Alaska Nature Guides Heli-Hiking Adventures

There's no better way to explore Alaska than on foot—especially when your hike is bookended with a spectacular helicopter ride. With the professional naturalists of Alaska Nature Guides, you'll explore the South Denali area, known for its lush beauty and spectacular views, on quiet hikes that can range from a few hours to several days.

You’ll lift off from the Talkeetna State Airport for a scenic 15- to 20-minute helicopter ride into the boreal forest of the Talkeetna Mountains. Step off the chopper onto the alpine tundra and feel like you’ve been magically transported to a hiker's paradise inaccessible by any trail. Views of Denali, the Alaska Range, and countless peaks surround you, putting you face to face with the enormity of the Alaskan backcountry. Luckily, you are in the company of an experienced naturalist guide who will show you the way and get you home safely.

ANG’s partner on this trip is Talkeetna Air Taxi, the only commercial helicopter operator in town.

About Alaska Nature Guides

These amazing hikes are the vision of Howard and Noelle Carbone, former Denali National Park rangers and lifelong adventurers. They made their permanent home in Talkeetna and started Alaska Nature Guides together to share the natural wonders and beauty of Alaska in a way that gives visitors a full and memorable experience. Their recipe for success is simple: find and train the very best guides, explore the most pristine and beautiful places in small groups, and travel by foot.

They chose Denali State Park as their primary destination for hikes and nature walks—a place always listed as one of the top hiking destinations in Alaska, with its great views of Mt. McKinley, spectacular scenery, and great wildlife. Plus, it's much quieter than the national park, and much less crowded—and you don’t have to ride a bus all day to see the mountain.

In fact, it’s often just your group here when you take a hike with Howard, Noelle, or one of their friendly, knowledgeable guides. They also pride themselves on using Leave No Trace practices outdoors, and all guides are trained in first aid and bear encounters. They have a perfect safety record and can teach you how to enjoy Alaska’s wilderness in safety and comfort. They have been recognized as leaders in responsible tourism, and were awarded Gold Level certification with the Adventure Green Alaska sustainable tourism program, the only Denali-area company to achieve this honor.