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Denali ATV Excursion: A Thrilling Adventure In Alaska

Imagine roaring through the Alaskan wilderness on a powerful ATV, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and untamed nature. That’s exactly what awaits you on a Denali ATV excursion. We’ve experienced this thrilling adventure firsthand and can’t wait to share our experience.

We stayed at Holland America’s McKinley Chalet and had some free time in the evening. During the summer, central Alaska benefits from the midnight sun. So, some operators offer midnight ATV tours that start at 11 pm.

We selected an evening excursion through Black Diamond ATV Tours, which included a BBQ dinner. After an early morning on the Tundra Wilderness Tour, we anticipated a fun night.

On the Denali Black Diamond ATV excursion
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Denali ATV adventures travel through rugged terrain, offering unparalleled views of the Alaska Range and Denali National Park. These excursions cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders, ensuring everyone can enjoy the rush of off-road exploration.

We were first-time riders and received a thorough safety briefing. After donning safety gear, we chose our chariots and hit the trails flying.

What Is An ATV Excursion?

An ATV excursion is an outdoor adventure in which participants ride all-terrain vehicles through scenic landscapes. In Denali, these thrilling tours typically last 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Riders navigate challenging trails, splash through rivers, and may see wildlife.

Participants can select from solo-rider ATVs to multi-passenger side-by-side vehicles. This allows flexibility for different group sizes and comfort levels.

Side-by-side ATVs
Side-by-side ATVs

Being new to ATVs, we both wanted to operate the vehicles and chose the single-rider quad bikes.

Safety is a top priority. Our tour guides provided thorough instructions and equipment. Periodic stops allowed for photography and potential wildlife sightings.

Do You Ride In Denali National Park?

ATV tours do not actually enter Denali National Park itself. It is illegal to ride ATVs inside the park and preserve. Instead, these excursions occur in the surrounding Denali area, often on private land or state-managed trails.

This allows for a more unrestricted experience while still showcasing the region’s natural beauty. Riders can expect to see diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open tundra, depending on where they ride.

The tours offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, moose and various bird species can be observed in their natural environments.

Scenery on the way to Healy
Scenery on the way to Healy

Our Black Diamond tour took place in Healy. The 10-mile distance from our hotel took under 15 minutes. We explored the stunning Alaskan backcountry of Healy Valley and the Otto Lake area.

We didn’t see any moose on our tour. But we had seen six earlier in the day, in and around the Denali Park entrance.

Planning Your Adventure

Proper preparation is key for a successful Denali ATV excursion. Wearing the appropriate clothing and following safety rules can ensure an unforgettable quad adventure.

Best Time To Visit

The prime season for Denali ATV tours runs from late May to early September. During these months, the weather is milder, and daylight hours are longer, providing optimal conditions for exploration.

June and July offer the warmest temperatures, usually up to 70°F or 21°C. These months also boast the Midnight Sun phenomenon, allowing extended evening rides.

Enjoying my Black Diamond ATV tour
Enjoying my Black Diamond ATV tour

August and early September bring cooler temperatures but reward visitors with stunning fall colors. We took the tour in early June. While we anticipated cooler evening temperatures, it was very warm, and we felt we overdressed.

We recommend booking your ATV adventure in advance, especially during peak months. Our booked tour included transportation from the Denali area, which we appreciated.

Safety Considerations

Our tour guides emphasized that safety is a top priority. Before embarking on our journey, we watched a safety video and received a briefing on what to do if we encountered wildlife.             

Essential safety measures include:

  • Wearing provided helmets and goggles at all times.
  • Following our guide closely to minimize wildlife encounters.
  • Keeping up with the group.
  • Staying on designated trails.
Wearing a helmet and goggles ready for my ATV adventure
Wearing a helmet and goggles ready for my ATV adventure

Our guides carried radios to communicate with other staff in case of equipment failure, animal sightings, or to avoid trails utilized by different groups.

What To Wear

Alaska’s weather can change rapidly. It’s best to wear layers to accommodate changing conditions. Tours run rain or shine.

The rugged terrain and off-road nature of the tour can kick up a lot of dust, especially in dry weather, and create muddy patches after rain.

We finished the tour looking like we had ridden through a dust storm. My runners were caked in dust, and my black jacket and white socks turned a shade of brown.

We returned to our hotel feeling like Pig Pen from Charlie Brown. But honestly, we had a blast, and it’s an excursion we’d do again in a heartbeat.

Essential items include:

  • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
  • Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots.
  • Waterproof jacket.
  • Gloves (for grip and warmth).

In cooler months, add:

  • Thermal base layers.
  • Warm hat or beanie.
  • Neck gaiter or scarf.

The operator provides helmets and goggles. We found the goggles cumbersome, but they are required for safety reasons.

Remember to pack a smartphone or compact camera to take photos of the stunning Alaskan landscapes! I took a selfie stick, which I could use at stops. Due to the bumpy terrain, we couldn’t take pictures while riding. However, having a helmet-mounted GoPro would work.

Ready to book your Denali ATV tour?

