Denali Highway Jeep Tour: Drive Alaska's #2 Scenic Route

The Denali Highway is a gravel road most rental cars cannot use, and this tour puts you behind the wheel of a Jeep built for it.

A 4-hour Jeep tour of the Denali Highway, ranked #2 "Drive of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler, where you drive a new 4-door Jeep Wrangler (or ride as a passenger) on a 100+ mile round-trip through untouched wilderness. The route passes through historic Cantwell, follows the Nenana River sourced from glaciers, and offers views of Denali and the Alaska Range, with stops for photography and scenic enjoyment. Hotel pickup from selected Denali Canyon properties is included, along with a professional guide, light refreshments and snacks. An adult 25 or older with a valid driver's license must be designated to drive. Parties of one or two may be paired with others and share driving duties.

Step-by-step itinerary

Denali Highway Jeep Excursion

• Meet at Jeep Tour Launch Site
• Complete waivers and receive instructions
• Drive new 4-door Jeep Wranglers
• Travel through historic Cantwell
• Explore scenic Denali Highway
• Stop for photography and scenic views
• View Denali mountain (weather permitting)
• Pass by Nenana River
• Stop at Brushkana Creek for restrooms

The experience

You start at your hotel in the Denali area or at the Jeep Tour Launch Site, where you'll meet the guide, sign waivers and receive driving instructions. Then you climb into a new 4-door Jeep Wrangler equipped with two-way radios to stay in contact with the guide Jeep ahead. The route heads south on the George Parks Highway through historic Cantwell, a year-round service stop and the western gateway to the Denali Highway itself.

The Denali Highway is a gravel road through untouched wilderness that most rental cars and RVs cannot legally drive. This tour is how you reach it. You'll cover more than 100 miles round-trip, navigating terrain built for the Jeep's capability while the guide leads the way. Snow-capped peaks, icy glaciers and panoramic vistas frame the drive. Denali, known to Alaskans as the "High One," is visible along the first 11 miles (weather permitting), and the return journey offers a second chance to spot it. The Nenana River, fed by the Nenana Glacier, flows alongside the highway. Stops happen at scenic overlooks and at Brushkana Creek for restrooms and photos.

The tour runs 4 hours and operates May through September in all weather, so dress for conditions. Light refreshments and snacks are provided. If you're not comfortable driving, you can ride as a passenger in one of the Jeeps, though your group needs someone 25 or older with a valid license to take the wheel. Parties of one or two may be paired with other groups and can share driving if you prefer.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• new 4-door Jeep Wrangler with two-way radio communication.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from selected Denali Canyon properties.
• light refreshments and snacks.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 20 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (1 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 28

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 13 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 30 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Denali Jeep Excursions

Is this one for you?You drive the Jeep yourself if you're 25 or older with a valid license, which is what puts you in control of the pace and the stops: ideal if you want the freedom to linger at overlooks and handle the terrain yourself. If you'd rather ride as a passenger, you can do that instead, though your group still needs a designated driver. Either way, this is the only way to access the Denali Highway's 100+ miles without a personal 4x4 vehicle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 12 years).

Can I ride as a passenger if I don't want to drive the Jeep?

Yes, you can ride as a passenger in the Jeep. However, your group must have at least one person 25 or older with a valid driver's license designated as the driver for your vehicle.

What is the Denali Highway and why does this tour use Jeeps?

The Denali Highway is a gravel road ranked #2 "Drive of a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler, running through remote Alaskan wilderness with views of glaciers and the Alaska Range. Most rental cars and RVs are restricted from using it, so the tour's new 4-door Jeep Wranglers are purpose-built to handle the rugged terrain and access scenery other vehicles cannot reach.

Is hotel pickup included, and which hotels does it cover?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected hotels in the Denali Canyon area. Confirm your hotel is on the pickup list when you book, or you can meet at the Jeep Tour Launch Site instead.

Will I see Denali on this tour?

Denali is visible along the first 11 miles of the Denali Highway (weather permitting), and the return journey offers a second opportunity to see it. Views depend on cloud cover and atmospheric conditions on the day of your tour.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional guide, new 4-door Jeep Wrangler rental, light refreshments, snacks, hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), and all taxes and fees.