Denali Zipline Tours (Talkeetna)

Combine great views of the Alaska Range and Denali with the thrill of ziplining with Denali Zipline Tours. Set in the forested ridges above the Talkeetna River valley, this zip includes nine ziplines and three suspension bridges, and offers spectacular views of Denali and the Alaskan Range.

You’ll fly through the air on the ziplines and walk through the forest canopy on the bridges. Every eight guests get two guides, who will lead you through the course while teaching you about the boreal forest, the formation of the Alaska Range, or the nature of glacial river valleys. Then hold on tight as you zip to the next amazing view!

A Dog Musher’s (Really Big) Backyard

Opened in 2012, Denali Zipline Tours is the vision of Mark Wildermuth. A dog musher, wilderness guide, carpenter, and longtime Talkeetna resident, Wildermuth created this course to sustainably develop his property and to share his love for his backyard. Luckily, his land had just the trees, and the right slope, for a zipline course.

The 3-hour tour meets in Talkeetna at the company’s Main Street office, and it’s a 15-minute van ride to the course, where you get geared up. At “ground school,” you’re outfitted with climbing harnesses and helmets, receive a safety orientation, and practice "suspension," hanging a few feet off the ground to get a feel for the experience. The zips, which begin at 15 feet off the ground, get progressively higher and longer, culminating in a 600-foot zipline.

Bird’s Eye Views

Along the way, you’ll get different views of the Alaska Range, Denali, and the Ruth Glacier, plus vistas of the Susitna and Chulitna River Valleys. And of course you’ll get up close to the birch, cottonwood, and spruce trees of the boreal forest--the largest ecosystem on earth, and a critical nesting habitat for migrating songbirds.

You need to be over 10 years old, weigh between 80 and 270 pounds for the tour, wear close-toed shoes, and not be too afraid of heights. You can bring a camera, but it’s at your own risk, and you’ll need a secure way to carry it. But we’re pretty sure you’ll want to bring one; the photo opps of dramatic scenery are great, but even better are those of your friends zipping through the air.