New for 2022: The Golden Ticket 🎫 ✨
The only day trip that gets you into the heart of the park and back in a single day!
With the road closure affecting travelers’ ability to access the west side of the park, our GOLDEN TICKET may just be the day excursion you’re searching for.
This fly-in, fly-out day trip takes you into the heart of the park and to the end of the road and back, all in one day. You’ll depart from the park entrance and travel along the spine of the Alaska range, getting up close and personal with “The High One,” aka Denali, the Western hemisphere’s tallest peak. From there, we’ll land Kantishna International, a 1700-foot gravel airstrip located at the very end of the park road.
Kantishna, a former mining town that’s now home to a handful of lodges, is situated at the end of the park road and boasts all sorts of amazing opportunities for exploration: whether you’re visiting Fanny Quigley’s cabin, hiking Quigley ridge, taking in a view of the Kantishna valley from Skyline Lodge, or heading over to Wonder Lake to drink in the stunning views of Denali, Kantishna is indeed a special place.
This day trip includes your scenic 55-minute flight into the heart of the park, time on the ground to use at your discretion–including the option to head up to Wonder Lake (conditions permitting). Lunch, and your direct flight back out to the park entrance is included as well.
Cost: $595/person
Meet time 9am, departure from park entrance at 9:30am
Departure from Kantishna: 3pm, arrive at the park entrance at 3:30pm
Please note: we ask that guests pack both light AND for a day of exploration–layers, snacks, and water bottles. Luggage weight should be kept to a minimum and all bags should be soft-sided.
Pilot gratuity (tips) are not included and are appreciated
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Given the park road closure for the duration of the 2022 season, we can no longer offer the Denali Park Day Excursion. We look forward to resuming our Denali Park Day Excursions once the road is repaired!
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The Denali Park Day Excursion is our favorite tour package for the independent traveler visiting Denali National Park and is the ONLY way to see the park by air, foot, and bus in a single day.
This tour is built for those looking to cover some ground, get lots of fresh air, and not spend a fortune! Perfect for self-starters and travelers who like to do their own exploring. Fly-in, then hike the Kantishna hills in the heart of Denali National Park where the road ends, and snag great views of the Alaska range from atop Quigley Ridge or the Wickersham Dome. Bus out at 6pm and experience the park road, its stunning views, and all sorts of wildlife on the way back.
The Denali Park Day Excursion includes a 55-minute scenic flight to Kantishna where you will have the entire afternoon to explore the Kantishna valley and “end of the road” deep in the heart of the park. The tour ends with an incredible journey by bus back through the park along the 92 Denali Park Road back to the park entrance.
$335/person ($355 with lunch added)
Tour Duration: 12 hours
Tour Details
Flight Portion: This tour departs the park entrance at 12pm. Once aboard one of our Cessna 206s, Kantishna Air Taxi will take you through the heart of Denali National Park offering spectacular scenic views from the air. The 55 minute flight follows the spine of the Alaska Range, traverses the expansive Muldrow Glacier, and passes the stunning north face of Denali. After breathtaking mountain views we will fly you to the the very west end of the only road into Denali where you will have plenty of time to explore the Kantishna region before making the journey back by bus.
Ground Portion: Once you arrive in Kantishna travelers will have FIVE HOURS to adventure and explore the surrounding landscape. Our friendly staff will assist in getting travelers acquainted with the local trails and hiking opportunities but please note this is not a guided excursion and travelers must be comfortable adventuring on their own. Whether you are looking for a strenuous four mile loop with incredible views of the Alaska Range or a casual walk along the quiet Denali Park Road, travelers are left with a true Denali experience.
Bus Portion: The National Park Service bus departs Kantishna at 6pm daily. During your 5-6 hour bus ride back to the park entrance you’ll experience the park’s landscape, flora and fauna. This is a camper bus and while the ride not narrated, you will have ample opportunity to view and photograph the wildlife and natural habitat of this 6 million acre park. This is the quintessential park experience and will leave you awe struck by Denali’s grandeur. There are three scheduled stops for to use restrooms and stretch your legs. Of note: you will arrive at the park entrance later in the evening–roughly 11:30pm.
Add Lunch $20: Includes a delicious sandwich or wrap, a piece of fruit, granola bar, trail mix, a drink and chips. All dietary needs must be noted in advance. Vegetarians/vegans accommodated with pleasure.
Bring water, lunch, snacks, a warm layer, rain gear, hiking boots, binoculars, etc. There are limited services available in Kantishna (no restaurants or cafes) and NO SERVICES other than rest stops once you are on the bus.
If booking for August and September please note nearly half of the bus ride will be in the dark and it will be quite cold so please plan accordingly!
Pilot gratuity (tips) are not included and are appreciated.
All bus tickets are purchased through Kantishna Air Taxi and are included in the package price. You do not need to contact Park Service. All seats are first-come, first-serve on a space available basis.
Of note: This option is great for those with rental cars! If you do not have a rental car secured, we recommend looking into/securing transportation back to your hotel or lodging prior to booking, as we are unable to provide transportation once the bus drops you back off at the park entrance.
