that a tour must be cancelled due to inadequate enrollment, all registration fees received by us will be refunded in full or, if you prefer, your registration fees paid up to this point can be applied to another scheduled tour or converted to a private photo tour.

We are not responsible for reimbursement of non-refundable airline tickets or lodging arrangements you made in the event of a tour cancellation. Please do not make any travel arrangements until you have received notification that the tour has met its minimal participant requirement which will be known at least 90 days prior to the start date OR consider the purchase of trip insurance.

We highly suggest TravelGuard® or similar travel insurance policies to assist you in case of last minute plan changes and emergencies.

Have a Question About This Tour? Send us an email.

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Denali National Park Tours & Holidays

Fill your lungs with fresh mountain air and lose yourself in the untamed beauty of Denali National Park. 

Alaska means "The Great Land" in the indigenous Aleut language, and a Denali National Park tour will show you why. Home to rolling tundra, abundant wildlife and North America 's tallest peak, this national park ticks all the boxes for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Whether you want to tackle some seriously scenic hiking trails , watch the magical northern lights or go on a safari – Alaskan style – to look for grizzlies, moose and wolves, Denali is a place that will wow you over and over again.

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Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Where is Denali National Park?

Denali National Park and Preserve is in the central area of the Alaska Range in Alaska, USA.

How to get to Denali National Park

You can get to Denali National Park either by car, bus or train. The closest cities are Fairbanks and Anchorage. It takes about four hours to drive from Fairbanks and five hours from Anchorage.

Coaches and trains operate daily from Fairbanks and Anchorage in the summer months. Public transport services are limited during the winter.

Getting around Denali National Park

There is only one road in Denali National Park and most of it is only open to buses. If you take your car, you can drive the first 15 miles up to Savage River. To see the rest of the park you either have to jump on a transit bus (non-narrated) or a tour bus. There is also a free shuttle bus that travels to different hiking trails, campgrounds and facilities along the part of the road open to the public.

What is the best time of year to visit Denali National Park?

The best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do. Denali National Park is huge and has two distinct climates. The southern regions of the park have a transitional maritime climate influenced by the Gulf of Alaska, with less extreme weather variation and milder temperatures. The north side of the Alaska Range has an interior climate with warm summers and freezing winters.

Winter is the best time to see the landscape covered in snow, and the dark nights offer a chance the magical northern lights. Late spring and summer are great for hiking among wildflowers and making the most of extended daylight hours. Peak season is from June to August but it still feels relatively quiet compared to other US national parks.

What should I pack for Denali National Park?

Packing essentials for Denali include a good pair of hiking boots, a waterproof jacket and pants, warm hat and gloves, warm layers (e.g. a fleece), t-shirts, lightweight pants, daypack, water bottle, sunglasses, bathing suit, warm socks, basic medications, sunscreen, insect repellent and plenty of snacks to keep you going throughout the day. If you go during winter you’ll need a decent winter jacket. It’s worth bringing a small amount of cash as ATMs are scarce.

Can you see the northern lights from Denali National Park?

Denali is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights as there’s hardly any light pollution. The best time to see the lights is during the fall, winter and spring when there’s enough darkness. The sky is too bright in the summer so if you’re hoping to see the lights you should avoid going any time between the six weeks before and after the summer solstice.

What animals live in Denali National Park?

Denali is home to a diverse range of wildlife that includes black bears, grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, Dall’s sheep, marmots, foxes, red squirrels, arctic ground squirrels, bald eagles, golden eagles, ravens and gray jays. There are also 160 species of birds and 1,500 plant species.

Can I use my mobile phone in Denali National Park?

You can use your mobile phone within the first three miles of the park entrance but the signal may be patchy in some areas. It’s important to note that once you go further into the park you will not have mobile phone service. There is free public Wi-Fi in the Denali Visitor Centre, the Riley Creek Mercantile and the Denali Bus Depot.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travellers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

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Alerts in effect, more than a mountain.

Denali is six million acres of wild land, bisected by one ribbon of road. Travelers along it see the relatively low-elevation taiga forest give way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,310' Denali. Wild animals large and small roam un-fenced lands, living as they have for ages. Solitude, tranquility and wilderness await. Read More

Closed in winter? Not Denali! Winter is a great time to explore the park, whether by foot, ski, snowshoe, bike, or more!

Check on current road status, changes to park operations due to the Pretty Rocks landslide, COVID-19 notices, and more.

Look for wildlife and wilderness during a bus trip in Denali. Most of the sole road is open only to buses during summer (May 20–mid-Sept.).

Rugged wildlife habitats can intimidate even the savviest hiker. Follow these guidelines to enjoy a fun, safe field trip.

Plan an expedition to the top of North America! Find registration instructions, FAQs, mountaineering history, and more.

Learn where you can drive, where you can ride a bus, and where to hike with road maps and trail maps.

Last updated: February 17, 2024

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Contact info, mailing address:.

PO Box 9 Denali Park, AK 99755

907 683-9532 A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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