Denali Self-Guided Jeep Adventure
Description
Avoid busses and crowds by taking the wheel of a Jeep Renegade to explore Denali on your terms! It’s part Jeep rental, part personal tour, and 100% fun! You choose your destination, stop when and where you want, and never feel rushed. The Denali region has one of the most majestic landscapes on Earth—Lush valleys carved during the last Ice Age, tremendous mountains that reach for the sky, glacier-fed whitewater rivers, and world-renown wildlife viewing, creating a synergy that captivates and astonishes around every twist of the road!
Tour info
Why take this tour?
Avoid busses and crowds by taking the wheel of a Jeep Renegade to explore Denali on your terms! It’s part Jeep rental, part personal tour, and 100% fun! You choose your destination, stop when and where you want, and never feel rushed. The Denali region has one of the most majestic landscapes on Earth—Lush valleys carved during the last Ice Age, tremendous mountains that reach for the sky, glacier-fed whitewater rivers, and world-renown wildlife viewing, creating a synergy that captivates and astonishes around every twist of the road!
More than just a car rental, this Jeep excursion gives you the ability to get off the beaten path in a rugged vehicle designed for weather-proof safety and comfort. Our late-model GPS-equipped 4x4 Jeep Renegades have 4 doors and can seat up to 5 guests. There are 3 daily departure times, each allowing 4 hours of self-guided adventure.
Nearby to all Denali hotels, our team provides courtesy transportation and will orient you with the vehicle and local area. You will receive a map and souvenir guide book which details the historic roadways, local attractions, and unique points of interest. There are several different routes we can suggest based on your personal interests, but you have the freedom to make your own as well! Our team of experts will share their local knowledge to make sure you make the most of your limited time in Denali!
PRICE: $199 per Jeep plus tax
SEATING: Up to 5 Guests per Jeep
Here are a few popular options:
Denali Park Road:
Instead of the big bus tours, explore the park your way! Take a selfie at the park sign, explore the Denali National Park Visitor Center, tour historic buildings, venture down hiking trails, and visit the park’s own sled dogs at the Denali kennels. Traversing the entire access road to the Savage River affords views of Denali (Mount McKinley) as well as frequent sightings of moose, caribou, bears, and a myriad of other critters. Entrance to the National Park is $15/person, payable upon booking or at the Visitor Center. Expect a 40-mile round trip which allows extra time for exploring the park’s attractions.
The Historic Denali Highway:
Before the “new” highway between Anchorage and Fairbanks was finished in the 1970s, the Denali Highway stretching from Paxson to Cantwell was the only way to reach Denali National Park by road. Still just a seldom-traveled gravel roadway today, it is renowned for picturesque alpine landscapes and untouched wilderness. This scenic byway was recently ranked #2 worldwide as the “Drive of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine. Besides the ability to view Denali (Mount McKinley) from numerous points, travelers will likely see wildlife along the route. Expect an 80-mile round trip.
George Parks National Scenic Byway:
If you elect to venture further south down the George Parks Highway, you will find the community of Cantwell. The historic Cantwell Lodge is home to an annual Bluegrass festival and is a local favorite to enjoy a cool libation. Beyond Cantwell, the elevation of the road rises as it crosses the Alaska Range. Often referred to as the most beautiful place on the Parks Highway, this mostly treeless tundra affords the closest and most stunning views of Denali (Mount McKinley). This is the area where much of the movie “Into the Wild” was filmed. Explore the Jack White River or stretch your legs on the boggy tundra. Keep your camera handy—This is prime habitat for caribou, Dall Sheep, and bears. Expect an 80-mile round trip.
Mining History Route:
Driving north on the George Parks Highway winds you through 10 miles of Nenana River Canyon and across the highway’s highest bridge, known by locals as the Windy Bridge. Around the town of Healy, the region’s mining history emerges. To the east, you’ll see the Usibelli Coal Mine, the only active coal mine in Alaska. Just beyond Healy lies the Stampede Road, a historic mining trail once used to haul out millions of tons of gold and antimony from the Kantishna Hills. This is also the setting for the true-life novel, “Into the Wild.” Venturing 8 miles down the maintained portion of the Stampede Road gains 1000 feet in elevation and allows for a view of Denali (Mount McKinley), Eight Mile Lake, which offers berry picking opportunities, and frequent moose sightings on the open tundra. Round trip length is about 50 miles.
