Learn with AMS in 2026

Backpacking in July

2026-04-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

We are offering three backpacking courses this summer.

Hike high in the tundra of the Talkeetna Mountains. Learn how to route find, adjust to the weather and terrain, choose and set up a cozy camp, cook delicious meals, and experience world-class scenery.

To apply, send in an AMS course application.

Backpacking Courses

Talkeetna Mountains
4-Day Backpacking
Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors
$3,100, July 5 - 8

8-Day Backpacking
Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors
$4,600, July 12 - 19

14-Day Backpacking
Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors
$5,600, July 10 - 23

You should be fit and able to carry a backpack weighing 35-40 pounds. Camping experience is not required, but a willingness to learn is!

7 Day Mountaineering Course Returns

2026-04-23T14:04:00.000-08:00

Our Custom 7 Day mountaineering course led by Tyler Thompson returned early due to the tremendous snowfall in the Alaska Range. There was a small window to fly out and the duo decided to take it. A good call since it has been raining and snowing here in Talkeetna, elevation 370 feet, every day, so we know they are getting lots of snow at 5,000 feet and higher.

Their lessons continue here at AMS headquarters.

Brian and Guide, Tyler, flew into the Ruth Glacier on a sunny day

They got a lot of practice packing down the runway for their pickup.

AMS Headquarters yesterday, 4/22

Training continues on slighter drier and firmer land.

Kahiltna Peaks Returns and 7-Day Mountaineering Launches!

2026-04-18T17:23:00.001-08:00

The Kahiltna Peaks Expedition with Guide Tad McCrea took advantage of a small weather window and came out of the range today. It had been socked in for days, with more in the forecast, so they all decided on an early return. They came back with smiles, stories and clearly enjoyed their time on the Kahiltna Glacier!

Jen, Guide Tad, and James relaxing in the tent!

The 7-Day Mountaineering Course with Instructor Tyler Thompson waited for their window to fly to the Pika Glacier, but as conditions did not open enough, they pivoted to Glacier 1 and made it into the Range. They will be busy for the next 7 days working on camp skills, avalanche awareness, glacier travel and crevasse rescue work and lots more.

Brian and Instructor Tyler

A Few Spaces Available for McKinley / Denali

2026-04-17T09:13:00.001-08:00

If you are ready to climb North America's highest peak we got you covered!

McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees ($465.00), 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

$12,700, 22 days

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides

There is space available on the following AMS expeditions:

May 14 - June 4, 3 spaces available

June 2 - June 23, 1 space available

June 8 - June 29, 2 spaces available

Link to Application: Expedition Application

We can also accommodate a custom expedition. Contact our office for more information.

Day One - Kahiltna Peaks Climb

2026-04-15T12:55:00.000-08:00

Tad McCrea's team arrived yesterday afternoon and moved directly to the east fork of the Kahiltna to make their base camp. Today, they are evaluating climbing conditions on the route. They will also continue to storm-proof their camp by building walls around their tents and making a cozy kitchen. Here's a few images from last season:

You can be quite comfortable camping on snow and ice! And it is great to come back to your well built camp after a day of climbing. Right now, there are almost 15 hours of daylight! We are gaining about 5 minutes of light each day. Sunset tonight is at 9:27 PM. It makes it a lot easier to climb when you are not up against darkness.

The Kahiltna peaks form the physical barrier between the east and northeast forks of the Kahiltna Glacier. Historically, these peaks have seen minimal traffic as climbers are often focused on the larger surrounding objectives such as Denali, Mount Foraker and Mount Hunter.

East Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier with surrounding Kahiltna Peaks

Whoop! Kahiltna Peaks Expedition really flies to the Kahiltna glacier!

2026-04-14T13:24:00.003-08:00

The Kahiltna Peaks Expedition, led by Tad McCrea with climbers Jen and James, is a stellar team.

After a couple of nights of the infamous Talkeetna hang, they woke to blue skies and flew into Kahiltna Basecamp this morning.

Jen, Guide Tad McCrea, and James at Talkeetna Airport.

