Coyote Air Alaska Review: Our Experience and Insights

Dreaming of flying over Alaska’s wild Arctic and the rugged peaks of the Brooks Range? Or hoping to reach the remote Gates of the Arctic National Park? Join us as we share our firsthand experience with Coyote Air — also known as Fly Coyote — an air taxi based in Coldfoot that specializes in unforgettable scenic flights across Alaska’s far north. This review is based entirely on our own experience — no sponsorships, no partnerships — just an honest look at what it’s like to fly with one of Alaska’s most trusted bush pilots.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

Our Journey with Coyote Air

Our adventure with Coyote Air began months before we ever set foot on the Dalton Highway. Planning a road trip along one of America’s most challenging routes takes time and care — but for us, the real dream went beyond the drive.

We wanted to reach Alaska’s remote Arctic wilderness and finally experience the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

As we researched logistics, routes, and costs, we compared several air taxi options across northern Alaska. We needed a company that truly understood the region’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, as the Gates of the Arctic is one of the most remote and the least visited of all eight Alaska national parks.

After careful consideration, Coyote Air (or Fly Coyote, as locals call it) quickly stood out. Their reputation for safety, knowledge, and deep respect for the Arctic landscape made them an easy choice.

When we finally connected with their team, it became clear that this would be more than just a flight. Coyote Air became our gateway to the Brooks Range — a company whose skill, experience, and enthusiasm turned a long-held dream into an unforgettable reality.

Agnes’ Advice: Check out Best Things to do in Gates of the Arctic National Park.

A Glimpse Into Our Experience

To give you a glimpse of our adventure, we’ve put together a short two-minute video of our scenic flight over the Brooks Range and our journey into Gates of the Arctic National Park.

Join us in the cockpit with Danielle, our skilled pilot from Coyote Air, as we soar above Alaska’s untouched wilderness. This video captures the true essence of our experience — the vastness, the silence, and the raw beauty of the Arctic seen from above.

We did this trip as part of our previous project, The Van Escape. Read the About Us page to know how we began our travel adventure and blogging.

Getting to Know Coyote Air

Location: Gateway to the Alaskan Wilderness

Coyote Air’s family-operated base is situated right on the runway of Coldfoot Airport, located at milepost 175 on the Dalton Highway. This is approximately 250 miles north of Fairbanks and just over 60 miles north of the Arctic Circle sign.

The drive from Fairbanks is an adventure in itself, taking at least six hours without any stops. Given the challenging nature of the route, it’s essential to have a well-equipped vehicle. Check out our guide with tips on safely navigating the Dalton before you hit the road.

Before our trip, we visited the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center in Coldfoot, which is the best source of up-to-date information before exploring Gates of the Arctic.

The Heart of Coyote Air: Danielle Tirrell & Dirk Nickish

The owners of Coyote Air are Danielle Tirrell and Dirk Nickish, a couple who embody professionalism, dedication, and a deep passion for the Alaskan wilderness. Flying is in their DNA, stemming from a rich family history in aviation that spans several generations.

Their story is not just about flying; it’s about a legacy and a life built around the skies of Alaska. You can read their fascinating aviation journey on their website, or better yet, engage with them during your flight over the Arctic expanse.

With Danielle and Dirk, your safety is always the paramount concern, ensuring a memorable and secure experience above Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes.

Coyote Air’s Comprehensive Services

Coyote Air’s services cater extensively to those looking to explore Alaska’s less accessible regions. They are experts in air taxi services for destinations like the Brooks Range, Gates of the Arctic National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Their expertise in planning trips to Alaska’s high Arctic is unmatched.

Flightseeing Tours from Coldfoot

A flightseeing tour over the Brooks Range with Coyote Air is an unmissable experience in Coldfoot. They offer these tours from June 1st to September 15th, showcasing areas like the Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley.

For up-to-date pricing and specifics, visit their website. Their range of tours includes:

• Gates of the Arctic Tour
• Continental Divide Tour
• Gates of the Arctic Cultural Tour
• Kobuk & Gates of the Arctic Tour: A unique opportunity to explore both Kobuk Valley and Gates of the Arctic National Parks in one day.
• Arrigetch Peaks Tour
• Day Trip to Gates of the Arctic National Park: We’ll share more about this adventure in an upcoming part, as it was our chosen experience.
• Gates of the Arctic Scenic Flight: We opted for this breathtaking flight, and it was nothing short of spectacular.

Charter Services – Your Gateway to the Arctic and the Brooks Range

Coyote Air’s charter services are diverse. Whether you’re planning a backpacking adventure in the Gates of the Arctic National Park or Kobuk Valley National Park, or if you need to transport supplies, provisions, or equipment for an expedition, they have you covered.

They cater to a range of needs, including lodge transportation, mountaineering, filming, and scientific research in the Brooks Range area. Additionally, they offer Float Plane Charters for those looking to embark on a rafting adventure on Alaska’s wild rivers. For all these needs and more, Fly Coyote is ready to assist.

