Denali National Park
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37 mi 59 km of trail — 8 Featured Runs
Denali National Park is made up of six million acres of untamed land, divided by a single road. Visitors who travel along the road experience a variety of environments present within the park, enjoying the low-elevation boreal forest which gives way to high alpine tundra and snow-capped mountains. The centerpiece of this amazing alpine landscape is Denali, North America's highest peak rising to a staggering 20,310 feet above sea level. Large and small creatures roam these unbounded lands, existing as they have for ages. Seclusion, wilderness, and tranquility await visitors.
To learn more about Denali National Park, visit www.nps.gov.
Local Info
- Denali Visitor Center: Open May 15 through mid-September, 8 am to 6 pm
- Eielson Visitor Center: Open June 1 through mid-September, 9 am to 7 pm
- Murie Science and Learning Center: Open daily from 9 am - 4 pm
- Wilderness Access Center: Open May 15 through mid-September, 7 am to 7 pm
- Talkeetna Ranger Station: Open year round - hours vary by season
Visiting Tips
The park's one road, Denali Park Road, is 92 miles long, and only the first 15 miles are paved. The paved portion, leading from the park entrance to Savage River, is open during the summer for public (non-commercial) vehicles to drive. Summer travel beyond mile 15 is restricted to shuttle or tour bus or under human power.
The summer season in Denali runs from late May through early September. Visitors hoping to catch the wildflowers at their peak will want to visit the park from mid-June to mid-July. The wildflowers tend to peak around July 1 along and near the road and continue later into July at higher elevations and on north-facing slopes. Fall colors in the park are best observed from the last week of August through the first week of September depending on the weather as early snow or hard rain and wind can rapidly spoil the fall colors.
Fees & Passes:
- Individual Pass: $10 for 7 days (children 15 years and younger are free)
- Denali Annual Pass: $40 per year
- Purchase an annual pass for all national parks sites, $80
To learn more about park fees, click here.
Camping & Lodging
There are six established campgrounds in Denali. Reservations for each summer season can be made as early as December 1 of the preceding year. Reservations can be made online or by calling 1 (800) 622-7275.
- Riley Creek: Open year round, fees charged May 15 - mid-September each year, free in winter
- Savage River: Open May 19 - mid-September
- Sanctuary River: Open May 20 - mid-September
- Teklanika River: Open May 20 - mid-September
- Igloo Creek: Open May 20 - mid-September
- Wonder Lake: Open June 8 - mid-September
In addition to the established campgrounds at Denali, visitors can camp in the backcountry while on a backpacking trip. For more details about camping within the park, click here.
Lodging:
There are no NPS-operated accommodations in Denali. There are a few privately run lodges within the park in addition to a broad variety of lodging facilities outside of the park. To learn more about lodging in and around Denali, visit the park's website.
Food & Drink
In summer, there are numerous restaurants that operate outside of the park, along Highway 3. The summer season runs from June through August. Businesses open at different times each year, so prepare for limited services if you visit in May or September. In fall, winter, and spring, the nearest restaurants and convenience stores are located in Healy, 11 miles to the north.
Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles
Summer travel beyond mile 15, which is hugely recommended, is available by shuttle, bus, or on foot. Keep in mind that bus schedules are subject to small adjustments throughout the season. Visitors can acquire the most recent schedule at the Wilderness Access Center or Denali Visitor Center. To learn more about current operating hours, fees, and destinations, click here.
- Toklat River: May 20 - September 15, roundtrip fare: $26.50
- Eielson Visitor Center: June 1 - September 15, roundtrip fare: $34.00
- Wonder Lake: June 8 - September 15, roundtrip fare: $46.75
- Kantishna: June 8 - September 15, roundtrip fare: $51.00
- Camper Bus: June 1 - September 14, roundtrip fare: $34.00
Tour Buses:
Tour buses feature a trained naturalist who drives the bus and narrates during the tour. To learn more about tour bus options, click here.
- Denali Natural History Tour: mid-May - mid-September, roundtrip fare including park entrance fee: $77.25
- Tundra Wilderness Tour: May 20 - mid-September, roundtrip fare including park entrance fee: $130.25
- Kantishna Experience: June 8 - mid-September, roundtrip fare including park entrance fee: $194.00
Courtesy Buses:
There are three free bus services available in the park's entrance area that travel between the various visitor service buildings. For more information and to see current operating schedules, click here.
- Savage River Shuttle
- Riley Loop Shuttle
- Sled Demonstration Shuttle
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Gems in Denali National Park - 6
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Featured Runs in Denali National Park - 8
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Trails in Denali National Park - 19
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Photos of Denali National Park - 76
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