The past two days they dialed in some skills and are ready to hit the ground... climbing! This team is stoked and arrived well prepared for the objectives of steeper, sustained climbing. They landed on the East Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier to climb East Kahiltna Peak. They remain flexible with all their best-laid plans; there's lots to climb and explore from KBC, so they are bound to have an excellent time. They sure do have the right mindsets.

We will keep you posted!

Kahiltna Peaks Expedition Begins and Expedition and Course Availability

2026-04-11T18:41:00.008-08:00

Join us this season in the Alaska Range - April - July 2026 will be full of adventures!

The Alaska Range Season has begun!

Today, the Kahiltna Peaks Expedition packed up and is ready! The weather didn't cooperate for them to fly in today, so the Talkeetna Hang has begun. This crew, with Jen (notable alumnus from our 2015 April 6-day intro course) and James, led by Tad McCrea, has a noteworthy and well-prepared mindset for climbing in the Alaska Range. Photos of them will be posted tomorrow. :-)

2026 AVAILABITY

Big Mountain Expeditions: McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

Windy Corner on the West Buttress Route

$12,700, 22 days

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides

Just a few spaces available on the following AMS scheduled expeditions:

* May 14 - June 4, 3 spaces available - led by Kieth Sidle

* June 2 - June 23, 1 space available - led by Simon Frez-Albrecht

* June 8 - June 29, 2 spaces available - led by Tate Hughes

We have several inquiries for these climber positions; spaces are given to qualified climbers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Link to: Expedition Application

If you are interested in a custom climb on Denali or other Alaska Range Peaks, we can help! There is a lifetime of mountains to be explored up here. Contact our office for more information.

Mountaineering Courses: Beginner to Advanced Skill levels and customized trips!

Course locations provide the most epic Alaska Range views!

Currently, all courses on our 2026 schedule have availability. Now is a great time to apply!

Link to: Course Application

Upcoming Courses:

* 12-Day: May 3-14, 3 spaces available - led by David Kerner

* 6-Day: May 5-10, 4 spaces available - led by Ayla Loper

* Denali Prep Course: May 20- 29, 2 spaces available - led by Ben Olwell

April and May Custom Ski Courses and Ski Guided Alaska Range Trips are available, contact us with your group size and desired dates and we will send you a quote!

Expedition Availability

2026-03-28T14:25:00.003-08:00

McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees ($465.00), 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

14K Camp... gearing up to go up!

McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

$12,700, 22 days

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides

There is space available on the following AMS expeditions:

May 14 - June 4, 3 spaces available

June 2 - June 23, 1 space available

June 8 - June 29, 2 spaces available

Link to Application: Expedition Application

If you are interested in a custom climb on Denali or other Alaska Range Peaks, we can help you out. There is a lifetime of mountains to be explored. Contact our office for more information.

Expedition Availability & Custom Climbs

2026-03-23T17:21:00.002-08:00

McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees ($465.00), 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

To the Top!

McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

$12,700, 22 days

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides

There is space available on all of our expeditions.

May 14 - June 4, 3 spaces available

May 21 - June 11, 1 space available

May 25 - June 15, FULL

June 2 - June 23, 1 space available

June 8 - June 29, 2 spaces available

Link to Application: Expedition Application

If you are interested in a custom climb on Denali or other Alaska Range Peaks, we can help you out. There is a lifetime of mountains to be explored. Contact our office for more information.

Custom Ski and Climb!

Expedition Availability

2026-02-27T15:58:00.004-09:00

McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees ($465.00), 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

$12,700, 22 days

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides

There is space available on all of our expeditions.

May 7 - May 28, 3 spaces available

May 14 - June 4, 2 spaces available

May 21 - June 11, FULL

May 25 - June 15, 1 space available

June 2 - June 23, 1 space available

June 8 - June 29, 2 spaces available

June 15 - July 6, 5 spaces available

Link to Application: Expedition Application

Winter scene of the Susitna River and Alaska Range. Sunrise 10:23 AM December 23, 2025

Call or email us: 907-733-1016 | info@climbalaska.org

Expedition Availability

2025-12-10T14:12:00.003-09:00

McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees ($465.00), 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

$12,700, 22 days

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides

There is space available on all of our expeditions.

