Roadside Naturalist Field Course with Alaska Geographic

Go beyond the stunning scenery of Denali National Park and get an insider look at the science of this living laboratory on an intimate, educational day tour with Alaska Geographic. It includes exploration and fun, hands-on experiences, making for a family-friendly adventure that anyone ages 8 and up can join.

A Small Group Experience

You’ll kick off the day at the Murie Science Learning Center, just inside the park. Your tour leader is no traditional guide, but rather a science educator trained to provide in-depth scientific information. Traveling by van in a small group, you’ll hear about the park’s history and go deep into its ecosystem dynamics. And along with tons of information about Denali’s birds and wildlife, you’ll have some great opportunities to spot them!

Along the way, you’ll see evidence of glaciation in braided rivers, spruce forests, and the alpine tundra as you keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings and the elusive view of Denali’s peaks. You’ll also have the opportunity for one to two longer stops, giving you the rare opportunity to do some guided, off-trail hiking with your educator, to really absorb the gorgeous wilderness as you learn. In fact, you’ll get a full sensory experience—you may taste berries or spruce needles, see stunning views and unique details, and feel just how cold glaciated water is. You’ll also enjoy the provided lunch of sandwiches, snacks, and fruits while breathing in Alaska’s fresh air.

A Science Educator As Your Guide

The educators leading your tour all have educational and science backgrounds and do extensive training on Denali-specific content. As the park’s primary education partner, AK Geo educators have unique access to park science, so they bring a lot of insight into research and current discoveries in the park.

Your destination is the East Fork of the Toklat River at Mile 43; the Park Road is closed beyond that, so you’ll turn around there and make your way back. In fact, this is the only organization taking small groups all the way to the end of the road.