With so much to experience in Denali National Park (big views and big wildlife top the list) the area's rich cultural history is often eclipsed. This guided bus tour into the park shines the spotlight on the human story of Alaska's most popular destination.
Shining the spotlight on the human story of Denali.
After picking up guests from area hotels and stopping at the Denali Bus Depot for a short film, this excursion heads onto the Park Road. The next stop comes just a few miles into the park. At the Savage Cabin, guests enjoy a living history presentation by the National Park Service about the many colorful past inhabitants of the rustic shelter. As the tour group heads back on the bus, the driver/guide continues the narrative, weaving in details of the local flora, fauna, and terrain. Although not the focus, the tour does make stops for wildlife sightings.
Guests enjoy a scenic break at the Teklanika River Rest Area before proceeding on to Primrose Ridge for a presentation about the area's native heritage. The name Denali, which roughly translates to "High One," was given to the mountain by Koyukon Athabascans. The presenter describes how they and other indigenous peoples made use of the land for more than 10,000 years. The Denali Natural History Tour winds down with a scenic return drive along the Park Road.
More Details
The Natural History Tour is a fully-narrated bus trip with a naturalist guide/driver. Seats aboard the retrofitted school bus are first-come, first-serve. The tour runs about 4.5 to 5 hours.
What to Bring
Bottled water is provided, but passengers should bring snacks as there are no concessions available in the park. Bring all gear necessary to comfortably enjoy the Alaskan outdoors, including a rain jacket and pants, 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 an appropriate car seat on the bus. A paid ticket is required for all children and infants. Wheelchair accessible buses are available upon request when the reservation is made in advance.
Transfers & Meeting Points
Denali Natural History Tours pick up passengers at many Denali Park area hotels and the Denali Bus Depot. Morning tours generally depart between 4:30 AM and 11:50 AM, while afternoon tours typically depart between 12:10 PM and 4:50 PM. Your specific departure time, location, and bus number will be assigned by the tour operator 48 hours prior to your tour date.
Denali Bus Depot Park Rd, Mile 1 Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755
Rates & Dates
Here are the rates and operating dates for this product. Remember, we have a lowest price guarantee for nearly everything we sell.
Child rates apply to children under the age of 16.
Rates & Dates
Dates
Adult
Child
5/14/25 (W) to 9/18/25 (Th)5/14/25 (W) to 9/18/25 (Th)
Adult: $146.00
Child: $64.00
The rates above are subject to change without notice.
Departure Times
Departure times and locations are listed below. Click on a link for an interactive map.
The departure time listed below is NOT your actual departure time. Your official tour departure time will be assigned by the tour operator 48 hours prior to your tour. Morning tours generally depart between 4:30 AM and 11:50 AM, while afternoon tours typically depart between 12:10 PM and 4:50 PM.
Select a departure below to see current availability. If your desired date is sold out (red) we will do our best to find an alternative, but we may not be able to accommodate your request.
