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Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali

Updated November 2023 ,  Denali National Park Travel Guide + 14 Things To Do In Denali was originally written in February 2020

Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s most well-known landmarks, home to the tallest mountain in North America, as well as heaps of wildlife and more nature than you’d ever be able to explore in a lifetime.

Ironically, growing up in Alaska I never actually stepped foot into the National Park until I was 26 years old. Sure, I could see Denali from my house growing up (even now I can still see it) on a clear day, and I’ve driven past it on my way to Fairbanks countless times and even stopped to take a photo, but I never made the effort to visit the park.

Fast forward a few years and I’ve now visited several times, but nonetheless, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. So, without getting too carried away, here is a quick Denali Travel Guide, including the 15 best things to do in Denali.

April 2023 update: The Denali National Park Road has been closed at mile 42 by Polychrome Pass due to a landslide since August 2021. The park road will remain closed beyond mile 42 for the remainder of the 2024 season. Read more about it in this article on Anchorage Daily News or on the National Park Service website .

Start planning your Alaska adventure here:  The Ultimate Alaska Travel Guide

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Important Denali National Park Info

• Denali National Park is open year-round, however, the main Denali Visitor Center is only staffed from mid-May to mid-September. The Murie Visitor Center is only open in winter.
• Personal vehicles can only be driven to Savage River (the first 15 miles of the Denali National Park Road), beyond Savage River you must take a bus/shuttle, go by bicycle, or walk the road, with the exception of during the Denali Road Lottery.
• The entire length of the Denali National Park Road to Kantishna is 92.5 miles.
• Entrance to Denali National Park is $15 per person (age 16 and older). Park entrance is free to youth 15 and under. A park pass is good for 7 consecutive days.
• Denali was named Mt McKinley up until 2015 when it was decided to return it to the original Dena’ina name, you’ll still hear both names.
• Many visitors never actually see Denali as it is covered in clouds many days.
• Weather is erratic and unpredictable in Denali National park.
• Very few maintained trails exist in Denali National Park. 99% of the park is wild and untamed and exploring it will require wilderness survival skills, bushwhacking, river crossings, potential run-ins with wildlife, and more hazards.
• For the love of everything holy bring bug spray, and not that healthy stuff either (I don’t like to use DEET, but that stuff does work)– the mosquitos are diabolical out here, you’ve been warned. A head net can prove extremely handy on years with thick bug populations, I know they look dumb but omg will you be happy to take a breath without breathing in 3,956 bugs.

Want to see the best of Alaska in 10 days? Check out my  10 day Alaska road trip  itinerary

How To Get To Denali National Park

Denali National Park is located just off the Parks Highway. Most visitors will make the nearly 4.5 hour drive from  Anchorage  to visit the park. From  Fairbanks , you can expect the drive to take roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.

If you are visiting Denali from Fairbanks and plan to return there and you don’t want to drive yourself, this  $80 (each way) shuttle  can prove handy.

Another option is to take the train. Book your Alaska Railroad ticket from Anchorage to Denali  here , and from Denali to Anchorage  here .

Trying to visit Alaska on the cheap? Check out my  Alaska budget travel guide

Getting Around Denali National Park

Beyond Savage River (mile 15) you will need to take a bus to go any further along the Denali National Park Road (with the exception of the road lottery, which I will explain below) unless you plan to walk or bicycle the road.

Narrated Buses

There are three different narrated bus trips to choose from, which will include a narrator that will explain a myriad of history, info, stories, point out important landmarks, and more. These buses make stops of wildlife sightings and for scenery. They also include a snack or lunch depending on the length of the trip. The narrated bus tours offered and prices (adult 16+/15 and under) are:

• Natural History Tour  | $101.75/$43.50
• Tundra Wilderness Tour  | $162.50/$73.75
• Kantishna Experience  | $240.75/$113.00 (Get a discounted ticket for the Kantishna Experience  here !)

Purchase your Denali narrated bus ticket  here .

Non-Narrated Buses

Non-narrated buses serve more like a transit shuttle in comparison to the narrated buses above. Non-narrated buses will still make scenic and wildlife viewing stops along the way (as well as restroom stops).

You do not need to stay on the same bus for the entirety of your journey like the narrated buses. You can just flag a bus down in your desired direction, though this will depend on seat availability so you may have to flag a couple of buses down during busy times before finding open seats.

Note that non-narrated buses are green, while narrated buses are tan.

Additionally, there is a camper bus designed to transfer people hauling gear, like tents or bicycles with them that are doing the park road in one direction or taking on a backcountry trek.

Here are the non-narrated bus prices, note that anyone 15 and under rides free, but still needs to have an actual ticket which can be booked by phone or online:

• Toklat River  | mile 53 | $33.50
• Eielson Visitor Center  | mile 66 | $42.75
• Wonder Lake  | mile 85 | $58.75
• Kantishna  | mile 92 | $64.00
• Camper bus  | $42.75

Purchase your Denali non-narrated bus ticket  here .

Free shuttle buses connect points of interest along the first 15 miles of the park road up until Savage River. There are 3 free buses as follows:

• Savage River Shuttle
• Riley Creek Loop Bus
• Sled Dog Demonstration Shuttle

Read up more on what each of these free buses offers  here .

Denali Road Lottery

The Denali Road Lottery takes place for four days in mid to late September each year, the weekend following the end of the summer season at Denali National Park. This is the only time that visitors are allowed to drive motor vehicles the full length of the 92.5 mile long Denali National Park Road.

You must apply for a Denali Road Lottery Permit and be selected in order to take part in the road lottery drive. You can  apply for the lottery here  between May 1 and 31 each year for the upcoming September drive. It costs $15 per entrant in the lottery.

If you are selected you will need to pay an additional $25 after you’ve been notified that you’ve won. The dates for 2022 are still TBA but will be in mid-late September. In 2015 I was able to do the Denali Road Lottery (my Dad was drawn) and drive the entire length of the road, read more about how to apply for your Denali Road Lottery Permit  here .

Things To Do In Denali National Park

See The Alaskan Big 5

Everyone talks about Africa’s Big 5, but did you know there’s an Alaskan Big 5?

