For those eager to experience everything, the Grand Adventure tour is the perfect choice. This flight offers a close-up view of the southern faces of Mt. Foraker, Hunter, and Denali. Additionally, this flight provides stunning views of Base Camp and the Don Sheldon Amphitheater.

Duration

1 Hour 30 Minutes 2 Hours with Glacier Landing

About

Your adventure begins in Talkeetna, where you'll traverse the extensive river and forest landscapes on a brief flight to the Alaska Range, reminiscent of our Mountain House or Base Camp air tours.

These river and forest areas are teeming with Alaska's wildlife, including black bears and moose. Additionally, you may spot occasional lodges along the shores of the lakes, which are often only reachable by floatplane.

During your flight to and from the destination, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the expansive interior of Alaska. Soar above the Peters, Muldrow, and Traleika Glaciers. Experience the iconic North Face and the towering Wickersham Wall, which stands at 14,000 feet, making it the longest continuous vertical ascent in the world. To enhance your Alaskan journey, a landing on the Ruth Glacier can easily be arranged.

Onward and upward

Sheldon's pilots are intimately familiar with the landscape, effortlessly highlighting points of interest as the terrain shifts through the foothills of the Alaska Range.

Denali's immense size makes it seem distant until you navigate past the foothills and ascend the Tokositna Glacier. To your left, you'll spot Little Switzerland, a favored spot for both technical climbing adventures and enjoyable day trips.

Next, you ascend through One Shot Pass and glide over the vast Kahiltna Glacier, which meanders toward Denali, coming within six miles of its towering summit.

The Kahiltna is truly colossal, easily recognized as the largest glacier in the Alaska Range.

Just before reaching the head, a small branch veers eastward, leading to the landing area that Don Sheldon established as the entry point for climbing expeditions. This is where climbers commence and conclude their journey up Denali -- Base Camp.

During your flight, you'll be awestruck by the rugged peaks, ancient glaciers, stunning cobalt-blue glacier lakes, and the surrounding foothills of the Alaska Range.

You'll catch sight of Mooses Tooth, Bear Tooth, and Broken Tooth peaks, which are popular climbing spots located on the far side of the Don Sheldon Amphitheater.

Throughout the climbing season, Sheldon pilots transport climbing teams to and from the Kahiltna Glacier Base Camp, the launch point for summit attempts on Denali (Mount McKinley).

An aerial view of Don Sheldon's Mountain House serves as the highlight of the Sheldon Air Service basic flightseeing tour and is part of the Denali Grand Tour. Built in 1955 by Sheldon as a refuge for climbers and a private retreat, the Mountain House is a sought-after overnight destination, with reservations often made up to two years in advance.

To cap off your adventure, you'll witness the breathtaking Ruth Gorge on your return to Talkeetna. Sometimes referred to as the Great Gorge, it plunges a mile deep in certain areas, with the rugged Ruth Glacier at its base. Keep an eye out for the vibrant pools of bright-blue glacier melt water.

Deposits required