Riding along trails surrounded by Denali National Park, at speeds up to 30 mph, your adventure includes breathtaking 360-degree overlook stops with views of the Alaska Range, Otto Lake, and the Healy Valley.
Navigate through rocky creek beds and even spend time splashing through the water (weather dependent). Knowledgeable guides lead you through the rugged terrain and provide opportunities for photography.
Wildlife is abundant - watch out for moose on the trail!
Minimum age requirements to operate ATVs: - Single ATV: 18 or 16 with parent approval
- Side-by-side ATV: 21 or 18 with parent approval
ATV Options: - Single ATV: You are the only person riding in the vehicle
- Side-by-side ATV: multiple passengers will ride in one vehicle
Included: All safety gear (full body harness, helmet, and gloves).
Please note: All ATV drivers are required to be at least 16 years old and have a valid Driver's License. Any guest under 16 or without a valid Driver's License may ride as a passenger in our Side by Side ATVs. Upon request, we can provide car seats for young children. Not recommended for people with back or neck problems and pregnant women. View all of our
Denali ATV Adventures.
Duration: 2.5 hours (Roundtrip from pick-up location.)
Will we see wildlife?
Yes, but this is not a zoo, so animals are not guaranteed! We have seen moose, caribou, red fox, porcupines, snowshoe hares, lynx, bears, ptarmigans, and bald eagles on our trails. Morning and late afternoon tours, when the light is low, usually have the best chance of seeing animals.
Don't the ATVs just scare all the animals away?
Moose are not frightened by ATV engines and will often be on the trails, along the trails, or walking through our launch site! Smaller animals are more skittish and harder to spot in the brush.
Does this tour go into Denali National Park? Can we take ATVs into Denali National Park?
It is illegal to ATV in Denali National Park. Our trails are in a 10 mile by 30 mile rectangular cut-out, surrounded on three sides by the Park. You will get to experience the same Alaska Mountain Range, the same animals, the same taiga and tundra as that in Denali National Park!
What is the weather like in the summer?
During the summer, the temperature can be anywhere from 30-90 degrees and you may experience that all in the same day! There are multiple microclimates in the Denali region, making it difficult to predict the weather on any given day. The weather in the Denali Canyon is often very different from the weather at the ATV tour launch sites, just a few miles away! Summer is our rainy season and rain is expected daily. It is not uncommon for it to snow in early or late summer.
How fast do we go?
All tours with Denali ATV are guided. Your tour group will be comprised of people with various skill and riding abilities. The tour guides will assess the speed that is best and safest for the tour group.
Can my child ride on my lap? Can my child ride on the single ATV with me?
ATVs are motorized vehicles that fall under AK state laws. Everyone must have their own seat, even small children. No one can ride tandem on the Single ATVs because they are single seat vehicles. Riders must be able to shift their weight to accommodate for changes in terrain. Forward facing car seats and booster seats are available upon request for families with small children.
My child is 15 years old. Can he/she drive his/her own ATV?
No. You must be 16 years old or older to drive your own ATV – it’s a state law.
My child is 16 years old and has a Driver's License. He/She wants to go on an ATV tour, but I, his/her parent/guardian, do not want to go. Is this possible?
Yes, the Liability Form must be signed by the 16 year old and the parent/guardian in the Denali ATV Office before the tour departs. Alternatively, we can send you the Liability form so it can be signed and printed out prior to the tour departure. Please leave us a comment if you need the form for your child.
Will I get dirty, muddy, and wet?
Yes. All ATVs are open vehicles and riders are exposed to the elements. All ATV trails are dirt trails so on dry days, trails will be dusty and when it is raining, trails will be muddy. It is not uncommon to get dirty/muddy/wet on tour! Much of it depends on how fast you are driving, whether you are leaving a large enough distance between yourself and the ATV in front of you, if you are driving through the puddles, or if you are speeding through the river beds. You do not have to walk away from the tour wet and covered in mud, but if you want to, it is possible! Raingear is provided at the launch when it is raining and SxS are covered with a roof, windshield, and half doors. Water may come in through the floorboards of the multiple passenger ATVs, but it can drain out.
Is this tour guided? How will I know where to go?
This tour is guided by professional, knowledgeable guides. There is always a front guide, leading the tour group, and a back guide. If the tour group warrants, or if it is a dusty day, a middle guide will be available as well.
Will I be able to stop? Will I be able to take pictures?
There are designated stopping points during each tour, at scenic areas and overlooks. If the tour sees moose or other animals, the tour can stop to take pictures. At any point during your tour, if you need to stop, simply alert a guide.
Can I bring a camera with me?
Yes. Small point-and-shoot cameras will fit in the glove compartment of the multiple passenger ATVs. It is recommended that larger cameras are worn and covered with a jacket/shirt.
I have never been on an ATV before. Will I be able to do this?
No experience is necessary to take the Single ATVs or multiple passenger ATVs on our tours. Every rider must go through a safety course that mimics some of the trail conditions before heading out to the trails. If you are feeling uncomfortable with your ATV during the pre-trail training time, simply alert the guides.
Can I take a bag with me?
Yes, you can wear a backpack on the single ATVs and put bags in the back of the multiple passenger ATVs or on the floorboards. Be aware that bags may become dusty/dirty/wet on the trail. We recommend that you only bring what you need and leave the rest of your belongings in your hotel room.
Can I bring my own drinks or snacks?
Yes, you can bring non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Do you rent ATVs?
No. We do not rent ATVs.
I have my own ATV. Can I go on your tour with my ATV?
If you have brought your own ATV to Alaska, you can follow our tour at no cost. However, ATV followers are not officially part of the tour group and therefore, Denali ATV Adventures cannot be held responsible for you or your actions. Please contact us at 888-586-8489 if you want to bring your own ATV.
Are there any physical requirements for this tour?
Minimum weight is 70lbs, maximum weight is 280lbs. We have had riders that were 6’7” on tour. Pregnant women or guests with injuries, seizure disorders, back or neck problems, or hearing or vision impairments will not be allowed to participate.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes, long pants and layered clothing is recommended. Dress appropriately for the weather.
Not seeing answers to your questions?
Check out other frequently asked questions here!
