Traverse Alaska - Private Hiking and Rafting Adventures

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907-903-0979 | info@traversealaska.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

Denali area information

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Can you drive us into Denali National Park?

We cannot drive beyond the main Denali Visitor Center in the entrance area of the Park. There is no commercial guiding within the Wilderness Boundary of Denali National Park. The most popular way to go deeper into the National Park for a day trip is on the Denali Park Road is with the bus system.

We recommend booking an activity with us on your first full day in the Denali area, then exploring Denali National Park independently on another day during your visit.

 

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Are your trips within Denali National Park?

We have Commercial Use Authorization permits to be able to guide on the designated hiking trails within the entrance area to Denali National Park. There is no commercial guiding within the Wilderness Boundary of Denali National Park, which includes areas west of the Denali Visitor Center.

For our private, full day trip we prefer to explore areas that are an off-the-beaten-path experience. Many of these areas have spectacular views of the mountains of the Alaska Range and Denali, weather permitting.

Helpful Alaska information

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Will I see wildlife during the trip?

While we would love to guarantee you will see wildlife during the trip, it is difficult to predict when and where wildlife will be in any particular area. That’s a good thing! We aim to minimize our impact during all activities so the wilderness stays wild.

We recommend bringing a good pair of binoculars if you’re particularly interested in trying to spot wildlife.

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What kind of insects and pests should I expect in Alaska?

Common summer insects you may encounter during your Alaska trip include mosquitoes, black flies and midges (no-see-ums). While these small critters can be cumbersome, we are fortunate Alaska does not have any ticks, chiggers or snakes.

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What gear do I need to bring on my trip?

Required gear varies slightly depending on the trip booked. We send a required gear list with your confirmation email after booking. In general, expect to bring the following items.

  • Worn-in hiking boots/shoes
  • Synthetic or wool hiking clothes, NO COTTON
  • Warm base layers
  • Gloves/hat
  • Rain jacket 
  • Rain pants 
  • Reusable water bottle (ex. Nalgene)

Policies and helpful trip information

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When does payment need to be made?

Day trips:

Full payment, which includes a 15% non-refundable deposit, is required in order to secure your reservation.

Multi-day itineraries and adventures:

For multi-day trips, a 25% non-refundable deposit is due to secure your reservation. For trips booked within 60 days of trip departure, full payment is required to complete reservation.

Final payment is due on or before 60 days prior to trip start date, in ACH/check form. 

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What types of payment are accepted?

Payment via Visa, Mastercard, check or ACH is accepted. See previous payment FAQ for day or multi-day trip payment details.

Please contact us if you have questions regarding trip payment.

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What is your cancellation policy?

We are a small, flexible organization; however, we want visitors to understand many of our expenses are incurred prior to trip departure dates. In the event you need to cancel your booking, we offer the following:

Day Trips:

Cancellations made more than 7 days before the trip start date will receive a full refund, less 15% deposit. Cancellations made within 7 days prior to the trip start date will receive no refund.

Multi-Day Trips & Custom Itineraries:

Cancellations made more than 14 days before the trip start date will receive a full refund, less 25% deposit. Cancellations made within 14 days prior to the trip start date will receive no refund.

Funds held may be used as a credit toward a future booking with Traverse Alaska. Credit valid for 2 years.

 

 

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Should I purchase travel insurance?

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your entire Alaska adventure. We partner with Travel Safe to offer trip protection. Request a quote here or contact us with questions. Policies must be purchased within 21 days of trip deposit payment in order to receive full benefits.

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How much should I tip my guide?

Current industry standard is 10-20% of the total cost of your trip or activity. For example, if your trip costs $1,000, consider tipping your guide at least $100.

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How is Covid-19 impacting your operations?

Our operations remain open year round. 

Safety is our top priority and our team continues to monitor and evaluate best practices associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. For operations we will adhere to the most current CDC, state and local guidelines. 