May 7 - May 28

May 14 - June 4

May 21 - June 11, one space left!

May 25 - June 15

June 2 - June 23

June 4 - June 25, Women's Expedition, 3 spaces available

June 8 - June 29

June 11 - July 2

June 15 - July 6

Custom Denali Expeditions are also available.

Link to Application: Expedition Application

Heading Up!

Kahiltna Peaks Expedition

$6,700, 10 days

4 climbers, 2 guides - Two spaces available

April 11 - 20

Kahiltna Peaks are accessed from the Denali Kahiltna Basecamp.

In 2016, the National Park Service did a patrol on the Kahiltna Peaks. Read their story here: https://www.nps.gov/dena/blogs/kahiltna-peaks-patrol-report.htm

For this climb you will need the following prerequisites:

This expedition requires excellent mental and physical condition. You must be comfortable climbing and camping in exposed and steep locations, be able to carry a 50lb pack while pulling a 40lb sled and be comfortable camping in a remote wilderness mountain environment. You must arrive with a prior knowledge of climbing knots, roped belaying, and rappelling techniques.

Link to Application: Expedition Application

Call or email us: 907-733-1016 | info@climbalaska.org

Mountain Guide Course

2025-12-05T13:21:00.001-09:00

Denali /McKinley Mountain Guide Course

8 days - $4,400, 6 students, 2 instructors

April 22 - April 29, 2026

Thinking about a career in mountaineering? Take this course to understand and learn what it takes to be a guide on Denali (McKinley).

This advanced course will cover technical, medical, and expedition management, as well as leadership, communication, teaching, and problem-solving. All necessary skills to successfully guide Denali (Mt. McKinley). This course is staffed with AMS’ most experienced instructors who have guided Denali over 40 times.

Topics Covered:

Glacier travel and navigation
Glaciology and glacier hazards discussion
Gear and rigging for crevasse rescue
Self-arresting a fall
Snow anchors: mechanics and hands-on building
Haul systems: Physics and hands-on building
Selecting and building a stormproof campsite
Tent set up, cooking: in all weather conditions
Snow camping: Staying warm, dry, and hydrated
Group dynamics and expedition behavior
Each evening there is a discussion topic such as teaching techniques and setting expedition behavior and boundaries.

Instructors:

AMS instructors are unique professionals who love the mountains of Alaska and have a gift for climbing, teaching, and mountain guiding. They have a wealth of experience in the Alaska Range, as well as teaching mountaineering progressions, are familiar with altitude-related problems, extreme weather, and know how to set the pace for a successful expedition. All our staff members have mountain rescue, avalanche safety, and wilderness medical training. Their knowledge of the natural and climbing history of the area and personal stories of climbing in Alaska will add immensely to any program.

Prerequisites:

This is an advanced course and requires each participant to have prior climbing experience. Three years of roped rock and ice climbing, familiar with building anchors, snow and ice climbing, and self-arrest. Participants must have Avalanche 1 training. Each person must read and understand the information in the Illustrated Guide to Crevasse Rescue. This book will be sent to you upon enrollment.

Expedition Availability

2025-12-03T09:53:00.005-09:00

McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees, 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

$12,700, 22 days

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides

May 7 - 28 - 4 spaces available

May 14 - June 4 - 2 spaces available

May 21 - June 11 - 2 spaces available

May 25 - June 15 - 4 spaces available

May 28 - June 18 - 4 spaces available

June 2 - 23

June 4 - June 25, Women's Expedition

June 8 - 29 - 4 spaces available

June 11 - July 2

June 15 - July 6

Custom Denali Expeditions are also available.

Women's Denali Expedition on the Summit, June 2025

Kahiltna Peaks Expedition

$6,700, 10 days

4 climbers, 2 guides

April 11 - 20

Two spaces available

Climbers on approach, Kahiltna Peaks, 2025

Link to Application: Expedition Application

Call or email us: 907-733-1016 | info@climbalaska.org

Expedition Availability - 2026

2025-09-09T14:45:00.001-08:00

McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees, 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

$12,700, 22 days

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides

May 7 - 28

May 14 - June 4

May 21 - June 11

May 25 - June 15

May 28 - June 18

June 2 - 23

June 4 - June 25, Women's Expedition

June 8 - 29

June 11 - July 2

June 15 - July 6

Custom Denali Expeditions available.

