A Denali helicopter tour is a transformative experience that brings you closer to the earth and its natural forces.
Denali is also called Mount McKinley and is the highest peak in North America.
These tours surpass the realm of ordinary adventures and allow the experience of being on a mountaintop without physically climbing it.
This article will explain everything you need to know before booking the Denali helicopter tours in Alaska.
Table of contents
Cost of helicopter tours in Denali
The cheapest helicopter ride in Denali will cost approximately US$529 per person.
It is also the most popular helicopter tour of Denali.
At the higher end is the Denali Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing, the tickets of which can go up to US$650 per person.
Prices of helicopter rides in Denali depend on many factors. For instance:
- Airtime
- Off or peak season
- If the helicopter ride is part of a combo tour. For example, a helicopter tour with hiking activity
If you want a cost-efficient tour, then look no further than the Denali National Park Helicopter and Hike Adventure.
Helicopter rides can be a costly affair.
So, it is important to know the tour costs in advance to plan your trip and factor it in with other considerations.
But there is no doubt that a Denali helicopter tour is nothing short of a ride through heaven.
Best Denali helicopter tours
Below, we have curated a list of some of the best helicopter tours in the city, which also happen to provide the most value for your money.
Backcountry Photo Excursion by Helicopter
Prepare for an out-of-body experience as you take this 4-hour guided helicopter tour over the grand Alaskan range, including Denali and Mt. Deborah.
With a landing on a tundra, you can breathe the mountain air and immerse yourself in the experience all over.
You can also hike up the ridgeline if you wish to do so.
While you are at it, spot native wildlife and observe the lavish ecosystem.
Timings: 10.35 am
Cost of the tour (13+ year): US$650 per person
Grand Denali Flight with Optional Glacier Landing offers air adventure in an air taxi with guaranteed window seats.
Denali National Park Helicopter and Hike Adventure
Make the most of Alaskan beauty by witnessing it both from a helicopter and on foot on this 5-hour tour.
Take in the awe-inspiring views of tundra and alpine scenery rolling by from a helicopter.
Touch down for a guided and tailor-made trek across the remote areas of the Alaskan backcountry.
Learn more about the flora and fauna of the region and gain a newfound appreciation for nature’s wonders.
Timings: 7.40 am and 10.35 am
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$529 per person
Explore Little Switzerland, the mighty Kahiltna Glacier, Ruth Glacier, and the Great Gorge on the Denali Flyer Flight Tour with Glacier Landing.
Denali Helicopter Flight with Glacier Landing
Experience the thrill of true wilderness in Denali as you fly over it in a helicopter.
En route to the majestic mountains, you will get 360° views of the Alaskan landscape in all its glory.
Make a landing at the massive Yanert Glacier for photo ops, walking around, or spot local wildlife species below, including caribou, moose, bear, and Dall sheep, with ample time at your disposal.
Duration: 135 minutes
Timings: Between 8 am and 5.45 pm
Cost of the tour (2+ years): US$603 per person
For an air tour focusing majorly over the southside of Denali, check out the Denali Southside Explorer Scenic Air Tour.
What to expect on a Denali heli tour
Timings of the tour
Helicopter tours of Denali are operational throughout the week.
The first batch of these tours can take off as early as 7.40 am and continue in slots until 5.45 pm.
While most of the tours operate daily, they may get affected by the weather conditions.
Most tour operators prefer their participants reach the meeting point 30 minutes before the aircraft’s departure.
Departure point
Hotel transfer facility is available for Denali helicopter tours.
Alternatively, you can also head directly to the meeting point.
Address: TEMSCO Helicopters Inc., 1 Glacier Way, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK 99755, USA. Get directions.
Note: You will receive a message from a dedicated representative once you complete your booking informing you about your specific pickup time.
The tour ends back at the meeting point.
Please be at the pickup location 10 minutes before the arranged pickup time.
There are multiple take-offs daily, so book early to get your preferred time slot.
Restrictions strictly followed
Weight limits apply for safe and comfortable helicopter tours in Denali, Alaska. Total weight per passenger must not exceed 250 lbs (113 kilograms).
Participants over the weight limit must pay the surcharge fee added to the ticket price, which will allocate the guest an additional half seat in the aircraft.
A minimum of two and a maximum of four passengers are required on these tours, failing which, it will be canceled.
Infants and children are allowed onboard, but infants must sit on the caregiver’s lap throughout the flight.
Tours are not wheelchair accessible.
We advise you to wear weather-appropriate clothing on these tours.
A valid passport is required.
No pets are allowed onboard except service animals.
Check in at least 30 minutes early.
Flight times are approximate based on winds, weights, and conditions.
Seating arrangements may often be in the hands of the tour organizers for a safe and stable flight.
Exclusions of the air tour
Denali helicopter tours do not include food and drinks unless stated otherwise.
Souvenir photos, comfort surcharge, and personal expenses are excluded from your ticket.
Your ticket price is also not inclusive of gratuities.
Is Denali worth visiting?
The resounding answer is yes!
Denali is the highest peak in North America at 20,310 feet (6,190 m) above sea level.
A haven for serenity and solitude, it has an environment largely untouched by human development.
The Denali National Park and Preserve, spread over 6 million acres of wilderness, shelters a diverse ecosystem.
The park is home to wildlife, pristine rivers, verdant valleys, and massive glaciers.
For thrill-seekers, the mountains host activities like river rafting, dog sledding, and aerial tours.
You can witness the magnificence of native animals like grizzly bears, Dall sheep, gray wolves, and caribou in their natural habitat.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before your tour date.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, a 100% percent cancellation fee is applicable.
No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the experience’s start time.
Helicopter tours require good weather.
If the tour is canceled due to poor weather or non-fulfillment of the minimum number of passengers, you may be offered a different date or a full refund.
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# Alaska glacier heli-hike tours
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