Land on Ruth Glacier from Talkeetna

About

The pilots of the flight team possess an in-depth knowledge of this vast country and will highlight various sights during your journey, as the landscape gradually transforms through the foothills of the Alaska Range. Each passenger is provided with a headset, allowing for conversation with the pilot throughout the flight. Denali's immense size makes it seem distant until you soar past the foothills and ascend the Tokositna Glacier. To your left, you'll spot Little Switzerland, a favored spot for both technical climbing adventures and enjoyable day trips. Next, you will ascend over the Tokositna Glacier as it meanders toward Denali, flying within six miles of the towering summit. Known affectionately as the 'Tok', this relatively small glacier on the southern route to Denali offers passengers a remarkable perspective on how the stunning landscape of the Alaska Range has shaped ancient glaciers. After navigating through the 747 pass, you will veer towards the head of the Ruth Glacier and touch down at the Ruth West landing strip. While flying at the head of the Ruth Glacier, you will be awestruck by the Don Sheldon Amphitheatre, a name bestowed by the National Geographic Society at the recommendation of Bradford Washburn. You will see sight of Mooses Tooth, Bear Tooth, and Broken Tooth peaks, which are popular climbing spots located on the far side of the amphitheater. The Mountain House, constructed in 1966 by Sheldon as a refuge for climbers and a private getaway, remains a sought-after overnight destination. Reservations for the Mountain House can be made up to two years in advance, but you can land and visit the site on any flight, at any time of the year. To cap off your adventure, you will glide through the breathtaking Ruth Gorge on your return to Talkeetna. Sometimes referred to as the Great Gorge, it plunges a mile deep in certain areas, with the rugged Ruth Glacier forming its floor. Keep an eye out for the stunning pools of bright-blue glacier meltwater. Arriving at the breathtaking Ruth Amphitheatre, encircled by towering peaks, provides flightseers with a chance to appreciate the grandeur of the landscape and capture stunning photographs of the mountain range. Landing on the glacier is the the pinnacle of any flightseeing adventure. During the return journey, the Tokositna River region at the foot of the Alaska Range presents yet another chance to observe moose and bears in their wild environment.

About

The highlight of our Base Camp Tour is an up-close view of Mount Hunter, the Kahiltna Glacier (the largest glacier in Denali), and the Kahiltna "Base Camp," where most climbers of Mt. McKinley commence their adventure, situated at an elevation of 7,200 feet. Our well-loved Base Camp flightseeing air tour provides passengers with a fantastic view of both the base camp and the vast Kahiltna Glacier. This journey also encompasses all the key features of the Don Sheldon Mountain House Tour. You will take off from Talkeetna and witness the expansive river and forest landscapes during the flight to the Kahiltna Glacier. These river and forest areas are inhabited by Alaska's wildlife, including black bears and moose. Additionally, you may spot the occasional lodge along the shores of the lakes, which are often only reachable by float plane. Along the way, the route leads you past Little Switzerland, a favored spot for both technical climbing adventures and enjoyable day trips. This specific section of the Alaska Range is marked by steep, rocky peaks reminiscent of the European Alps. Consequently, many seasoned climbing teams visit this area for the sheer technical climbing challenge it presents. The flight provides breathtaking views of Little Switzerland as we approach the grand Kahiltna Glacier gorge. Next, you ascend over the Kahiltna Glacier as it meanders toward Denali. The Kahiltna is enormous, easily recognized as the largest glacier in the Alaska Range. Just before reaching the head, a small branch veers off to the east, which includes the landing area that Don Sheldon established as the entry point for climbing expeditions. This is where climbers start and finish their journey up Denali -- Base Camp. Weather permitting (and at pilot's discretion) land on the Ruth Glacier. Stepping out on a glacier, gives us the unmeasurable experience to put everything into perspective and experience the vastness of those rock and ice mountains. The journey proceeds through a pass that ultimately leads to the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, perched atop the Ruth Glacier. You will see sight of Mooses Tooth, Bear Tooth, and Broken Tooth peaks, which are well-known climbing spots located on the opposite side of the Amphitheater. During the Denali climbing season from May to June, Sheldon pilots transport and retrieve climbing teams to the base camp, regardless of the weather conditions. As illustrated in the video at the top of the page, even when Talkeetna is shrouded in clouds, breathtaking views can be enjoyed once airborne. To conclude your Alaskan flightseeing adventure, you will witness the stunning Ruth Gorge on your return to Talkeetna. Also known as the Great Gorge, it reaches depths of a mile in certain areas. The base is formed by the rugged Ruth Glacier, where you can spot the striking pools of vivid blue glacier meltwater. On your return journey, the Tokositna River region at the foot of the Alaska Range provides another chance to observe moose and bears in their natural environment. Deposits required

About

Your adventure begins in Talkeetna, where you'll traverse the extensive river and forest landscapes on a brief flight to the Alaska Range, reminiscent of our Mountain House or Base Camp air tours. These river and forest areas are teeming with Alaska's wildlife, including black bears and moose. Additionally, you may spot occasional lodges along the shores of the lakes, which are often only reachable by floatplane. During your flight to and from the destination, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the expansive interior of Alaska. Soar above the Peters, Muldrow, and Traleika Glaciers. Experience the iconic North Face and the towering Wickersham Wall, which stands at 14,000 feet, making it the longest continuous vertical ascent in the world. To enhance your Alaskan journey, a landing on the Ruth Glacier can easily be arranged.

About

This route is so good it's the foundation for all our flightseeing tours!

Duration 1 Hour and 30 Minutes

About This route is so good it's the foundation for all our flightseeing tours. Soar over the Tokositna Glacier as it winds to Denali's base flying within 6 miles of Denali's towering summit. Descend into the Amphitheater on the Ruth Glacier. See Moose's Tooth and Broken Tooth.

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Light Jacket
• Denali National Park Pass

• Winter Coat, Hat & Gloves (in the winter)

  What's Included

• Glacier Boots
• Loaner sunglasses if you forget
• Headset

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Light Jacket
• Denali National Park Pass

• Winter Coat, Hat & Gloves (in the winter)

  What's Included

• Glacier Boots
• Loaner sunglasses if you forget
• Headset

About

Explore Our Skyline!

Duration 1 Hour and 45 Minutes

About Talkeetna has skyscrapers of granite and ice instead of steel. Denali, Mt. Hunter and Mt. Foraker tower above the other peaks of the Alaska Range, forming our northern horizon. Cruise up the Kahiltna glacier, right over the climbers’ base camp at 7,200 ft., and wind between these giant peaks see breathtaking views.

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Light Jacket
• Denali National Park Pass

• Winter Coat, Hat & Gloves (in the winter)

  What's Included

• Glacier Boots
• Loaner sunglasses if you forget
• Headset

What to Bring

• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Light Jacket
• Denali National Park Pass

• Winter Coat, Hat & Gloves (in the winter)

  What's Included

• Glacier Boots
• Loaner sunglasses if you forget
• Headset