Note:
- These tours are intended to allow guests to experience seldom-visited locations and backcountry byways, but traveling off established roadways is not permitted.
- Drivers must be 25+ years of age and have a valid driver’s license.
- A liability waiver, rental contract, and "full coverage" insurance are required.
- Combining multiple itineraries and/or creating your itinerary is permitted.
- Due to federal regulations by the National Park Service, vehicles on the Denali Park Road itinerary are only permitted to drive the first 15 miles of the National Park Road.
Frequently asked questions
More Experiences
Denali Glacier Landing By Helicopter
Take a journey to the most remote regions of North America in this unparalleled helicopter flight. You'll be treated with an eye-catching landscape as you Soar over to millennia old glaciers and experience the wild beauty of our planet!
Denali ATV Adventure
Experience the beauty of Alaska on a Classic ATV Adventure! This is your chance to explore the backcountry like an Alaskan with stops to take pictures or enjoy the view. With a guide to lead the way, you're have an exciting and unique experience. Don't miss out on this chance to see Alaska as it was meant to be - rough and wild!
Denali ATV Adventure with Backcountry Dining
Looking for an adventure you'll never forget? Join us on a Classic ATV Adventure through the Alaskan wilderness! You'll have control of your own journey, so stop and take pictures whenever you want - this is one landscape you're going to want to remember. With towering mountains and pristine forests, Alaska is a nature lover's dream. With our experienced guides, you'll be able to explore it like never before. So come join us for the ride of a lifetime!
BACKCOUNTRY DINING
While the menu may change daily, here is an example of the delicious meal that awaits you in the backcountry:
BREAKFAST
Home Made Pastries and Muffins
Fresh Cut Fruit and Whole Fruit
Fresh Eggs Made to Order
Buttermilk Pancakes
Grandma’s Biscuits and Gravy
Camp Style Breakfast Potatoes
Alaskan Reindeer Sausage
Thick Cut Ham and Bacon
Assorted Cold Cereal
Mimosa, Fresh Hot Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Ice Cold Water, Orange Juice, and Apple Juice.
LUNCH AND DINNER
Corn Bread Muffins
Mixed Fresh Garden Salad
Homemade Potato Salad
Wrangler’s Cole Slaw
Grilled Fresh Corn on the Cob
House Made Alaskan Bison Chili
Grilled Barbecued Chicken
Grilled Fresh Alaskan Salmon
House Marinated Barbecue Ribs
Fresh Berry Dessert
Fresh Hot Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Ice Cold Water, Orange Juice, Apple Juice, White Wine, Red Wine.
Denali Adventure by Air
Flight around Denali National Take a thrilling and inspiring flight around the highest point in North America. Soar amongst the jagged peaks of the Alaska Range on a stunning 200-mile flight through Denali National Park
Denali Heli-Hiking Adventure
Set off on your adventure at our private helipad where you will fly with one of our experienced pilots along with a naturalist expert of the area with over twenty years of experience in the Denali National Park area.
Draft Horse Drawn Covered Wagon
To get a real sense of old-time Alaska, travel like the original pioneers did-by horse-drawn wagon. Climb onto a covered wagon for an adventure and you’ll be in for a trip through time. While guides fill you in on the area’s history and natural treasurer, you’ll be pulled through the Alaskan tundra with the mountains of nearby Denali National Park hovering overhead. Join us for an exciting, yet relaxing, journey into the wilds of Alaska. Our custom-built Covered Wagon Ride is pulled by two beautiful Draft horses.
Side By Side ATV Adventure
Hop on a Side by Side ATV with a friend and strap in for this exciting backcountry Adventure! This ATV is a two passenger machine and is great for couples or parents with children. The ATV is equipped with seat belts and a windshield.
We will pick you up at your hotel and drive you approximately 10-15 miles (depending on your hotel location) to the North Side of Denali National Park near Otto Lake.
Taste of The Tundra By Helicopter
Enjoy this breathtaking helicopter ride through the peaks and valleys that make up the Alaska Range.
Treasure Hunt ATV Adventure
Take a trip into the wilds of Alaska with your personal private guide. Experience a fantastic adventure back in the wilderness hunting Alaskan treasure!
