Denali National Park spans over six million acres, enclosing and protecting one of the world’s last great frontiers. The rugged terrain changes throughout the park, from primordial forests dense with soaring pines to stark tundra scattered with shrubs and saw-toothed mountains chiseled by glaciers. Denali wildlife covers a variety of species, as well. Grizzlies, caribou and curve-horned sheep walk the grounds, while gyrfalcons and golden eagles claim the cloud-filled skies.

Even though the park is hundreds of miles north of Anchorage, Denali is accessible to cruise passengers. Most cruise lines offer land-and-sea packages or pre- or post-cruise tours, making it an easy bucket-list item to check off. These tours often include luxurious wilderness lodges and locally-inspired culinary delights, making your time here truly immersive and authentic. If you are fortunate enough to venture to Denali, here are the top six activities to add to your list.

FLIGHT-SEEING

Helicopter flight-seeing over Denali’s changing terrain — from birch forests to Mt. Denali’s Muldrow Glacier — gives you a bird’s-eye view of its rare and virtually intact wilderness treasures, as well as the trails forged by early frontiersmen. We can point you to tours that include touching down for a glacier walk or an unforgettable hike in a wildflower-filled alpine valley. 

THEMED TOURS

For history and nature buffs, themed tours will take you deep into the heart of Denali. They explore the natural history of the land, including its thriving flora and fauna, as well as archeological findings dating to the Ice Age. Other tours examine the wildlife and indigenous vegetation, or you can explore Athabascan villages and frontier settlements on your way to the well-carved mines that lured prospectors during the gold rush.

HUSKY HOMESTEAD

Due to Denali’s wonderful lack of 8-lane superhighways, bushy-tailed dogs are the park’s prime means of transportation. During your time here, you can see teams of exuberant dogs pulling sleds, learn how they mushed through frigid terrain for pioneer survival and possibly meet a champion of the famed Iditarod dogsled race.

RIVER ADVENTURES

All the melting snow of Mount Denali has to go somewhere, and that somewhere is the Nenana River. Take a wild water adventure into the river’s pristine environment as it meanders through this winding glacial valley. Guided expeditions run from tranquil kayaking in calm waters to white-water rafting for all adventure levels.