Denali Guided Hikes
So worth it!
Northern Epics-Denali Naturalist.
3 Hour Walking Tour
Hiking Level: Easy
Easiest | Most Popular | Best Intro
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Want something easy?
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Want to learn all about the Denali wilderness?
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Don’t have much time…
A relaxed, guided nature walk with an expert naturalist that gives you context and confidence for the rest of their Denali trip.
Quick Facts
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Easy, slow walking
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Well-maintained Denali National Park trails
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Approximately 1–3 miles, 0-300 ft elevation gain depending on the group and the trail.
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Kids welcome (accompanied by an adult)
Full Naturalist Walking Tour
This 3-hour tour is our most popular. You’ll be taking an easy stroll through the boreal forest of Denali National Park with an expert naturalist guide. You’ll learn about everything from the flora and fauna to the history of the native peoples who inhabited the Denali area. Enjoy nature’s buffet of edible plants and berries while you discover how the permafrost affects everything in the forest. This tour is an investment in your vacation. The knowledge you learn with us will continue to pay dividends for the rest of your time in Denali, and Alaska as a whole. Avoid if: You want something adventurous or “off the beaten path.” “But helpful stranger,” I can hear you saying. “I’m not a hiker! I like walking, but I can’t climb a mountain!” Well, my lovely friend, guess what? You don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy this tour. You’ll be on well-maintained trails the entire time. The leisurely pace will let you take in the beauty of the National Park as you walk. Listen to the twittering birds. The chattering squirrels. Stop and smell the delicate wildflowers. Later in the season, enjoy a bounty of delicious berries. Cloudberries, crowberries, lingonberries, nagoonberries, bog bilberries, and more. I’m willing to bet you’ve never heard of many of those. Want to know what they taste like? You should. They’re delicious! The truth is, I can’t touch on everything that you’ll learn on the Naturalist Walking Tour. You’ll have to book it to find out. What I can promise you is this: Your fellow travelers will be shocked by your Denali knowledge after this tour. Don’t believe me? Just watch their face when you point to a clearing and tell them the depth of the permafrost there. The benefits of delving deeper in Denali don’t stop there. When you understand something, you appreciate it. Think about your favorite things in life. You understand them pretty well, right? The same goes for your vacation. You’re traveling thousands of miles to see Denali. Don’t let it be the cookie-cutter vacation that leaves so many feeling disappointed. Chances are, you’ll learn more on this tour than on the rest of your vacation combined. You’re the type of person who wants more than the average tourist experience. You’re here after all! That’s admirable. It’s what we’re here for too. Don’t just see Denali. Experience it. Understand it.
DBG-Guided Denali 3 Hr Walking Tour
HIKING LEVEL: Easy
Walking with an experienced local naturalist is really a great way to see the complicated connections of plants, animals, and people within the splendor of true wilderness in Alaska. Trails are best described as moderate, with tree roots, hills, and mud in places. This tour is not meant to be a workout, but it is three consecutive hours of walking on sometimes unimproved trails. Average pace is about one mile per hour with frequent stops. There is time for resting, drinking, conversing and even picking berries in season. The trail is not flat. Some up and down is required for the entire length of the tour. Expect to walk 3-4 miles with up to 800’ elevation gain.
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Bring your outdoor gear: sturdy walking shoes, water, snack for the trail, jacket and rain gear.
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Don’t forget your camera, and bring binoculars if you have them!
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Some basic equipment is available upon request, including rain gear, water, overboots and trekking poles.
Availability: May 12 - September 15
Times:
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7:40AM - 10:40AM
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5PM - 8PM
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8:30PM - 11:15PM (May, June & July only)
Duration: 3 hours / Moderate
Northern Epics Wilderness Wonders Tour
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Most “Alaska” Feeling | Off-Trail | Adventurous
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Want something more wild?
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Want something really authentic/unique?
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Don’t want a sidewalk experience?
A true off-trail Alaskan experience — wild, immersive, and hands-on without being extreme.
Quick Facts
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Off-trail, uneven ground
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Mild bushwhacking
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Approximately 1–4 miles, 50-300 ft elevation gain depending on the group.
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Moderate difficulty due to uneven ground.