Navigating Our Dream Journey with Coyote Air: From First Contact to Arctic Exploration

Booking Our Arctic Adventure

Our journey with Coyote Air began with a visit to their website, which was filled with enticing offers. We emailed them, outlining our travel dates in Coldfoot, and inquired about organizing a flightseeing tour and a potential one- or two-day visit to the park.

Danielle from Coyote Air responded promptly, addressing our queries, and quoted the price. We confirmed the dates and kept in touch via email, appreciating Danielle’s precise and helpful responses.

Tip from Our Experience: Book your preferred tour early! We aimed to combine the Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley tours, but availability was limited during our travel dates.

Arrival at Coldfoot Airport

Upon reaching Anchorage, we notified Coyote Air of our impending arrival in Coldfoot. We reached Coldfoot Camp a day prior to our planned flight and decided to visit Coyote Air’s office at the airport – a charming, small wooden building adorned with thank-you cards from travelers worldwide.

Meeting Danielle in person, seeing their aircraft, and finalizing our plans for the next day was a highlight. That evening, we set up camp at Marion Creek Campground and relaxed at the Truckers Cafe in Coldfoot. Chris was enjoying an Alaskan beer, and I was sipping red wine as usual.

Adapting to Alaska’s Unpredictable Weather

Alaskan weather can be fickle, and we were no strangers to this. Heavy fog, rain, and low visibility forced us to accept that our much-anticipated Gates of the Arctic tour wouldn’t happen as planned.

It reminded us of a previous trip when weather conditions stranded us at King Salmon Airport en route to Katmai National Park.

Tip for Alaskan Travelers: Always factor in extra time for weather-dependent activities. Alaska’s weather can change swiftly, so be prepared for sudden itinerary changes and pack properly for your Alaska adventure.

Rescheduling Our Gates of the Arctic Excursion

Despite the initial setback, we met Danielle at the airport, who suggested rescheduling due to unsafe flying conditions. Fortunately, our itinerary had some flexibility, and we planned to embark on the flightseeing tour on our return journey from Prudhoe Bay. During

the wait, we explored Coldfoot’s attractions, including the historic village of Wiseman and the Arctic Interagency Visitor Center.

Realizing Our Arctic Dream

Finally, the weather cleared, and our day in the Gates of the Arctic National Park arrived. With perfect conditions, Danielle first took us on an hour-long scenic flight over the Brooks Range, followed by a drop-off in the park. The experience, from the stunning aerial views to landing on a serene lake in the park, was extraordinary.

We agreed on a late afternoon pickup, which Danielle executed flawlessly. Summer days in Alaska are long, so we had plenty of time to hike. The full details of our time in the Gates of the Arctic will be shared in a dedicated article – it’s an experience that truly deserves its own spotlight.

A Close Look at Safety and Coyote Air’s Trusted Aircraft, Zippy

On our Alaskan adventure with Coyote Air, we had the opportunity to fly in Zippy, a Cessna U206. This aircraft, originally built in 1977, has been modernized over the years, making it an ideal choice for navigating the Brooks Range’s challenging terrain. Its comfort and reliability were evident from the start.

Before our flight, we observed Danielle conducting a thorough check and refueling of the seaplane. This attention to detail and safety was reassuring. Despite the ‘U’ in its model name indicating its suitability for oversized cargo, Zippy comfortably accommodated the three of us.

The versatility of this aircraft was a highlight: we smoothly transitioned from taking off on Coldfoot Airport’s regular runway to making an impressive water landing on a lake in the heart of the Gates of the Arctic National Park, thanks to its unique ability to switch from wheels to water landing skids.

Coyote Air Alaska Review: Our Verdict

Throughout our extensive travels in Alaska, we’ve experienced numerous scenic flights, each offering its unique charm and perspective. For instance, our flight over Denali from Talkeetna, complete with a glacier landing, was a remarkable adventure. We firmly believe that sightseeing flights are among the most rewarding experiences Alaska has to offer well worth the investment.

Our excursion with Danielle from Fly Coyote stands out as a particularly exceptional experience. Not only was the flightseeing journey itself memorable, but the entire day spent exploring the Gates of the Arctic National Park, organized by Coyote Air, was nothing short of spectacular.

Their services exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and customer care. Danielle and Dirk, as pilots and as individuals, are extraordinary. Their intimate knowledge of the Brooks Range and the Alaskan Arctic – a region they call home – shines through in their work.

In our many Alaskan adventures, Coyote Air has proven to be the most professional and safest air taxi operator we’ve encountered. Our plans to return to Coldfoot and embark on extended journeys to both the Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley National Parks are already in motion, with Coyote Air being our go-to for these expeditions.

For anyone planning a trip to these remote Alaskan areas, we wholeheartedly recommend Coyote Air. Their unparalleled professionalism and reliability are key to transforming a simple trip into a lifetime adventure.

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