Successful AMS climbers on the summit. Note the summit marker in the foreground.

Kahiltna Peaks Expedition

$6,700, 10 days

2 climbers, 1 guide

April 11 - 20

Go on a technical expedition climb with AMS!

Link to Application: Expedition Application

Call or email us: 907-733-1016 | info@climbalaska.org

Plan Your 2026 Adventure Now

2025-08-26T12:42:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to release our 2026 Climbing Schedule. It's time to plan your next adventure to learn mountaineering, improve what you already know and reach new summits.

An AMS climber has a moment on the summit, 2025

Expeditions
McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees, 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

McKinley / Denali, West Buttress

$12,700, 22 days

Maximum: 6 climbers, 3 guides

May 7 - 28

May 14 - June 4

May 21 - June 11

May 25 - June 15

May 28 - June 18

June 2 - 23

June 4 - June 25, Women's Expedition

June 8 - 29

June 11 - July 2

June 15 - July 6

All Women's Team on the Summit, 2025

Kahiltna Peaks Expedition

$6,700, 10 days

Maximum: 4 climbers, 2 guides

April 11 - 20

Climbers on the Kahiltna Peaks Expedition, 2025

Mountaineering Courses
Denali National Park & Preserve

Students on the Denali Prep Course at the 11,000 ft. camp on the West Buttress Route.

12-Day Mountaineering

$5,100

Maximum: 9 students, 3 instructors

April 18 - April 29

May 3 - 14

June 6 - 17

June 20- July 1

June 30 - July 11

6-Day Mountaineering

$3,800

Maximum: 9 students, 3 instructors

May 5 - 10

June 11 - 16, All Women

June 22 - 27

July 3 - 8

Ski Mountaineering

$4,450, 7 days

Maximum: 6 skiers, 2 instructors

April 13 - 19

May 1 - 7, All Women

Mountain Guide Course

$6,100, 12 Days

6 students, 2 instructors

April 15 - 26

Denali Prep

$5,400, 10 days

Maximum: 9 students, 3 instructors

May 20 - 29

Alpine Rock Climbing Course

$5,900, 8 Days

2 students, 1 instructor

June 19 - 26

Skills Intensive Workshops

Glacier Travel & Crevasse Rescue

Talkeetna, AMS HQ

$675, 2 days

Maximum: 8 students, 2 instructors

April 4-5

Backpackers in the Talkeetna Mountains.

Backpacking Courses

Talkeetna Mountains

4-Day Backpacking

Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors

$3,100, July 5 - 8

8-Day Backpacking

Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors

$4,600, July 12 - 19

14-Day Backpacking

Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors

$5,600, July 10 - 23

To apply for a workshop, course or expedition: APPLICATIONS HERE

Backcountry Wilderness Photos

2025-07-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

Here's a few images from the recent Backpacking course. As you scroll through our blog, you'll see that we take a lot of pictures of snow and ice! It's nice to see a little green and blue and big smiles.

Campsite with a view. Tundra is so lovely to sleep upon.

Despite it being July and below 5000 feet, there is still a lot of snow out there. Some of the alpine lakes are still frozen.

Instructor Madelyn Ferdock and caribou antlers.

Kate and antlers.

Genevieve and antlers.

Caribou are members of the deer family but live only in northern parts of the world. Each year they shed their antlers and grow new ones. These antlers are from bull caribou. Females also grow and shed their antlers, which are smaller.

The caribou are called Barren Ground Caribou because they live above treeline. Although the land being barren is a misnomer. They eat vegetation such as sedges, small shrubs, willow, and lichen. In the winter, they use their large hooves to paw through the snow in search of food.

Backpackers Return!

2025-07-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

Out of the wild came Madelyn Ferdock, Kate and Genevieve from their 8-Day Wilderness Backpacking.

