Imagine venturing into the wilds of Alaska, riding a Polaris ATV through rugged trails, hunting for hidden clues, and ending your adventure with a hearty, camp-style meal. That’s exactly what the Black Diamond Treasure Hunt offers—a 3-hour journey from Healy that combines off-road fun, stunning scenery, and a delicious meal in the backcountry. Priced at $173.50 per person, this tour is a favorite, consistently booked 78 days in advance, and boasts an impressive 5.0-star rating from 152 reviews.
Two things truly shine in this experience. First, the guides, who are consistently praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the trip engaging for all ages. Second, the scenery, which offers sweeping views of Alaska’s wilderness, granite rocks, and native wildlife, making every moment visually memorable. One aspect to consider is the group size—limited to 15 travelers—which helps foster a more personal, relaxed atmosphere.
This adventure is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities, are comfortable on uneven terrain, and are eager to learn about Alaskan nature and history. Families, couples, or small groups looking for a mix of thrill and cultural connection will find it particularly appealing. Now, let’s take a closer look at what makes this tour so popular, what to expect at each stop, and how to make the most of your time in this wild corner of the world.
- Authentic Wilderness Experience: Ride through Alaska’s backcountry, discovering hidden views and clues.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are praised for their friendliness, local insights, and safety awareness.
- Hearty Meal Included: Enjoy a camp-style meal with options for breakfast or dinner, depending on your tour time.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with emphasis on safety and engaging storytelling.
- Small Group Feel: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Rain or Shine: Operates regardless of weather, so dress accordingly and be prepared for an adventure in any conditions.
The Starting Point: Black Diamond Resort Co
Your journey begins with pickup from your Healy hotel or a straightforward drive to the Black Diamond Resort. This location serves as the launching pad into Alaska’s wilderness, and it’s where you’ll meet your professional guide. The check-in staff reportedly sets a lively tone—friendly, fun, and welcoming—setting the stage for a memorable adventure.
Safety and Orientation
Before hitting the trails, a safety briefing ensures everyone knows how to operate the Polaris ATV and what to watch out for on the rugged terrain. Despite some confusion in reviews about whether you’ll be on your own ATV or being guided, the majority experience is a guided tour that emphasizes safety and fun. The Polaris Ranger ATV provided is equipped with seatbelts, a windshield, and a cover, offering some protection on the bumpy ride and a sense of security.
The Treasure Hunt Trail
Once aboard, the adventure truly begins. The guide sets off into the backcountry, traversing old mining paths and scenic trails that spill out into more remote areas. As you go, your group works together to find hidden views, quartz and granite rocks, coal, and other clues that lead to the treasure—a rustic pavilion nestled in the woods where a camp-style meal awaits.
Traveling through water crossings, muddy patches, and open spaces, guests often comment on how the guides keep the ride fun and safe, even in less-than-ideal weather. The trail offers a mix of thrill, natural beauty, and educational tidbits about Alaskan flora, fauna, and history. Guides are particularly praised for their storytelling skills—one reviewer mentioned a guide named Andrew as “excellent,” while others noted guides like Ross, Gavin, Jan, or Jack as engaging and knowledgeable.
The Treasure Find: Rustic Pavilion & Hearty Meal
Your journey culminates at a rustic woodland pavilion, where the focus shifts from adventure to indulgence. As reviews highlight, the meal varies depending on the time of day. Morning tours feature baked biscuits and gravy, reindeer sausage, pancakes, and eggs, while afternoon and evening trips serve up ribs, chicken, steak, salmon, baked beans, and potato salad. Many reviews rave about the generous portions and home-style quality—a true feast after hours of off-road exploration.
The meals are served family-style, encouraging conversation and camaraderie. Beverages—including coffee, hot chocolate, juice, and adult drinks—are available for purchase, making for a relaxed, social end to your outdoor Alaska experience.
Additional Insights
- Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but many guests mention spotting moose or other native animals during the ride.
- The tour operates rain or shine, so appropriate clothing is essential. Most reviews note that guides help you dress for the weather, with some mention of muddy conditions adding to the adventure.
- The tour is suitable for moderate physical fitness levels—bumpy rides and outdoor activity are part of the fun, but it’s not overly strenuous.
- If you have dietary restrictions, vegetarian options are available if requested at booking, which many travelers appreciate given the hearty meal offerings.
Authenticity and Value
The reviews consistently praise the value for money—for around $173, travelers enjoy not only the adventure and scenery but also a substantial meal and expert-guided storytelling. The small group setting means you get more attention, personalized guidance, and a chance to genuinely enjoy the landscape.
Some guests mention disappointments—mainly related to misunderstandings about ATV ownership or trail restrictions—but overall, the experience remains highly rated. Many repeat visitors describe it as a “must-do” in Denali and a highlight of their trip.
This trip is perfect for families with kids, as it is described as “family-friendly” and has received glowing reviews from parents with young children. Adventure seekers who want a combination of off-road riding and cultural insight will find it enriching. It also suits travelers who enjoy good food and lively guides—the meals and storytelling add a welcoming, homey feel to the wilderness adventure.
If you’re after a relaxed, small-group experience that balances adrenaline, scenery, and hearty Alaskan cuisine, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s less about high-intensity racing and more about shared adventure and discovery, making each participant feel involved and connected to the landscape.
Pros:
- Expert guides known for friendliness and local knowledge
- Beautiful views and opportunities to see wildlife
- Delicious, hearty meals that satisfy after outdoor activity
- Small group size ensures intimacy
- Operates in all weather conditions, adding to the sense of adventure
Cons:
- Some confusion in reviews about ATV access—likely a guided experience, not individual rentals
- Physical activity and weather might not suit everyone
- Longer booking lead time (78 days in advance) suggests popularity and limited availability
The Black Diamond Treasure Hunt is a superb choice for those wanting an authentic taste of Alaska’s wilderness. It delivers a well-rounded experience—off-road fun, cultural storytelling, and a hearty meal—all in a manageable 3-hour window. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking adventure, or simply want a memorable outdoor meal in the woods, this tour offers genuine value and a chance to connect with Alaska’s rugged beauty.
While some reviews mention minor logistical issues, the overall consensus remains glowing. It’s an activity that combines thrills, scenery, and local flavor—a true snapshot of what makes Alaska special.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is described as family-friendly, and many reviews highlight it as a perfect activity for multiple generations, including kids aged 6 and older.
Do I need prior experience to participate?
No experience is necessary. The safety briefing ensures everyone knows how to operate the Polaris ATV, and guides are there to assist and supervise.
What should I wear?
Since the tour runs rain or shine, dress for the weather—layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy shoes are recommended to stay comfortable during muddy or wet conditions.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers transportation from Healy (if selected), the guided ATV treasure hunt, snacks, and the camp-style meal. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase separately.
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours—this includes transportation, the off-road adventure, and the meal at the end.
Are there any dietary accommodations?
Vegetarian options are available if requested when booking, ensuring everyone can enjoy the hearty meal.
In sum, this tour offers a lively, authentic taste of Alaska’s outdoors, flavored with good food, engaging guides, and unforgettable scenery. It’s a solid pick for adventure lovers eager to explore the wilderness from a new perspective.