ATV Riding near Denali: Side by Side Adventure with Meal

Operate your own machine through Alaskan wilderness and tundra

ATV riding near Denali National Park puts you in the driver's seat of a two-passenger Side by Side machine for a 3-hour backcountry adventure through the Alaska Range, valleys, streams and tundra. You control the throttle and brake while your guide leads the route. Hotel pickup is included, and a full backcountry meal (breakfast or dinner depending on your tour time) is served at a wilderness stop. No ATV experience is required, and all ages are welcome with a parent or guardian.

The experience

After pickup from your hotel, you'll drive to the north side of Denali National Park boundary near Otto Lake, roughly 10 to 15 miles depending on where you're staying. Once there, your guide fits you with a helmet, safety glasses and gloves, then walks you through the safety basics. The machine itself handles the work: a full-size Side by Side with a windshield, roof, seat belts and solid suspension built for rough ground. You operate the gas and brake. Your guide leads the line and sets the pace.

The route climbs through foothills and across tundra, following the Alaska Range and crossing streams as you work toward Black Diamond Peak. From the summit you can see across the entire Healy Valley. Speeds stay between 5 and 25 miles per hour, and your guide stops at multiple viewpoints so you can photograph the terrain and watch for wildlife. Bring a camera: the mountain scenery and open country give plenty of reasons to stop and frame a shot.

Midway through the ride, you'll pull in for a full-service backcountry meal. Morning tours serve an all-you-can-eat lumberjack breakfast with fresh-baked biscuits and gravy, thick-cut bacon, reindeer sausage, fresh fruit, flapjacks and scrambled eggs. Afternoon and evening tours offer ribs, chicken, steak, fresh Alaskan salmon, chili and potato salad, plus cobbler for dessert. Non-driving adult passengers can order wine or beer. Everyone gets coffee, tea, juice or hot chocolate. If you need a vegetarian option, let the operator know at booking.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the route.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• use of helmet, safety glasses and gloves.
• full-service backcountry meal (all-you-can-eat breakfast or dinner depending on tour time).
• beverages including wine and beer for non-driving adult passengers, plus coffee, tea, juice and hot chocolate.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 11 May 2027

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (under 16)

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 26 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Black Diamond Resort Co

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the whole group together, so you follow the route at a steady pace with commentary and stops built in: a good fit if you want the backcountry experience without navigating or timing the day yourself. If you're comfortable operating the machine and want to set your own throttle and line through the terrain, this is the version that puts you in control.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 16).

What is the Black Diamond Peak stop like on the ATV ride?

Black Diamond Peak is the high point of the route, where you can see across the entire Healy Valley from the summit. Your guide stops there so you can take photos and take in the view before heading back down.

Do I need ATV experience to book this ride near Denali?

No experience is necessary. Your guide gives you safety training and information before you start, and the machine is designed to handle rough terrain with controls you operate at your own pace.

What happens if I'm arriving at my hotel and want to ride the same day?

Hotel pickup is included, so you can book a tour time that works after you settle in. Allow 3.5 hours total if pickup is from your hotel, since the drive to the trailhead takes 10 to 15 miles depending on your location.

What should I wear for a backcountry ATV ride in Alaska?

The tour operates in all weather, so dress for cold and wet conditions. Layers work well, and waterproof outer gear is a good idea. The operator provides a helmet, safety glasses and gloves.

Is the backcountry meal included in the ATV ride price?

Yes, a full-service meal is included: an all-you-can-eat lumberjack breakfast for morning tours, or ribs, chicken, steak, salmon and sides for afternoon and evening tours. Wine and beer are available for non-driving adult passengers.