Best Denali Flightseeing Tours - The Complete Guide
Discover Denali From the Sky
Incredible views from our Denali flightseeing tour
It’s hard to describe how incredible our experience was on a Denali flightseeing tour. This was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and something we would highly recommend to people visiting Alaska. Soaring over the peaks of the Alaska Range was like being on another planet. Seeing the snow-capped, jagged spires, the open glacial valleys, and the rocky mountain faces is something we will never forget.
If you’re looking for a unique adventure to enjoy during your trip to Alaska, we highly recommend this!
What Is a Denali Flightseeing Tour?
Denali flightseeing tours are scenic flights in smaller planes that offer stunning views of the Alaska Range, including North America’s highest peak, Denali. This attraction starts from the town of Talkeetna or Denali National Park.
Glacier landing on Pika Glacier
Is Denali Flightseeing Worth It?
Definitely yes! Scenic flights are one of Alaska's most unique and memorable activities. The views are spectacular, and the experience is available to virtually everyone, regardless of age. During your flight, you will observe the impressive peaks of the Alaska Range and massive glaciers, including the Khalitna Glacier.
View from the front window over the peaks of the Alaska Range
What Is the Best Company for a Denali Flightseeing Tour?
Three companies offer Denali flightseeing tours from the Town of Talkeetna:
The main company we partner with is Talkeetna Air Taxi. We highly recommend them as a trusted flight operator. These companies have high ratings and are characterized by the high standard of their services. Choose the company that best fits your tour needs.
If you plan to start your Denali Flightseeing Tour from the Denali National Park area, the company Fly Denali is the only option.
Jagged peaks with a small flightseeing plane
How Much Does a Denali Flightseeing Tour Cost?
The cost of a Denali flightseeing tour depends primarily on the duration of the flight and the route. For Talkeetna Air Taxi, the shortest flight they offer is the Southside Explorer. For the 2023 season, this tour costs $285 per person (including all fees). Their most exclusive flight is the Summit Tour, with a glacier landing. This trip for the 2023 season costs $609.90 (including all fees). As you can see, the price of a trip can vary greatly depending on your desires.
Spectacular views from our Denali flightseeing tour
Which Denali Flightseeing Tour Is the Best? - Which Flight Should I Choose?
Honestly, the best Denali Flightseeing Tour is probably the one you can afford. Even the shortest flight option is going to be an incredible experience. If you can afford to add on a glacier landing (approximately $120 extra in 2023), we highly recommend doing this. Our favorite tour with Talkeetna Air Taxi is the Mountain Voyager with Glacier Landing. This tour is around 1 hour and 45 minutes in total, and for the 2023 season, the cost is $490.20 per person (including all additional fees).
Glacier views in Denali from our flightseeing tour
What Time of Day Is Best for Denali Flightseeing?
For those spending the night in Talkeetna, we like to schedule this activity for the early morning. This allows you to reschedule the tour for later in the day if the weather isn’t cooperating. Some people also say that early morning flights are smoother, but considering that we are talking about the tallest mountain in the United States, there is no guarantee. We recommend choosing the time that works best with your itinerary.
The landscape view from the sky is incredible
Can You Land in Denali National Park?
Yes, some Denali flightseeing tours land in Denali National Park. Considering the current renovation of the park road in Denali National Park, it is worth considering a scenic flight with a landing in the high mountains. However, it is important to remember that Denali flightseeing is a unique experience that allows you to see Denali National Park from a different perspective. Currently, all of the companies mentioned earlier have permission to land within the Denali National Park borders.
Denali Flightseeing - With Glacier Landing or Without?
If your budget allows, definitely take the Denali flightseeing tour with a glacier landing. Landing among high, almost vertical mountain peaks is an unforgettable experience. In our opinion, it is worth paying a little extra.
Talkeeting Air Taxi plane on Pika Glacier
Can You Fly Around Denali?
Yes, you can fly around Denali. Major flightseeing tour operators offer summit tours. If weather conditions are safe and favorable, these tours will circle the summit of Denali. Depending on when the flight takes place, passengers may even be able to spot mountaineers tackling The Great One. Keep in mind that these flights typically require you to wear an oxygen mask for approximately 30 minutes of the flight. There is an age requirement for these flights, and people who participate should be in good health.
What Should You Wear for a Denali Flightseeing Tour?
As always, in Alaska, opt for a few layers. Have a light down jacket, hat, gloves, and also sunglasses. Wear long pants and comfortable shoes. If your flight includes a glacier landing, the company will provide you with special waterproof over boots that you will slip on over your shoes. You can’t carry an extra backpack with you, so make sure that you have spacious pockets.
Is a View of Denali Guaranteed?
No, a view of Denali is not guaranteed. Denali is a mountain that is so tall that the conditions there are difficult or even impossible to predict. Companies can not guarantee that you will see Denali on a particular flight. Even if you can’t see Denali, the surrounding peaks are spectacular.
Mountains of the Alaska Range
What Happens When the Weather Is Bad?
Your safety on the flight is the most important thing. If the weather does not allow for a safe flight, the tour will be canceled, and you will receive a 100% refund. The company may also offer you the option to reschedule if your Alaska Itinerary allows it. If the weather is safe, but the flight cannot be as long as the one in the offer, the company will provide you with the best available solution to reimburse you.
Clouds and light casting shadows on the mountain peaks
Is Denali Flightseeing Safe?
All the companies we work with are well-known for the high quality of their services. In this industry, everyone takes safety very seriously. The pilots are very experienced and responsible. Nevertheless, this is a higher-risk activity, and it is worth considering this before booking. Before each flight, all passengers are required to sign a risk waiver, accepting the risk associated with this type of activity.
Booking a Denali Flightseeing Tour
You can book a Denali flightseeing tour directly on the company’s website. You can also contact us directly, and we will take care of the reservation for you. There are no extra costs for this service. You will pay directly at the Talkeetna Air Taxi office.
Interested in going on a Denali Flightseeing Tour? Contact us!
Blue pools of water on the glacier
