Denali Guided Hiking - Afternoon Departure

Guided

Duration: 3.5 hours

Healy • Denali National Park

Features

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Wildlife

Shuttle Included

Small Group Sizes

Beginner Friendly

Free Cancellation

Instant Book

$125 Hiker

(12yr. +)

$90 Child Hiker

(5-11yrs old)

Description

Denali National Park Hiking - Guided Afternoon Hike

Set out in the afternoon to experience the landscape as it shifts with the light. This hike offers a mix of forested trails and open tundra walking, with opportunities to see how the sunlight highlights the colors and contours of the land. Spruce and alder give way to open hillsides as you gain elevation, revealing panoramic views of nearby peaks and the river far below.

In the warmer part of the day, wildlife can become more active—look for birds darting through the brush or the distant movement of caribou across a ridge. Your guide will help interpret these subtle signs while also offering insight into the plants underfoot, many of which survive extreme conditions. With time to stop, observe, and explore, this afternoon hike is a rewarding way to connect with Denali’s wild terrain.

This afternoon hike offers a flexible, guided experience through Denali’s taiga forest and tundra environment. With longer daylight hours in summer, there’s plenty of time to cover ground and enjoy the open landscapes without feeling rushed.

Your guide will choose the route based on current trail conditions and group ability. This is a great option for those who want a moderate physical challenge paired with the opportunity to learn more about the Denali area on foot.

Duration

Hiking Time: 2.5–3.5 hours

Distance: 2–7 miles

Trip Time: 8:00 AM

Location / Where to Meet

New Wave Adventures Office

Mile 239 Parks Hwy, Denali, Alaska 99755

We can provide a free shuttle pickup within the Healy area.

We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled trip time to allow for check-in and any final preparations.

Ages & Requirements

Ages 5+

Elevation Gain: 800–1250 feet

Level: Easy / Moderate / Strenuous (based on group ability and trail conditions)

What's Included

Experienced guides
First-aid kit
Bear spray
Trail map, guide books, compass
Hiking poles
Transportation is provided back to and from your hotel, or you can choose to go off on your own and learn more at the Denali National Park Visitor Center and utilize your hotel's courtesy shuttle service for return transportation from the Visitor Center where applicable.

Not Included

Denali Park Day Pass
Personal clothing
Lunch
Gratuity

What to Bring / Wear

Wearing quick drying hiking pants, a moisture-wicking shirt and sturdy hiking boots or trail runners will keep you most comfortable. We recommend dressing in warm, moisture-wicking layers. Bring a rain jacket, and wear sturdy, comfortable walking or hiking shoes — Alaska weather can change quickly!

Denali Park Day Pass
Small backpack on your hike to carry:
Refillable water bottle/bladder
Rain jacket & rain pants
Warm layers (fleece)
Snacks
Sunscreen
Hat/sunglasses, chapstick
Camera
Personal medication (like EpiPens)
Hiking poles are available to borrow, but feel free to bring your own if you have them

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY New Wave Adventures

FAQs

Denali Hiking Itinerary

Pick-Up / Meet-Up We'll pick you up at your hotel or you can meet us at the New Wave Adventures office — whichever works best for you!

Scenic Drive to the Trailhead Sit back and enjoy the beautiful Alaskan views as we make our way to the trailhead.

Hit the Trail Breathe in the fresh mountain air and take in the sights, sounds, and stories of the Alaskan outdoors. This is what you came for!

Return Trip After your adventure, we’ll head back to the office or drop you off at your hotel.

Where can I get a Denali Park Day Pass?

Denali Park Day Pass: Please ensure you have a valid park pass for your visit.

Note: If you're taking a bus tour into the park, a weekly park pass is typically included with your bus ticket — no need to purchase a separate one.

If you still need a pass, you can buy one in person at the Denali Visitor Center or purchase it online in advance. Denali Park Day Pass

What is the weather usually like?

Alaska experiences all kinds of weather, and we hike in all of it. It hardly gets higher than 75 degrees, but more likely will be between 45-65 degrees.

Do I need to bring bear spray?

Nope! Our guide will carry bear spray and is trained in safety protocols. You just focus on enjoying the scenery.

Will there be wildlife on the trail?

Possibly! Alaska is home to moose, bears, birds, and more. Our guide will keep you safe and share knowledge about the animals we might encounter — from a safe distance.

What fitness level is required?

We offer hikes for all skill levels! If you have any concerns, just let us know in advance and we’ll match you with a trail that fits your comfort zone.

What if it rains?

We hike rain or shine! Bring a rain jacket and embrace the adventure — some of the most magical moments in Alaska happen under cloudy skies.

How large are the groups?

The maximum group size is 11 guests.

Cancellation Policy

A 24-hour notice is required for cancellations. Trips run rain or shine. If we cancel your trip, a full refund will be issued. Canceled Canyon Wave trips will be rebooked to Wilderness Wave or refunded. No refunds for wrong arrival times/location