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Voyij
Glacier Viewing  •  
Day Hikes  •  
Helicopter  •  
Denali   • 
Duration 4 hr 30 min

Denali Heli Hiking Expedition

Offered by Temsco  In Ketchikan, Alaska

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About us

TEMSCO (an acronym from the words: Timber, Exploration, Mining, Survey, Cargo Operations) was founded in 1958 in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Founder of TEMSCO and Alaska Aviation Pioneer, Ken Eichner proved that helicopters were an invaluable tool for the rugged and remote terrain of Alaska. He became the President of the company in 1965. Eichner built the company into one of the most successful helicopter companies in Alaska. Ken Eichner received his Commercial Certificate in 1960 followed by a Rotorcraft rating in 1962. Flying mining support, forestry, radio repeater construction, powerline construction, crew transport, and cargo flights Ken Eichner and the other pilots of TEMSCO Helicopters supported Southeast Alaska’s Communities with their fleet of aircraft. Eichner also initiated the development of the Ketchikan volunteer rescue group. This volunteer organization was instrumental in many difficult rescues.

TEMSCO Helicopters services tourism, hospital transport, firefighting, international, and other growing markets. Since Ken Eichner’s retirement in the early ’90s TEMSCO continues his vision of service and dedication to the community. Ken Eichner’s grandson is now Chief Pilot at TEMSCO Helicopters, Inc. helping to ensure the wisdom and practical knowledge is passed down to new generations of TEMSCO Pilots and Mechanics and ultimately making the safety and job efficiency a priority for TEMSCO’s Customers.

What we'll do

Explore the mountains just outside Denali National Park with a chance to view Denali, Mt Deborah, and local wildlife!

Set off on your adventure at our private helipad where you will fly with one of our experienced pilots along with a naturalist expert of the area with over twenty years of experience in the Denali National Park area.

From here, fly over the mountainous terrain of the Alaskan Backcountry keeping an eye out from wildlife (caribou, moose, bear, and dall sheep) on your way to a landing zone custom-picked by your guide to suite your desires and hiking ability.

Whether your hope is to climb a steep slope to a mountainous ridge overlooking the peaks and valleys of the vast surroundings or wander the gentle tundra in search of an encounter with Alaska's wildlife, the heli-hike is a guided tour tailor-made for your personal desires.

Experience the peace and solitude the true Alaskan wilderness has to offer, gain an appreciation for the nature untampered by human hands, and prepare to let your mind expand and your thoughts flow as your legs begin to navigate through the great unknown!

On this tour, you’ll explore remote areas that are normally a full day’s hike away. Immediately after lifting off from our private riverside heliport, you will take in the breathtaking birds-eye view of the remote Alaskan wilderness. An exhilarating flight will bring you to our hiking area located just beyond the boundaries of Denali National Park.

Once there, your guide will lead you on a gentle tailor-made trek above the tree line. Your naturalist guide will extend knowledge on local flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky – catch a glimpse of the wildlife in person. Relax on the hillside while enjoying a light snack.

The hike will leave you with unforgettable views of rolling tundra and alpine ridgelines. This tour is limited to small groups in order to accommodate varying levels of mobility and guest desires.

What to expect / what's provided

*Duration: please set aside 4 hours and 35 minutes for your tour including transfers.

*Tour includes approximately 15 minutes of helicopter time and 3-3.5 hours of tundra exploration.

*Times will vary due to weather and hiking conditions.

*TEMSCO’s Heli-Hike is listed as “STRENUOUS” activity level

*Helicopter drop-off and pick-up in a remote area approximately 10-15 miles away from our base.

*Learn of Alaskan wildlife and plant life in the Denali area from a professional expert and guide.

*Please come prepared with the following in a small backpack:
- Comfortable water-resistant walking shoes
- Warm layered clothing
- Rain gear
- Sunglasses
- Camera or cell phone for pictures
- Water (at least 32 oz)
- Snacks

*TESMSCO will provide Tundra over-boot, and supplemental rain, wind and cold gear provided.

*This moderate to strenuous hike is tailor-made based upon your desires and abilities; guests must be able to walk steadily on uneven terrain for up to 3 hours.

*Come prepared with comfortable walking shoes, warm layered clothing, rain gear, sunglasses, water, and snacks in a small hiking pack.

*Hiking packs are allowed and encouraged. They will be stored in the cargo compartments during your flight.

*Tundra over-boots, supplemental rain, wind, and cold gear are also available if necessary.

*To ensure the safety and comfort of all guests, purses, iPads/tablets, selfie sticks, drones, and other items of the sort are not permitted aboard the helicopter, or in the cockpit.

*TEMSCO maintains a minimum of three passengers per flight.

*TEMSCO's primary goal is the safety of its guests.

*The following items are NOT PERMITTED on any TEMSCO flightseeing tours: Carry-on bags of any kind including purses, backpacks, camera/ video bags GoPro Extension poles, selfie-sticks iPads, iPad minis or any tablet device, Drones, or Animals of any kind.

*We will provide you with lockers at our base where you may leave such items.

*No smoking of any kind is allowed for the duration of the tour.

*Oxygen cylinders: Due to the restriction by FAA and DOT, only small oxygen cylinders secured to the body will be allowed on the aircraft. Prior notification is required.

*Lap child policy: TEMSCO Helicopters maintains a standard "lap child” policy set by the FAA regulations. Children under the age of 24 months are considered "lap children” and do not need to be issued a standard ticket. On a child’s second birthday they become a ticketed passenger and will need to purchase a full fare ticket.

*Parental consent forms: A parental consent form is required for all passengers ages 12 to 17 who will be participating on any tour unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

*Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to fly without a parent or legal guardian.

*Passenger ability/mobility: All TEMSCO excursions are listed as "MODERATE” activity level (unless otherwise specified) for these reasons: The distance walking from our base to the aircraft and the distance from our helicopters to our camp on the glacier. This is approximately 30 meters (100 feet) The sizeable steps that guests must navigate while getting in and out of the aircraft. These steps are approximately 18” in height The natural surface of the glacier can be uneven and cracked.

*Due to liability reasons, our employees cannot lift guests in or out of the helicopter. TEMSCO staff will be there to lend a helping hand, though ultimately guests are responsible for navigating these steps on their own

*Passenger weight policy: Passenger names and weights are required by the FAA for passenger safety and comfort, as well as weight and balance calculations for flight manifesting. Additionally, passenger size and weight can be a factor in comfort and enjoyment of the flight.

*In order to comply with FAA safety requirements, avoid flight delays, and enhance the overall tour enjoyment for passengers, the following policies have been established: Any passenger whose weight is 250 pounds (113 kilograms or 18 Stone) or more fully clothed at the time of departure will have a surcharge fee added to the ticket price at the time of booking. Additional space will be reserved in the helicopter for that passenger. Any passenger whose weight does not exceed 250 lbs. (113 kg or 18 Stone), but has concern about adequate seating space, is encouraged to exercise the option of paying the additional surcharge to ensure extra space in the helicopter. Guest will be refunded if their weight is less than 250 lbs.

*Total weight includes shoes and clothing. Surcharge must be paid at time of booking.

*Max 6 passengers

Cancellation Policy

Prior to the departure: 10% cancellation fee up until 24 hours prior to the excursion. If you cancel within 24 hours: No refund. Operator Cancellation due to weather: 100% refund.

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