A Brief History

Established in 1917 as Mount McKinley National Park, the area was originally designated to protect its abundant wildlife. In 1980, the park expanded and was renamed Denali National Park and Preserve, honoring the traditional Koyukon Athabaskan name "Denali," meaning "the high one."

Things to Do in Denali National Park

1. Denali Park Road Tours

Private vehicles can access the first 15 miles of the 92-mile Denali Park Road. Beyond this point, visitors can take guided bus tours or shuttle buses, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep, and to view Denali on clear days.

2. Hiking

The park offers both marked trails and vast backcountry for exploration. Popular trails near the park entrance include the Horseshoe Lake Trail and the Savage River Loop Trail. For the adventurous, off-trail hiking provides a more immersive experience in Denali's wilderness.

3. Wildlife Viewing

Denali is home to the "Big Five" mammals: grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. Early morning and late evening are prime times for sightings.

4. Sled Dog Demonstrations

Unique among national parks, Denali maintains a kennel of working sled dogs. Summer demonstrations showcase the dogs' skills and highlight their importance in patrolling the park during winter months.

5. Flightseeing Tours

Aerial tours provide breathtaking perspectives of Denali's peaks, glaciers, and expansive landscapes, with options to land on glaciers for an unforgettable experience.

6. Rafting

The Nenana River offers both tranquil floats and thrilling whitewater sections, catering to various adventure levels and providing unique views of the park's scenery.

7. Camping

Denali offers several campgrounds, from the easily accessible Riley Creek Campground near the park entrance to more remote sites like Wonder Lake Campground, which provides stunning views of Denali.

Planning Your Visit

Denali is located approximately 240 miles north of Anchorage and 120 miles south of Fairbanks. Visitors can reach the park via the George Parks Highway or the Alaska Railroad's Denali Star route, which operates between mid-May and mid-September. Accommodations range from campgrounds within the park to various lodging options in nearby communities. Given the park's popularity, especially during the summer months, it's advisable to make reservations for accommodations, bus tours, and camping well in advance.

Denali National Park and Preserve offers a profound connection with nature, whether you're hiking its trails, observing its wildlife, or simply absorbing the majestic presence of Denali itself.