They are now in the land of tall trees, hamburgers, and flush toilets. Time for showers and sleeping on a real bed. They have stories to share and memories to last a lifetime.

Genevieve and Kate have returned. Office dog, Venus, is looking for scraps.

That wraps up our season at Alaska Mountaineering School. We will be releasing our 2026 schedule soon. We are also available for custom courses and climbs through September.

Wilderness Backpacking Course Update - July 19

2025-07-19T18:23:00.005-08:00

The 8-Day Backpacking Course, with Kate and Genevieve, and led by Madelyn Ferdock, made it to their final camp this afternoon! They had great trail conditions for hiking, and they made great time. They can now relax and enjoy a leisurely and long evening before heading off to meet the van at the trailhead in the morning!

The pin marks their final camp!

Wilderness Backpacking Course Update - July 18

2025-07-18T20:27:00.002-08:00

The 8-Day Backpacking course, led by Madelyn Ferdock, with students Kate and Genevieve, enjoyed a very sunny hiking day in the Northern Talkeetna Mountains.

After their semi-rest day yesterday, the ladies had a bigger mileage day today. They hiked 8.5 miles with full packs as they relocated their camp to move closer to their destination. Leader Madelyn reported this evening that the traveling conditions were faster today, and they all enjoyed the full day of sun.

They are doing well out there in the Alaska Wilds. It sure feels good to get some miles under your feet!

The red point indicates their camp for the night!

Backpacking Course Update - July 17

2025-07-17T17:43:00.003-08:00

The 8-Day Backpacking course, led by Madelyn Ferdock, with students Kate and Genevieve, enjoyed another lovely day in the Northern Talkeetna Mountain Tundra today. The ladies each had a solo day hike, navigating two different hills near camp, and then returned to the same camp to reconvene with Instructor Madelyn. The solo is a critical way to gain confidence in decision-making and route-finding skills!

Yesterday, they hiked with all their gear to a new alpine lake. They had a fantastic view of the Alaska Range from their camp. The terrain proved to have more wilderness challenges, including side-hilling and some "bush-wacking" (hiking through thick brush and alders), and they found even more shed caribou antlers.

Spirits are high, and they are loving their time in the wilderness!

AMS Backpacking in the northern Talkeetna Mountains. Cheers to trail-less Wilderness!
AMS Archive photo, by instructor John Sykes

Backpacking Course Update July 16

2025-07-16T15:24:00.002-08:00

The 8-Day Backpacking course led by Madelyn Ferdock with students Kate and Genevieve had a spectacular day in the high alpine tundra yesterday! They reported some fun glissading over a mountain pass and some caribou sightings. What's more, they found four caribou antler sheds along their way! We'll see if they decided to pack out any of these beauties.

Diane Okonek stands atop a rock in alpine tundra with Denali behind. Diane and Brian Okonek founded Alaska Denali Guiding in 1983 and led the company until it merged with Alaska Mountaineering School in 2001. (AMS Archives)

Glissading is the act of a controlled slide down a snowy mountainside as a means to speed up (and have more fun) on your descent. Male caribou shed their antlers in the late fall or early winter, while females may keep their antlers until after giving birth in the spring.

Guide Simon teaches navigation skills to a student on a Backpacking Course.

Lead Guide Maddy says that everyone is in great spirits, having a great time, and enjoying the high alpine views!

An AMS student hikes in mountain fog!

Backpacking Course Update July 15

2025-07-15T15:38:00.002-08:00

Our Backpackers had an excellent second day. They are camped at a gorgeous alpine lake surrounded by mountains and lingering snow patches. The weather is 55 degrees and breezy. There is nothing better than hiking in tundra!

Here are some images from the AMS archives of the area they are hiking:

Wildflowers should be amazing!

Backpackers are in the Wilderness

2025-07-14T13:05:00.002-08:00

Yesterday afternoon, Instructor Madelyn Ferdock, along with students Kate and Genevieve, headed into the wild. They are hiking in the northern Talkeetna Mountains. Here is a Google Earth screenshot of the area they will be traveling across.