• Grizzly bears

If you plan on taking the buses both narrated and non) through the park, you’ll have pretty good odds of seeing some wildlife in Denali National Park. I’ve had the chance to see grizzlies, moose, and Dall sheep up close in Denali. Plenty of visitors will see caribou (I swear caribou have a secret pact against me and hide when the word on the  street  trail is I’m headed for the interior), wolves are likely going to be the hardest of the Big 5 to spot.

If you plan to shoot wildlife photos, I recommend grabbing or renting a lens with at least 200mm zoom on it. 400mm+ is usually best.

Take A Narrated Bus Tour

The Narrated bus tours on offer of Denali National Park are a great way to get to know the park with interpretive stops and a naturalist guide to explain and point out various landmarks (as well as help you spot wildlife). There are 3 different narrated tours on offer:

Tundra Wilderness Tour

The Tundra Wilderness Tour is one of the narrated bus tours on offer of Denali National Park. If you’re out to see wildlife, this is the tour you wanna be on.

The drivers are usually excellent at spotting wildlife and tend to know the usual hangouts for lots of the wildlife, plus park rangers keep drivers in the know of what animals are spotted and where throughout the day. The Tundra Wilderness Tour lasts about 8 hours, snacks are provided, but I’d recommend bringing some of your own as well.

Kantishna Experience Tour

The Kantishna Experience Tour is the only one of the narrated bus tours that drive the entirety of the Denali National Park Road. The Kantishna Experience has a focus on the sweeping landscapes of Denali National Park and its Gold Rush history as you travel to the old mining town of Kantishna at the end of the road.

The Kantishna Experience also includes a tour around Wonder Lake with an interpretive park ranger and naturalist. This tour is about 12 hours in duration.

Get a deal on your Kantishna Experience Tour by booking your ticket  here

Denali Natural History Tour

The Denali Natural History Tour has a human focus, making stops for an Alaskan Native presentation that shows how to land surrounding Denali has been used for the last 10,000 years, as well as stops for the original ranger cabin at Savage River and more. Your driver and naturalist guide will also point out wildlife and explain the geology, landscape, and history of the park. The tour lasts about 5 hours in duration.

Mt. Healy Overlook

Mt. Healy Overlook is a trek that gives great panoramic views of the Denali National Park entrance area. From the Visitor Center, you can access the Mt. Healy Overlook trail by first taking the Taiga Trail and take the Mt. Healy Trail that veers from it.

You can optionally summit Mt. Healy by trekking an additional 1.5 miles beyond the end of the trail, but do note that it can be a bit treacherous and many people have fallen and been injured and even died, so take caution. Read more about the Mt. Healy Overlook Trail  here .

• Mt. Healy Overlook Trail | 2.7 miles (5.4 miles return) | 1,700 feet elevation gain/loss |

Whitewater Raft Nenana River

Wanna get out on the river for a wild ride getting bucked around on Alaskan rapids? No problem.

You can book a 2 hour long Nenana whitewater rafting trip. You’ll, of course, be set up with dry suits (the water is frigid), helmets, and paddles and provided with an experienced river guide. Don’t laugh, but I’ve never actually been whitewater river rafting in Alaska (I mean, I have pack rafted and floated plenty of rivers here)- I’ve only truly whitewater rafted the Chong Kemin River in Kyrgyzstan and the Zambezi between Zimbabwe and Zambia .

With that said, my friends, Corin and Brian worked as river guides out here for a summer several years back and still talk about their adventures out here on the Nenana River.

If you’re not that adventurous, perch up from a good lookout along the river, off the Parks Highway and watch for rafters sailing down the river.

Wanna go white water rafting? This  Nenana rafting tour  comes highly recommended

Denali Kennel and Sled Dog Demonstration

For those interested in learning more about dog mushing, sled dog demos are done with park rangers at 10 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm every day in the summer. If you are unable to make it during one of the demonstrations you can still visit between 9 am and 4:30 pm to meet the dogs.

Go On A Denali Flightseeing Trip

If you ask me, without a doubt in my mind, this is the best way to see Alaska. Flightseeing is a great way to not only cover a lot of ground but get to know Alaska from a different perspective- aerial.

Truth be told, I’ve not gone on a flightseeing trip around Denali (don’t worry it’s on the to-do list), but I have done lots of flightseeing around Chugach State Park, Prince William Sound, and Wrangell St. Elias National Park. My friend Tay dropped the money and did a flightseeing tour around Denali and raved about it, especially going past the Wickersham Wall and landing on a glacier.  Flightseeing photos by Tay & Dave

Book your Denali flightseeing tour  here

Stony Hill Overlook

Stony Hill Overlook is the spot that many of the photos you see of Denali are shot from. On a clear day, this is the best place for viewing North America’s tallest peak in all its glory. Stony Hill Overlook is located just a hair before mile 62 on the park road.

Triple Lakes Trail Hike

The Triple Lakes Trail is about 9.5 miles one way (expect it to take about 4-5 hours), with an elevation gain/loss of about 1,000 feet. The trailheads are located near the Denali Visitor Center (north) and at the parking lot next to the Nenana Bridge (Crabbe’s Crossing) at mile 231 (south). There are no shuttles to the southern end of the trail, however, you can arrange a taxi or a pickup with your accommodation. Read more about the Triple Lake Hikes  here .

Hike Around Savage River

Savage River, located at mile 15 of the Denali Park Road is the furthest you can drive into the park with your own car. From the parking lot here there you can set off on a few different hikes ranging from 0.6 miles to 8 miles in length that will suit nearly every walker and trekker’s fitness levels.

• Mountain Vista Trail  | 0.6 miles roundtrip | 50 feet elevation gain
• Savage Cabin Loop  | 0.8 miles roundtrip | 50 feet elevation gain
• Savage River Loop  | 2 miles roundtrip | 0 feet elevation gain
• Savage Alpine Trail  | 4 miles one way/ 8 miles out and back | 1,500 feet elevation gain

Eielson Visitor Center

The Eielson Visitor Center is another place for great views of Denali and the Alaska Range on a clear day (I have yet to see Denali from Eielson!). The Eielson Visitor Center is only open in summer and houses an art gallery and has park rangers on hand to answer questions. There are 3 hikes that can be done from Eielson, they are:

• The Tundra Loop + Spurr Trail  | 0.65 miles
• Thorofare Ridge Trail  (out and back) | 4.1 miles | 1,000 feet elevation gain/loss
• Gorge Creek Trail  (out and back) | 7.5 miles | 1,100 feet elevation loss/gain

Wonder Lake & Reflection Pond

Located at mile 84.5 and 85.3 respectively, Wonder Lake and Reflection Pond are a dream for photographers. If you’re dying to get the reflection shot of Denali I’d recommend camping at Wonder Lake and moseying on over to Reflection Lake in the morning for the perfect shot (weather permitting of course). Late evening in the summer can yield some nice shots as well.

