ATV Adventure in Healy: Drive Your Own 4WD Vehicle

Take the wheel on Alaska's backcountry trails and climb to Black Diamond Peak

A 3-hour ATV adventure from Healy where you drive your own 4WD vehicle on old coal mining trails, the Dry Creek River Bed and up to Black Diamond Peak for valley views. Hotel pickup and drop-off, helmet, goggles, gloves and a professional guide are included; you'll get safety training before heading out, and if you prefer not to drive, you can ride with your guide instead.

The Experience

The day starts with pickup from your Healy hotel and a safety briefing on how to operate the 4WD ATV. You'll get a practice drive to build confidence before heading into the backcountry, fitted with helmet, safety goggles, gloves and optional rain gear. If driving isn't for you, the option to ride with your guide on their two-person vehicle is there—either way, you're heading out with someone who knows the terrain and the local history.

The route follows old coal mining trails that open onto the Dry Creek River Bed, an excavation site for Athabascan Indian artifacts. You'll stop to explore a broken-down cabin across the river and take in the local plant life. From there, the trail climbs Black Diamond Peak, where the entire Healy Valley spreads out below. Your guide points out wildlife and shares stories about the area as you ride, and there are frequent breaks to catch your breath, take photos and sit with the landscape.

You'll need a valid driver's license and must be at least 16 years old to drive; children can ride along with an adult. Moderate fitness helps, and the tour runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Black Diamond Grill has dining available before or after your ride if you want to extend the day.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Healy.
• professional guide.
• helmet, safety goggles, gloves and optional rain gear.
• safety training and practice drive before heading into the backcountry.

Good to know

Moderate physical level

Operated by Black Diamond Resort Co

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to drive your own vehicle through Alaska's backcountry—the guide handles navigation and history while you control the machine. If you'd rather ride as a passenger, your guide can take you on their two-person ATV instead.

Traveler reviews

4.84★★★★★★★★★★

81 verified traveler reviews

5 ★74

4 ★2

3 ★4

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I ride on the ATV if I don't want to drive it myself?

Yes. If you prefer not to drive, you can ride with your guide on their two-person vehicle instead of operating your own ATV.

What's included in the ATV adventure from Healy?

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Healy, a professional guide, helmet, safety goggles, gloves, optional rain gear, and safety training before you ride.

What happens at Black Diamond Peak?

Black Diamond Peak is the high point of the ride, where you stop to take in views across the entire Healy Valley and watch for local wildlife.

Do I need a driver's license to book this ATV tour?

Yes. You must have a valid driver's license with you and present it when you sign the liability release form; drivers must be at least 16 years old.

What are the old mining trails like?

The route follows former coal mining trails that lead onto the Dry Creek River Bed, an excavation site where Athabascan Indian artifacts have been found, and includes a stop at an old cabin across the river.