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National park in Alaska, US
Photo: Copyright 2002, Ryan Holliday (Wrh2). The original image can be found at [1]., CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Denali National Park is a national park home to Denali, North America's highest mountain (also known as Mt. McKinley). In addition, the park protects an incredible wilderness area that contains grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and numerous other creatures. It is in the state of Alaska, 240 miles (386 km) north of Anchorage and 120 miles (193 km) south of Fairbanks.
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Nearly everyone who drives to Denali will stop at Savage River because traffic beyond this point is not permitted for private vehicles. There are several trails on both sides of the river that leave from the parking lot, and the more adventurous can attempt to seek out Dall sheep on the top of Mount Margaret, which rises across the river, across from the parking lot.
Named after the area's multi-colored bluffs, Polychrome Overlook offers spectacular views of the Alaska Range. The Polychrome Shuttle departs only once per day– typically in the early evening (5– 6PM) providing opportunities for photography in the great evening light, and a great shorter trip into the park if you have limited time and prefer the latest available departure. This stop is closed due to the Pretty Rocks landslide until at least summer 2026.
Eielson Visitor Center is open in summer only and provides one of the most dramatic views of the mountain, if you are lucky enough to visit on a day when it isn't shrouded in clouds. Eielson is located at Mile 66 of the Denali Park Road, and as such can only be accessed by visitors on certain buses, or visitors who are hiking / biking the road. There are several short trails around the visitor center, and displays inside of the visitor center provide info on the natural history of the area. This stop is closed due to the Pretty Rocks landslide until at least summer 2026.
Forever immortalized by the photos of Ansel Adams, Wonder Lake is a beautiful lake at the base of the mountain. Reflection Pond, along the park road on the east side of the lake, is a favorite of photographers when the mountain is out. An established trail to the heavily braided McKinley River is also worthwhile for a glimpse of the McKinley River. This stop is closed due to the Pretty Rocks landslide until at least summer 2026.
The Murie Science and Learning Center promotes science and stewardship on behalf of national parks in northern Alaska. Murie is part of a national effort to increase scientific literacy by showcasing research from living laboratories like Denali National Park and Preserve. The Murie Science and Learning Center is run by the National Park Service in partnership with Alaska Geographic and other organizations. The facility also serves as Denali's winter visitor center. It has limited hours in summer.
The park service keeps sled dogs for use in the winter, and during the summer offers daily demonstrations for visitors. Demonstrations are at 10AM, 2PM, and 4PM and last for 30 minutes. There is no parking at the demonstration site; you must take a shuttle from the Denali Visitor Center. Arrive at the visitor center 40 minutes prior to demonstration start time. Shuttle and program are all free, assuming you have already purchased some kind of entrance pass.
Denali itself is one of the most challenging climbs in the world, but climbers from all over are drawn to it, as well as to the other peaks of the Alaska Range. Fortunately, Denali has one route, the West Buttress, which is accessible by fit, moderately experienced climbers. A select few guide services are permitted to lead expeditions up Denali and Foraker.
Climbers on Denali and Mt. Foraker must register with the park service and pay a $200 fee. Registration for private climbers must be done at least sixty days prior to climbing. Contact for additional information.
Whitewater rafting is available on the near-freezing waters of the Nenana River, which parallels the Parks Highway. Two different two-hour trips are available for $70 each, or they can be combined into a four hour trip for $95. Contact Nenana Raft Adventures or the Denali Raft Adventures for information.
Heated, enclosed, USCG-inspected twin engine Jet boats.
Located just north of the park entrance, this cyber cafe serves coffee, snacks, small meals (sandwiches, etc.) and also has beer and wine available for purchase. 6AM-10:30PM daily.
Restaurant by day, locals bar with live music by night. Hands down one of the most "hopping" bars in Denali. Given Alaskas' "best small business of 2007" by Alaska chamber of commerce, this destination is sure not to disappoint. They also offer lodging. Open 6AM to 4AM and providing an always free shuttle to and from the restaurant.
First-rate accommodations and a wide variety of outdoor activities from the lodge.
Log cabin lodging with private bath, meals, guided hiking, and other activities. Seems expensive, but one of the only options other than camping that allows visitors to spend time in the interior of the park.
The two lodges accommodate 35-40 guests each and provide an excellent way to see the interior of the park. The minimum stay at either location is three or four days. Guided hikes, canoeing, cycling, fishing, and evening interpretive programs emphasize interior Alaska's natural and cultural history.
