Northern Epics Guided Hiking & Naturalist Tours

Don’t just visit iconic Denali National Park—come away with a real understanding of how the entire ecosystem fits together (and of course, some amazing photos!) when you take one of the small-group hiking tours with Northern Epics.

Small Group Educational Tours

Tours are focused on teaching and education, so in addition to taking in the stunning sights and sweet smells of the area, you’ll be learning fascinating facts about the flora and fauna. And, since there’s a maximum group size of 11 people, you’ll have lots of interaction with your expert guide. In fact, Northern Epics pays their guides more than twice the industry standard and expects them to study over the off-season, so you’re guaranteed a true expert who will lead you on a holistic, authentic experience.

Hiking & Walking Tours

Naturalist Walking Tour

This 3-hour walk, which is on the easier side along maintained trails, focuses on the frontcountry of Denali — its wildflowers, animals, and much more. You’ll cover 2–3 miles at a leisurely pace as your guide gives you a deep understanding of the park. The company’s most popular tour, this one is suitable for all ages. Learn more or book.

Wilderness Wonders

Take the path less traveled: On this 4-hour tour, you’ll be doing some off-trail hiking, led by guides who bring a rich understanding of natural navigation. You’ll even do a little bushwacking with this hands-on tour, as you taste edible plants and berries, feel the velvety texture of moss, and delve into the area’s rich cultural history. Learn more or book.

Into the Mountains

This 5-hour tour features rigorous hiking, with the payoff of stunning views! Follow ridgeline trails in the area outside Denali Park and look down on the boreal forest below as you gain a deeper understanding of multiple ecosystems. Scramble over rocks and look for Dall sheep as you take in the jaw-dropping beauty from your mountain perch. Learn more or book.

Survival Tours

Alaska is synonymous with adventure, and these 4- and 8-hour tours offer plenty of it, along with real insights into what it means to survive in the wilderness. Your guide is a longtime survivalist who’s been teaching survival courses for 6-plus years. You’ll do some off-trail hiking and take a survival workshop, where you’ll learn things like how to build a shelter, trap animals, and identify edible berries.

The 4-hour tour is a great introduction to these skills, while the 8-hour tour goes more in-depth into shelter-making and teaches you how to make fire using sticks and shoelaces. You’ll also get more of the history of survivalism, talk about where Chris McCandless (of Into the Wild) went wrong, and hear amazing survival stories of those who did it right.

Learn more or book the half day tour.