Denali Highway Jeep Excursion
All ages • 4+ Hours • Explore the scenic Denali Highway!
Overview
Activity details
Don't miss the Denali Highway, the #2 “Drive of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine! Once the gateway to Denali National Park, this 135-mile gravel road is surrounded by pristine nature & is a photographer’s paradise. Snow-capped mountains, icy glaciers & panoramic vistas flank the Denali Highway. During your guided & narrated 100+ mile round trip excursion, there are opportunities to see Denali & wildlife (both weather permitting).
New, 4-door, 4x4 Jeeps hug the dirt road, while comfortably seating four adults who can trade off driving. Each Jeep has a CB radio for communicating with the guide so stops can be made whenever desired. As driving the Denali Highway is prohibited by most rental vehicle companies, this exclusive excursion provides access to more of Alaska's spectacular scenery and wildlife & is a great alternative to crowded bus trips. Snacks & drinks provided. Tour length is approximately 4 hours.
What's included
- Certified Guide
- Snacks & Drinks
- Binoculars
- Complimentary shuttle service: We offer complimentary transportation to and from most Denali area accommodations. See our shuttle schedule for locations and pick-up times.
Additional information
What to bring
- Weather appropriate attire
- Camera
- Tip for Guides
- Smile!
- Adventureous spirit!
Extras
- We can provide a forward-facing car seat (for use with children at least 1 year old and 35 lbs & up (16 kg & up) and/or booster seat (For use with children over 4 years old and 50 lbs & up (23 kg & up) for small children upon request. Children should be in the same type of seat they use in a car. Limited quantities, please reserve in advance.
Disclaimers
Must be 25 years of age and have a valid driver's license to drive.
This is a driving tour - at least one person from your group will need to drive the Jeep. Very limited seats might be available in the Guide Jeep for those unable to drive.
Restroom stops are available during the tour.
Tours depart and continue RAIN or SHINE. The tour covers 100+ miles and spans several microclimates. Weather changes unexpectedly.
Views of Denali and glaciers are weather dependent.
Remember that wildlife is WILD and sightings are never guaranteed.
The Denali Highway is a gravel public road, maintained by the state of Alaska. This is not an off-road tour.
Parties of 1 will be placed in a Jeep with another party of 1 or with our guide.
Parties of 2 or more will have thier own Jeep to drive.
Remember that you are on vacation! Relax and have a good time. Alaska is unique in landscape, wildlife, culture, and weather; do not expect Alaska to be the same as where you live. To truly enjoy your time here, bring your sense of adventure, be flexible, patient, and receptive to new experiences.
FAQs
Will I have my own Jeep?
- Yes, all parties of two or more will have their own Jeep. Parties of 1 will be placed with other parties of 1 or with our guide. For larger parties (4+ guests), we fill the Jeeps with a maximum of 4 passengers, then add additional Jeeps.
Can I ride with the guide?
- We have limited space in our guide Jeeps. Parties of 1 or those who are unable to drive have priority.
Do we go into Denali National Park?
- No. Private vehicles are not allowed past Mile 15 (Savage River) in the National Park. In order to get into the Park, you will have to reserve space on the park buses. The Denali Highway runs east along the Alaska Mountain Range and the DNP Road runs west along the same mountain range. Before the Parks Highway was completed, the Denali Highway was the only way to get into the park. Along the Denali Highway you will get a park experience same mountains, same animals, same taiga and tundra! Glaciers are easily seen from the road and Denali is often visible (weather permitting.)
Can we see Denali from the trail?
- Weather permitting, Denali is visible along the Parks Highway as the tour heads south to Cantwell and onto the Denali Highway. Denali is also visible along the first several miles of the Denali Highway. Since the tour is out and back, this provides an additional chance to see Denali.
Which is the better tour? Morning or evening?
- With almost 24 hours of daylight during most of our summer tours, there is no difference between the morning and evening departure! Choose which one fits into your schedule best. Animals usually prefer the cool of the morning and evening to the heat of the middle of the day. Both our tours have similar chances of seeing wildlife.
Will we see wildlife?
- Yes! Maybe! No! This is not a zoo, so animals are not guaranteed – Moose, fox, porcupines, snowshoe hares, caribou, and occasionally sheep and bears. Morning and late afternoon are typically best times. The Jeep tours get back further into the Alaska wilderness offering better changes to see wildlife.
Cancellations
A 48 hour (2 day) notice is required for cancellation of your reservation to receive a refund. Within 48 hours (2 days) of scheduled tour time, there is no refund and a change/move fee of 25% applies. All tours depart rain or shine, as scheduled. In the event that a tour is canceled by Denali Jeep Excursions due to weather, a full refund will be provided.