Discover Denali National ParkItinerary

A special note for visitors:
The Pretty Rocks area in Denali National Park’s Polychrome Pass has a slow-moving landslide that forced an early closure of the Denali Park Road in 2021. The National Park Service has announced that the road will be open for summer until mile 43 due to road improvements. 

Guests will continue to have access to magnificent wildlife, pristine land, and views of towering Denali (weather permitting) for an unforgettable experience throughout the needed construction phase. 

Your Orbridge Expedition Leaders and Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) Naturalist have planned an itinerary that takes full advantage of opportunities to observe wildlife and the area's ecology, including more stops for in-field discussions and nature walks.

Day 1: Arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska
Welcome to Fairbanks! The city is also known as “The Golden Heart of Alaska,” a reference to the discovery of gold in 1902 and its location in Alaska’s interior. Meet your Orbridge Expedition Leader and traveling companions at a welcome reception, and prepare for your upcoming Denali activities and excursions. 
Overnight: Pike's Waterfront Lodge (R)

Day 2: Fairbanks / Denali National Park
Along with your Orbridge Expedition Leader, board a motor coach destined for Denali National Park. Traveling along the Parks Highway, traverse the scenic northern boreal forests of interior Alaska—where gold miners came to seek their fortune—enjoying a rich panoply of views of America's northernmost frontier. En route, visit the Trans-Alaska Pipeline viewpoint, the University of Alaska's Museum of the North, and Nenana, where President Harding drove the ceremonial "Gold Spike" in 1923 to commemorate the completion of the railroad.

At the Museum of the North, discover Alaska Native cultures, natural wonders, diverse wildlife, and Arctic dinosaurs. This institution not only exemplifies Alaska, but preserves it. As a research museum, there are 1.3 million specimens and artifacts from which visitors can learn. Art, culture, science, and impressive architecture make the Museum of the North an interesting and enriching stop. 

Upon arriving at the park, take a short walk with your Expedition Leader to the Denali National Park Visitor Center for a brief orientation. View the exhibits or sign up for ranger-led talks, hikes, and other activities available during your stay in Denali. Afterward, take the courtesy shuttle to Grande Denali Lodge. This evening, enjoy a lively dinner where you'll explore fun and unique features of the park with a presenter from the Murie Science and Learning Center.
Overnight: Grande Denali Lodge (B,L,D)

You may purchase the following optional excursions in advance from our Guest Services team to enjoy during your free time in Denali. We recommend you reserve early for best availability as space is limited.
• DogGoneIt Dog Sled Tour: An intimate visit to an Alaskan frontier home to learn about the lives of the world’s greatest athletes, sled dogs, and racing the Iditarod. 

• Denali Glacier Landing Flight: A 100-minute plane tour of Denali to view the continent's deepest gorge, glaciers, and surrounding peaks and valleys. Also land on one of Denali's pristine glaciers. 

• Arctic Circle Flight: Enjoy expansive views of the Brooks Range, Yukon River, and Trans-Alaska Pipeline on this seven-hour air-and-land tour. After your flight crosses the Arctic Circle, land in the Yukon-Koyakuk region and walk with a local resident guide as you tour one of only a few year-round, lived-in communities located this far north. 

Optional DogGoneIt Dog Sled Tour: $59/person and $39 per youth 12 and under 
Optional Denali Glacier Landing Flight: $649/person and $579 per youth 10 and under
Optional Arctic Circle Flight Tour: $559/person and not recommended for youth under 10

Normal Orbridge cancellation policies apply whereby optional excursions are non-refundable within 90 days of departure. Not all excursions listed may be available. Availability is subject to sufficient participation and weather conditions. We recommend you reserve early for best availability as space is limited. For flight excursions, weight and minimum age requirements apply. Individual dressed weight and birthdate must be provided at time of booking.
 
Day 3: Denali National Park Wilderness Excursion 
Today, travel along the Denali National Park Road on a naturalist-guided, back-country adventure for incredible scenery and some of the best opportunities to view the majestic Mount Denali. This tour includes walks and in-field discussions inside the park. Be sure to have your binoculars ready as you watch for wildlife. Enjoy a box lunch in this special setting. 

This evening is at your leisure.
Overnight: Grande Denali Lodge (B,L)

Day 4: Denali National Park
After breakfast, participate in one of the pre-purchased optional excursions or enjoy free time to explore Denali. Take advantage of the self-guided hiking trails or informative ranger-led talks and activities offered in the park while marveling at the scenery.

Later, reconvene for wine and hors d'oeuvres as you listen to Alaskan homesteader, Jimmie Hendricks, as he relives his journey and lifelong dream to explore Alaska and make it his home. Be amazed by his years of training, hard work, determination, and eventual summiting of North America’s tallest peak.
Overnight: Grande Denali Lodge (B,R)

Day 5: Denali National Park / Anchorage
After breakfast and a morning at leisure, depart from Denali National Park on Alaska Railroad's Denali Star railroad route, traveling through one of the most scenic stretches of the world-famous Alaska Railroad. It cuts through the northern boreal forests of interior Alaska where gold miners came to seek their fortune. Enjoy the panoramic views as you travel in your reserved seat and upgraded glass-dome train car.

At 2,363 feet, Broad Pass is the highest point and a migratory route for caribou. After a brief stop in Talkeetna, delight in lunch and dinner aboard the train before arriving in Anchorage.

This evening, relax in your luxury hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Captain Cook (B,L,D)

Day 6: Depart Anchorage
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing at your leisure on the last day of the program. Guests continuing on to the post-tour program depart in the morning for the airport. (B)

R = Reception, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to walk a mile at a moderate pace, get in and out of a motor coach, and walk up a flight of stairs without assistance.