Southside Sheldon Adventure with Glacier Landing

Sheldon Air Service pilots bring expert knowledge of Alaska’s vast landscapes, highlighting key sights as the terrain transitions through the foothills of the Alaska Range. Each passenger receives a headset to communicate with the pilot throughout the flight, enhancing the experience. As you ascend past the foothills along the Tokositna Glacier, Denali’s immense size comes into full view, while Little Switzerland appears to your left, a favorite destination for both technical climbing and scenic day trips. The flight continues over the Tokositna Glacier, bringing you within six miles of Denali’s towering summit and offering a remarkable perspective on the glaciers that have shaped the Alaska Range over millennia. Navigating through 747 Pass, the journey leads toward the head of the Ruth Glacier, where a landing at the Ruth West strip provides an unparalleled vantage point to appreciate the Don Sheldon Amphitheater and the surrounding peaks, including Mooses Tooth, Bear Tooth, and Broken Tooth.

Passengers also have the opportunity to see the historic Mountain House, built in 1966 by Don Sheldon as a refuge for climbers and a private getaway, which remains a coveted overnight destination. The return flight takes you through the breathtaking Ruth Gorge, also known as the Great Gorge, plunging a mile deep in some areas with the Ruth Glacier at its base and striking pools of bright-blue meltwater. The Ruth Amphitheater, encircled by towering peaks, offers a dramatic setting for photography and sightseeing, while a landing on the glacier serves as the highlight of the adventure. On the way back to Talkeetna, the Tokositna River region presents another opportunity to spot wildlife, including moose and bears, rounding out a truly unforgettable Alaskan flightseeing experience.