Do be warned, the mosquitos are thick out here, so come bug-doped up and wielding a bug net if you don’t want to be eaten by while simultaneously inhaling mosquitos.

There is one hike in the area called the McKinley Bar Trail that connects the Wonder Lake Campground with the McKinley River. It’s 2.5 miles one way (5 miles return).

Backcountry Hikes

Denali is comprised of 6 million acres of land- yes, that’s larger than several US States! This leaves much of the park for exploration by backcountry hiking. In order to take on any backcountry trekking into Denali National Park that will have you camping, you will need to obtain a backcountry permit for your chosen unit (unit of the park you’d like to explore).

Backcountry permits are free (though you will still need to pay for park entrance and for the camper bus), but certain units are limited to the number of backpackers allowed in per night. You cannot obtain permits in advance and all your party must be present to apply. It’s recommended to arrive at the Wilderness Access Center at 8 am the day prior to departing for your hike to apply.

You will need to complete a backcountry orientation (once per season) prior to departing, this takes 30 minutes and is offered at the Wilderness Access Center.

If you don’t have much backcountry backpacking experience units 1, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 34, and 42 are good choices when selecting a unit for your permit.

You need to be self-sufficient in the backcountry. Read up more on the rules, regulations and important information to know prior to taking on a backcountry hike in Denali National Park  here .

Wanna do a fly in backcountry day hike? Check out this  heli-hiking tour  in Denali

Northern Lights

Denali National Park is a great place to hunt for the aurora from, without much light pollution. September is the best month for trying to see the northern lights from Denali National Park as it’s typically one of the most active auroral months, and the area isn’t completely shut for the winter season. For more great places to see the northern lights in Alaska from read  this post here .

Visiting Denali in late August or September? Check out this  Denali aurora hunting night tour

Bike The Denali Park Road

For serious cyclers, it’s possible to bike the entire 92.5 miles from the park entrance to Kantishna. Read all the info you need to know to cycle the Denali National Park Road  here .

Day Hikes In Denali National Park

Here is a list of all the day hikes in Denali National Park that are on maintained trails. Note that there are unlimited hiking opportunities in the backcountry, but those are completely off-trail. For more information on the hikes in Denali National Park  click here .

Hikes near the Denali Park entrance

• Horseshoe Lake Trail  | 3.2 miles roundtrip | 250 feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Jonesville Trail  | 0.3 miles one way | 150 feet elevation gain | easy | *connects Riley Creek Campground with the business district outside the park
• Taiga Trail  | 1 mile one way | 75  feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Mt. Healy Overlook Trail  | 2.7 miles one way | 1,700  feet elevation gain | strenuous |
• Mt. McKinley Station Trail  | 1.6 miles one way | 100  feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Rock Creek Trail  | 2.4 miles one way | 400  feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Roadside Trail  | 1.8 miles one way | 350  feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Meadow View Trail  *connects Roadside and Rock Creek Trails | 0.3 miles one way | 0 feet elevation gain | easy
• Morino Trail  | 0.2 miles one way | 0 feet elevation gain | easy
• Triple Lakes Trail  | 9.5 miles one way | 1,000  feet elevation gain | strenuous |
• Spruce Forest Trail  | 0.15 miles roundtrip | 0  feet elevation gain | easy |
• Bike Path  | 1.7 miles one way | 150  feet elevation gain | easy |

Hikes near Savage Creek

• Mountain Vista Trail  | 0.6 miles roundtrip | 50 feet elevation gain | easy |
• Savage Cabin Loop  | 0.8 miles roundtrip | 50 feet elevation gain | easy |
• Savage River Loop  | 2 miles roundtrip | 0 feet elevation gain | moderate |
• Savage Alpine Trail  | 4 miles one way | 1,500 feet elevation gain | strenuous |

Hikes near Eielson Visitor Center

• The Tundra Loop + Spurr Trail  | 0.65 miles roundtrip | 0 feet elevation gain | easy
• Thorofare Ridge Trail  | 2.1 miles one way | 1,000 feet elevation gain | strenuous
• Gorge Creek Trail  | 3.2 miles one way | 1,100 feet elevation gain | strenuous

Hikes near Wonder Lake

• McKinley River Bar Trail  | 2.5 miles one way | 0 feet elevation gain | moderate

Campgrounds In Denali National Park

It’s possible to camp in Denali National Park, and it’s going to be one of your cheapest options for accommodations in and around the park. Campground fees are $13-34 per night, depending on location and whether you’ll be tenting it or in an RV.

All campgrounds are only open from mid to late May until mid-September, with the exceptions of Wonder Lake Campground which does not open until June, and Riley Creek which is open year-round. Note that camping is free at Riley Creek only in winter.

Make campground reservations well in advance as these do book up, especially between June and August. For more detailed info on camping in Denali National Park and to reserve campsites,  click here .

Also, note that there is no fee for backcountry camping in Denali National Park, however, you will need to have a backcountry permit and have completed the 30 minute backcountry safety class. For more info on backcountry and backpacking in Denali National Park  click here .

• Riley Creek Campground  | mile 0.25 | open year-round | tent + RV |
• Savage River Campground  | mile 14 | open mid-May to mid-September | tent + RV |
• Sanctuary River Campground  | mile 22 | open mid-May to mid-September | tent |
• Teklanika River Campground  | mile 29 | open mid-May to mid-September | tent + RV |
• Igloo Creek Campground  | mile 35 | open mid-May 20 to mid-September | tent |
• Wonder Lake Campground  | mile 85 | open June to mid-September | tent |

Best Hotels In & Around Denali

Lodging around Denali National Park can be quite expensive, so I’ve also included nearby Cantwell and Healy in addition to McKinley Park (which is the nearest to the park).

