Denali Backcountry Adventure
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 168 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Denali Backcountry Adventure worth booking?
Denali Backcountry Adventure is a 12-hour experience in Denali National Park, United States, from $356 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 168 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (168)
- Duration
- 12 hours
- From
- $356 per person
The Outty verdict
It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Denali National Park, with an Outty Ranking of 62. At $356 it sits above the typical similar option ($178), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Prices and availability checked
Explore Alaska at its most rugged and remarkable aboard the Denali Backcountry Adventure. Set to reopen in 2027, Denali Park Road stretches 92 miles into legendary Denali National Park. Our expert-led bus tour is the best way to experience this one-of-a-kind route for yourself. Join us for untamed northern landscapes, iconic wildlife sightings and the chance to see North America’s tallest mountain up close.
What you get
About this experience
Explore Alaska at its most rugged and remarkable aboard the Denali Backcountry Adventure. Set to reopen in 2027, Denali Park Road stretches 92 miles into legendary Denali National Park. Our expert-led bus tour is the best way to experience this one-of-a-kind route for yourself. Join us for untamed northern landscapes, iconic wildlife sightings and the chance to see North America’s tallest mountain up close.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- Driver/guide
- Snacks
- Live commentary on board
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Denali National Park and Preserve
Travel the entire Denali Park Road Exploring the vast Denali National Park Narration from our local expert driver-guides Countless wildlife spotting opportunities Hearty lunch in Kantishna included
720 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Denali National Park
Pick-up and drop-off location is Denali Cabins Meet in the front parking lot. Complimentary parking available. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior. Estimated Departure Time is 6 am from the Denali Cabins. *Will pick up from select Denali Hotels upon request, advance notice required.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Pick-up and drop-off location is Denali Cabins Meet in the front parking lot. Complimentary parking available. Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior. Estimated Departure Time is 6 am from the Denali Cabins. *Will pick up from select Denali Hotels upon request, advance notice required.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Alaska Collection
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Children under 2 years old are not permitted on this tour
- Though permitted, this tour it not recommended for children between the ages of 2-5 years old
- *Can pickup at select Denali Hotels. Must be arranged prior to tour. Call 1-866-731-5030 or 1-907-777-2800 to schedule pickup
- *If pickup is not at Denali Cabins, please look for a Denali Backcountry Representative on the morning of departure to transport you to the tour starting point
- PICK-UP TIMES (by request only): 6:15 - 7:00 am at Denali Grizzly Bear ; Denali Park Village
- PICK-UP TIMES (by request only): 7:00 - 7:30 am at Grande Denali Lodge; Denali Bluffs Hotel
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 168 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
168 verified traveler reviews for Denali Backcountry Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Increased My Happiness Factor
Tours into Denali National Park had to be canceled due to the Pretty Rocks landslide closing the road inside the park. Talk to Mother Nature about that one. This tour was made available as an alternative and was way better than no tour at all. The bus driver was personable, patiently stopped along the way, and pointed out scenery. We saw swan and two moose. The ride was long, but the Alpine Creek Lodge was a treat! We enjoyed barbecue sandwiches, chips, and drinks. We panned for gold and two young boys were so anxious to show us how and help us. What a friendly family. We saw gorgeous mountains and wildflowers. We hiked and I bought the warmest mittens I have ever owned. They are adorable! Made from wool, the sweater mittens from Always Stitchen have a fun design on them and I have showed them to SOO many people here at home in Utah. (I grew up in Idaho and know about cold.) Without the tour I would never have purchased these great mittens--and with my cold hands that would have been a tragedy. They were the best Alaska souvenir I bought!
via Tripadvisor
Bait and Switch
We were there on August 17,2022. We were loaded in the bus and pulling away to begin our Denali Backcountry Adventure when our driver/ tour guide informed us that we would not be going into the park because of some road construction the park was limiting the number of tours and the other tour company got all the open slots. Instead we went down the the Denali highway a gravel road that we could have driven ourselves. The destination was the Alpine Inn which was ok but It was not what we paid for. $400 is a lot of money to ride in an old bus on a bumpy gravel road to have a cheeseburger lunch at a small family run inn in the middle of no where. The tour guide was pleasant and as informative as possible under the circumstances . It was very disappointing to see no wildlife or get the experience of being in the actual park....false advertising as far as I'm concerned And definitely not worth $199 each..
via Viator
Road trip to hell
This was a terrible trip. Many hours in a bus bumping along a deeply rutted road. If anyone had had back or neck problems, it would have been unbearable. The driver had jokingly stated that the road would be "bumpy"; that doesn't even begin to describe it. Driver gave very little information compared to Park Service guides, probably because she was trying to avoid potholes! The Lodge had advertised a hot lunch. Was a BLT with broken chips. My fellow travelers who ordered a hot beef said it was cold and had a few chips, also. Lodge was cold, gift shop very over-priced as were dessert options. Owner walked around chain-smoking. Once on board the bus there was no way to cut the trip short. An entire day of my vacation not just wasted but very uncomfortable.
