City Guide for: Denali National Park, Alaska, United States

Home

Plan Trip to Denali National Park, Alaska, United States with AI Itinerary Builder

Browse Itineraries with Denali National Park, Alaska, United States Created with AI Itinerary Builder & Trip Planner

Denali National Park, Alaska, United States Guide

Denali National Park is a vast wilderness area located in the interior of Alaska, encompassing over six million acres of pristine wilderness. Home to North America's tallest peak, Denali, the park offers visitors the chance to experience stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a true wilderness experience in the heart of Alaska.

Transportation

Denali National Park is primarily accessed by car, with the park entrance located off the George Parks Highway. Once inside the park, visitors can use the park's shuttle bus system to access various points of interest and trailheads. Private vehicles are restricted beyond a certain point in the park to minimize traffic and preserve the wilderness experience. Additionally, there are tour companies that offer guided bus tours and transportation services within the park.

Airport

The closest major airport to Denali National Park is Fairbanks International Airport, located approximately 120 miles north of the park entrance. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service to reach the park. Some tour companies also offer transportation services from the airport to Denali National Park for visitors without a vehicle.

Attractions

Toklat River

Toklat River The Toklat River is a popular spot for wildlife viewing and photography in Denali National Park. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep, as they roam the river valley. The area is also known for its scenic beauty and opportunities for hiking and camping.

Sled Dog Kennels

Sled Dog Kennels The Denali Sled Dog Kennels offer visitors a chance to learn about the park's sled dog team and their important role in patrolling the wilderness. Visitors can watch demonstrations, meet the dogs, and interact with the mushers to learn about the history and tradition of dog sledding in Alaska.

Eielson Visitor Center

Eielson Visitor Center The Eielson Visitor Center offers panoramic views of Denali and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can learn about the park's natural and cultural history through exhibits and ranger-led programs. The center is a popular spot for wildlife viewing and photography.

Denali National Park Visitor Center

Denali National Park Visitor Center The Denali National Park Visitor Center provides information about the park's history, geology, and wildlife. Visitors can watch films, view exhibits, and speak with rangers to plan their visit. The center also offers guided walks and talks on various topics related to the park.

Denali

Denali Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in North America and a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The park offers stunning views of the mountain, as well as opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities such as camping and backpacking.

Savage River Loop Trail

Savage River Loop Trail The Savage River Loop Trail is a scenic hiking trail that offers views of the Alaska Range and the Savage River. The trail is relatively easy and suitable for all skill levels, making it a popular choice for visitors looking to explore the park on foot.

Polychrome Pass

Polychrome Pass Polychrome Pass is a scenic overlook along the Denali Park Road that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The pass is known for its colorful rock formations and diverse wildlife, making it a popular spot for photography and wildlife viewing.

Eielson Alpine Visitor Center

Eielson Alpine Visitor Center The Eielson Alpine Visitor Center offers panoramic views of Denali and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can learn about the park's natural and cultural history through exhibits and ranger-led programs. The center is a popular spot for wildlife viewing and photography.

Eagle's Nest Trail

Eagle's Nest Trail The Eagle's Nest Trail is a moderate hike that offers views of the Nenana River and the surrounding mountains. The trail is known for its diverse wildlife, including eagles, moose, and bears, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and photography. The area is also rich in cultural history, with opportunities to learn about the park's indigenous peoples.

Sable Pass

Sable Pass Sable Pass is a scenic overlook along the Denali Park Road that offers views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The pass is known for its diverse wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou, making it a popular spot for wildlife viewing and photography.

Mount Healy Overlook Trail

Mount Healy Overlook Trail The Mount Healy Overlook Trail is a challenging hike that offers panoramic views of Denali and the surrounding landscape. The trail climbs steeply to an overlook with stunning views of the Alaska Range, making it a popular spot for photography and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife.

Wonder Lake

Wonder Lake Wonder Lake is a picturesque spot in Denali National Park known for its stunning views of Denali and the Alaska Range. The lake is a popular destination for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to see moose, bears, and other native species.

Savage River Suspension Bridge

Savage River Suspension Bridge The Savage River Suspension Bridge is a popular spot for hikers and photographers in Denali National Park. The bridge spans the Savage River, offering views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The area is known for its scenic beauty and opportunities for wildlife viewing and outdoor recreation.

Teklanika River

Teklanika River The Teklanika River is a popular spot for fishing, rafting, and wildlife viewing in Denali National Park. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including salmon, bears, and eagles, as they explore the river valley. The area is known for its scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Denali Park Road

Denali Park Road The Denali Park Road is a scenic drive that offers views of Denali and the surrounding wilderness. The road winds through the park, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and hiking. Visitors can explore the road by car, bus, or bike, with numerous pullouts and overlooks along the way.

Horseshoe Lake Trail

Horseshoe Lake Trail The Horseshoe Lake Trail is a short, easy hike that offers views of Denali and the surrounding landscape. The trail loops around Horseshoe Lake, providing opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and picnicking. The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife.

Stony Hill Overlook

Stony Hill Overlook Stony Hill Overlook is a popular spot for viewing Denali and the Alaska Range. The overlook offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with opportunities for photography and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning sunsets.

Savage River Campground

Savage River Campground The Savage River Campground is a popular spot for camping and backpacking in Denali National Park. The campground offers stunning views of the Savage River and the surrounding mountains, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife.

Riley Creek Campground

Riley Creek Campground The Riley Creek Campground is a popular spot for camping and backpacking in Denali National Park. The campground offers stunning views of Denali and the surrounding landscape, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife.

Igloo Creek Campground

Igloo Creek Campground The Igloo Creek Campground is a popular spot for camping and backpacking in Denali National Park. The campground offers stunning views of Denali and the surrounding landscape, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife.

Savage River

Savage River The Savage River is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in Denali National Park. Visitors can explore the river valley on foot or by bike, with opportunities to see a variety of animals, including Dall sheep, caribou, and wolves. The area is known for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Savage Alpine Trail

Savage Alpine Trail The Savage Alpine Trail is a strenuous hike that offers views of the Alaska Range and the Savage River. The trail climbs steeply through alpine tundra, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. The area is known for its rugged terrain and diverse plant and animal life.

Day Trips