Your Ultimate Guide to Denali National Park

In a landscape sparsely populated with people but covered in spruce forests, taiga, tundra, and lakes, a singular physical force reigns supreme – the 20,310 ft imposing elevation of Denali, the mountain that dominates its eponymous national park in Alaska.

Denali National Park and Preserve is everything you would expect from the USA’s wild-and-wonderful northernmost state – incredible scenery, abundant wildlife, and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.

Moreover, it’s one of the most accessible national parks in Alaska, thanks to the George Parks Highway and Alaska Railroad traversing its southeastern boundary, linking both Anchorage and Fairbanks. Consequently, you don’t need to be daunted by the prospect of a trip to Denali; this guide encompasses all the necessary information for first-timers to know before they go.

When Should I Go?

Denali National Park and Preserve is open year-round; however, the bulk of guest services primarily operate between late May and mid-September to accommodate the thousands of visitors arriving each summer.

During this time, visitor centers, hotels, restaurants, and tour operators are in full swing, and the park along with surrounding communities of Cantwell, Healy, and Nenana Canyon bustle with activity.

Winter operations are much more subdued, with only the Murie Science and Learning Center open as a de facto visitor center. The park service grooms the trail systems around this area, making for excellent cross-country skiing or fat biking conditions. Additionally, the Park Road is closed to vehicle traffic beyond this central area, allowing visitors to ski, snowshoe, or ride as far as they desire without concerns about cars or buses.

How Much Time Should I Spend in Denali?

It’s common for first-time visitors to believe they can cover all the park’s attractions in just a day or two. While this is feasible, it is not ideal for experiencing the unique and magnificent environment of Denali.

We recommend spending at least three nights in the greater Denali area, dedicating one full day to the Park Road route, either by joining a tour or shuttle bus or by exploring the many hiking trails criss-crossing the park. Save other days for rafting, biking, visiting sled dog kennels, and dining in the communities surrounding the park boundaries.

Is It Easy to Get Around Denali?

You can reach Denali National Park & Preserve via the George Parks Highway north or south from Anchorage or Fairbanks, respectively. The Alaska Railroad also offers daily service during the summer months and weekly in the winter. Additionally, motorcoach transportation is available from either Seward or Anchorage, with van transfers from Fairbanks.

However, traveling within the park presents some challenges. Visitors may only drive private vehicles for the first 17 miles as far as the Savage River Check Station; beyond this point, everyone must use a bus to explore the park.

Although the park has several campgrounds available, a private vehicle is essential if you plan to stay elsewhere during your visit. You can rent a car in either Fairbanks or Anchorage to explore locations outside the park and visit it daily.

Narrated Tour Bus

For those wanting to travel further and learn more about the history, flora, and fauna of the park, a Narrated Tour Bus is an excellent option. This service features a trained naturalist who drives the bus and narrates the trip.

There are two types of tour options available for visitors to Denali National Park from late May to early September, with pricing ranging from $50.75 to $144 per person, depending on the tour and age. The five-hour Denali Natural History Tour travels from the entrance area to Primrose Ridge at Mile 15. Passengers will stop at several points along the way, with an hour of free time to explore off the bus.

The Tundra Wilderness Tour is the longest-running tour in the park, covering open sections of the Park Road corridor in search of wildlife and seasonal shifts in landscapes.

Camp Buses

This transportation option is for travelers who need to access campgrounds or backcountry units deeper into the park and offers additional space for gear and bikes. Tickets cost $33 per person, and kids under 15 ride for free (reservations necessary).

Free Shuttle Buses

These shuttles operate on three routes – Savage River, Riley Creek Loop, and Sled Dog Demonstration – covering the visitor center and various facilities. They are free for park visitors and operate daily in summer, being wheelchair accessible.

Transport Tip: In 2014, a landslide at Pretty Rocks kept national park crews on constant alert against damage preventing travel along this section of Park Road. By 2021, the road at Mile 45.4 was closed due to a significant failure and will likely remain closed until a consensus on a mitigation plan is reached.

Top Things to Do in Denali

Thanks to the National Park Service, visitors to Denali can access numerous printed and online materials to help plan activities upon arrival. Your first stop should be the main visitor center, a few miles from the Parks Highway. Here, you can pay park admission fees, acquire maps, learn about ranger-led programs, and explore many exhibits about park history, wildlife, and mountaineering.

Take to the Trails

The entrance area rings with a network of fully accessible trails winding through birch, aspen, and spruce forests. During summer months, listen for an abundance of songbirds and keep an eye out for wildflowers, particularly lupine in open areas.

The Savage River area offers trailheads for popular hikes, while off-trail hiking is permitted within the park’s backcountry, although occasional restrictions exist due to wildlife activity. Always check in with park rangers before embarking on a non-trail adventure.

How Much Money Do I Need in Denali?

Like the rest of Alaska, goods and services in Denali are priced higher than in other areas of the US. Expect to pay an average of $300 per night for a basic hotel room during peak season, with camping spots ranging from $30 to $60 per night.

Inside the park, there is only one sit-down restaurant. Closest dining options can be found in the Nenana Canyon area, known as “Glitter Gulch.” A cup of coffee will average $4, and a meal will cost at least $25. Nearly every business accepts credit cards.

Frequently Asked Questions about Denali

Will I See Bears?

Bears are a hot topic for visitors, and those traveling by bus into the park will likely spot a few grizzlies roaming the tundra.

Hikers must be aware that bears inhabit all areas of Denali National Park, thus hiking in groups, making noise, and carrying bear spray is essential.

What Should I Wear?

The weather can be unpredictable, so prepare for various conditions. Wear non-cotton base layers, a sweater or fleece, topped with a rain jacket. It’s essential to have sturdy footwear suitable for rocky surfaces.

Is Denali a Good Place for Kids?

Denali National Park is family-friendly, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor activities tailored for young visitors. Here are some tips:

• Focus on entrance area activities and ranger-led walks rather than extensive bus trips, especially with younger children.
• Visit the Denali sled dog kennels for demonstrations, often featuring a litter of puppies.
• Consider a float trip down the Nenana River for a unique perspective on Alaska’s beautiful waterways.