Before You Go
Plan Your Adventure
Everything you need to know to arrive prepared and make the most of your Gold Buckle experience.
Where to meet us
We meet at Alaska Raceway Park, 5599 S Race Way, Palmer, AK. Enter through the Yellow Gate, the third and final gate. Parking is free and secure.
What to wear and bring
Dress in layers and bring a jacket for stops outside the UTV. We also recommend closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, gloves, and a camera. Alaska weather can change quickly, so an extra layer is always a good idea. A hot home-style lunch is included on the Glacier Experience Tour.
Transportation from Anchorage
Transportation may be available for an additional fee from Palmer, Wasilla, Eagle River, and Anchorage for the Adventure & Glacier View Tour and Glacier Experience Tour. Request transportation when booking or at least two days in advance. Pricing is quoted based on pickup location.
Your UTV
Take the wheel of your own fully enclosed Kawasaki Ridge Crew Cab HVAC UTV, equipped with heat, air conditioning, a windshield, and wipers. Your Gold Buckle guides lead the way in their own UTV while you follow along through Alaska’s backcountry. It’s the freedom of driving your own machine with experienced guides leading the route. Seat belts are required on all tours.
Terrain and conditions
Depending on your tour and current trail conditions, you may encounter dirt, sand, mud, creek crossings, cobble riverbeds, and uneven backcountry terrain. Expect parts of the ride to be rugged and bumpy. Your Gold Buckle guide will lead the way and adjust to changing trail and weather conditions.
Driver requirements
Drivers must be 18+ with a valid driver’s license and know how to safely operate a vehicle. Prior 4x4 or side-by-side experience is not required. Before departure, your guide will provide a machine orientation, and each UTV has radio communication so your guides can provide instructions along the trail. Guests typically drive their own assigned UTV while following the Gold Buckle guides. If you would prefer to ride rather than drive, please contact us before booking. Passenger-only arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis and are priced at the driver rate because a Gold Buckle crew member will be driving your UTV.
Passengers and children
Guests of all ages can enjoy the ride, with a minimum passenger age of 1 year old. Children under 18 are required to wear helmets, which we provide, and car seats and booster seats are available upon request. If you’re traveling with a child under 1, please contact us before booking to discuss whether the tour may be appropriate. Children and additional guests ride as passengers in the UTV with their group while the designated driver operates the machine. Every guest has their own seat and wears a seat belt while the UTV is moving. If an adult guest prefers not to drive and needs a Gold Buckle crew member to drive their UTV, please contact us before booking. These arrangements may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Guests with mobility considerations
We want to help as many guests as possible experience Alaska’s backcountry. Some stops involve uneven ground, and the Glacier Experience includes an optional walk down a small hill to the water. Guests who prefer not to walk at a stop may remain comfortably in the UTV. If you have mobility concerns or specific accessibility needs, please contact us before booking so we can talk through the tour and how we may be able to accommodate you.
Weather
Alaska weather can change quickly, and tours generally run in rain, snow, and changing conditions. Our fully enclosed, climate-controlled UTVs help keep you comfortable along the way. If river flooding makes the trail unsafe and Gold Buckle cancels your tour, you’ll have the option to rebook or receive a refund.