We will continue to (as we always have) scrub our vehicles inside and out between every trip, have hand sanitizer and bleach wipes available, and evolve as the situation progresses.

Stay in touch for more information, and if you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to us.

We recommend all visitors review Alaska state travel mandates prior to booking a trip to Alaska.

From the Blog

Hiring Guides for 2023 Summer

March 4, 2023

Denali-based guide position: Traverse Alaska seeks applicants for professional wilderness guide positions. We are looking Learn More

Trip Planning and Covid-19

January 1, 2022

Safety is our top priority and our team continues to monitor and evaluate best practices associated with the Covid-19 Learn More

Custom delivery service news story

May 29, 2020

Tourism business shifts to deliveries for locals: “We had to pivot.” So they created Traverse Alaska Logistics and Learn More

Traverse Alaska Philosophy

We are dedicated to providing experiences that build meaningful connections with Alaska. Our team works diligently to immerse clients in educational exploration. Each and every adventure is personalized to challenge clients while discovering the last frontier at their own unique pace.

Traverse Alaska

Human Powered Adventure

Phone
(907) 903-0979

Email
info@traversealaska.com

Mailing Address
PO Box 90875 | Anchorage, AK 99509

Testimonials

Andy M., St. Louis, MO

"I had a great day hiking and taking photos with Mollie. She was skilled, knowledgeable, professional, and flexible with my plans. I would certainly recommend Traverse Learn More

Read All Testimonials

Instagram

The aurora borealis have been really active the la The aurora borealis have been really active the last few nights in Denali! 
✨
Have you always wanted to visit Alaska in the winter and see the northern lights? Contact us for winter trips this year, or start planning for Feb-April next year!
📸 @mollieofdenali 
#traversealaskainwinter
Client POV on a 4-day Traverse Alaska / Tonglen La Client POV on a 4-day Traverse Alaska / Tonglen Lake Lodge trip package: 
Watching the sunset over a glassy Tonglen Lake after an introductory walk in the entrance area of Denali National Park. Tonight the chef served delicious halibut, and we’re going to listen to some music later in the lodge. Tomorrow we’re going on a full day of adventure, hiking and river rafting with our team of private, local guides. After exploring we’ll enjoy the mountain views at Tonglen, and sip wine and tasty appetizers until dinner. The following day we’re going on a bus trip into the national park, and are planning on hiking on our own (thanks to our new skills from our guided hike) and soak up the views of the Alaska Range mountains. Our final day we plan on going for another walk with our private guide, before we get a private ride to Anchorage, for the next portion of our 2-week-long Alaska adventure. 
✨
Interested in seeing this client POV for yourself? Traverse Alaska and Tonglen Lake Lodge still have some availability for our 3, 4, 5, and custom itineraries this summer. Contact us to learn more.
Happy solstice from Denali! ✨ Tomorrow we shift Happy solstice from Denali! ✨ 
Tomorrow we shift toward the light.

Sunrise: 10:42am
Sunset: 3:06pm
4hrs 23min of daylight
2022 Summer highlights: August. ✨ Bush planes, h 2022 Summer highlights: August.
✨
Bush planes, hiking and backpacking in fall colors (and pouring rain), river rafting trips, and taking in midnight sunset views of Denali.
#traversealaska #privatepersonalcustom
2022 Summer highlights: July. ✨ Packrafting, ri 2022 Summer highlights: July. 
✨
Packrafting, river rafting, hiking in the alpine and the ice, having fun with Iditarod champions, and enjoying the warmest month of the year with a big group of dall sheep rams. 
#traversealaska #privatepersonalcustom
2022 Summer highlights: June. ✨ Whales breachin 2022 Summer highlights: June. 
✨
Whales breaching, backcountry backpacking trips, day hiking, whitewater rafting, overnight packrafting trips, and teaching and learning with the next generation of naturalists. 
#traversealaska #privatepersonalcustom

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