Backcountry Photo Excursion

Discover true wilderness and capture epic vistas of endless mountains!

With only 20% of the entire state of Alaska accessible by road, we are proud to offer a premier helicopter-access photography excursion. Soar to a peak in the Alaska Range where we will land in a remote location with 360° views!  With a maximum of only 4 participants per tour, this is a unique opportunity to experience the wilderness of Denali and take your time to compose the perfect shot. You will be flown with your guide and land on the rolling tundra of the Alaska Range where you will have over 2 hours for exploration and personalized photo instruction. The landing area is broad and offers the opportunity for walking around for the more adventurous traveler may hike up the ridge line.

Please be prepared, there are no trails and the tundra is uneven terrain which can be challenging. Comfortable and supportive shoes are recommended. There will not be comfortable places to sit for the duration of the excursion and the helicopter may be challenging to get in and out of.

Details

• The main focus of this tour is landscape photography with sweeping vistas.
• Your flight will be 15 minutes round trip
• The helicopter pilot will drop you off with your photography guide on a mountain ridgeline and return to pick you up about 2.5 hours later.
• Wildlife sightings are not common on this tour, but it is possible to see caribou and sheep. Your guide will be prepared with the proper safety equipment and you will receive a wildlife safety briefing.
• Late June through mid-July is prime wildflower season in the high alpine.

Cameras

The best camera is the one you have! Our tour is designed to benefit all skill levels with any type of camera (smart-phones welcome). No matter what gear you have, our guides will be able to help you progress as photographer.

• Beginners will learn techniques to get more out of their equipment; how to read light and adjust their exposure settings to photograph Alaska’s stunning scenery and wildlife in a way that “does it justice.”
• Advanced photographers will enjoy the luxury of being shown the best locations and working with a professional photographer.

Our Promise

Safety and quality of experience are our top priorities. We want you to feel assured that you will have a good experience. This tour will only operate in fair weather. We work closely with the helicopter pilots to obtain the best information about the conditions for safety and photography. If we don’t think the tour will be high quality, we will try to reschedule or offer you a refund.

Please read our policies in full here.

Flight Safety

We charter TEMSCO helicopters to fly us into the backcountry. Your safety is their top priority. TEMSCO Helicopters has been flying in Alaska since 1958. TEMSCO Helicopters is a TOPS operator, which means they hold the highest safety standards, which exceed those of the FAA. For more information about the safety standards for TOPS operators, click here.

What to Bring

• Weather can change quickly in Denali so bring an extra layer and a raincoat.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended – there will be walking on variable terrain. There are no trails and the tundra is uneven which can be challenging.
• Don’t forget your camera, lenses, and extra battery!
• We provide tripods & filters.
• In an effort to reduce waste, please bring your own reusable water bottle and your own snacks.

Notes

• Activity level is moderate.
• There will not be comfortable places to sit for the duration of the excursion.
• The helicopter may be challenging to get in and out of.
• Digital cameras with long zoom lenses are available to rent, and you keep the memory card.
• The only bathrooms on this tour are at the helicopter landing pad.
• For more information, please see our FAQs.

Transportation

• Transportation is provided to and from all Denali area hotels.

Duration

• 3.5 to 4 hours
• Includes round trip flight time of approximately 15 minutes, pre-trip safety briefing & gear assessment, and about 2.5 hours on the mountain.
• The start time may be changed for optimal conditions. Take-off is scheduled for 11:20 am and return to the helipad is scheduled for 2:35 pm.

Availability 

This tour operates May 21 – August 21

Payment 

A 20% refundable deposit must be made at the time of booking. The balance will be processed 3 days before the tour. If the tour does not operate due to weather or because the tour minimum is not met, your payment will be refunded. Cancellations made less than 3 days in advance of the tour will not be refunded.

This tour can be booked privately!