Southside Sheldon Adventure

Sheldon Air Service pilots bring extensive knowledge of Alaska’s vast landscapes, highlighting key sights as the terrain gradually transitions through the foothills of the Alaska Range. Each passenger receives a headset to converse with the pilot throughout the flight, enhancing the experience. As you soar past the foothills along the Tokositna Glacier, Denali’s immense size comes into view, while Little Switzerland appears to your left, a popular spot for both technical climbing and scenic day trips. The flight continues over the Tokositna Glacier, flying within six miles of Denali’s towering summit, providing a unique perspective on how ancient glaciers have shaped the Alaska Range. Navigating through 747 Pass, the journey then veers toward the head of the Ruth Glacier, where a landing at the Ruth West strip allows passengers to marvel at 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 glides through the breathtaking Ruth Gorge, sometimes called the Great Gorge, which plunges a mile deep in areas with the Ruth Glacier forming its base and striking pools of bright-blue meltwater. Arriving at the Ruth Amphitheater, encircled by towering peaks, offers a dramatic setting for photography, while a glacier landing adds thirty minutes to the adventure and serves as the pinnacle of the flightseeing experience. On the way back to Talkeetna, the Tokositna River region provides another chance to observe moose and bears in their natural environment, completing an unforgettable Alaskan journey.