The Runaway House  | Cantwell |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

White Moose Lodge  | Healy |  Booking.com  |

Denali Park Hotel  | Healy |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Cantwell Lodge  | Cantwell |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Backwoods Lodge  | Cantwell |  Booking.com  |

McKinley Creekside Cabins  | McKinley Park |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Grande Denali Lodge  | McKinley Park |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Best Restaurants Near Denali

Fine dining.

229 Parks Restaurant & Tavern * | McKinley park

The Overlook  | McKinley park

Alpenglow Restaurant  | McKinley park

McKinley Creekside Cafe | McKinley park

The Salmon Bake  | McKinley park

49th State Brewing * | Healy

Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse * | McKinley park

Moose-AK Food Truck  | McKinley park

Denali Thai Food * | McKinley park

Denali Park Cafe  | Cantwell

Black Bear Coffee * | McKinley park

* = personal favorites

Safety In Denali National Park

In terms of safety, your biggest concerns will be wildlife, and slips and falls associated with hiking/climbing/etc.

I would recommend purchasing a can of bear spray on arrival in Alaska and educating yourself on how to use it at the very least. If you plan to camp or trek in the backcountry I recommend buying a  bear canister  (this one in the link is the one I personally own and use) to mask food odors from animals, especially bears. Read more on bear awareness and wildlife safety  here .

Denali Packing List

For general visitors.

• Warm outer shell  jacket  x1
• Fleece  x1
• Merino wool  long sleeve  base layer top x1
• Trekking pants  x1
• Merino wool  leggings  x2
• Trekking  socks  x2
• Sports bra x2
• Warm hat x1
• Sunglasses x1
• Comfortable  walking shoe  x1
• Mosquito repellent

Useful Maps & Books

• Denali National Park & Preserve Trail Map
• Denali National Park Visitors Guide

For Backcountry Trekkers & Campers

• Inreach Explorer+
• Hiking boots
• Katadyn water purifier
• Sleeping mat
• 3-season tent
• Hydration Pack
• Sleeping bag
• Campstove and Cooking set
• Silicone squeeze tubes
• Propane/butane canister
• Trekking poles
• Biodegradable  wipes
• Toilet Paper
• First Aid Kit
• Dehydrated meals such as  Mountain House
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Peanut butter
• Spice packets
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh veggies, noodles, bread, etc

Have Any Questions About Visiting Denali National Park?

Ask in the comments section below.

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2 thoughts on “denali national park travel guide + 14 things to do in denali”.

What is the best time of day to take the non-narrated bus tours?

I guess it would depend on what your objective is. If I was going in on a day trip I’d try to take the earliest morning bus in to give me time to explore around before catching a bus back later in the day. As far as wildlife sightings, generally any time is good, but the earliest and lastest buses you may see more.

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Denali Travel Guide

Discover iconic alaska at denali national park.

Denali National Park and Preserve is six million acres of raw wilderness unlike any other place on earth. T his Denali travel guide walks you through some of the park’s must-see destinations and tours. Marvel at views of North America’s tallest mountain while keeping an eye out for the park’s most recognizable residents — caribou, bears, wolves, moose, and Dall sheep. It’s no wonder why Denali National Park is on the bucket list of travelers worldwide.

Points of Interest

• Denali National Park & Preserve
• Denali National Park Visitor Center
• Denali Rail Depot
• Horseshoe Lake
• Murie Science & Learning Center
• Nenana River
• Wilderness Access Center
• Dog sledding
• Glacier landing
• Music of Denali dinner theater
• Wildlife viewing

Photo Gallery

Denali - the highest peak in North America - measures 20,310 feet.

Denali National Park and Preserve covers over 6 million acres.

Grizzly bears are often spotted during guided tours in Denali National Park.

Meet sled dog puppies on the Husky Homestead Tour - home of Iditarod Champion Jeff King.

Soak up the beauty of Denali on a fly fishing expedition to Fish Creek.

The stunning sight of Denali is a must-see for Alaska travelers.

Music of Denali Dinner Theater tells the story of the first explorers to summit "the Great One."

Destination Map

Tours That Feature Denali National Park

Featured sightseeing excursions.

Music of Denali

Read more about denali national park.

10 Best Things to Do in Denali National Park

Denali Rail Tours in Alaska

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Denali National Park Guide: The Best Tours, Lodging, and Things to Do

By Lisa Maloney

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Six million acres of untouched wilderness. All 20,310 feet of North America's tallest peak. And only 92 miles of roadway. All told, Denali National Park is larger than the entire state of New Hampshire —but even those impressive statistics sketch only the faintest reflection of the park's immensity and grandeur.

To really appreciate Denali , you have to see it in person. Driving , hiking , or even flying through the park is an opportunity to surf seemingly endless waves of land that roll past you in the form of mountains and valleys, all laced together by fast-moving creeks and rivers and peppered with free-roaming bears, moose, wolves, and other wildlife large and small. 

Denali sits at the intersection of the  ancestral lands of the Ahtna, Dena’ina, Koyukon, Upper Kuskokwim, and Tanana peoples, all of which are part of a larger language group collectively known as the Dené or Athabascan; human artifacts found in the Denali area have been dated back more than 12,000 years.

If you're planning a visit, know that there are visitor amenities, but they're almost all clustered within about a mile of the park entrance, leaving the rest of the land over to wilderness. Consider this your ultimate guide to navigating this terrain—from how to get to Denali, to the best in-park experiences and where to rest your head. 

All listings featured on  Condé Nast Traveler  are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Fly into Fairbanks or Anchorage, then drive or take the Alaska Railroad to the Denali National Park—either way, the views won't disappoint. 

Getting to and around Denali National Park

There is just one major highway leading to Denali National Park: The Parks Highway connects Denali to Fairbanks, about two and a half hours to the north, and  Anchorage , about four and a half hours to the south. Both cities have well-connected airports and multiple  car rental  options.

If you don't want to drive, limited motorcoach services can get you to Denali during the summer: Try  Alaska/Yukon Trails or  The Park Connection .

The last, most luxurious option for reaching Denali is the  Alaska Railroad which, like the Parks Highway, runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks or vice versa. 

You don't need a car to get around in Denali National Park, but if you visit during the shoulder season you can drive your own vehicle as far into the park as road conditions allow.