Types of ATV Tours Available

Several operators offer ATV tours. These include Denali Toy Rentals, Denali ATV Adventures, and Black Diamond ATV Tours. All three operate in Healy, north of the park’s entrance. Similar tours are offered in Talkeetna to the south.

Each operator provides a selection of ATVs. Choose from a single rider, two riders, and some that can accommodate up to six passengers. Some tour companies charge by the rider, while others are priced for the ATV.

Denali Toy Rentals

Denali Toy Rentals is the way to go if you want to explore on your own. Riders are given a trail map and the freedom to go where they please. Drivers must be at least 25 years old.

If you’re afraid of getting lost or prefer the safety of a group, go for a guided tour instead.

Denali ATV Adventures

Denali ATV Adventures is conveniently located across from the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. Their pricing is by the ATV, not the rider. This rental option is more cost-effective for a family of four.

Drivers must be at least 18 or 16 with their parents’ permission.

Black Diamond ATV Tours

Black Diamond ATV venue
Black Diamond ATV venue

Whether you want an ATV for yourself or a side-by-side experience, Black Diamond offers the perfect wilderness adventure. The larger utility vehicles seat 2-6 passengers, ideal for families or groups.

They provide car and booster seats for young children, ensuring every family member can enjoy the fun.

On the Trail

Once we received brief instructions on our bike controls, we set out into the wilderness. The controls were easy to master, and navigating the uneven terrain was fun.

During our excursion, we splashed through rivers, navigated tree root-rutted trails, and rode over rock piles. One group member lagged and drove painfully slow, obviously feeling uncomfortable driving the ATV.

So, she was moved up behind the group leader and asked to speed up. Still not able to master the ATV, she was moved to a side-by-side, where a staff member could do the driving.

Consequently, we went from driving a Volkswagen to operating a Ferrari. With confident riders, our speed hit highs of up to 30 mph, and we were tackling more challenging routes.

Stopping on the trail
Stopping on the trail

Riding over large boulders was fun. We had to lean to one side to avoid tipping over. The river crossing was also fantastic. Riders could raise their feet to avoid getting wet. We wore Vessi waterproof runners, so we weren’t worried.

The ATV tour was beyond exhilarating. It was an unforgettable way to experience the raw beauty of Alaska’s backcountry.

What To Expect During The Excursion

Riders share the trail system with several other companies. They can also experience the trails on a horse carriage ride.

We had to be aware that we could encounter other groups at the crossroads.

Throughout the journey, we stopped at scenic overlooks or pivotal points to talk about the fauna and flora. It was a chance to snap photos and enjoy the scenic backcountry.

Terrain And Scenery

The trail system winds through the boreal forest, offering a mix of challenging and easier sections. We navigated rocky creek beds, crossed a river, and drove through a deepened pit.

While we enjoyed the challenging aspects of the terrain, we realized it’s not for everyone.

Views of the Alaskan Range
Views of the Alaskan Range

Wildlife Encounters

While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, the area surrounding Denali National Park is home to diverse animal species. Bears are not often encountered due to engine noise.

However, moose aren’t deterred by ATVs and are more of a threat than bears. So, you may spot moose grazing in wetlands or caribou traversing the tundra.

Smaller mammals like Arctic ground squirrels and snowshoe hares often appear along the trail edges. However, their size and camouflage make them hard to spot.

Various bird species, including golden eagles and ptarmigans, can sometimes be seen soaring overhead or nestled in the vegetation.

We saw lots of wildlife on our 6-hour Wilderness Tour. So, we immersed ourselves in the adventure instead of wildlife spotting.

Denali ATV And BBQ Experience

The price difference between the Black Diamond ATV tour and the one with dinner was minimal (under USD 20), so we chose the latter.

Carriage horses at the dining venue
Carriage horses at the dining venue

For our Denali ATV and BBQ, we stopped at a small establishment in the back country for our meal. There were other riders and groups on the horse carriage tours.

While we enjoyed dinner, the venue made breakfast and lunch for tours at other times. Along with drinks and blueberry cobbler, our feast included:

  • Grilled salmon.
  • BBQ ribs.
  • Reindeer chili.
  • Roasted corn on the cob.
  • Coleslaw, pasta, and potato salad.
  • Cornbread.
Salads with our meal
Salads with our meal

We mingled with fellow adventurers during our meal and shared stories of our travels. Some were surprised to hear our bountiful wildlife sightings earlier in the day. We spotted 1 grizzly, 25+ Dall sheep, 25+ caribou, 3 moose, 6+ Willow Ptarmigans, and 2 golden eagles.

One couple said they had only seen a ground squirrel on their five-hour tour.

Denali ATV Conclusion

Our decision to do the ATV tour in Denali was a good one. The adrenaline-filled excursion contrasted with the slower-paced tour we took in the morning.

We gravitate toward more adventurous activities, so this one fits the bill. It was hard to believe this was the first ATV adventure, but it definitely won’t be the last.

ATVs at the Black Diamond venue in Denali and me on an ATV ready to do the excursion

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