Wild Interior Alaska from Fairbanks: Denali Highway Tour
Active
14h - 15h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This tour explores Alaska’s wild Interior landscapes well outside Denali National Park. This is not the Denali Park Road or a park bus tour. Over a full day you move deeper into the Interior’s vast wilderness from boreal forest into wide glacial basins, open spruce country, lakes, and higher terrain along the Alaska Range, gaining a clear sense of the region’s immense scale and shifting biomes.
Much of the journey follows the Denali Highway, a remote, lightly traveled gravel route far from park crowds and typical tourist paths, where the country feels open, quiet, and striking in its diversity. Rather than simply passing through, you spend time in these places, with lunch in the Tangle Lakes area, a short walk to a higher viewpoint, and additional brief strolls along nearby trails or pullouts to step onto the land itself.
Groups are capped at seven guests with guaranteed window seats, and you travel with a local guide who provides context about the places you are passing through.
Available options
Wild Interior Alaska from Fairbanks: Denali Highway Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water and hot drinks (Tea, Coffee)
Snacks
Experienced local guide with live commentary
Pickup and drop-off within Fairbanks and North Pole City Limits
Transportation in a comfortable, all-wheel-drive van equipped for Interior roads
Small-group experience (maximum 7 guests) with a guaranteed window seat
Detailed itinerary
1
Depart Fairbanks in the morning and leave town for the Interior, with early views of river corridors and distant mountains as you head south.
2
Brief service stop for restrooms and any last-minute snacks or lunch items before continuing toward Paxson and the Denali Highway.
3
Turn off the pavement onto the historic Denali Highway, opened in 1957 as the original road access toward Denali before the Parks Highway was completed in the 1970s. Today it remains a quieter, less-traveled corridor through expansive Interior landscapes.
4
You spend the heart of the day traveling through the open country of the Denali Highway, with big sky, glacial basins, lakes, and wide views toward the Alaska Range.
Lunch stop at the Tangle Lakes area, either at the lodge or with your own packed meal. Guests have time to look out over the lakes and, weather permitting, take an optional short walk to a nearby higher viewpoint for broader views of the surrounding basins and mountains.
Farther along, there may be an opportunity to walk a short distance up the lower portion of the MacLaren Summit Trail for views and photos. Near Cantwell, there is often time for a brief stroll up the Wolf Point Trail for elevated views. These are brief, easy walks rather than full hikes, meant simply to experience the terrain on foot before continuing on.
5
Brief stop after leaving the Denali Highway. On clear days there can be wide views of the Alaska Range and, occasionally, Denali.
6
Scenic return back to Fairbanks through Interior forest and river valleys, arriving back to town in the evening.
What's not included
A made-to-order meal is available for purchase at the Tangle Lakes Lodge. Guests may also bring their own food if they prefer.
Personal outdoor clothing and rain layers for variable weather
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Fairbanks
Fairbanks, located in the heart of Alaska, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich gold rush history, and unique subarctic climate. It's a gateway to extraordinary experiences like the Northern Lights, world-class fishing, and a vibrant arts scene. Fairbanks offers a blend of rugged wilderness and charming small-town atmosphere, making it a must-visit for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Top Attractions
Chena Hot Springs
A popular destination for soaking in natural hot springs, Chena Hot Springs is located about 60 miles northeast of Fairbanks. The resort offers a variety of activities, including aurora viewing, dog sledding, and ice museum tours.
Nature
Full day
Moderate to Expensive
Museum of the North
Located on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, this museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Alaska. Exhibits include wildlife dioramas, Native Alaskan artifacts, and contemporary art.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate
Fairbanks Arctic Warfare Training Center
This historic site offers a glimpse into the military history of Fairbanks, with exhibits on the Arctic warfare training that took place during World War II and the Cold War.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to Low
Pioneer Park
A 44-acre park featuring historic buildings, museums, and recreational facilities. It's a great place to learn about Fairbanks' gold rush history and enjoy outdoor activities.
Historical/Entertainment
2-3 hours
Free to Low
Mosquito Lake
A popular spot for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species and is a great place to see moose, bears, and other wildlife.
Nature/Adventure
Half day to full day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Salmon
Freshly caught Alaskan salmon, often grilled or smoked, is a must-try dish in Fairbanks.
Main Course
Gluten-free, high in protein
Reindeer Sausage
A local specialty made from reindeer meat, often served as sausage or in stews.
Main Course
Gluten-free, high in protein
Bannock
A traditional Alaskan bread made with flour, water, and sometimes berries or other ingredients.
Bread
Vegetarian, can be vegan if made without dairy
Akutaq
Also known as Eskimo ice cream, this traditional dish is made with whipped fat, berries, and sometimes fish or other ingredients.
Dessert
Vegetarian, high in fat
Popular Activities
Hiking
Dog sledding
Snowmobiling
Whitewater rafting
Soaking in hot springs
Scenic drives
Wildlife viewing
Visiting museums
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Fairbanks for outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the midnight sun. The weather is mild, and most attractions are open.
5°C to 25°C
41°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Alaska Time Zone (AKT, UTC-9)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Fairbanks is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in the winter.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Dress appropriately for the weather and activities
- • Carry bear spray when hiking or camping in the wilderness
Getting there
By air
- Fairbanks International Airport • 5 miles (8 km) from city center
By train
Fairbanks Depot
By bus
Fairbanks Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is affordable and convenient for getting around the city. Buses run on a regular schedule, but service may be limited in the winter.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Downtown Fairbanks
College Area
Chena Ridge
Day trips
Denali National Park
120 miles (193 km) • Full day
Denali National Park is home to North America's tallest peak and offers stunning landscapes, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities.
Arctic Circle
115 miles (185 km) north of Fairbanks • Full day
The Arctic Circle is a symbolic line of latitude that marks the northernmost point where the sun is visible at the winter solstice.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
250 miles (402 km) southeast of Fairbanks • Overnight
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is the largest national park in the United States and offers stunning landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Festivals
World Ice Art Championships • March
Midnight Sun Festival • June
Fairbanks Fur Rendezvous • February
Pro tips
- Visit in the summer to experience the midnight sun and enjoy outdoor activities
- Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak seasons
- Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly, especially in the winter
- Try local cuisine, including fresh seafood and Alaskan specialties
- Be bear aware and carry bear spray when hiking or camping in the wilderness
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
