Adventure Collective
Heli Hiking Near Denali with TEMSCO Helicopters Inc. - Anchorage

Heli Hiking Near Denali with TEMSCO Helicopters Inc.

Denali National Park and Preservemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4–6 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness needed; participants should be comfortable on uneven terrain and capable of light hiking

Overview

Discover Alaska’s wilderness from the sky and ground with TEMSCO Helicopters’ heli-hike adventure outside Denali. Soar over glaciers before trekking through remote trails, all guided by seasoned experts for an unforgettable experience.

Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Heli Hiking Adventure

All Ages | 4 Hours 35 Minutes | An Exhilarating Flight and Trek!

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Heli Hiking Adventure photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on an unforgettable heli-hike adventure just outside Denali National Park! Soar above the stunning Alaskan wilderness before exploring remote trails with a knowledgeable guide. Experience breathtaking views of Denali and local wildlife, all while enjoying a personalized trek tailored to your group's needs. A truly unique outdoor experience awaits!

Explore the mountains just outside Denali National Park with a chance to view Denali, Mt Deborah, and local wildlife!


Rates:

  • Person (ages 2+) - $499
  • Lap Child (under the age of 2) - Free

Duration:

  • Please set aside 4 hours and 35 minutes for your tour including transfers.

  • Tour includes approximately 15 minutes of helicopter time and 3-3.5 hours of tundra exploration.

  • Times will vary due to weather and hiking conditions.

  • Your tour time is your check in time. No need to arrive early.

Location:

1 Glacier Way Denali National Park, 99755

The Experience:

On this tour, you’ll explore remote areas that are normally a full day’s hike away. Immediately after lifting off from our private riverside heliport, you will take in the breathtaking birds-eye view of the remote Alaskan wilderness. An exhilarating flight will bring you to our hiking area located just beyond the boundaries of Denali National Park. Once there, your guide will lead you on a gentle tailor-made trek above the tree line. Your naturalist guide will extend knowledge on local flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky – catch a glimpse of the wildlife in person. The hike will leave you with unforgettable views of rolling tundra and alpine ridgelines. This tour is limited to small groups in order to accommodate varying levels of mobility and guest desires.

Please come prepared with the following in a small backpack:

  • Comfortable water-resistant walking shoes
  • Warm layered clothing
  • Rain gear
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera or cell phone for pictures
  • Water (at least 32 oz)
  • Snacks

Additional Information:

Surcharge Policy:

Due to weight and balance limitations, as well as guest safety and comfort, passengers weighing 250 pounds (113kg or 18 Stone) or more will be charged an additional $100.00 to reserve adequate space onboard the helicopter. Total weight includes shoes and clothing. The surcharge must be paid at the time of booking.

Baggage Policy:

You may bring a small backpack with water and snacks that will be stored in the aft compartment during your flight. Make sure to take your camera and binoculars out of the bag to ensure you are able to capture the views from the helicopter!

TEMSCO’s policies prohibit you from taking the following items on our aircraft/tour:

  • iPads or tablets, tripods
  • selfie sticks or other extendible items
  • drones

We will provide you with a secure area at our base where you may leave such items.

No smoking of any kind is allowed for the duration of the tour.

Passenger Ability/Mobility:

TEMSCO’s Heli-Hike is listed as “STRENUOUS” activity level

  • Guests must be able to walk steadily on uneven terrain for up to 3.5 hours. Weather conditions may change during the hike, so we ask that you prepare for any inclement weather.
  • The sizeable steps that guests must navigate while getting in and out of the aircraft. These steps are approximately 18” in height.
  • Due to liability reasons, our employees cannot lift guests in or out of the helicopter. TEMSCO staff will be there to lend a helping hand, though ultimately guests are responsible for navigating these steps on their own.

Aircraft Seating:

We arrange seating based on the weight, balance, and safety of the whole departure, and cannot guarantee that we will be able to keep groups together on the aircraft. Please note that we will do everything possible to keep groups together for the flight portion of the tour, but we are sometimes required to split a group between multiple helicopters.

Lap Children:

A child does not need their own seat if they are under 24 months old on the day that they take the tour. These children are considered a lap child and are free of charge. A parent or guardian is responsible for holding the child securely for the entire tour. Any child 24 months of age or older is required to have their own seat per FAA regulations and therefore will require a full fare ticket for our tour.

Attire:

The Alaska Range in the summer is a cool and damp place, but has rapidly changing conditions. Wear layers and be prepared for rain, wind, hot, cold and dry conditions. Bring rain gear, warm clothes, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. One small backpack per person is allowed for this trip.

Cancellation Policy:

Unfortunately, the weather in Alaska does not always cooperate and there are times when we are unable to fly. If we are unable to fly a tour due to weather, our guests will receive a full refund. In most cases, we will not make the decision to cancel a tour until within an hour of departure, as the weather can quickly change and we do not want to preemptively cancel a tour if it is at all possible it will run.

If you choose to cancel prior to the departure, there is a 10% cancellation fee up until 24 hours prior to the excursion. If you cancel within 24 hours, the tour becomes non-refundable. If we need to cancel due to weather or any unforeseen circumstance, you'll receive a 100% refund.

Adventure Tips

Dress in layers

Weather in Alaska can change rapidly, so bring moisture-wicking and insulating layers for comfort during the hike.

Bring binoculars

Enhance wildlife viewing opportunities and get a closer look at animals from afar.

Follow guide instructions

Always listen to your guide’s safety briefings and trail advice to ensure a safe adventure.

Book in advance

Heli-hike trips are popular, so reserve your spot early during peak season for availability.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Dall sheep
  • Brown bears

History

Denali was designated a national park in 1917 and renamed from Mount McKinley in 2015, honoring the mountain’s indigenous Koyukon name.

Conservation

TEMSCO Helicopters emphasizes eco-friendly flight practices, aiming to minimize environmental impact in this sensitive wilderness area.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Anchorage

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Insulated jacket

Essential

Keeps you warm during outdoor excursions, especially in cooler months and higher elevations.

winter|spring|fall|summer specific

Sturdy hiking boots

Essential

Provides ankle support and traction on rugged terrain.

Layers of thermal wear

Essential

Helps regulate body temperature in variable weather conditions.

winter|spring|fall specific

Sunglasses & sunscreen

Essential

Protects against strong UV rays reflected off snow and glaciers.

summer specific