Denali National Park's peak season is mid-May through mid-September. Most tour, lodging, and restaurant amenities shut down as soon as the peak season ends, but if you're prepared to DIY a trip in winter conditions—or want to book a day tour out of Fairbanks—you can still visit during the winter. Visiting during the early-May or mid- to late-September shoulder seasons offers a more secluded experience. Amenities and tour options are extremely limited, but September in particular is a beautiful time for exploring the park, when the weather cooperates.

Travel the park road

Perhaps the best-known excursion in Denali is taking a bus ride on the lone road running into the park.

Narrated tour buses and hop-on, hop-off  transit buses , both joint ventures between global hospitality provider Aramark and  Alaska Native corporation   Doyon, Limited , used to run all the way down the 92-mile park road—but an  ongoing land slump has forced partial closure of the road, so all vehicle traffic currently turns around at mile 43. Officials are building a bridge across the landslide/slump area and  hope to have it open by 2025 .

For a quick (and free) taste of the park road, you can catch the  courtesy shuttle that runs between the Denali Visitor Center and Savage River (mile 15 of the park road).

You can also rent a bicycle from  Bike Denali , about a (bikeable) mile outside the park entrance, and explore as far as you like along the park road, or drive your personal vehicle as far as mile 15 during peak season, although the small parking area at Savage River fills up fast.

See North America's tallest peak

It's natural to expect a glimpse of North America's tallest mountain, Denali, when you come to the park that bears its name. But you'll have to venture to at least mile 9 of the park road before the elevation is high enough to reveal 20,310' Denali. If you're feeling adventurous you can also hike to the top of the aptly named Mountain Vista trail, at about mile 12, for more views.

The mountain is often obscured by clouds so if you don't get to see it while in the park, don't despair: You can also catch a glimpse from the Alaska Railroad trains or, if you're driving, from several well-marked waysides along the Parks Highway. 

Denali National Park has hiking trails with views of the namesake mountain, lakes, and wildlife like beavers. 

Take a hike

Denali is home to a handful of beautiful hiking trails, including the beloved Savage River and Alpine trails, and the stunning Triple Lakes Trail where you might be able to add beavers to your wildlife-viewing checklist, but you're also welcome to hike off-trail from the park road. Just hop off at any likely-looking pullout and explore.

Charlie Hobbs

Maya Silver

CNT Editors

No matter where you hike, it's important that you carry bear spray, which you can rent from the  Alaska Geographic store in the park, next to the Denali Visitor Center—and know  what to do if you encounter wildlife . Park rangers are also available to help you choose a hiking destination and coach you on how to handle wildlife encounters. They also lead a  variety of group activities , including hikes both on- and off-trail.

Visit with sled dogs

Denali National Park is home to the National Park Service's only working kennel of sled dogs.  Rangers demonstrate how they work with the dogs two-to-three times per day through the summer; you can walk to the kennels from the park entrance, or catch a free shuttle bus.

Other tours

You'll see a wide variety of other tour options advertised for Denali National Park, including whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ATV tours, and Jeep tours. With very few exceptions, these take place along the boundary of the park, not actually in it. But adventuring alongside Denali can be a fine—and thrilling—way to spend your visit. 

Among companies operating just outside the park,  Denali Horseback Tours is a perennial favorite. Their reliable steeds take you off into the hills for beautiful vistas overlooking the park and neighboring lands, without any of the noise or exhaust from a Jeep or ATV tour. If you do want the thrill of a motor-driven vehicle, though,  Denali ATV Adventures is hugely popular.

A last, favorite way of seeing Denali at near-distance is from the water. Whitewater rafting tours from companies like the family-owned  Denali Raft Adventures take you down the Nenana River, which forms the natural boundary on the east side of Denali National Park. Rafting excursions range from pulse-pounding to relatively sedate, so there’s something for almost everybody.

If you’re ready to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience,  Alaska Alpine Adventures is an excellent guide service that does have the required permits to work inside the park. Their custom hiking and backpacking tours demand a fairly high level of physical fitness, but if you’ve been working out regularly before your trip, they might be a good fit. 

Visit Denali between September and April if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. 

Where to stay in Denali National Park

Most of Denali's lodges and hotels cluster just outside the park entrance, but you'll find others dotted up and down the Parks Highway, extending as far north and south as the small towns of Healy and Cantwell, respectively.

For a true wilderness experience, consider flying in to one of the backcountry lodges at the end of the Denali National Park Road, like the  Denali Backcountry Lodge —the only lodge in this area that’s posh enough to offer (limited) spa service—and the famed  Kantishna Roadhouse , which serves gourmet food and offers guided programs in a small-group setting. Usually these lodges are accessed by bus, but due to the partial closure of the park road they're expected to operate on a fly-in-only basis through 2024.

If you like sleeping under the stars, Denali offers numerous options for camping during the summer. Usually all six of  the park’s established campgrounds are open through peak visitor season, but only five of those campgrounds are currently accessible (due to the aforementioned road closure).  Backcountry summer camping is also an option, as long as you get a permit (available only in person), carry a bear-resistant food container, and take the requisite wildlife-safety training (also only offered in person). 

Nearby attractions

If you've brought a vehicle to Denali National Park, consider taking a side trip on the spectacular Denali Highway, which threads an east/west route through spectacularly wild, remote terrain between the tiny towns of Cantwell (near the Denali park entrance) and Paxson, which sits on the north/south Richardson Highway. 

This "highway" can be very slow, rough going, so you might want to break up the trip by staying at one of the remote lodges dotted along its length, including the Alpine Creek Lodge (near Cantwell) and the Maclaren River Lodge (near Paxson). You'll also need to make sure your rental car agreement allows travel on gravel highways. Try  Alaska Auto Rental , which has locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Denali.

Fairbanks is your closest source of city amenities, and offers a wealth of day and multi-day tours in its own right, like  Northern Alaska Tour Company’s flying and driving tours to the Arctic Circle (and beyond), the most authentic gold-panning experience in town with family-owned  Gold Daughters , and a chance to roam the forest with reindeer at the delightfully unexpected  Running Reindeer Farm . If you happen to visit in winter, Fairbanks is your very best home base for  seeing the northern lights .

