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Vast protected wilderness featuring North America’s tallest peak, abundant wildlife, tundra ecosystems, and limited-access backcountry experiences centered around a single scenic road.
General Information
Children under 16: Free
Additional fees apply for bus tours, camping, and guided activities
Healy (12 mi)
How to Get There
From Healy (12 mi): Take Parks Hwy (AK-3 S) for about 12 miles to the main park entrance and visitor center area.
Overview
Denali National Park and Preserve in Interior Alaska is centered on Denali, the highest peak in North America (20,310 feet). The 6-million-acre park has one road, the 92-mile Denali Park Road, and sweeping tundra, braided rivers, and wildlife, including grizzlies, caribou, wolves, moose, and Dall sheep (the "Big Five"). It began in 1917 as Mount McKinley National Park and was expanded and renamed in 1980.
Highlights
- Park Road: private vehicles can drive only to mile 15 (Savage River); beyond, take a park bus (Transit, Tour, or Kantishna Experience) with wildlife viewing and views of the mountain
- Rest stops: Toklat River and Teklanika River, with Polychrome Overlook and Eielson Visitor Center
- Kantishna: remote lodges at the road's end
- Sled dogs: kennel demonstrations at the park headquarters
- Season: the bus season is from late May to mid-September, and winter brings dog mushing and skiing
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Denali National Park and Preserve", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
Featured Locations and Trails
Photo (c)2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man), GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Denali
Massive glaciated peak rising above tundra and boreal forest landscapes, forming the highest elevation point on the continent and a centerpiece of a vast protected wilderness.
Photo (c)2006 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man), GFDL 1.2, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Denali Sled Dog Kennels
Working sled dog facility where visitors can meet Alaska huskies, learn about wilderness stewardship, and experience a living tradition that continues to support backcountry operations.
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Denali National Park and Preserve, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
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Kantishna
Remote backcountry area featuring historic mining remnants, wilderness lodges, and access to pristine landscapes deep within protected natural surroundings.
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Denali National Park and Preserve, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
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Murie Science and Learning Center
Education and research facility offering exhibits, ranger programs, and interactive displays that explore wildlife, ecosystems, and science in a northern wilderness environment.
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Nenana River
Glacially fed river known for whitewater rafting, scenic views, and wildlife habitat flowing through rugged mountain landscapes and boreal forest.
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English: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
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Polychrome Overlook
Scenic roadside overlook offering sweeping views of multicolored mountain slopes, broad glacial valleys, and some of the most iconic wilderness scenery visible along the Denali Park Road.
English: NPS Photo / Emily Mesner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
Teklanika River
Cold glacial river corridor flowing through wide tundra valleys and rugged terrain, offering scenic views, wildlife habitat, and remote backcountry access.
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Denali National Park and Preserve, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; Image Size Adjusted
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Toklat River
Braided glacial river winding through broad tundra valleys, known for scenic overlooks, wildlife viewing, and dramatic mountain backdrops.
