Denali National Park is a place like nowhere else — vast, wild, and full of surprises. While most visitors marvel at its soaring peaks and abundant wildlife, those seeking a bit of adrenaline find ATV & Quad Bike Tours a perfect way to explore its rugged terrain up close. Whether you’re chasing panoramic views of the Alaska Range or splashing through mountain streams, these tours make you feel like a true adventurer. We especially like the 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour for its combination of scenic highlights and accessibility, or the Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal for its hearty post-ride feast and knowledgeable guides. For a more challenging trek, the Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour offers longer rides and more rugged scenery. Each of these experiences provides a different taste of Alaska’s wild side—so read on to find your perfect match.
1. 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour
At number 1 on our list is the 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour — a highly-rated, all-around popular choice with a perfect 5.0/5 rating based on 802 reviews. This guided tour offers a blend of scenic views and wildlife sightings—think Otto Lake, Healy Valley, and the majestic Alaska Range. The tour is ideal for those wanting a quick but immersive taste of the wilderness, with options to ride a single or double ATV. You’ll splash through shallow water, navigate rocky creek beds, and get a sense of what true off-road driving feels like.
What really makes this tour stand out is its balance of adventure and education. Your guide shares insights into Denali’s ecosystem and history, making it more than just a ride. The equipment is well-maintained, and the ride reaches speeds of up to 30 mph, adding an adrenaline rush without feeling unsafe. The reviews echo this thrill, with one customer saying, “Quite exciting ride. Great views. Rugged terrain and driving through deep puddles and streams.” Plus, pickup and drop-off from select hotels simplify planning.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-timers or those short on time but wanting a genuine wilderness ATV experience, this tour offers excellent value for money with plenty of fun and scenery.
2. Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal
For a longer, more immersive experience, the Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal takes second place. With a 5.0/5 rating from 407 reviews, this 3-hour adventure is a step up in terms of both scenery and comfort. Guided by experienced operators, you’ll navigate a Polaris Side by Side ATV, which comfortably seats two passengers. Riding in tandem, you’ll race through stunning mountain vistas, reaching up to 25 mph, with the highlight being the breathtaking views of Black Diamond Peak and Healy Valley.
What sets this tour apart is the full-service backcountry meal afterwards — a generous, hearty meal enjoyed in the wild, often with stunning sunset or mountain backdrop. The guides bring a wealth of local knowledge, making the trip educational as well as fun. Reviewers rave about the food and guiding, with one saying, “The experience was fun and informative with wildlife along the way, and the meals were delicious.” Plus, the tour includes hotel transport, making logistics simple.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a longer, more relaxed ride combined with a tasty meal in the wilderness, this tour delivers a balanced mix of scenery, comfort, and adventure.
3. Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour
At number 3, the Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour offers a solid choice for those wanting a deep dive into Alaska’s backcountry. This 3.5-hour tour explores trails through the boreal forest, with options for single or multi-passenger UTVs. It’s perfect for travelers looking to challenge themselves on more rugged terrain while enjoying views of the Alaska Range and plentiful wildlife.
The ride is designed to be accessible for various experience levels—most riders reach speeds of around 30 mph on trails that are challenging but manageable. The tour includes stops for photos and wildlife viewing, giving a personal touch to the adventure. The reviews praise the mix of challenging terrain and stunning scenery, with one guest noting, “The terrain was beautiful, and the ride was fast-paced and on backcountry trails.” Guides share their expert knowledge throughout, enhancing the experience.
Bottom Line: For those who want a longer trail ride with plenty of opportunities to capture photos and see wildlife, this tour offers a good balance of challenge and scenery.
4. Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining
Number 4 on our list is the Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining, providing a 3-hour ride through the wilderness near Healy. Starting with safety instructions, you’ll drive your own ATV or ride along with the guide, exploring dry creek beds and dirt roads. This tour is especially well-regarded for its delicious backcountry meal—a full breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on your schedule—and the opportunity to see wildlife and stunning mountain views.