Also in Fairbanks, don’t miss a chance to  learn more about local Alaska Native culture with a stop by the  Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor Center , which houses several dioramas depicting traditional life through the seasons, an excellent gift shop for purchasing Alaska Native crafts, and the  Tanana Chiefs Cultural Connections show in July and August.  

If you've heard of the famous small-plane "flightseeing" trips around Denali the mountain, it might come as a surprise to hear that most of them don't set out from Denali National Park at all. Instead, the nearby small town of Talkeetna—accessible by driving, the Alaska Railroad, or Park Connection motorcoaches—is the usual launching-off place for flightseeing trips around the mountain, offered by  Talkeetna Air Taxi ,  Sheldon Air Service , and  K2 Aviation .

Where to eat 

During the summer, there's a surprising variety of dining options packed into the road just outside the park entrance. For casual pub-style grub try  49th State Brewing Company , and for the most upscale meal available in the area, check out the  Alpenglow restaurant in the Grande Denali Lodge. Last but absolutely not least, the beloved  Moose-AKa's restaurant provides Eastern European cuisine in an authentic tavern setting.

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The best way to travel to Denali National Park

• Updated on October 30, 2022

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Denali National Park & Preserve is one of the most popular destinations in Alaska. Each summer, visitors come from around the world to experience the pristine wilderness and beautiful open spaces of the third-largest national park in America and to have once-in-a-lifetime fun with all the activities the Denali area has to offer .

There are many ways to arrive at the park entrance, and the best way to get there depends on your budget and travel plans. Visitors can travel to the Denali area by any combination of plane, train, shuttle bus, car, van, camper, and/or RV.

In this article we’ll discuss the different ways that you can arrive in Denali to visit Denali National Park and the surrounding area. We’ll also offer helpful tips to help you decide how to travel to Denali.

Feel free to use the links below to jump down directly to a specific section or start at the top to learn about all your transportation options. Let’s get started!

Where is Denali National Park?

Denali National Park and Preserve, formerly known as Mount McKinley National Park, is large enough that the northern third of the park, including the Great One, Denali, are considered part of the Alaskan interior, along with the cities of Fairbanks and North Pole. The interior region is known for great views of the Northern Lights and for the gold rush lore.

The area south of the Alaska range in Denali National Park is considered part of the Southcentral region of Alaska, along with the cities of Anchorage, Wasilla, and Talkeetna. The Southcentral region is a mostly wild place known for fishing, icy-white glaciers, and having six mountain ranges.

If Denali National Park were a state, it would be the 46th largest state and would be larger than New Jersey, Hawaii, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island.

Unlike these states, and most other national parks, there is only one park road entrance for all visitors to go through. So, when we ask where Denali National Park is, we are really asking where is the one and only road entrance into the park.

Denali National Park has over 6 million acres, and there is only one main road entrance into the park.

This entrance to Denali National Park is located just south of the town of Healy, Alaska. Both the town of Healy and the park entrance are located about 120 miles south of Fairbanks, AK and 240 miles north of Anchorage, AK.

What is the address for Denali National Park?

If you are visiting Denali National Park, you’ll want to navigate to the address for the one and only road entrance located at Mile 237 of the George Parks Highway (also known as Alaska Highway 3).

When traveling to rural destinations in Alaska, it’s more important to know mile markers than mailing addresses. Often people receive mail at their local post office so mailing addresses won’t work in your favorite maps app.

If you are using GPS to navigate around Alaska, the Denali National Park service recommends inputting the latitude and longitude of the park entrance: 63.728443, -148.886572. This is also the best way to locate the entrance in your favorite map app.

Travel to Denali National Park as part of an Alaskan Cruise

Visiting Denali National Park is a popular excursion for travelers taking an Alaskan cruise. In fact, most tourists in the summer come to Alaska via a cruise. Your vacation can start with a cruise from Vancouver or Seattle through the Inside Passage to a seaport city, such as Anchorage, Whittier or Seward. From there, you are a relatively short drive from Anchorage, a great starting point for your journey to Denali National Park via train, shuttle bus, or personal vehicle.

One popular option is to cruise into Anchorage and take the train up to Fairbanks. The train stops in Talkeetna and Denali, so you can plan to stay a couple days in Denali and book lodging just outside the park. You’ll have easy access to the park for a narrated bus tour to Wonder Lake and to adventure tours outside the park . Most adventure companies will pick you up at your hotel, bring you to their tour site, and then drop you back off when you are done. After Denali, you can continue your train journey up to Fairbanks and fly home.

Another option is to reverse this itinerary to start with a flight into Fairbanks and a “land cruise” via the train to Anchorage. You can plan to stay in Denali for a few days and then make your way south to Anchorage on the train. From there, the last part of your vacation is a cruise from Whittier to Vancouver/Seattle through the Inside Passage

Alaska’s Inside Passage is a popular summertime destination for many cruise companies, so you can find an itinerary that fits your budget and schedule.

In some instances, the cruise line will provide a package that combines the ship trip with a land excursion to Denali and lodging along the way. In other cases, the land excursion to Denali would be a separate trip that you could add before or after the cruise. We can help you find lodging and book reservations for an adventure tour, whether you want to go flightseeing for an up-close look at Denali, ziplining over the boreal forest , or white-water rafting .

Flying into Alaska to visit Denali National Park

Flying is a popular way for visitors to arrive in Alaska. There are no direct commercial flights into Denali from outside Alaska, so people choose to land in either Anchorage or Fairbanks. Because air taxi services into the Denali area from Anchorage and Fairbanks are limited, the easiest and most economical option is to rent a car, book a shuttle bus, or ride the train to Denali National Park.

Which airports in Alaska give me access to Denali National Park?

While bush planes land on small airstrips, lakes, and glaciers throughout Alaska, there are no direct commercial flights into the Denali area or Denali National Park.

The nearest airport to Denali is the Fairbanks Airport, which is 125 miles (201 km) northeast of Denali National Park. Alaska’s most important and crowded airport is Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport located 240 miles (386 km) south of Denali. Flying to Anchorage or Fairbanks is a great option for travelers coming from the lower 48 states or other countries.

What is the best Alaskan airport to fly into?

If your plan is to fly to Alaska and rent a car upon your arrival, you might want to choose your arrival airport based on where you want to spend most of your trip. Flying into Anchorage allows for trips north to Denali National Park and south to Seward or Homer. Flying into Fairbanks offers opportunities to explore the interior, drive south to the Denali National Park entrance and drive north of the Arctic Circle.

