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Heli Hiking in Denali National Park

Add on a thrilling helicopter adventure over the peaks and valleys of the Alaska Range, starting from Chelatna Lake. Lift off from our lodge after breakfast, and within moments, you’ll be immersed in the Denali wilderness. Distinguishing itself from traditional helicopter tours, our skilled pilot will land you on terrain outside of the park before hiking into it. Be on the lookout for grizzly bears, moose, lynx, and dozens of other mammals. Perhaps, you’ll even catch a glimpse of Denali, North America’s towering peak, or Mt. Deborah, its impressive eastern counterpart. 

Capture stunning photos, take a refreshing dip in a pristine mountain lake, and savor what might be the most scenic lunch of your lifetime. The adventure wraps up with a brief yet extraordinary flight back to the lodge. Visit the Start Your Adventure page to learn more about pricing. 

The Helicopter Advantage

Our helicopter trips cater to all ages, mobility levels, and guest preferences, allowing us to tailor the experience to meet your exploration goals. Unlike plane flightseeing, helicopter hiking provides more window space and a unique opportunity to visit unreachable parts of the park, allowing you to get out and truly explore the region. The smooth ride also minimizes motion sickness for those with a sensitive stomach.

The Experience

The powerful rotors of the helicopter slice through the crisp Alaskan air, lifting you to higher elevations. The experienced pilot, well-versed in Denali’s topography, provides a narrated journey through noise-canceling headsets. They point out notable landmarks and share insights into the park’s geological history. As you hike the landscape on foot, the vibrant flora of Denali comes to life – alpine meadows adorned with wildflowers, ancient spruce and birch forests, and lichen covered rocks capture your imagination. 

For photographers, helicopter tours are a dream come true. Denali National Park, with its expansive landscapes and iconic peak, attracts visitors from around the world. If you aspire to capture the grandeur of the park and access locations that might take days or even weeks to reach by foot, a helicopter tour offers a surefire way to stand thousands of feet above Chelatna Lake and gain a panoramic view of the park. Each excursion is accompanied by knowledgeable guides who offer crucial insights into the terrain, wildlife behavior, and safety protocols.

Weather & Nature’s Unpredictability

Denali’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, infusing an element of anticipation into helicopter hiking. Clear, sunny days unveil unobstructed views of Denali and its surroundings, while misty or cloud-covered days present an equally captivating perspective. The dynamic weather conditions heighten the adventure, yet there is a limit to flying under certain conditions. 

Our pilots and lodge staff prioritize safety protocols, and a flight itinerary might not proceed in unpredictable weather conditions. For all helicopter hiking inquiries, please contact us directly. We are happy to guide you through the options and assist with adventure hiking or backcountry plans that align with the interests of you and your group. We will also help you understand our weather cancellation, booking, and safety policies.