Article overview: Denali Helicopter Tours
Denali National Park and Preserve is one of those places that captivates the imagination. It’s iconic and yet so few people have ever experienced it, and even few from the air. Nestled within the rugged expanse in the heart of Alaska, Denali National Park and Preserve begs to be explored. While adventuring the parks vast wilderness on foot offers many rewards, the unique perspective you get on a Denali helicopter tour, is unparalleled. So join us as we embark on an unforgettable journey through the skies, as we fly over everything you need to know about Denali helicopter tours.
Why Trust Us Regarding Denali Helicopter Tours
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My Experience with Denali Helicopter Tours
After working for more than a decade in Alaska on nearly every major television show set in the Last Frontier, I finally got a chance to film out of a helicopter. While it wasn’t in Denali, it was in another massive and beautiful Alaskan National Parks, Wrangell St. Elias.
As one of the shows unit DP’s (Director of photography), I was tasked with monitoring some aerial shots for our shows intro. In reality I was just tagging along for the ride, as the man operating the camera is a living legend. The back of his head is pictured below on the left. He’s got his head in a monitor making sure he captures all the beauty, while our pilot navigates us safely around the glacier. I sat in the back geeking out like a nerd at comic con. This was definitely a career highlight for me, so I absolutely suggest doing a Denali helicopter tour if you get the chance.
Denali Helicopter Tours
Table of Contents: Denali Helicopter Tours
Denali Helicopter Tour Company
TEMSCO (Timber, Exploration, Mining, Survey, Cargo Operations) was founded in 1958 in Ketchikan, Alaska, by aviation pioneer Ken Eichner, who revolutionized helicopter use in Alaska’s during the 1960’s. TEMSCO became one of the state’s premier helicopter companies, offering vital support for mining, forestry, construction, and community services. Today the T should stand for Tours, as they are the one and only Denali helicopter tour company.
Phone: (907) 683-0683 Email: denali_tours@temscoair.com
Denali Helicopter Tours Options
There’s only one operation in town when it comes to Denali helicopter tours, but thankfully they are awesome! And they offer a few different options to suit different travelers needs. Check out these different Denali helicopter tour options.
Denali Glacier Landing Expedition
Embark on a breathtaking adventure to explore an ancient glacier hidden deep within the Alaska Range. Your Denali helicopter tour begins at an exclusive heliport, where you’ll immediately be captivated by the vastness of the National Preserve. En route to the majestic Yanert Glacier, your experienced pilot will act as your guide, leading you through the stunning glacial landscape. As you soar above the rolling tundra, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as caribou, moose, bears, and Dall sheep. Admire the snow-capped peaks and glaciers that surround you before touching down on the pristine ice below. Spend 15-20 minutes exploring the glacier and capturing photos before ending your Denali helicopter tour.
Duration: Approx. 2.25 Hours Activity Level: Easy
Denali Heli Hiking
This Denali helicopter tour will take you on an unforgettable journey through the untamed Alaskan wilderness with a local naturalist. This guided tour takes you deep into remote areas typically inaccessible by foot, offering a rare opportunity to explore the backcountry with ease. As you lift off prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning aerial vistas of the Alaskan wilderness below. A thrilling flight lands at a hiking area just beyond the Park’s boundary line. your guide will lead you on a customized trek above the tree line. Learn about the local flora and fauna, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings along the way. This Denali helicopter and hiking tour promises unforgettable views of rolling tundra and majestic alpine ridge-lines, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.
Duration: Approx. 5 Hours Activity Level: Moderate
Denali Tundra Express
Experience the beauty of the Alaska Range on a shorter Denali helicopter tour that takes you through the parks peaks and valleys. Departing from a riverside heliport, you’ll quickly find yourself deep in the heart of the Alaskan backcountry. As you soar above the mountains near Denali National Park, keep an eye out for wildlife below or marvel at the sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America, and Mt. Deborah to the East. Touch down gently on the soft alpine tundra, where you can step out and immerse yourself in the scenic landscape. With the pilot as your guide, you’ll explore the local ecosystem, search for wildlife, capture photos, or simply relax. Your Denali helicopter tour concludes with a short yet unforgettable flight back to the heliport.
