Denali National Park

Travel Guide
Denali featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and a lake or waterhole
This vast Alaskan wilderness of rock and ice includes hiking trails, grizzly and black bears and the highest mountain in North America.

Take a wild Alaskan adventure through Denali National Park and Preserve’s 6 million acres (2.4 million hectares). This enormous subarctic landscape of glaciers, mountains and forests surrounds Denali, North America’s highest peak, formerly known as Mount McKinley. Rising 20,320 feet (6,194 meters), the park’s centerpiece is often shrouded in clouds. Build time into your plans to let clouds clear for the best view.

To protect the wildlife and terrain, park traffic is restricted. Only one road leads into Denali, the 92-mile (148-kilometer) Denali Park Road. The first 15 miles (24 kilometers) are paved and can be accessed by all vehicles. Walk, bike or take the bus to venture farther along the road and deeper into the park.

Two types of bus lines serve Denali. Informal shuttle buses let you hop on and off anywhere along their routes. Tour buses provide narration and stop at designated places. Visit Denali National Park’s official website for timetables and ticket prices.

Explore the park on foot, a great way to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Select from numerous trails ranging from moderate to strenuous. One popular walk for experienced hikers is the Mount Healy Overlook Trail, an arduous trek taking 3 to 4 hours. An easier choice is the Savage River Loop Trail, a moderate 2-mile (3-kilometer) walk. Hiking off trail is also possible obtain a permit in person no more than a day before you begin your journey.

Many people come to Denali to see the wildlife. Among the animals that roam freely here are grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, caribou, moose and Dall sheep.

Camp under the stars in a designated campsite or pitch a tent almost anywhere in the wilderness. Alternatively, stay at a lodge.

The park is 240 miles (390 kilometers) north of Anchorage and 120 miles (190 kilometers) south of Fairbanks. Both cities have airports. The entrance to the park is located along Alaska Highway 3.

Access Denali National Park and Preserve year-round, but be prepared for unpredictable weather. Winters are long and very cold, with heavy snowfall, while summers are damp and cool. Some trails close during winter.

Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
2.5 out of 5
Mile Post 231.1 George Parks Highway, Denali National Park, AK
Stay at this hotel in Denali National Park. Enjoy free parking, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and WiFi. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (464 reviews)
"The property was very nice. Area was stunning. Internet options were pricey as well as the laundry facility. At check in the gal talked very fast and was hard to understand. She said we had instruction in our room for everything but there was nothing. Had to go back several time to to speak with ..."

Reviewed on 19 Sep,2023

Denali Grizzly Bear Resort
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
5 out of 5
Mile 238.5 George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park, AK
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Denali National Park. Enjoy free parking, 4 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Denali National Park Visitors ...
8/10 Very Good! (136 reviews)
beautiful property
"place is wonderful. by the river, lots of shops and dining options. close to denali nat park. has property shuttle."

Reviewed on 13 Oct,2023

Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge
Denali Bluffs Hotel
Denali Bluffs Hotel
3 out of 5
Mile 238 4 George Parks Hwy, Denali National Park, AK
Stay at this hotel in Denali National Park. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (659 reviews)
"Good, clean place to stay with convenient & very good restaurant. Since it’s on a hill/ bluff, you will have to roll your luggage up or down hills to get to your building. If you are on the second floor, there are no elevators so you will have to carry your luggage up a flight of stairs. Also parking ..."

Reviewed on 20 Sep,2023

Denali Bluffs Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
3 out of 5
17351 E Michele Drive, Talkeetna, AK
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Talkeetna. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a terrace. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Denali ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (212 reviews)
"We loved staying with them. Everyone is so friendly, the property it’s amazing. Thank you so much. Hope to be back"

Reviewed on 19 Mar,2024

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals
Carlo Creek Cabins - Campsite
Carlo Creek Cabins - Campsite
2 out of 5
224 Parks Hwy, Denali National Park, AK
Stay at this campground in Denali National Park. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Discover genuine guest reviews for Carlo Creek Cabins ...
5.4/10 (3 reviews)
"Beautiful location and friendly staff/owners.."

Reviewed on 16 Jul,2023

Carlo Creek Cabins - Campsite
Denali Tri-Valley Cabins
Denali Tri-Valley Cabins
3.5 out of 5
1/10th Mile Lester Road, Healy, AK
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Healy. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attraction ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (365 reviews)
"What an awesome place to stay. First time in Alaska and would have to rate this place high first for the cabin and secondly for its location. The cabin was well maintained and very comfortable. We were close to the Denali main gate without all the riff raff that comes with an attraction. Needed some ..."

Reviewed on 13 Sep,2023

Denali Tri-Valley Cabins
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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