Tundra Golf
We'll pick you up at one of our scheduled times. Tee times are available all day. The course runs about 3.5 hours but if you want to take your time, no problem. We'll pick you up after and bring you home. All golfing essentials are provided such as round trip transportation to and from your hotel, unlimited greens fee, club rentals, a pull or power, a souvenir Logo Ball, tees, Scorecard, and 6 golf balls to play the course!
Denali Scenic Raft Run
Enjoy a gorgeous tour along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. On the Wilderness Wave Raft Tour, you’ll glide through 11 miles of glacially carved valleys and amazing vistas with panoramic views of Mount Fellows and the Nenana Canyon. Although you’ll encounter the occasional rapid, this option is mellow enough for the whole family. The most scenic portion of the Nenana River gives you thrilling, and enjoyable rafting.
Ultimate Denali Rafting Run
Enjoy the best of both worlds! After experiencing breathtaking views of the Scenic Run section, continue downstream and raft through action-packed rapids on the Canyon Run section, for a total of 22 miles. We recommend this trip for parties of 8 or more who want an all-day adventure.
Canyon Whitewater Raft Run
Hang on! It’s whitewater ahead! On the Canyon Wave Raft Tour, you’ll journey through 11 miles of awesome rapids on the Nenana River with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems, like Mount Healy and Sugarloaf Mountain. Join the team as a Paddle Rafter or play it cool and be an Oar Boat Rider — whatever floats your boat. Get into real whitewater rafting as you hang on through thrilling rapids such as “Razorback”, “Coffee Grinder”, and “Ice Worm”!
Denali Area Accommodations
Discover the beauty of Alaska's wilderness at our curated hotel collection near Denali National Park and Healy, Alaska. With breathtaking views and easy access to the park's iconic attractions, our hotel partners offer the perfect base for your Alaskan adventure.
Find spacious rooms designed for comfort and convenience, modern amenities, and stunning mountain views in select rooms. Start each day with a delicious breakfast before setting out to explore the park's untamed wilderness. Hike along scenic trails, catch a glimpse of wildlife, and experience the thrill of river rafting and flightseeing tours.
After a day of outdoor adventure, return to your area hotel to relax in the comfort of your room. Our friendly staff is always on hand to help with recommendations for local restaurants and attractions to help make the most of your time in the Denali area.
Book your stay at a hotel or cabin near Denali National Park today and experience the ultimate Alaska vacation. With unbeatable rates and a prime location, our hotels are the perfect choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Anchorage Area Accommodations
Discover the Ultimate Alaska Adventure at one of Anchorage's Premier Hotels!
Nestled in the heart of Alaska, Anchorage offers breathtaking natural beauty and endless outdoor activities for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, our hotels in Anchorage provide the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and affordability.
Our hotel collection features spacious rooms equipped with all the modern amenities you need for a relaxing stay.
When you're ready to explore, you'll find plenty to see and do in Anchorage. Hike through Chugach State Park, witness the majesty of the Northern Lights, or go dog sledding through the Alaskan wilderness. And with the convenient location of our Anchorage hotels, you'll be just a short drive or walk away from all the best attractions and activities in the area.
So why wait? Book your room at one of Anchorage's premier hotels today and experience the adventure of a lifetime! With unbeatable prices, exceptional service, and a prime location, our hotels are the perfect choice for your next trip to Alaska. Contact us now to reserve your room and start your Alaskan adventure!
Wilderness Jet Boat Adventure
Behold the splendor of Denali and the great Alaska Range from a spectacular vantage point on the Susitna River in a jet boat! The folklore, artifacts, and panoramic views make this unique 20-mile Alaska river adventure unforgettable.
Talkeetna Canyon Jet Boat Adventure
Explore different rivers on this 3.5-hour, ~50-mile jet boat adventure, which features the Chulitna River Gorge and a unique braided river – one of few such extensive systems in the world! Travel in the comfort of our fully enclosed jet boats. This tour is an extension of our 2-hour wilderness excursion including a ¼-mile nature stroll to an authentic trapper’s cabin and Dena’ina Indian encampment.
Arctic Dragonfly Inn - Accommodation
Alaskan Family Owned and Operated
Private Hotel Style Cabins just steps from adventure. Located just 13 miles north of the Denali National Park entrance in Healy.
Luxurious bedding with with Serta iComfort beds.
