Denali Survival Skills Tour
Go off-trail to learn Alaska wilderness skills and edible plants
Duration
4 hrs
Includes
Guide, trekking poles, rain jackets
Highlights
Explore an off-trail boreal forest just outside Denali National Park and Preserve with an expert survivalist guide. Learn practical wilderness knowledge, from edible plants to shelter-building traditions.
- Identify edible plants and berries, including cloudberries
- Learn Athabaskan food-preservation methods and shelter-building skills
- Recognize moose signs, game trails, permafrost, and forest clues
- Hear stories of Denali survivalists, including Chris McCandless
- Look for wildlife such as squirrels, moose, ptarmigan, eagles, and weasels
Itinerary
- You complete your booking.
- You get a phone call from one of our team members to help you plan your trip and to answer any questions you have.
- You get a text from your guide the day before your tour confirming details and pick up.
- Your guide picks you up from your hotel (or an agreed upon meeting location) and takes you to the boreal forest.
- The Tour! Enjoy a beautiful walk through the boreal forest, and a lesson on survival in Denali.
- Your guide drops you back at your hotel, or anywhere else you'd like to be dropped off.
- You impress your friends with your new knowledge of Alaska. They'll be shocked when you point to a clearing and can tell them what kinds of tasty berries will be growing there.
What's Included
- Expert survivalist guide
- Trekking poles
- Rain jackets
- Drinking water
- Mosquito repellent
- Shuttle service within 20 miles of the park entrance
Important details
- Warm clothing and closed-toe shoes are required
- Small children require adult accompaniment and supervision at all times
- Requires navigating off-trail, uneven terrain with minor bushwhacking; plan for about 1–3 miles and 200–300 feet of elevation gain
- Tours operate in rain and cancel only for lightning
Cancellation Policy
Cancel anytime for a full refund. No-call/no-shows are charged.
FAQs
This is an off-trail hike and may involve minor bushwhacking. Wear long pants and long sleeves, bring warm layers, comfortable hiking shoes/boots, plenty of water, and lunch. Consider bringing extra rain gear (rain pants aren’t provided).
Yes—meeting point is your hotel. Your guide will text you the specific pickup time the day before your hike; they try to send texts before 5 pm and no later than 7 pm.
The tour is time-based and customized to your group, so exact distance varies. Be prepared for about 1–3 miles and roughly 200–300 feet of elevation gain.