Duration: Approx. 1.5 Hours Activity Level: Easy
Are Denali Helicopter Tours Safe?
I get it, jumping onto a helicopter tour and flying around Denali sounds kind of crazy! But rest assured, the folks at TEMSCO are the best of the best. Everything new is a little scary because you don’t have a reference for it, but don’t let that stop you! Embrace the unknown and experience a Denali helicopter tour!
“TEMSCO Helicopters goes beyond the minimum safety requirements of the FAA through the Tour Operators Program of Safety (TOPS). As a TOPS member, TEMSCO Helicopters verifies all pilot qualifications and experience using an FAA report of the pilot’s certificate of record. Minimum tour pilot qualifications are 1,000 hours of helicopter Pilot in Command (PIC) time and 100 hours flying the terrain in which the pilot will be working. TEMSCO’s minimum for Contract Pilots is 1,500 hours but most of our contract pilots have over 3,000 hours of flight time with vertical reference longline experience.
TEMSCO Helicopter’s Pilots are trained under the high standards of FAA part 135 and 133 and are some of the most experienced helicopter pilots in Alaska. TEMSCO’s training program rivals many factory schools in depth and flight time for new and returning employees. Many of our pilots and mechanics are also “OAS Carded” by the U.S. Government for work under governmental agencies.” – from TEMSCO website
Denali Helicopter Tours vs. Flight Seeing Tour
A Denali helicopter tour offers several advantages over a flight seeing plane tour. First of all, you probably already took a plane to get to Alaska, so try something new ya boner!
- Closer Views and Greater Maneuverability: Denali Helicopter tours can fly at lower altitudes and navigate through narrow valleys. Passengers will get closer views of Denali on helicopter tours. This allows for more detailed exploration of glaciers, mountain peaks, and other natural features that may be missed from a higher altitude plane tour.
- Access to Remote Areas: a Denali Helicopter tour have the ability to land in remote and inaccessible areas, offering passengers the opportunity to step out onto ancient glaciers or pristine alpine meadows. This is really what it’s all about, getting out and actually touching that ancient ice!
- Personalized Experience: a Denali Helicopter tour typically accommodate smaller groups, allowing for a more personalized and interactive experience with the pilot and fellow passengers. Nobody likes feeling like a sheep in a crowd just being told where to go and what to do.
- Thrilling and Dynamic Flight Experience: a Denali Helicopter tour offer a more dynamic and thrilling flight experience compared to planes. With the ability to hover, maneuver, and fly at varying speeds, helicopter tours are just more exhilarating!
Conclusion
Ready to experience Denali from a whole new perspective? Plan your Denali helicopter tour today and prepare for an adventure unlike any other. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor to Alaska, the beauty and majesty of Denali awaits, high above the clouds. Book Now!
Denali Helicopter Tours Map
TEMSCO is located of the parks HWY not far from the Denali National Park Airport.
Denali Helicopter Tours FAQ’s
Seating on a Denali helicopter tour generally consists of 2 passengers in the front seat and 4 in the back seat. Seating is based on the weight and balance of all the guests in the helicopter.
There is no age limit on TEMSCO Denali Helicopter tours. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to fly without a guardian.
The best time to book Denali helicopter tours is whatever time works best for you. There is no time of day that is consistently better than the other in terms of weather. Weather in Alaska is ever changing and predicting the weather from month to month is nearly impossible.
Complementary transportation is provided from all area hotels on Denali helicopter tours.
Denali helicopter tours do not have a weight restrictions; however, they do have a weight surcharge. Any guest weighing over 250 lbs. fully clothed at the time of the tour will be assessed this surcharge fee.
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