Response from the operator: 120barbh, Sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy the trip and that it did not meet your expectations. Our goal is to communicate the tour as clearly as possible, so guests can decide whether or not this experience is something for them or not; apparently we didn't do that successfully with you. Please feel free to reach out to our team and provide additional feedback on how you booked the tour, and we can find a resolution to your feedback you provided. Best number to call is: 907-777-2808.
via Tripadvisor
The Denali Highway is NOT in Denali National Park!
I wish I had read the multiple negative reviews before booking this tour. Viator and any other touring companies should post a clear, in bold capital letters disclaimer: "THIS TOUR DOES NOT GO TO DENALI NATIONAL PARK", or "THE DENALI HIGHWAY DOES NOT GO THROUGH DENALI NATIONAL PARK". Thanks to the deceptive practices of Viator I didn't get to visit Denali National Park! I had ONLY ONE full day in the area, and it was lost in this horrible boring tour, in a schoolbus, on a pothole-poked dirt road, for 10+ hours. Some other people at my hotel were with me waiting for the bus, and at departure time suddenly they were not there anymore. When I asked the driver what happened to them, she just said "they changed their minds". I wish she had been honest and told me that they changed their mind because they found out in time that they were NOT going into the park!!! You don't go so far away to Denali to NOT visit Denali National Park! All the other passengers in the bus were as upset as I was. Shame on Viator!
Response from the operator: Giely, We are sorry to hear that Viator did not pass on the correct information for this tour. We have worked with and provided all of the correct information with all 3rd party vendors selling our tour, and with local hotels and tour agents, including Viator. Although you didn't know the tour did not go in DNP, we know that are drivers and tour representatives are stating that each day. We certainly don't want there to be any confusion or disappointment in regards to the tour, as we would prefer everyone to enjoy the tour they booked. We will continue to work with everyone to ensure guests are aware of what they are booking, and as normal, its always best to book directly with our team so you have an experienced crew that conveys the proper information.
via Tripadvisor
Don’t do it!
After we booked this, we learned it was on the Denali Highway. We didn’t want to ride for 10 hours on a gravel road so we cancelled and ate the fee. Still was worth it not to go! We knew the road doesn’t go to Denali but the NP booking rep said it went “along” Denali which isn’t accurate. By the way, it’s not a scenic drive either.
Response from the operator: NorthShoreGal826, We are sorry to hear that your booking rep did not provide the proper booking information for the tour. If you have your booking details feel free to reach out to us and we would be happy to try and investigate why the NP booking rep provided incorrect information. Also, I'm not sure how you can provide feedback on a tour that you never participated in? Your feedback isn't accurate so it's not helpful for future travelers here in Denali. If you drive into Denali Park or along the Denali Highway, both roads are gravel, and travel through very scenic locations along the Alaska Range in central Alaska. You can call us at: 907-777-2808
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 12 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 59
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by The Alaska Collection, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.2.
See everything The Alaska Collection runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Denali Backcountry Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Denali National Park.
How does Denali Backcountry Adventure compare to similar tours in Denali National Park?
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It ranks #7 of the 7 similar experiences we compared in Denali National Park, with an Outty Ranking of 62. At $356 it sits above the typical similar option ($178), so book it for what is included rather than price. Best for families and travelers who want a full-day outing.
Who is Denali Backcountry Adventure best for?
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It suits families and travelers who want a full-day outing best, based on its 12-hour length, all-ages access and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Is Denali Backcountry Adventure good value?
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It is a premium pick. It starts at $356, above the $178 typical for similar experiences in Denali National Park.
How much does Denali Backcountry Adventure cost?
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Prices start at $356 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Denali National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Denali Backcountry Adventure take?
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Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Denali National Park is not rushed.
Is Denali Backcountry Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 168 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Denali National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Denali Backcountry Adventure?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Denali Backcountry Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Denali Backcountry Adventure?
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Around 59 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Denali National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Denali National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Denali Backcountry Adventure start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Denali National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Denali National Park?
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Denali runs park road bus safaris deep into the wilderness, flightseeing over the summit with glacier landings, rafting the Nenana River, sled dog kennel visits and guided tundra hikes. On Outty we rank every Denali National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Denali Rafting Canyon Wave, Denali Rafting Wilderness Wave, Denali Peak Sightseeing by Plane. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Denali National Park?
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June to early September, the only window the park road is open. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Denali National Park?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Denali Backcountry Adventure?
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Included: Bottled water; Lunch; Driver/guide; Snacks; and Live commentary on board. Not included: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Denali Backcountry Adventure include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 8 listed pickup locations in and around Denali National Park.
What languages is Denali Backcountry Adventure offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Denali Backcountry Adventure?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Denali Backcountry Adventure wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Denali Backcountry Adventure if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Denali National Park. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Denali Backcountry Adventure?
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Across 168 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, photo opportunities. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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