With just one gravel road amidst Denali National Park's six-million acres, guided bus tours are the very best way for most visitors to see this beautiful place. We've got all the details on how it works.

Park Tours

There are two park tours operating in the summer of 2025:

  • Denali Natural History Tour - Travels 25 miles to the Teklanika Flats. Fully guided with a focus on the natural and human history of the park. Tour is approximately 4.5-5 hours long.
  • Tundra Wilderness Tour - Travels 43 miles to the Murie Cabin at East Fork River. Fully guided with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Tour is approximately 5-5.5 hours.

Both tour rates include a $15 NPS entrance fee. Holders of a Golden Age Pass will need to go to the Denali Bus Depot in person to receive a refund of their park fee.

Tour Times and Pickup

When you book a park tour you have the option to choose a morning or afternoon departure (on your Alaska Tour & Travel confirmation documents, this is noted as AM or PM). Specific departure times are assigned by the tour operator 48 hours prior to your tour, but generally:

  • Morning Tours - Generally depart between 4:30 AM and 11:50 AM.
  • Afternoon Tours - Generally depart between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

If you booked your tour through us, you will receive an email from our team with login credentials to find your specific departure time, location, and bus number. Expect this email 5 to 7 days before your tour date. Important advice: Double check your departure information the night before your tour as there can sometimes be changes!

What to Wear/Bring

Weather will change through the day and as you go farther into the park. Dress in layers and comfortable walking shoes. In a small day pack bring a warm coat and rain jacket, binoculars, a camera with extra battery and memory card, water, and snacks (more on food below). If you're visiting with kiddos under the age of eight or weighing less than 65 pounds, you must provide a car seat or booster seat.

What to Expect On Your Tour

Here's what to expect on your tour:

  • Tour Bus - Tours are operated on modified school buses. Tan colored buses run tours. Green buses, also known as camper or transit buses, run non-narrated trips into the park for hikers and campers.
  • Pickup - Pickup time is departure time! Arrive 20 minutes early for your assigned pickup time. Depending on where you're staying, there may be a few more pickups before you head into the park.
  • Seating - Seating is first-come, first-served. There is no "better" side of the bus to sit on: Since tours are out-and-back, you'll have the chance to see it all no matter what seat you claim. Kiddos under age 8 and below 65 pounds will need to be in an appropriate car seat on the bus. Check the Alaska car seat requirements here.
  • Guide - Tours are narrated by experienced naturalist driver-guides, many of whom have worked in the park for years. They'll narrate over a loudspeaker system so that all guests can hear. Keep your eyes peeled for grizzlies, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, foxes, and maybe even wolves as you go, and be sure to call out any animals you spot.
  • Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible buses are available but must be requested in advance. Visitors who can walk up and down bus stairs but need assistance walking longer distances may use courtesy wheelchairs at all stops in the park.
  • Bathroom Breaks - Bathroom stops occur approximately every 60-90 minutes. Facilities in the park are basic vault toilets.
  • Snacks and Drinks - On the Denali Natural History Tour, only water is provided. Guests on the Tundra Wilderness Tour receive a snack box that usually includes a beef stick, chips, cookies, trail mix, and a small bottle of water. There are no concessions or water fountains available in the park, so be sure to bring any other snack or water that you think you may want.

And, most important...

  • Absolutely Gorgeous Landscapes - Spotting wildlife is always the highlight of a Denali Park bus tour, but prepare to be wowed by the vast, ever changing scenery throughout your tour. Alaska at its best!

More Like This: Denali Park Hikes for Every Visitor

At Alaska Tour & Travel, we specialize in building custom trips for every timeline, personality, and budget. If you'd like to have an Alaskan plan your Alaska trip, give us a call at 800-208-0200.

Posted in: Alaska Parks, Local Advice

Read More Posts >