Here's a photo from the "Trail Head." In quotes because there is no trail! They will be navigating a trail-less area, determining their route by studying the terrain and destination.

Waving goodbye from the "trailhead."

A little bit about the Talkeetna Mountains... (Dghelaay tahwt’aene in the Ahtna language)

The Ahtna are one of the many Native groups of people in Alaska. They are more widely known as Athabaskan. Historically, they lived in the interior areas of Alaska.

These mountains are made up of Jurassic to Tertiary plutonic rock. (basalt, granite, quartz, gneiss rocks). They will travel from an elevation starting at 2000 feet and going above treeline to elevations as high as 5000 feet. Keep in mind that treeline in Alaska at this latitude (63 degrees north) is at about 700 feet.

One Back and One Heading Out - July 13

2025-07-13T12:07:00.001-08:00

Our 12-day mountaineering course returned yesterday to watermelon and big smiles. They sorted gear and have all headed their separate ways with new friends and new outdoor skills.

Unpacking creates colorful chaos.

Instructors Evan, Mitch, Allen and Kiana.

Rope teams moving across the glacier.

This was our last mountaineering course of the season, but not our last course!

Our Wilderness Backpacking Course, led by Maddie Ferdock, packed this morning and departed this afternoon for the Talkeetna Mountains. They have eight days of exploration, river crossings, tundra, and lots of learning. We are excited for this intrepid trio.

Students Kate and Genevieve pack their lunches for the next 8 days.

Packing Bags...

Jump Shot...

Kate, Genevieve and Instructor Madelyn Ferdock.

July 11th- 12-Day Mountaineering Course Update

2025-07-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

An AMS course student enjoying the views of the Pika glacier!

Today was a glorious day for weather in the Alaska Range! Our 12-Day Mountaineering Course with instructors Allen Dahl, Evan Clupper, Kiana Potter, and Mitch Jurasek used it to their full advantage! The course spent their last full day doing a peak ascent to take in the expansive views.

We look forward to welcoming them home tomorrow- as we mark the end of our 2025 mountaineering season.

Sunset on the Pika

Learn with AMS in 2026

Backpacking in July

We are offering three backpacking courses this summer.

Backpacking Courses

Talkeetna Mountains4-Day BackpackingMaximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors$3,100, July 5 - 8

8-Day Backpacking Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors$4,600, July 12 - 19

14-Day BackpackingMaximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors$5,600, July 10 - 23

7 Day Mountaineering Course Returns

Kahiltna Peaks Returns and 7-Day Mountaineering Launches!

A Few Spaces Available for McKinley / Denali

Day One - Kahiltna Peaks Climb

Whoop! Kahiltna Peaks Expedition really flies to the Kahiltna glacier!

Kahiltna Peaks Expedition Begins and Expedition and Course Availability

Join us this season in the Alaska Range - April - July 2026 will be full of adventures!

Expedition Availability

Expedition Availability & Custom Climbs

Expedition Availability

Expedition Availability

Mountain Guide Course

Expedition Availability

Expedition Availability - 2026

McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees, 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

Plan Your 2026 Adventure Now

Expeditions McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees, 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

Mountaineering Courses Denali National Park & Preserve

To apply for a workshop, course or expedition: APPLICATIONS HERE

Backcountry Wilderness Photos

Backpackers Return!

Wilderness Backpacking Course Update - July 19

Wilderness Backpacking Course Update - July 18

Backpacking Course Update - July 17

Backpacking Course Update July 16

Backpacking Course Update July 15

Backpackers are in the Wilderness

One Back and One Heading Out - July 13

July 11th- 12-Day Mountaineering Course Update

Talkeetna Mountains
4-Day Backpacking
Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors
$3,100, July 5 - 8

8-Day Backpacking
Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors
$4,600, July 12 - 19

14-Day Backpacking
Maximum: 6 hikers, 2 instructors
$5,600, July 10 - 23

Expeditions
McKinley/Denali Expedition price includes NPS climber fees, 2 nights of Talkeetna lodging pre-climb, and ground transport between Anchorage and Talkeetna.

Mountaineering Courses
Denali National Park & Preserve