Uncover The Wonders Of Denali: A Naturalist Walking Tour Experience
When you head out into Denali National Park, you’re not just going for a walk — you’re embarking on an adventure into one of the largest stretches of untamed wilderness in America. There is much to see and do that the value of a guided tour really cannot be overstated.
Denali National Park
What is Denali National Park? It is a large national park located in Alaska, boasting over six million acres of open wilderness. It is also home to the tallest mountain in North America: Denali. You may have heard of Mount McKinley growing up; the mountain has been returned to its original name of Denali. The park is home to a vast array of ecosystems and wildlife waiting for you to experience them.
A Naturalist Approach
You may have heard of naturalist-led walking tours, but how do they differ from a standard walking trip? It’s not just a standard sightseeing tour — it’s about learning. On a naturalist walking tour, you’ll get to learn all about the park’s ecology, geology, and history. Our naturalists are passionate and knowledgeable about the environment, and they’re eager to share that knowledge with you.
The walking tour starts in the lowland areas, winding through taiga forests where you’ll see an amazingly wide range of plant life that has adapted to the harsh Alaskan climate. Then, the tour moves to the alpine tundra, covered in wildflower and lichen to sustain wildlife despite the extreme weather conditions.
Wildlife Encounters
A naturalist tour isn’t just about the flora — we also focus on the fauna! Denali is home to all of Alaska’s Big Five: grizzlies, moose, caribou, wolves, and Dall sheep. Our naturalists are familiar with where these animals tend to be, and know how to look for signs of their recent passing, so they’re able to guide you to spots where you can observe the animals in their natural habitats. They’re also able to tell you all about how the animals live, interact with each other, and work within the local ecosystem.
On top of the famed “big five”, Denali is also home to more than 160 bird species, making it an absolute paradise for birding enthusiasts. Your naturalist guide can help you spot and identify birds, from golden eagles to ptarmigans, checking these beautiful feathered friends off your list.
Geological Wonders
As fantastic as the plants and animals of Denali are, that’s not all you’ll learn about on your naturalist-led walking tour. Denali is home to some of the most amazing geological processes on earth, and your naturalist will be able to point them out with ease and explain what makes them so impressive.
Your naturalist can tell you all about the formation of the Alaska Range, how glaciers are formed, and how the topography of the park has come to be the way it is. You’ll be able to see massive glaciers and Denali itself, impressing upon you how truly amazing the park’s geography truly is.
History, Culture, and More
While the naturalist led tour does focus on nature, you’ll also learn about the human aspect of Denali. That means you’ll learn about the history of the park, including the indigenous Athabascan people who gave Denali its name. You’ll also learn about explorers and the conservation efforts that led to the park being founded.
As a part of those conservation efforts, we work to educate our clients about conservation and sustainable tourism, so we can help keep these wild lands as stunning as they are now. We emphasize the importance of the “Leave No Trace” ethos, and talk about how every single visitor to the park helps play a role in saving Denali’s environment for future generations.
Book a Naturalist Walking Tour with Northern Epics Today
When you’re ready to embark on an educational adventure, Northern Epics is here to help. We offer an exclusive tour that takes you right into the heart of some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America. You’ll get to know Denali on an intimate level, seeing flora and geography you might never see anywhere else along with wildlife in their natural habitat.
As you enjoy your tour, your guide will tell you all about the park’s geology, history, and the culture of the indigenous people who have lived here for hundreds of years. Whether you’ve been here countless times or are venturing into Denali for the first time, our Naturalist Walking Tour is an experience you won’t forget.
