Talkeetna flightseeing is the best way to experience the vastness of Denali and the Alaskan wilderness without hiking. So what is Talkeetna flightseeing, and why is it so popular? If “glacier landings” and “summit tours” excite you, read on, fellow adventurers!
What is “Talkeetna Flightseeing?”
Talkeetna Flightseeing is a popular way to tour the Alaska range and the Denali National Park via aircraft. It’s called “Talkeetna” because that’s the town where these flights takeoff and eventually land.
Talkeetna is a quaint, tiny little town at the base of the Alaska Range, initially populated by the Mountain People and Indigenous peoples. It was a popular area for mining and the railroad, but air travel became even more popular once an air landing strip was built in the 40s. It helped boom the population from a whopping 70 persons to 136 in 1940. With the improved and enlarged Talkeetna airport, Talkeetna sees tourists and visitors from all over the world. With a unique Alaskan historic district, the town also draws the attention of tourists hoping to see Denali. However, there are plenty of things to do and see in this small town before embarking on a flightseeing journey.
The flightseeing tours are given via aircraft, but what type of aircraft are used? Typically you’ll see float planes hosting flightseeing tours due to their light weight, agility, and ability to land on the surface of the water. This is extremely helpful due to the multitude of lakes and surrounding bodies of water.
What happens on Flightseeing tours?
Flightseeing tours are usually made up of 5-10 passengers. They experience the Denali National park, meaning glaciers, the Alaska Range, Mount Denali herself, and so much more via plane tour. One top-rated flightseeing service, the Alaska Bush Float Plane Service, has a few different tour packages that can be customized to the passenger’s trip. Whether you want to stick to the sky or be adventurous and make a glacier landing on Ruth Glacier, the trip’s result is up to you. Here’s a specific rundown of what might happen on the Alaska Bush Float Plane Service’s Denali 1.0 flight tour:
- Arrive at the designated meeting location in Talkeetna for takeoff
- Review safety protocol by your professional and Alaska bush expert pilot
- Take off towards the Denali National park where you’ll encounter rock walls, view the Ruth Glacier, see the Great Gorge, the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, and finally circle the behemoth Denali.
- If you added it to your flight tour, you might also experience a lake and glacier landing to view nature’s beauty up close.
- After experiencing a true adventure, you’ll circle back to make a final landing at Talkeetna.
How do you Book a Flight?
It is important to note that the flightseeing season is typically from early May to September due to weather. If these dates are during your Alaska trip, you can move on to booking your scenic Denali flightseeing tour. There are two different ways to book:
Booking a Flight Online
Booking a flightseeing tour online is the best way to book a flight when planning your trip. This allows you to see your options and decide which add-ons to include. Booking online also allows you to see examples of flight options. It’s also super easy and gives you the security that your flight tour seat is yours and yours alone when you arrive in Talkeetna.
Booking a Flight In-Person
In addition to booking a flightseeing tour online, you can also book a flight in person. This method is a little less accessible than online booking and doesn’t guarantee an open seat on a tour while you’re in Talkeetna, but it is still doable. Another disadvantage is that the tours might be a bit more expensive than booking online, but you’ll still be able to experience the great Denali! In-person booking is excellent in a snap, but online booking is your best bet if given a choice.
What Should I Know Beforehand?
Now that you’ve booked your flight and are ready to experience the Alaska Bush, here are a few things to keep in mind before your flight.
Weather is King
Weather will always be king regardless of how much money you spend and how sunny your disposition might be. Flightseeing pilots have years of experience flying the Alaskan bush with the brutal northern climate. They pay close attention to the weather radar, and if anything looks out of the ordinary, your tour will be delayed, rescheduled, or refunded. Most flightseeing companies will work with their clients on the best fit, but it’s important to remember that they are only keeping you safe!
Flightseeing Tours are Tours
While flightseeing tours take you on a tour of a lifetime through the national park and to thousands of years old landscapes, it is essential to remember that you are taking a tour. This land is sacred and protected, so be respectful of the pilots guiding you and the people that named the lovely vistas you enjoy.
Wear layers and Have Fun!
The last item to remember is to wear layers and have fun! Your plane goes high in altitude, and the small aircraft might not be as comfortable as a cozy cabin on the ground. But, this is a time for you to unwind and take in the glory of Alaska’s wilderness with a front-seat view.
Conclusion
Talkeetna Flightseeing is the best way to embark on the Denali National Park for all adventurers and explorers. Getting up close and personal, seeing breathtaking views, and learning firsthand about the wild bush of Alaska is just a brief overview of this experience of a lifetime. Click here to get more information on Alaska Bush Float Plane Services and how they might take you for a lifetime flight from Talkeetna.