ATV Adventures in Alaska
When planning our time in Denali, we didn’t know what exactly we wanted to do with our time but we knew that we wanted it to be spectacular. We had an idea that we would do some hiking but decided that we wanted to do some other activities while in or near the park. After doing some research, we decided that we wanted to do a guided ATV ride around Denali. As we were trying to check some things off of our bucket list, this was one activity that stood out to us as something unique and fun.
Thanks to some research on the internet, we found Denali ATV Adventures. The reviews were good and the cost seemed reasonable. For the Denali Wilderness Adventure tour, which the website claims is the most popular tour of the ones they offer, you would have a guided 2.5 hour tour through the Denali back country. We came to discover that this meant that we would not be driving through Denali National Park, as ATVs in the park are forbidden, but in an area outside of the park. Also, when we booked, we could choose from a variety of ATV sizes. You could be in a one person ATV, a 2-person ATV (which is what we did), a 3-person, 4-person or 6-person ATV. Drivers could switch off as long as every driver was over 16. We opted for the 2-person ATV because I am a much happier passenger than I am driver. Our friends also opted for the 2-person because Amanda didn’t want to drive either. Finally, when booking, you can opt to purchase a neck gaiter (handkerchief to cover your neck and face) for $5 or $6 each and a video package add-on for $25. You can also add on car seats and boosters at no additional cost. Our total cost including our tip to our guides was $270. It turns out we were really glad to have the gaiters but felt that the video was kinda pointless. I had even forgotten about it until now. To make it worth anything, I will need to download it and spend some time editing it so that it is worth looking at. My recommendation would be to get the gaiters but skip the video.
Like with most of the other activities, we were picked up in front of the lodge and then went to another lodge to pick up some other adventurers. Then, the van driver took us on a 20 minute ride up to where we would be getting on our ATVs. During the ride, the driver explained how last summer she was on a cruise with her daughter and loved Denali so much that they both decided to become seasonal workers. And just like that, now they live and work there all summer. This turned out to be a really common story, which we found interesting (we kept checking in with each other to see if we were ready to move to Alaska for the summer- spoiler alert = no, we weren’t). Once we arrived at the starting point, we listened to a lengthy safety briefing, got our helmets on and found our vehicles. If you are opting to do the single rider ATV, they require that you pass a little obstacle course to prove that you are ready to handle the trail. There were multiple groups and each group had 2 guides. Our guides were great and we stopped 3 different times to take a break, take in the views, and listen to some facts and stories from our guides. We saw a Moose and some birds and we got to see and take some great photos of the mountains and terrain around us.
Our two guides snuck a fun selfie.
After we arrived back at the starting point, we parked our vehicles and got out marveling at how dirty we became while riding around in our ATVs. We thanked our guides and rushed to give them a tip before they headed off to get the next group ready. We then got back on a van so we could go back to the lodge, where a shower never felt so good (we were so so grateful for the gaiters). And, we were thankful also for the laundry room at the lodge so we could wash our clothes before packing them up.
While riding around in the back country in ATVs might not be for everyone, it was definitely a fun and unique way to experience more of Denali. The staff hired by ATV Adventures all seemed very capable and passionate about their jobs. If looking for a more exciting but not dangerous or crazy expensive way to see Denali, you should consider your own ATV adventure through Denali.
