Travel to Denali National Park
Explore Alaska's vast wilderness, towering peaks, and untamed beauty in North America's wild heart.
Plan Your VisitWhy Visit Denali
Discover America's last great wilderness
Denali National Park and Preserve encompasses 6 million acres of Alaska's interior wilderness. Dominated by North America's tallest peak, Denali (formerly Mount McKinley), this vast landscape is a mosaic of taiga forest, high alpine tundra, and snow-covered mountains. Home to grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep, Denali offers unparalleled wildlife viewing in a pristine, untouched environment.
Size
~6 million acres
Highest Peak
~20,310 ft (Mount Denali)
Wildlife
39 mammal species, 169 birds
Top Highlights & Must-Sees
Don't miss these iconic experiences
Mount Denali Summit Views
Witness the majestic summit of North America's tallest peak, visible on clear days from various viewpoints throughout the park.
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Denali Park Road
The only road that cuts into the wilderness, offering spectacular views and access to remote areas of the park.
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Glaciers & Ice Fields
Explore massive glaciers that cover one-sixth of the park, including the stunning Ruth Glacier and Kahiltna Glacier.
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Wildlife Viewing
Spot grizzly bears, caribou, moose, wolves, and Dall sheep in their natural habitat along the park road and trails.
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Muldrow & Traleika Glaciers
Two of the park's most impressive glaciers, offering stunning ice formations and breathtaking scenery.
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Backcountry Campsites
Experience true wilderness camping in designated backcountry units, offering solitude and pristine natural beauty.
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Experience the best of Denali National Park
Bus Tours & Road Excursions
Take a narrated bus tour along the Denali Park Road, the only way to access most of the park beyond the first 15 miles. Choose from tour buses, shuttle buses, or Kantishna Wilderness Trails experiences.
Hiking & Backpacking
Explore established trails near the park entrance or venture into the trailless backcountry for a true wilderness experience. Permits required for overnight backcountry trips.
Wildlife Safaris & Photography
Join guided wildlife viewing tours or explore on your own. The park offers exceptional opportunities to photograph Alaska's iconic animals in their natural habitat.
Camping & Wilderness Lodges
Stay at one of the park's campgrounds or treat yourself to a night at a wilderness lodge. Options range from rustic backcountry camping to comfortable accommodations with stunning views.
Winter / Off-Season Adventures
Experience Denali's winter wonderland with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog mushing, and aurora viewing. The park offers a completely different perspective during the winter months.
Travel Logistics
Essential information for planning your visit
How to Get There
Access via Anchorage (240 miles south) or Fairbanks (120 miles north). Options include driving, taking the Alaska Railroad, or flying to nearby airstrips. No public transportation directly to the park entrance.
Where to Stay
Options range from camping at Riley Creek, Savage River, or Teklanika campgrounds to lodging at the Denali Park Village or McKinley Chalet Resort. Backcountry camping requires permits.
Best Time to Visit
May–September is peak season with most services available. Winter (October-April) offers extreme but rewarding experiences with limited services and road access.
Park Passes, Fees & Permits
$15 per person (valid 7 days) or $30 per vehicle. Annual passes available. Backcountry permits required for overnight trips and can be obtained at the Backcountry Information Center.
Park Road & Vehicle Access
Only the first 15 miles of the Denali Park Road are open to private vehicles. Beyond that, access is by shuttle bus, tour bus, or bicycle. Reservations strongly recommended.
Safety & Tips
Important advice for a safe and enjoyable visit
Stay on designated trails. Off-trail travel can damage fragile tundra vegetation and increase your risk of injury.
Weather can change quickly — layer clothing. Alaska's weather is unpredictable, with temperatures varying widely even in summer.
Carry water, food, and emergency gear. Even day trips require preparation for unexpected situations in the wilderness.
Respect wildlife and maintain safe distance. Never feed animals and be particularly cautious around bears and moose.
Be prepared — limited or no cell service in remote zones. Download maps and information before entering the park.
Photo Gallery
Stunning views of Denali National Park
Nearby Adventures
Extend your Alaska journey
Denali State Park
Adjacent to the national park, offering stunning views of Denali, hiking trails, and camping opportunities with fewer crowds.
Explore State Park
Talkeetna
Charming historic town known as the base for Denali climbers. Explore the Alaska pipeline trails and enjoy flightseeing tours.
Visit Talkeetna
Flightseeing & Glacier Landings
Experience breathtaking aerial views of Denali and surrounding glaciers with flightseeing tours that include glacier landings.
Book FlightseeingReady to Explore Denali?
Immerse yourself in Alaska's grand wilderness — plan your trip and get out into nature's largest canvas.
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