The tour is praised for its friendly, experienced guides like Shane and Mar, who help everyone feel safe and confident. Guests enjoy the combination of adventure and good food, with one reviewer stating, “The lunch was delicious and the guides knew the terrain well.” The ride is suitable for all experience levels, and the scenic stops are plentiful.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a relaxed yet exciting ride combined with a hearty meal and picturesque scenery in Alaska’s wilds.
5. Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure
The Wilds of Alaska Classic ATV Adventure is a 3-hour trip that plunges you into the true wilderness of Denali. This ride is all about rugged exploration, with pilots navigating their own ATV through the tundra, stopping for photos of the surrounding mountains and the Alaska Range. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Healy and all necessary equipment, making it straightforward to book.
Riders love the challenge of the terrain, which involves navigating through dry creek beds and steep inclines. One reviewer commented, “The experience was very memorable! The staff was extremely professional and made sure everyone had what they needed.” Wildlife sightings are possible, adding to the authenticity of the adventure.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for travelers who want a demanding, hands-on off-road experience in Alaska’s wildest areas, with the convenience of hotel pickup.
6. Midnight Sun ATV Adventure 2.5 Hour Tour
Number 6 offers a unique twist: experiencing Denali’s landscapes under the midnight sun during this 2.5-hour evening ATV adventure. Riding through trails illuminated by continuous daylight, you’ll see areas of the park many visitors miss, thanks to the extended daylight hours of summer.
Tour guides lead you through craggy landscapes, sharing local facts and pointing out geographic features. The trails are varied, with some muddy patches, and the experience is described as “exciting and dusty,” perfect for those wanting a different perspective of Denali. The reviews highlight how much fun they had riding at sunset with one saying, “The guides kept us safe and highly entertained.”
Bottom Line: Best for night owls or summer visitors wanting to see Denali in a whole new light, this tour offers an unforgettable experience.
7. Winter Side by Side ATV Tour
Finally, the Winter Side by Side ATV Tour provides a unique chance to explore Denali’s snow-covered landscapes. With full windshields, roofs, and seat belts, these ATVs are built for cold weather, making winter travel comfortable and safe. While it’s the only tour without reviews yet, it’s suited for families, couples, and friends eager to see Alaska’s winter wonderland.
The 2-hour ride covers rough terrain near the park boundary, offering excellent photo opportunities and a chance to experience Denali’s snow-dusted scenery up close. The tour’s equipment and guides ensure a secure adventure even in challenging winter conditions.
Bottom Line: For those visiting in winter or looking for a snowy, snowy twist on ATV riding, this tour delivers a memorable and scenic experience.
$159.95 per person
How to Choose the Right ATV Tour in Denali
When selecting your ATV adventure, consider your budget, time available, and what kind of scenery or challenge you seek. For a quick taste of wilderness with scenic highlights, the 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure is ideal. If you’d like a longer ride that includes a meal, the Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure is a fantastic choice. For those craving more rugged terrain and wildlife, the Denali ATV Trailblazer or Wilds of Alaska tours hit the spot. If you want a unique experience during the midnight sun, the Midnight Sun ATV Adventure is perfect.
Booking early is highly recommended, especially in summer when tours fill quickly. Think about what level of physical effort you’re comfortable with and whether weather conditions might influence your plans — winter tours are obviously seasonal. Also, check whether your accommodation offers pickup, as many tours include hotel transport, simplifying logistics.
Final Thoughts
Denali’s landscape offers a wide range of ATV and quad bike experiences that cater to different tastes and adventure levels. For a quick, fun introduction, the 2.5-Hour Wilderness ATV Tour is hard to beat. For longer, more immersive rides with meals, the Back Country Side by Side Adventure shines. Those looking for a rugged challenge will appreciate the Trailblazer or Wilds of Alaska tours, while the Midnight Sun experience provides a surreal ride under the endless daylight of summer.
Each of these tours promises a genuine taste of Alaska’s wild side — so pick what fits your schedule and interests, and book early. These adventures are the kind of stories you’ll be telling long after you’ve left Denali behind.