Talkeetna: Denali Flightseeing Tour & Glacier Landing

Summary

Denali’s wild side from above with glacier landing in Alaska

You’ll board a ski-equipped plane in Talkeetna for a flightseeing tour above Denali’s glaciers and gorges, guided by your pilot’s stories through your headset. Land right on a glacier—overboots included—and feel Alaska’s wild silence all around you before heading back with those views still echoing inside.

What’s the experience like?

You know that moment when you’re not sure if you’re nervous or just excited? That’s how it felt walking up to the log cabin office at Talkeetna State Airport — the wood smelled faintly of pine, and there was this low hum of chatter from other folks waiting for their Denali flightseeing tour. I kept checking my camera, like I’d somehow forget it. Our pilot, Mike, handed out these chunky glacier overboots and grinned, “You’ll need these later.” I didn’t really get it yet.

The plane itself had skis instead of wheels, which honestly made me laugh a little — it looked like something out of an old adventure movie. Once we were up, headphones on, Mike started pointing out winding rivers below and told us how the Susitna valley shaped this whole region. The light bounced off the ice in a way that made everything look sharper than real life. At one point he banked left so we could see Ruth Glacier’s Great Gorge — 4,000 feet thick, just endless blue-white ice. It was so quiet up there except for the soft static of Mike’s voice and someone behind me whispering “wow” under their breath.

Landing on the glacier was…well, I still think about that crunch underfoot when I stepped out. The air tasted cold — almost sweet? — and everyone sort of wandered around quietly at first. Then someone tried to throw a snowball (missed by a mile), and we all started laughing. My hands went numb but I barely noticed because honestly, where else do you get to stand surrounded by nothing but mountains and sky? The whole thing felt both huge and weirdly personal at the same time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scenic flight and glacier landing

• Check in at Talkeetna State Airport
• Bring sunglasses, light jacket, camera
• Board ski-equipped aircraft
• Listen to pilot's commentary
• Fly over Talkeetna and Susitna valley
• View Great Gorge of the Ruth Glacier
• Explore seven major southside glaciers
• Optional glacier landing and sightseeing

Top questions

How long is the Denali flightseeing tour from Talkeetna?

The standard flight lasts about 1 hour; adding a glacier landing extends it by 30 minutes.

Is pickup included for this Denali flight tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; check-in is at the log cabin office at Talkeetna State Airport.

Are infants allowed on the Denali flightseeing tour?

Yes, infants can ride in a pram or stroller or sit on an adult's lap during the flight.

What should I bring for the glacier landing?

Bring sunglasses, a light jacket (in summer), and plenty of memory for your camera; glacier overboots are provided.

Will there be commentary during the flight?

Yes, your pilot provides commentary about geology and wildlife through individual headsets.

Do I need to be physically fit for this experience?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes easy check-in at Talkeetna State Airport’s log cabin office, commentary from your pilot via headset as you fly above Denali’s glaciers and valleys, plus provided glacier overboots for your landing right on the ice before returning to town.