Visiting Denali National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. With six million acres of wild land and the tallest peak in North America, the scale can be overwhelming. While the park itself is the draw, the surrounding community offers world-class ways to see the wilderness.
If you are planning your 2026 Alaskan adventure, here are the absolute best experiences in the Denali and Cantwell area.
1. The Deep Dive: The Tundra Wilderness Bus Tour
Since private vehicles aren’t allowed past Mile 15 of the Park Road, the transit buses are your golden ticket into the heart of the park.
- The Experience: These are narrated tours focused on “The Big Five”: Grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, and wolves. Guests continually rave about their experiences on the Bus Tour.
2. Hiking the Alaska Range: From Groomed Trails to Backcountry
Hiking is the best way to feel the scale of the North. Denali offers different options for hiking:
- The Frontcountry: Near the Park Entrance, you’ll find well-maintained trails . Right near the Visitor’s Center you will find short and accessible hikes with informative signs. For those with more time, the Triple Lakes Trail stretches 9 miles. My personal favorite is the Savage River Loop which requires driving or taking a bus 15 miles into the park. Finally, the Mount Healy Overlook is steep with breathtaking views of the valley.
- Pro Tip: Remember that much of Denali is “trail-less.” If you venture off the main paths, be sure to have a map, bear spray, and a solid understanding of backcountry safety.
3. The Aerial Perspective: Denali Flightseeing
There is no better way to comprehend the sheer size of “The High One” (Denali) than from the cockpit of a bush plane or helicopter.
- The Experience: You’ll soar over jagged granite peaks and sprawling glaciers. If the weather is clear, you’ll get a face-to-face view of the 20,310-foot summit.
- Pro Tip: Look for “Glacier Landing” options—standing on the ice in the middle of the Alaska Range is a life-changing moment.
4. The “Must-Do” Cultural Experience: DogGoneIt Tours
The true spirit of Alaska is found in the bond between humans and sled dogs. Located just south of Denali National Park, DogGoneIt Tours offers an intimate, award-winning dog sled tours and a look at the life of an Iditarod kennel.
- Why it’s a Top Pick: It’s personal. You are welcomed into a working racing kennel. You’ll meet elite athletes like Carhartt and Whiplash, hear raw stories from the trail, and spend time with our newest puppies.
- The Vibe: Authentic, educational, and heartwarming. It’s the perfect counterpoint to a day spent on a bus.
5. The Adrenaline Rush: Whitewater Rafting on the Nenana River
The Nenana River forms the eastern boundary of the park, and its glacial waters offer some of the best rafting in the state.
- The Experience: Choose between the “Canyon” run (exciting Class III and IV rapids) or the “Wilderness Run” (a gentle float perfect for photography and wildlife spotting).
How to Build Your Perfect Denali Itinerary
To get the most out of your trip, we recommend a “balanced” approach:
- Day 1: Arrive in Denali by train. Make the most of the midnight sun. In the evening, visit DogGoneIt Tours. The sled dog tour is the perfect way to wind down, hear incredible stories, and get those “puppy snuggles” that make for the best vacation photos.
- Day 2: The Big Landscapes. Take the Tundra Wilderness Bus early in the morning to see the wildlife and the heart of the park. In the afternoon, take to the skies with a Flightseeing tour or brave the Rafting rapids at the Savage River loop or Mount Healy.
- Day 3: The Heart of Alaska. Start your morning with a Hike or visit to the Visitor’s Center before heading to your next Alaskan destination.
Pro Traveler Tip for 2026: The Denali area is busiest in July and August. Make your reservations early before tours fill up.
Book your DogGoneIt Experience today and meet the athletes of the North!