One of, if not the, cheapest Kantishna Lodge, Skyline is the base of operations for Kantishna Air. There is no minimum stay, and the lodge helps you work out your travel to Kantishna (usually involving a flight one way and a bus trip the other). Skyline also allows you to bring and cook your own food, saving you the cost of expensive, prepared meals.
45 cedar cabins located near the park entrance along the George Parks Highway. Facilities include private baths, cable television, outdoor hot tubs, and full tour services.
A high-end lodge located just outside of the park entrance along the George Parks Highway. Facilities include restaurants, private baths, cable television, outdoor hot tubs, meeting facilities, and full tour services.
150 rooms with queen beds, as well as a selection of cabins. Shuttle service into the park is provided.
Located thirteen miles south of the park entrance, this hostel provides a free shuttle into the park, high speed internet access, a full kitchen, and more. Open from May through September.
(Year round). 142 sites, 1 group site. Most sites can be reserved in advance. Most sites are suitable for camping and RVs. Facilities include water and flush toilets. This campground is not particularly scenic, but it is very accessible, and is a good choice for individuals interested in outside-the-park activities (like flight-seeing or white-water rafting) because it is located so close to the main highway.
(Summer only). 32 sites, 3 group sites. This campground offers sites suitable for camping and RVs. Facilities include water and pit toilets. It sits in a spruce forest, with moderate screening between sites. On clear days, Denali can be seen from a short walk below the campground. Note: You must check in at the Wilderness Access Center before driving to the campground.
(Summer only). 7 tent-only sites, accessible only by park shuttle bus. There is no water available, and toilets are chemical. No advance online or phone reservations can be made for Sanctuary River, though individuals or groups may make reservations 2 days or less in advance by physically visiting the Wilderness Access Center. Sanctuary River is a heavily wooded campground, with screening between most sites. The immediate area is brushy, but nearby mountains offer chances to hike directly from the campground and gain elevation, with views of Denali to the south possible on clear days, after some strenuous up-hill hiking.
(Summer only). 53 sites. Tents and RVs up to 40 feet in length can be accommodated. Facilities include water and pit toilets. Though nearly all private vehicles must turn around at mile 15 on the park road, Tek campers are an exception to that rule. If you wish, you may drive your vehicle / RV to Tek. The trade-off is that you must make, at minimum, a three-night stay, and your vehicle must stay in your campsite for the duration of your stay. Once you park your vehicle in the campground you can't drive it out of the camp spot unless you are headed out of the park. If you travel east of the campground, either in a bus or in your vehicle, you will have to pay again to get back out to Teklanika Campground - so plan accordingly, and take care of all your entrance area business before or after your stay at Tek. Tent campers using the park bus system to reach Tek are not subject to the 3-night minimum stay.
7 sites. All sites are first-come, first-served. Igloo Creek Campground offers 7 sites, making it the smallest in Denali (along with Sanctuary River Campground, which also has 7 sites). Igloo is tent-only - you will not find any RVs or other vehicles in this campground. It is accessible by camper bus. The bus stop is less than 50 yards from the camp sites. Reservations for Igloo can only be made on a walk-in basis at the Wilderness Access Center, no more than two (2) days before your desired nights at this campground.
(Summer only). 28 tent-only sites. Facilities include water and flush toilets. When the weather is clear and the mountain comes out from the clouds this is one of the most scenic places in the world. Its only universally agreed downside is the near-constant presence of mosquitoes and other biting insects. Bear-proof food lockers are available throughout the campground.
Sells basic supplies, including such things as white gas for cook stoves, bug repellent, and other necessities.
By car
Denali National Park is accessible by car from the George Parks Highway (Alaska Route 3), which runs between Fairbanks and Anchorage.
By train
During the summer the Alaska Railroad provides daily service to the park. Trains depart from both Anchorage and Fairbanks at 8:15AM, arriving at noon from Fairbanks and at 3:45PM from Anchorage.
By bus
Consult with a travel agent in either Fairbanks or Anchorage about traveling to the park by bus. Several tour operators provide service during the summer.
By shuttle/transit bus
Transit buses are allowed past Savage River (mile 15) on the park road, as far as Kantishna (the end of the road).
By foot
There are few trails within the park, but visitors are allowed (and often encouraged) to choose their own paths across the tundra.
By bike
A mountain bike is a great option for traveling on the park road.
By plane
The glaciated heart of the Park is best accessed by one of the air taxi services located in Talkeetna, south of the Park. Landing by ski plane on a glacier is a truly memorable experience.
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Anchorage · International · ANC
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