Experience the Base Camp at 7200-foot elevation, the starting point for climbers tackling North America's tallest mountain. Soar over the southern slopes in Denali National Park and glide down into the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, a breathtaking gorge featuring towering 5000-foot rock walls, deep crevasses, and the stunning Ruth Glacier.

Duration

1 Hour 15 Minutes 1 Hour 45 Minutes with Glacier landing

About

The highlight of our Base Camp Tour is an up-close view of Mount Hunter, the Kahiltna Glacier (the largest glacier in Denali), and the Kahiltna "Base Camp," where most climbers of Mt. McKinley commence their adventure, situated at an elevation of 7,200 feet.

Our well-loved Base Camp flightseeing air tour provides passengers with a fantastic view of both the base camp and the vast Kahiltna Glacier. This journey also encompasses all the key features of the Don Sheldon Mountain House Tour.

You will take off from Talkeetna and witness the expansive river and forest landscapes during the flight to the Kahiltna Glacier.

These river and forest areas are inhabited by Alaska's wildlife, including black bears and moose. Additionally, you may spot the occasional lodge along the shores of the lakes, which are often only reachable by float plane.

Along the way, the route leads you past Little Switzerland, a favored spot for both technical climbing adventures and enjoyable day trips. This specific section of the Alaska Range is marked by steep, rocky peaks reminiscent of the European Alps. Consequently, many seasoned climbing teams visit this area for the sheer technical climbing challenge it presents.

The flight provides breathtaking views of Little Switzerland as we approach the grand Kahiltna Glacier gorge.

Next, you ascend over the Kahiltna Glacier as it meanders toward Denali.

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

Just before reaching the head, a small branch veers off to the east, which includes the landing area that Don Sheldon established as the entry point for climbing expeditions. This is where climbers start and finish their journey up Denali -- Base Camp.

If you desire, you can request to include a glacier landing on this flight, allowing us to land on the Ruth Glacier. Landing on the Kahiltna is exclusive to climbers. It provides a moment to truly appreciate the vastness of the surroundings while in flight.

The journey proceeds through a pass that ultimately leads to the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, perched atop the Ruth Glacier. You will catch sight of Mooses Tooth, Bear Tooth, and Broken Tooth peaks, which are well-known climbing spots located on the opposite side of the Amphitheater.

During the Denali climbing season from May to June, Sheldon pilots transport and retrieve climbing teams to the base camp, regardless of the weather conditions. As illustrated in the video at the top of the page, even when Talkeetna is shrouded in clouds, breathtaking views can be enjoyed once airborne.

To conclude your Alaskan flightseeing adventure, you will witness the stunning Ruth Gorge on your return to Talkeetna. Also known as the Great Gorge, it reaches depths of a mile in certain areas. The base is formed by the rugged Ruth Glacier, where you can spot the striking pools of vivid blue glacier meltwater.

On your return journey, the Tokositna River region at the foot of the Alaska Range provides another chance to observe moose and bears in their natural environment.

Deposits required