Is it cheaper to fly into Anchorage or Fairbanks?

Flights to Anchorage are typically cheaper, but Anchorage is still 240 miles (386 km) from the road entrance into Denali National Park. Flights to Fairbanks may cost a little more but will leave you only 125 miles (201 km) to drive to reach the park entrance. Most flights arrive at Fairbanks and Anchorage late in the evening or very early in the morning, so you may need to arrange for a night in a hotel or hostel before you begin your trip to Denali.

When should I book my flight to visit Denali?

We recommend booking your airline tickets at least 6 months prior to your trip. Ticket prices may increase significantly the longer you wait and the closer you get to your travel dates. Depending on when you travel, there may be a lot of competition for the tickets you want in May, when the majority of Alaskan seasonal workforce arrives for the summer season, and in July, when the number of visitors to Alaska peaks.

Driving to Denali National Park & Preserve

If you want maximum flexibility to explore the park at your own pace and make stops along the way, private vehicles, like cars, vans, campers, or RVs, offer the best way to travel.

Below are some tips to keep in mind about driving to Denali National Park, as well as some answers to frequently asked questions.

Driving to Alaska from the Lower 48 states

If your travel plans include driving from the lower 48 states, there is only one road to take to get into Alaska: the famous Alaska Highway.

This highway is sometimes called the Alcan or the Alaska Canadian Highway as you’ll enter the highway in Canada.

The Alaska Highway runs 1,520 miles (2446 km) from Milepost 0 at Dawson Creek in British Columbia to the Delta Junction in Alaska. You can find your way to Dawson Creek from across Canada and the United States, whether you are traveling from California, Texas, Florida, Maine, or even Dawson Creek, NC.

Driving the Alaska Highway requires more preparation than hopping on I-95.

The state of Alaska encourages drivers to plan ahead and drive defensively while traveling on the Alcan. The Alaska Highway is a two-lane, paved road but you may encounter rugged stretches with chuckholes, loose gravel, and frost heaves (unexpected bumps caused by the alternating freeze-thaw cycles of the ground below the asphalt).

On average, gas, food, and lodging can be found 20-50 miles apart with the longest stretch being 100 miles. It’s a good idea to have plenty of food and water with you at all times.

If you travel the Alaska Highway, you’ll see wildlife and beautiful scenery during your drive, so we encourage you to really enjoy this part of your vacation and not just consider it a way to get from point A to point B.

Arriving in Denali by car

If you take the Alaska Highway to the Delta Junction, you’ll take the Richardson Highway for 96 miles (154 km) to Fairbanks. Once you reach Fairbanks, you’ll take the George Parks Highway south for 125 miles (201 km) to the park road entrance at Mile 237. This drive takes approximately two and a half hours.

Visitors driving north from Anchorage will take the George Parks Highway directly to the road entrance for Denali National Park at Mile 237. This route is about 240 miles (386 km) and will take approximately five hours to drive.

Visitors that opt to drive directly to Denali National Park from Anchorage or Fairbanks can plan to arrive in a car, truck, van, or recreational vehicle (RV). Be sure to leave enough time in your itinerary for highway emergencies or animal crossings.

Driving the Denali Park Road

Once you arrive at the park entrance area, turn onto the Denali Park Road, and follow the signs to the Denali Visitor Center. This visitor center is only open in the summer. You’ll be able to pay the park entrance fee, talk with a ranger, and explore park exhibits.

The Denali Park Road parallels the Alaska Range as you drive into the national park. Please note that private vehicles are not able to drive the full length of the Denali Park Road and are only able to drive up to the Savage River Trailhead at Mile 15.

If you visit during the fall, winter, and spring, you’ll want to visit the Murie Science and Learning Center (MSLC) at Mile 1.3 on the Denali Park Road. During the summer, there are also educational science activities for visitors. This facility also acts as the park’s winter visitor center.

The Eielson Visitor Center is located at Mile 66 on the Denali Park Road. This location can only be accessed by certain park buses, by bike and by hiking trail. If you want to reach this location via private vehicle, you’ll need to enter and win the Denali Road lottery. If you make it out to the Eielson Visitor Center, you are rewarded with the chance for clear skies and a great view of North America’s tallest mountain, Denali.

Opportunities to Park your vehicle and hike

There are many opportunities to park in the first 15 miles of the park road and access hiking trails . Some of the trails take you into secluded areas of nature; other trails help get you from one park building to another.

From the Denali Visitor Center you can follow a trail to the Murie Science and Learning Center or walk two miles (3.2 km) to the sled dog kennels for a demonstration. The Triple Lakes trail is also accessible from the Denali Visitor Center and offers a peaceful hike and great views of three lakes.

Parking is available at the Savage River Trailhead at Mile 15. You’ll have easy access to both the Savage River Loop Trail and the Savage Alpine Trail.

Some trails are only available via park bus or bike. You’ll need to book a bus tour or ride your bike if you want to hike on the trails near the Eielson Visitor Center or Wonder Lake.

Visiting Denali National Park in an RV

Traveling to Denali National Park via RV or camper bus follows the same route as traveling by car. From the US, you’ll drive through Canada to the start of the Alaska Highway in British Columbia. From there, the most direct route is through Fairbanks. However, you could choose to see more of Alaska via an indirect route.

There are many places to camp or park your RV along the route. Consider planning a route in advance and making reservations to guarantee your spot at the campgrounds. There are many campgrounds in Denali that are outside the park and offer close proximity to dining, shopping, and adventure tour activities.

If you want to camp inside the park, there are three campgrounds in the park that allow RVs: the Riley Creek Campground, Savage River Campground, and Teklanika River Campground. RVs are not allowed at Igloo Creek campground.

Traveling to Denali National Park by Train

Traveling by train is a great option if you are thinking about visiting Denali National Park. The Denali Star Train by Alaska Railroad runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna, and in Denali National Park at Mile 1.5. Each day in the summer, there is one northbound departure from Anchorage and one southbound departure from Fairbanks at 8:20 am.

This scenic trip takes about 8 hours from Anchorage and 4 hours from Fairbanks. Once you arrive, the train depot is a five-minute walk to the Denali Visitor Center. If you are staying outside the park in the Denali area, many hotels offer shuttles to pick you up in the park and take you to your hotel.

