Overnight Denali National Park + Aurora Chase Tour

Duration

19 - 28 Hours
Fully Customizable including Start Time and End time.
Generally this trip begins and 1pm and returns the following day around 4pm.

About

This is our Overnight Denali National Park plus Aurora Chase. Custom Full Day plus Overnight at a lodge near the park. This is an Adventure for up to 6 guests that should not be passed up if you are visiting in September through November, or February through May.
Larger groups up to 14 can be accommodated, please inquire directly.

We will leave Fairbanks early to mid-afternoon based on daylight, and drive to Denali National Park, leaving plenty of time to stop in the railroad town of Nenana and for all the spectacular views on our drive south, always hopeful of course for wildlife sightings.

Once we get to Denali National Park, we will visit the Winter Visitor Center if open, or visit the Denali Kennel if they have visitation hours open that day.
If the road is open we will venture to mile 30 or to mile 12, 9, or 3, wherever the weather and snow conditions have dictated that the Park Service closes the road.

Please note that from Mid-August through Mid-September we can only enter the park up to mile 12.
From Mid-September through Mid-October we can travel the road into Denali NP up to mile 32, weather dependent.
From Mid-October through Mid-February we can only drive in to mile 3 of the park road, which is where the Denali Kennels are located. We can still venture into the park further by foot or snowshoes, fat tire bike, or by ski.
From Mid-February through Mid-May we can again travel to Mile 15 or Mile 32, park service dependent.

We will embark on a small hike if there is no snow yet.
If there is snow this is the perfect opportunity for us to go snowshoeing! Easy and fun, this adventure keeps you warm and it's up to you how far we go!

We will also do some berry picking and perhaps rockhounding, looking for all sorts of wild berries, agates, jasper, and amethyst, and perhaps, gold.

Once we are done with our daytime activities, we will wait for nightfall and as long as the sky is clear, we will stay in or near Denali park for the Aurora portion of this tour.
If skies are not clear, we will chase those Northern Lights as needed.
After we conclude the evening we will make our way to our overnight lodging back in Healy, AK in a remote area near one of our favorite lakes.
We will hope to get aurora over the lake in reflections and maybe hear wolves howling and owls hooting while we watch the sky.
The lodge is waterfront and fully inclusive of cozy rooms and full ensuite bathrooms. There is a fire pit and breakfast is also included.
The following day we can venture back into the park one last time before heading back towards Fairbanks in the afternoon.

Of Note: This can be made into 2 overnights, or add it onto our Denali Highway overnight tour for a 2-night tours showcasing the wild side of the interior of Alaska.

If you want the opportunity to see Denali National Park during the off season, and have a unique location to watch the Aurora, and if you thrive on adventure...
Then THIS TOUR is the one for YOU!!!

What's Included

• Aurora Discussion always included, learn the science behind this enchanting phenomenon.
• Help with Photography (cell phone or camera) included in every tour.
• Transportation from all lodgings within the Fairbanks or North Pole area within 25 miles from the airport.
  Staying further out of town? Let us know and we will accommodate with a small add on fuel charge.
  You may also meet us in town for pickup.
• This tour includes a round-trip drive to Denali National Park from Fairbanks, plus a Full Aurora Chase.
• Overnight Lodging between Healy and Denali Park entrance.
• Snowshoeing or Hike is also included.
• Berry picking and/or prospecting as weather allows.
• Photography Portraits with the Aurora - 5 edited photos are included with the tour at the discretion of the photographer.
• Simple snacks and makings for hot cocoa or instant coffee or tea are provided.
• Also several stops to purchase food. Dinner can be catered as an add-on. Breakfast is included.
• Extra fun perks and surprises will be added based on the weather conditions.

Suitability

• Adults and Children of All ages.
• Please advise if your party has children under 6 years old.
• Solo guests welcome!
• If your party is over 6 people, contact us, we can usually accommodate up to 14.
• Please note that while all ages are welcome, very young children may have a difficult time in extreme cold for a full night, if you have questions please let us know ahead of time.
• Please contact us about any specific mobility issues and we will do our best to accommodate.
• Regarding restroom facilities, This tour goes to remote areas of Alaska, most of which is without plumbing, and bathroom breaks are generally outside.
• The road into Denali National Park is controlled by the Park Service, depending on weather, wind and snow, the road may only be open to mile 3 and the Visitor Center, or may be open to mile 30. Regardless even the areas surrounding the Park are absolutely breathtaking, with plenty of options to fill the day.

Add On Options

• Camera Rentals can be added on and are listed as you make your reservation. We have 2 different Sony cameras for rent.
• Tripods for your own camera or cell phone are also available.
• While a few portraits are included, you may choose to add on a full photo package.
• Make it Private! Option available to make this tour just for you and your family.
• Rental Winter Outerwear can be arranged through a business partner, just let us know.
• Full dinner can be catered and brought with us from Fairbanks.
• Add on an additional night.
• Add on our Denali Highway Overnight tour for a 2 night all inclusive adventure.

Disclaimer

The Aurora Borealis is a natural phenomenon and cannot fully be predicted. We do NOT guarantee aurora sightings!
We do our best to track the live data constantly being reported by NOAA and NASA.
The aurora is visible in Fairbanks 9 out of 10 nights from August through April when it's dark outside, at night. Some shows are faint, others are great! Thick clouds are the only thing that fully prevents viewing.

OF NOTE:

The road into Denali National Park is controlled by the Park Service, depending on weather, wind and snow, the road may only be open to mile 3 and the Visitor Center, or may be open to mile 30. Regardless even the areas surrounding the Park are absolutely breathtaking, with plenty of options to fill the day.

Gratuity Etiquette

Leaving a tip is not required.
Gratuity is NOT included in the cost of the tour.
However, if you enjoyed yourselves while adventuring with us, please consider tipping your Guide/s. Any amount is appreciated and lets our Crew know how much you valued your experience.