Fully equipped apartment-style kitchens.
Beautiful Bathrooms with stand-up showers and full amenities.
The rooms have a lot of space and are located in the Healy town proper close to The Alaskan Coffee Bean, Grocery Store, Post Office, Community Center and three gas stations.
Don't settle for rugged or crowded accommodations. Stay in Denali like a local with a private cabin.
FORGET ME NOT CABIN
The Forget Me Not Cabin is light and spacious with blue and purple touches and two Serta iComfort Queen beds. We provide down comforters for all the beds. This is a wonderfully clean and modern space with a fan for the warmer days and heater for the cooler and wet days. We have black out shades to block that Midnight Sun while sleeping. Wifi is available. Full bathroom with beautiful touch and amenities. We also provide an outdoor grill and picnic table for your enjoyment.
PRICKLY ROSE CABIN
The Prickly Rose Cabin is light and spacious with pink touches and One Serta iComfort Queen bed, one twin bed and a sleeper sofa. We provide down comforters for all the beds. This is a wonderfully clean and modern space with a fan for the warmer days and a heater for the cool and wet days. We have black out shades to block that Midnight Sun while sleeping. Wifi is available. Full bathroom with beautiful touch and amenities. We also provide an outdoor grill and picnic table for your enjoyment.
Denali Aurora Quest
Search the skies for the Northern Lights on a guided 3-hour tour in the Denali area. The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomenons, and Alaska is one of the best places in the world for viewing.
Arctic Circle Air Adventure From Denali
Travel north from Denali and wonder at the story of the vast and remote land below. Witness remnants of the gold mining that continues nearly 100 years after the yellow metal first brought newcomers rushing north.
Denali Backcountry Safari
You and a small group of fellow adventurers will ride aboard a rugged 6-wheel drive army truck on a spectacular off-road journey into Denali’s backcountry. Your adventure begins near the entrance to Denali National Park where you meet your driver-guide and head deep into the Alaskan bush.
Arctic Circle Adventure From Fairbanks
Fly north from Healy and wonder at the story of the vast and remote land below... the traditional peoples that continue to sustain their lifestyles and cultures in the expansive Yukon River Valley as they have for thousands of years... the gold mining activity that continues nearly 100 years after the yellow metal first brought newcomers rushing north... the Trans Alaska Pipeline symbolizing the immense changes brought to Alaska's Arctic by the discovery of oil just over 30 years ago.
Ultimate Alaska Flightseeing Tour
This is the only flight tour we offer from October 1st – April 30th. This winter tour explores the Southside of the Alaska Range.
Your pilot will be your guide and customize your tour based on weather conditions for the day.
Denali Air Adventure From Fairbanks
-Fly south from Fairbanks and wonder at the vast and remote land below.
-Experience the majestic Alaska Mountain Range.
-Thrill at the excitement of witnessing firsthand Denali, North America's tallest mountain, by air.
-Departs 12:00 pm; returns between 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm
-Tour Schedule (winter season): October - April. Minimum total of 4 required for a departure.
Alaska Glacier Flightseeing Tour
A robust introduction to Denali and the Alaska Range. Follow the river systems of Talkeetna across the Susitna Valley into an incredible landscape of icefalls, glaciers, and snowy peaks.
See the Great Gorge of the Ruth Glacier, mile-high granite walls filled with a 4,000-foot thick river of ice, and the deepest canyon in North America
View the Don Sheldon amphitheater
Stunning snow-capped peaks
Intense blue meltwater pools
Cascading icefalls
Scenic Highlights: Denali, Great Gorge of Ruth Glacier, Don Sheldon Amphitheater.
Child rate valid for children under age 10.
Offered year-round. After September 15th, there is a 2 passenger minimum.
*There is an 8% tax on this flightseeing tour.
Historic Denali Guided Adventure
Experience the wilderness and wildlife along the rugged route. Guides will ensure opportunities to view the area's best landmarks & introduce you to authentic Alaska activities!
Devil's Canyon Jet Boat Adventure
Experience the unforgettable beauty of this vast and remote wilderness on this 5-hour river adventure. A 130-mile round trip river excursion through Denali State Park and into the nationally registered Wild River Park of “Devil’s Gorge” will offer a safe, dry and comfortable way to experience whitewater and you can venture where only few have gone.