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Slow pace
Full Wilderness Wonders Tour
This 4-hour tour is entirely off-trail. You get everything from the Naturalist Walking Tour and more as you explore the boreal forest just outside Denali National Park. Sink into the thick moss with every step. Pick and eat blueberries, currants, cranberries, and many other lesser-known forest edibles. You’ll learn everything about the boreal forest ecosystem - while being a part of it. You’ll be touching, feeling, and hiking on all the wonders your guide tells you about. This is as hands-on and authentic as it gets. The wildness of Alaska is what makes it special, and this tour embodies that wildness. You never know what you’ll find. We have found sheep skulls, bones, antique cans, enormous mushrooms, lots of wildlife, and even in one case a fresh moose heart - with no moose carcass in sight (your guess is as good as mine as to how it got there!) Avoid if: If you have knee/hip/back issues, mobility issues, balance issues, or wants flat, smooth walking
NWA-Taiga & Tundra Trails
Hiking Level: Easy
Morning or Afternoon Hike:
Denali’s Nature Taiga & Tundra Trails
Trail Selection Based on Conditions
Start your day with an invigorating morning hike, perfect for those who want to greet the day surrounded by the pristine beauty of Denali. This moderate trek takes you along a gradual climb on a well-graded path, offering a perfect balance of adventure and comfort. In the Denali area, summer days seem endless, inviting you to step away from the hustle of tours and explore the raw beauty of the taiga and tundra on foot. This afternoon hike is a perfect way to experience Alaska’s wild landscape, with nothing but the sound of your footsteps and the rhythm of nature.
*Guide and group will decide the difficulty of hike which will determine the hike taken.
Trip Time: 8am & 1pm
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Level: Easy/Moderate/Strenuous
Distance: 2-7 miles (Depending on group)
Elevation Gain: 800-1250 feet
DBG-Denali Wilderness 4 Hour Hiking Tour
Hiking level: Strenuous
This tour is designed to be the same intensity as our 5-Hour Wilderness Hiking Tour and for more fit travelers. While still a narrated tour the Interpretive 4 hour Hike covers more ground but a little shorter in duration. Expect to cover 4-6 miles and climb up 1500-1800' in elevation.
*Note, this tour often operates in areas just outside the National Park so we may explore the mountains off-trail and utilize locations that are more remote and have a wider variety of terrain to explore. We can drop you off at the train depot in time for the 12:30pm train departure.
Hiking Level: Strenuous
Group size 3-7 travelers
Offered daily from 7:30am - 11:30am
Northern Epics-Into The Mountains Tour
Hiking Level: Strenuous.
Strenuous | Big Views | Serious Hike
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Want a workout?
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Want the best views?
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Are you an experienced hiker?
A challenging ridge hike with jaw-dropping views and expert naturalist knowledge.
Quick Facts
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Steep terrain, loose dirt
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Approximately 4–6 miles, 1,500–2,000 ft elevation gain depending on the group
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Guides are great at pacing for the group
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Adults (12+) only
Full Into the Mountains Tour Description:
Put on your hiking boots and prepare to go uphill! This 5-hour tour has a focus on great views, great company, and a good workout. You’ll stop along the way to learn about Denali and the unique plants and animals that call it home. Once you get above the tree line, prepare for some truly epic views of the Nenana River valley and the mountains of the Alaska Range. This is a rugged Alaskan ridge hike. That means you’ll be navigating loose rocks, steep hills, and some heights. Your guide will help you navigate the terrain, but this hike is not recommended for those with mobility issues. If you’re an active person looking for incredible views that’ll leave your jaw on the floor - and enough knowledge about Denali to give a tour of your own - this strenuous hike is right for you! Avoid if: You have mobility concerns, lack of fitness, fear of heights, or want a relaxed pace.
DBG-GUIDED 5-hr. INTERPRETIVE HIKE
HIKING LEVEL: Strenuous
This tour is for the more fit travelers. While still a narrated tour, the interpretive hike covers more ground, and explores the glacier topology in depth. The extra time on the ground gives the group a chance to see the forested area near the Nenana river, the brushy but wildlife rich sub-alpine tundra, and the gorgeous views and highly adapted vegetation of the taiga. Expect to gain 1500' in elevation and walk 5-6+ miles, off-trail at times.
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Bring your outdoor gear: sturdy walking shoes, water, snack for the trail, jacket and rain gear.
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Don’t forget your camera, and bring binoculars if you have them!
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Some basic equipment is available upon request, including rain gear, water, overboots and trekking poles.
