One of the most popular tours we offer is FLIGHT-SEEING. The best local deal is a $360 flight that holds up to 3 people (charged by the flight, not per person) with a long-time Alaskan, Ray Atkins. THAT IS THE BEST DEAL IN DENALI! Ray gives you a 'baker's hour.' The flight circles Denali, or Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America, and is a breathtaking way to see the area. Ray is not generally available for flight-seeing trips after August 8 due to hunting season obligations. When that is the case, or at anytime we can book you on one of the other flight-seeing tours. It is necessary to have your own vehicle to get to Ray’s place, which is 14 miles south of the hostel in Cantwell. Alternatively you can book a private shuttle run, or sometimes it's possible to hook up with other guests of ours with a car and share costs. Reservations in this event can be made upon arrival here at the hostel or in advance.

Cancellations: The weather doesn't always cooperate. Therefore, we do offer refunds the day of the flight for weather problems or if for any reason the flight can't occur. Otherwise, a 48 hour notice is required. Mountain Morning Hostel also charges $10 or 10%, whichever is greater, on all customer cancelled reservations.

Another provider offers this:

This provider offers multiple departures each day for your convenience. Courtesy transportation is available from the hostel, with pick up times approximately 1 hour before flight time. Your 6 or 8 passenger plane will depart from their private airstrip located eight miles south of the park entrance and fly along the Alaska Range into the heart of Denali Park. All seats are window seats, and the tour is fully narrated. Weather permitting, they'll take you all the way around Denali herself. Bring plenty of film, photo opportunities abound on the flight!

Last minute reservations are also welcome when space is available. The trip cost is $350 for adults and $175 for children ages two through twelve. Lap babies under two are free.

Seeing Denali is never a sure thing as it is located ninety miles from the park entrance, and conditions constantly change. However, the best opportunity is from an airplane. About 90% of passengers see 'The Great One'. They'd love the opportunity to show it to you.

FLIGHT TIMES:

Daily flights depart every even hour from 8am to 8pm. Pick up time is approximately one hour earlier, and they will pick up at the hostel.

The Denali Express Flight

It's their version of "Economic Stimulus". This tour will take you through the heart of Denali National Park right up to Denali. You'll fly along the snow-capped peaks of the Alaska Range on your way to the huge glaciers that flow down McKinley's East face. The tour is fully narrated and all seats are window seats.

Cost: $250 per person
Flight Time: 45 minutes
Departures: 8:15 AM, 12:15 PM, and 8:15 PM (other times may be possible for groups of 4 or more).

Courtesy Pick-up at the hostel is approximately 30 minutes prior to departure.

Cancellations must be received 24 hours in advance. Flight routes are flexible due to weather; flights can be re-scheduled or refunded if they are unable to fly due to inclement weather. Don't forget that weather over the road may be very different from what you will be seeing on the tour. If the flight can't go because of weather you will be offered a reschedule or refund. Mountain Morning charges $10 or 10%, whichever is greater, on all customer cancellations.

Another provider offers this:

Denali Park Day Excursion (Fly/Drive)

The Denali Park Day Excursion is an excellent day-trip to experience Denali National Park from the air and the ground. This trip is the best value for the economical, independent traveler who is more flexible with time. The National Park Service operates multiple buses each day to and from Kantishna. They will fly you in to Kantishna and you ride the park shuttle bus back to the park entrance. If you were unable or did not want to get lodging in Kantishna, this is an excellent option for still experiencing this beautiful, remote region of Denali National Park.
The flight takes you through the heart of Denali National Park, giving you a spectacular scenic view. Choose the direct 35-minute flight or the 55-minute scenic flyby, which includes flying you to the North face of Denali, traversing the expansive Muldrow Glacier and following the spine of the magnificent Alaska Range. The 5-6 hour bus ride out offers an opportunity to see Denali's wildlife. The experienced driver/guides are resourceful on Denali's landscape and wildlife. They can stop the bus for wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. Please call ahead for availability and usually last minute reservations not a problem.

Choose one of the two adventure options:

• Option #1: Direct flight. $230 per person, includes air transportation, bus ticket, and park entrance fee.*

• Option #2: Scenic Flyby flight. $319 per person, includes air  transportation, bus ticket, and park entrance fee.* Two person minimum. 4-5 passengers cost is $230.00 per person.

Bring water, lunch, snacks, a warm layer, rain gear, camera (extra film/batteries), binoculars, etc. There are no services available in Kantishna or on the bus.

All bus tickets are purchased through the tour provider and are included in the package price. You do not need to contact Park Service. All bus tickets are standby. If the bus is full, you simply wait for the next bus. This has not been a problem for us and we have not had anyone stranded in Kantishna due to buses being full.

*If you already have a park pass, they will happily deduct this from your total.

Flight schedule:

Bus schedule:

If you would like to bus in and fly out instead, make bus reservations for an early departure with the National Park Service, 1-800-622-7275, and we will take care of the rest. It can be possible for you to take an early bus up and they will fly you back in time to catch the train.

Cancellations: Cancellations prior to 30 days or due to weather will receive full refund less $40.00 process fee. Less than 30 days will be charged full amount. In addition, Mountain Morning charges $10 or 10% (whichever is greater) on all customer initiated cancellations and changes.

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