Tour Update: Due to an ongoing landslide, the National Park Service will only open the Park Road to mile 43 in 2022. It is still being determined how this tour will operate. New reservations are not currently available. Please check the Park Road Updates page for alternatives and additional park information.
Overview
Guided by a certified naturalist, the Denali Backcountry Adventure bus tour drives into Denali National Park in the early morning. The trip covers all 92 miles of the Park Road. It winds through high tundra, across vast glacial washes, and along the bases of Igloo, Cathedral, and Polychrome mountains.
Best chance to see the park's wild residents.
Along the way, the tour guide tells stories of the park's history and its many wild animals. Together, the group spots those shaggy grizzly bears, gracefully loping caribou, Dall sheep, and even illusive wolves along the long and winding road. The bus frequently pauses for photo opportunities of the park's wild residents and, when the weather is right, spectacular Denali itself. Guests also enjoy three scheduled rest breaks at Teklanika, Toklat, and the Eielson Visitor Center.
Halfway through the full-day tour, the bus reaches the end of the road. Lunch is served at the remote Denali Backcountry Lodge. The meal consists of a sandwich, house made soup, and salad. Before and after lunch, guests can take part in a gold panning demonstration or stretch their legs on a guided nature walk before their return trip by bus to the park entrance.
Guests looking for a much different (and shorter) return route can combine their bus tour in with a Denali flightseeing tour out.
More Details
The Denali Backcountry Bus Tour is a fully-narrated bus trip with a certified naturalist guide/driver. Seating aboard the comfortably modified school bus with large sliding windows is first-come, first-served.
What to Bring
Lunch, snacks, and bottled water are provided, but passengers should bring any additional food they'd like as there are no concessions available in the park. Bring all gear necessary to comfortably enjoy the Alaskan outdoors, including a rain jacket, warm layers, and insect repellant. Don't forget a camera and binoculars.
Special Instructions
Alaska State Law requires children under age 8 and below 65 pounds to be in a car seat on the bus. A paid ticket is required for all children and infants.
Transfers & Meeting Points
The Denali Backcountry Adventure tour picks up from many Denali park area hotels when requested in advance.
Rates & Dates
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
There is no child rate for this service.
| Dates |
Adult |
Child |
| 6/5/22 (Su) to 9/15/22 (Th)6/5/22 (Su) to 9/15/22 (Th) |
Adult: $199.00 |
Child: $199.00 |
| The rates above do not include taxes/fees of $22.50 and are subject to change without notice. |