Availability: May 12 - September 15
Time: 11:15AM - 4:15PM
Duration: 4.5 - 5 hours / Strenuous
**There is a minimum of three (3) people per hike and maximum number of seven (7).
DBG-Heli-hiking
Hiking level: Easy to moderate
The Alaskan tundra is one of the most esoteric and breathtaking landforms on the planet – like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. This trip begins with an awe-inspiring flight in a helicopter landing you in a remote alpine wilderness setting. Once there, you’ll take a guided hike around the truly unique and spectacular environment. It is possible to see Denali on a clear day from this area. Hiking area is located near Mt Fellows and Yanert Valley, not in Denali National Park, but it is remote wilderness.
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Bring your outdoor gear: sturdy walking shoes, water, snack for the trail, jacket and rain gear.
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Don’t forget your camera, and bring binoculars if you have them!
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Some basic equipment is available upon request, including rain gear, water, overboots and trekking poles.
Availability: May 15 - September 15
Times: 7:35AM & 10:35AM
Duration: 3 hours walking on tundra, 4.5 hours total
Northern Epics-Half-Day Survival Tour
Hiking Level: Easy to Moderate
Most Unique | Premium | Skill-Based
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“We want something no one else is doing”
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"We love shows like Alone”
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“We want to actually learn skills”
The only survival tour in Alaska — learn real, usable wilderness survival skills from the Denali area.
Quick Facts
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Off-trail but not physically difficult
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Skill-focused, hands-on
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Less hiking than Wilderness Wonders
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Kids/families love it (must be accompanied by an adult)
Full Denali Survival Tour
Do you want to learn about primitive survival, but don't have two weeks and thousands of dollars to spend on an in-depth survival workshop? If so, this is your tour. We teamed up with an expert survivalist who’s been teaching primitive survival for over a decade to give you the perfect 5-hour introduction to primitive survival in Denali. After hiking off trail into the boreal forest, you’ll learn what to do in the first 5 days of a survival situation, how to pick a good shelter location, how to build that shelter, how to make fire using a couple of sticks and a shoelace, and much more. You’ll leave knowing more about primitive survival than just about any other traveler in Alaska. This is, after all, the only survival tour in the entire state. Avoid if: You want big views or a traditional hike.
Deposit/Cancellation Policy: Book now, pay later!
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Payment is collected 48 hours prior to check in, cancel 72+ hours prior to check-in, within 48 hours of arrival tour is non-refundable.
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Tours operate rain or shine and seldom cancel for rainy weather. If a trip is cancelled a full refund will be issued.
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Due to high demand and short visitor season, we highly recommend travel insurance.
Check Out Out Private Guided Hikes As Well!
Private Hike and Raft Adventures
This full-day adventure includes hiking and rafting in the Denali area with a professional river guide. Hiking and rafting will be customized to the activity level or the participants. All trips are private (travelers who know each other) and customized for each group.
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Wear layers, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
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Lunch, snacks and water for an 8 hour day
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Don’t forget your camera, and bring binoculars if you have them!
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Trekking poles available upon request
Hiking Level: Easy to moderate, YOU decide!
Availability: June 1 - September 10
Time: 9AM (custom start times available)
Duration: Up to 8 hours
Payment/Cancellation Policy for Custom Guided Trips:
Payment collected 7 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation Policy for custom guided trips:
We are a small, flexible organization; however, we want visitors to understand many of our expenses are incurred prior to trip departure dates. In the event you need to cancel your booking, we offer the following:
Cancellations made more than 7 days before the trip start date will receive a full refund, less 15% deposit. Cancellations made within 7 days prior to the trip start date will receive no refund.
Private Full-day Adventure
Full day adventures are designed to meet the abilities and interests in your group. Each trip is catered to your interests and abilities, whether it’s taking scenic photos, learning about flora and fauna or pushing your limits on a challenging, remote hike. Trips are designed to get away from crowds and maintained trails and show visitors the wild Alaskan backyard. All trips are private (travelers who know each other) and customized for each group.
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Wear layers, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
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Lunch, snacks and water for an 8 hour day
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Don’t forget your camera, and bring binoculars if you have them!
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Trekking poles available upon request
Hiking Level: Easy to moderate, YOU decide!
Availability: June 1 - September 29
Time: 9AM (custom start times available)
Duration: 6 - 8 hours
Payment/Cancellation Policy for Custom Guided Trips:
Payment collected 7 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation Policy for custom guided trips:
We are a small, flexible organization; however, we want visitors to understand many of our expenses are incurred prior to trip departure dates. In the event you need to cancel your booking, we offer the following:
Cancellations made more than 7 days before the trip start date will receive a full refund, less 15% deposit. Cancellations made within 7 days prior to the trip start date will receive no refund.