Denali Southside Explorer Tour with Optional Glacier Landing from Talkeetna, AK

How long is the Denali Southside Explorer Tour?

Tour duration is approximately 1 hour. Add 30 minutes if selecting the tour option with Glacier Landing (15 minutes exploring on foot and 15 minutes for landing and takeoff).

Where does the tour depart?

This Talkeetna Air Taxi tour departs from the Talkeetna Air Taxi log cabin office at 14212 E 2nd Street, Talkeetna, AK 99676.

When should we arrive?

Please arrive 45 minutes before your scheduled tour time.

What does the tour include?

This Denali air tour includes the use of a headset and live narration from your experienced pilot, and a glacier landing (if the option is selected). This tour includes pick up and drop off within a 3-mile radius of downtown Talkeetna. If you have chosen the Glacier Landing option, a $15 per person entrance fee for the Denali Park glacier landing is due at the time of your flight unless you already have a National Park Pass. For children 16 and under, a National Park Pass is not required. Individual passes are valid for 7 days from the date of issue. If you have a Denali Annual Pass or Senior Pass, it is valid for Glacier Landing.

Is transportation provided?

Local shuttle/van transfers are available within Talkeetna to the airport. Please call the number on your e-ticket to arrange your pick-up location and time. Passengers outside a 3-mile radius of Talkeetna must come to the airport where their office is located.

What should we bring?

Bring long pants, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and cameras with extra batteries and memory cards. It is easy to take well over 100 photos. Avoid bringing backpacks/purses on airplanes, as space is limited. Talkeetna Air is happy to hold them until you return from your tour. Binoculars can be used on the glacier landings but are not recommended during the flight. Taking a preventive, non-drowsy, anti-motion sickness medication is a good idea if you are particularly prone to motion sickness.

What should we wear?

Long pants and closed-toe shoes are always recommended. From May to the middle of September, wear a light/medium jacket (layers are always a sure thing in Alaska). A heavy jacket, hat, boots, and gloves are recommended from mid-September to April. For Glacier Landing flights, Talkeetna Air supplies waterproof over-boots which fit over your shoes.

Are we going to see the peak of Denali and/or land on the Glacier?

In Alaska, especially around big mountains, weather and clouds constantly shift, so no exact experience can ever be guaranteed. Big mountains make their own weather systems. And with two opposing systems on either side of the Alaska Range, the “actual” weather can change hourly. Talkeetna Air pilots make every tour unique by showing you the best currently available views, lighting, and scenery while always keeping safety as the number one priority.

What if there's inclement weather?

When you check in for your Denali experience flightseeing tour from Talkeetna, they will give a briefing on visibility and current conditions. It is then your decision whether to fly or not to fly.

How much experience does Talkeetna Air's pilots have?

Talkeetna Air Taxi has the most experienced glacier pilots flying the Alaska Range. Talkeetna Air Taxi has landed more people on the glaciers than all the other air services combined from 1999 to 2015. Their pilots average 12 years of flight experience in Denali National Park.

Can I bring my pet?

Only assistance dogs are allowed on tour.