DENALI HIKING TOURS
Four guided off-trail hikes led by Northern Epics wilderness guides from an Easy interpretive nature walk to a Strenuous mountain ascent with panoramic Alaska Range views. Hotel pickup included. All fitness levels.
Choose Your Hiking Experience
Denali National Park has public hiking trails any visitor can walk on their own. Northern Epics guides take you somewhere those trails do not go: off-trail into boreal forest, tundra, and wilderness terrain that most visitors never reach.
The difference is not just the landscape. It is the knowledge: a guide who can identify every edible plant within reach, explain geology underfoot, read animal sign, and teach wilderness survival skills while you walk. Four tours available, ranging from 3 to 5 hours and from Easy to Strenuous.
Naturalist Walking Tour
Walk through Denali's boreal forest with a certified Naturalist on this engaging 3-hour guided tour. Taste wild berries, learn the local ecology, and press your hands into the ancient peat moss. Perfectly suited for curious minds of all ages.
Wilderness Wonders Tour
Explore Denali's true wilderness off-trail on this 4-hour guided hiking tour. Learn Athabaskan traditions, forage wild berries, and connect with the boreal forest in small groups. A deeply immersive experience for all ages.
Survival Tour
Learn to read the Alaskan wilderness and trust your instincts on this hands-on 4-hour survival workshop near Denali. Build real backcountry skills, forage edible plants, and gain confidence in the wild. Small groups, all ages.
Into the Mountains Tour
Push yourself on a strenuous 5-hour alpine hike into the Alaska Range near Denali. Reach panoramic summit viewpoints, walk through fields of wildflowers, and hike through Dall sheep habitat. For adventurous adults, ages 13+.
WHO YOU'LL BE HIKING WITH
Northern Epics guides are wilderness educators: naturalists like Jade and Adrian Lopez, survival experts, and local guides. Across reviews, the most common theme isn't the scenery, it's what guests learned along the way.
WILDERNESS EDUCATORS
Naturalists trained in Denali ecology, geology, and flora. Not just guides scientists who explain the landscape while you walk.
SURVIVAL INSTRUCTORS
6+ years wilderness survival instruction on the team. Hands-on skills built into every Survival Tour.
NAMED IN REVIEWS
Abby, Adrian Lopez, Jade, Don, Derek named guides in nearly every 5-star Northern Epics review. They know every step of the terrain.
Denali Park Zipline
Their Words, Not Ours
Rated 5 stars by guests who were once right where you are
5.0
5.0
The whole experience was much better than we expected
Don was our guide for the Wilderness Wonders Tour. The whole experience was much better than we expected. Don's knowledge of both history of the area and the plants, trees and animals is very extensive. He explained every thing clearly and in a manner it was easy to understand and relate to. Although we had already heard a lot about these topics we learnt so much more from Don. We recommend doing this tour as well (we also did the into the Mountain Tour).
Michelle R
The scenery was stunning
This hike was a highlight of our trip to Denali! Spending four hours off trail gave us such a unique perspective on the park. Our guide, Dom, was fantastic. His knowledge really brought the landscape to life, and we came away having learned so much. The scenery was stunning, the pace was just right, and it felt like a true adventure without being overwhelming. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience Denali beyond the usual trails!
ljub95
The company was also VERY flexible with us
We had an excellent hike with Jade. He is so knowledgeable, fun and interesting. We learned a great deal about the plants, animals, tundra and geology of the Denali area. The company was also VERY flexible with us in terms of the hike specifics, duration and difficulty and were willing to tailor the hike to our needs. Jade helped make our Alaska trip so very memorable - and I was able to take what we learned in his guided hike to other experiences throughout Denali and Alaska. Highly recommend this group.
Sherrie81
Questions Before You Book
Real answers to the questions guests ask most before booking.
DO I NEED HIKING EXPERIENCE?
No. The Naturalist Walk and Wilderness Wonders are designed for guests with no prior hiking or wilderness experience. Guides pace every tour to the group and adapt the route. Into the Mountains is the exception it involves significant elevation gain.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
Naturalist Walk: appropriate for virtually any fitness level, including guests in their 70s and 80s. Wilderness Wonders and Survival: moderate off-trail terrain but not steep. Into the Mountains: strenuous significant elevation gain over 5 hours.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Hotel pickup from your Denali-area hotel or lodge - Expert Northern Epics guide (naturalist, survival instructor, or local ecologist) - Off-trail wilderness access - Flora, fauna, and geology commentary woven throughout the tour - Borrowable walking sticks on request
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR AND BRING?
Dress in layers temperatures fluctuate and off-trail terrain is exposed. Closed-toe shoes or hiking boots (no sandals). Waterproof jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, and a snack for longer tours.
READY TO HIKE INTO THE DENALI WILDERNESS?
Four tours. Easy to Strenuous. Every one goes somewhere the park road does not.