Denali Backcountry Adventure is set to reopen in 2027, once again offering tours deep into Denali National Park. Subscribe to our email list to get the latest updates.
Yes, Denali Backcountry Adventure will travel to Mile 92 of Denali National Park, subject to park access, weather & operating conditions.
Weather permitting, there will be many stops during the Denali Backcountry Adventure to view Denali/Mount McKinley — the tallest mountain in North America.
Wildlife sightings are a highlight of traveling through Denali, and guests may encounter animals such as bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and other wildlife. Denali is a wild environment, so sightings and locations cannot be guaranteed.
Pets are not permitted onboard unless medically necessary. Emotional support or comfort animals are not allowed. Service dogs that are trained to perform a task directly related to a person's disability are permitted.
Yes. For your safety, we ask all passengers to complete a waiver before boarding the bus. Your waiver will be sent by email ahead of your visit.
Denali Backcountry Adventure includes a lunch served at Denali Backcountry Lodge. An assortment of light snacks and beverages are available onboard.
Yes. Scheduled restroom opportunities are available along the Park Road, and additional restrooms are available at Denali Backcountry Lodge before, during and after the Kantishna experience.
Denali weather can change quickly, so we recommend dressing in layers and bringing a waterproof outer layer, comfortable walking shoes, any personal medications and your camera. Additional pre-trip details will be provided before departure.
Yes, a car seat is mandatory for the following conditions:
Every guest, including infants must have their own seat. Lap infants will require a seat for this 12 – 13 hours all-day adventure.
Yes, Folding strollers ONLY are allowed.
While the bus is in motion, strollers must be completely folded and safely secured in the designated luggage/storage area.
Strollers cannot block aisles or emergency exits or remain loose in the passenger area.
Our buses are not equipped with wheelchair lifts. Our drivers are happy to assist with boarding when needed. Folding mobility devices such as walkers and canes can be safely stored on the bus. If you or someone in your party uses a wheelchair or has specific accessibility needs, please give our team a call to discuss how we can accommodate your needs.
Canes, folding walkers and similar mobility devices are allowed as long as they can be safely secured while the bus is in motion. Nothing can obstruct the aisle or emergency exit.
After lunch, guests continue on a short hosted journey through Kantishna. The experience includes a guided botany walk, a seated homesteading story focused on life at the end of the road, and hands-on gold panning before returning to the Day Lodge area to visit our gift shop and restrooms before continuing on the Tour.
No. We want guests to enjoy Kantishna at their own pace. Guests who prefer not to participate in portions of the hosted activity may opt out and reconnect with their group before departure.
Yes. A hearty family-style lunch is included at Denali Backcountry Lodge. The menu is inspired by the history and flavors of Kantishna and features White Chicken Chili, Kantishna Garden Salad with Rhubarb Vinaigrette, Sourdough Cornbread with Birch Syrup Butter, a Bumbleberry Tart and our Fireweed Honey Arnold Palmer.
Menus are subject to change without notice.
We can accommodate many common dietary needs with advance notice, including vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options. Please provide dietary information when booking so our culinary team can prepare appropriately. Guests with food allergies should also speak with our team at check-in so we can confirm individual needs and preparation procedures.
Yes. Simple alternatives such as baked chicken tenders may be available by request. If your child has specific dietary needs, please let us know when booking.
Yes, we encourage those who wish to maximize their time in Denali National Park, to stay the night deep in Denali National Park’s ruggedly beautiful Denali Backcountry Lodge.
A mandatory $15 National Park Entrance Fee is added to every booking. If you are covered by a valid qualifying National Park pass, please bring the physical or digital pass, as applicable, along with a valid photo ID. All passholders prepaying the NPS fee are entitled to a refund of the $15 Denali National Park entrance fee. Please email [email protected] with a photo of your pass and your confirmation order.
Our Guest Service Agents or Tour Drivers will verify your pass at check-in and initiate a refund of the $15 National Park entrance fee to the original card used for your purchase. Refunds typically appear within 5 – 10 business days, depending on your financial institution.
Tour tickets are fully refundable 4 days or more prior to date of travel. Within 3 days of travel all reservations are non-refundable.
Yes, guests are able to modify their tour date once, but it is subject to the incremental change in price that may occur based on the new date selected. Further changes will be charged $15 per person + that incremental change in price that may occur based on the new date selected. All reservation adjustments within our cancelation policy will be non-refundable.
Yes, Denali Backcountry Adventure can sell out, especially during peak season. We strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment and to ensure you're able to experience this iconic attraction.
Denali Backcountry Adventure departs early in the morning for a full day of exploring the wilderness. To prepare our teams, we stop selling tickets the evening before departure. We recommend booking in advance to secure the best rate and the date you desire.
No. Seating is first come, first choice. We do our best to reserve the first row for elderly guests and those with mobility needs.
Every seat is designed to provide great sightseeing opportunities, and during scenic and wildlife stops there are plentiful opportunities to move around and find the best viewing spot.
Your $2 contribution supports Alaska Geographic’s efforts to connect local young people with Denali, environmental science and future conservation careers. Funding will help develop an environmental science club for middle and high school students in the Alaska communities of Tri-Valley, Cantwell and Anderson, providing opportunities to conduct real research in Denali National Park alongside park scientists and Alaska Geographic educators. The program will also connect students with visiting researchers and Indigenous knowledge holders in their local communities.