The train generally runs from early may through mid-September. Be sure to check their website for exact schedules and fares.

Traveling to Denali National Park by Shuttle

Alaska Shuttle buses operate daily with routes to Denali from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Travel via shuttle bus is great for individual travelers, families, and small groups.

The Northbound Parks Highway Shuttle buses start once daily in Anchorage and travels past the Denali National Park entrance on its way to Fairbanks. The Southbound Parks Highway Shuttle buses start once daily in Fairbanks and travels past the Denali National Park entrance on its way to Anchorage. There are limited options to purchase food along the way when the bus stops so you may want to pack snacks.

Experiencing Denali National Park

Visiting Denali National Park is one of the most popular travel destinations in Alaska. Visitors can access the park regardless of whether they arrive in Alaska via cruise ship, plane, or personal vehicle. The best way to travel to Denali depends on your budget and travel plans. However, no matter how you travel to Denali, you are sure to have an amazing and memorable experience. Choose things to do in Denali that are new and exciting and enjoy your trip of a lifetime.

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Denali National Park

Adjectives used to describe Denali National Park: Jaw-dropping, breathtaking, untamed.

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A trip to Alaska is simply incomplete without experiencing Denali National Park. At its core rises North America's tallest mountain, the beautiful 20,310-foot Denali. Countless other peaks of the greater Alaska Range arch across the park lands. This forms a natural barrier between the huge glaciers and silty rivers to the south, and the rolling hills and drier taiga of the north.

The park's six million acres encompass a complete sub-arctic ecosystem that's home to large mammals like grizzly bears, wolves, Dall sheep, caribou, and moose. In fact, it was the desire to protect area wildlife, specifically Dall sheep, that led to the creation of what was then called Mount McKinley National Park in 1917.

Keep reading for expert Denali National Park advice on where to stay , things to do , and how to get around .

What to Do in Denali National Park

There is only one road into the Denali National Park. It runs 92 miles through the park's north country, but only the first 14 miles are accessible by private vehicle. After the Savage River Bridge, only shuttles and tour buses (and the occasional stalwart cyclist) traverse the Park Road. Destinations in the park include the Stony Hill Overlook, Polychrome Pass, Eielson Visitor Center, Wonder Lake, and the historic Kantishna townsite.

Of the many things to do in the Denali area, the very best way to experience the park is on a narrated bus tour . The National Park Service has begun construction of a bridge to bypass an ongoing landslide on the Denali Park Road. The project is expected to take two years. During construction visitors will have access to 43 scenic miles of the Park Road. For more information, please check the Park Road page.

The greater Denali Park area offers a slew of activities, too. Flightsee by winged plane or helicopter , take a guided naturalist hike , ATV , or zipline . There's something for every traveler. Please visit our Things to Do in Denali National Park page for more ideas.

Where to Stay Near Denali National Park

Due to its location in the interior of the state and the time required to take in this expansive park, we recommend spending two or three nights in the Denali National Park area. Nearly all lodging options are located outside the park entrance. We recommend the Denali Bluffs Hotel , the Grande Denali Lodge , and the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge . If you prefer a unique wilderness experience, a stay at a backcountry lodge inside the park is sure to fulfill all your expectations. A local favorite is the historic Kantishna Roadhouse , an all-inclusive backcountry property 90 miles within the park.

How to Get to Denali National Park

Located along the Parks Highway, the entrance to Denali National Park is approximately 240 miles north of Anchorage and 125 miles south of Fairbanks. Denali National Park is accessible by car or via the Alaska Railroad from either Anchorage or Fairbanks. Another great option is the Park Connection Motorcoach , which offers daily summer service between the park and Seward, Whittier, Anchorage, and Talkeetna. See our Denali National Park Transportation page for a complete list of options.

Denali National Park Lodging

Click here to find a full list of lodging in the Denali Park area from wilderness lodges and cabins to value hotels and luxury mountainside accomodations. Learn More >

Of all the activities in the area, a fully-narrated Denali National Park Bus Tour is an absolute must. Read on for many more top excursions in the Denali Park area. Learn More >

Explore the many Denali Park travel options ranging from dome car trains to luxury motorcoaches, 4x4 rental cars, and budget-friendly van transfers. Learn More >

Denali National Park's lone road offers visitors plenty of chances to view impressive backcountry and abundant wildlife, whether you choose a half or full-day narrated bus tour. Learn More >

Denali Park Tips, Advice & FAQs

What are the top things to do in Denali Park? What about restaurants? We've provided answers to common questions asked about visiting one of Alaska's most popular parks. Learn More >

Denali Park Map

Sites and highlights around the popular park located 240 miles north Anchorage and 120 miles south of Fairbanks. Learn More >

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See Denali Park's best eats, from breweries and barbecue joints to a roadside fine dining restaurant run by a former Top Chef contestant. Learn More >

Retrace the steps of Denali's first tourist by traveling to Denali National Park on the railroad from Anchorage, Talkeetna, or Fairbanks. Learn More >

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Intuition Denali Liners are a heat moldable custom fit liner for double mountaineering boots. They replace heavier stock liners and provide a higher level of insulation, making your double plastic boot a high altitude boot. These will work perfectly for Aconcagua or Denali combined with an overboot. They can be worn right out of the box, but we recommend you bring them into our shop so we can perform a custom mold.

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Diabetes in the Wild

Submission By Morgan McGonagle I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when I was 12 years old. As a very active and independent 12-year-old, this was not a convenient diagnosis. I wanted to be outside as much as possible at the time and was planning to attend a summer camp where I would be away […]

Training for Mountaineering Webinar with Steve House

Alpine Ascents International hosted Steve House, founder of Uphill Athlete and author of the training bible for mountaineers and trail runners, Training for the Uphill Athlete, for a free webinar on February 20th. Steve covered the training approach that he used in his own career as a professional climber which he now uses to help […]

Self Love and Wilderness

Submission by Avalon Qian. “Tag responsibly, keep the West wild.” I pause mid-mindless-instagram scroll. This is not the first time I have seen this sentiment in an instagram post or an article about leaving no trace: “Tag responsibly.” “Keep the West wild.” What does this tag mean? I understand the fear that wild places may […]

WHY BOOK WITH ALPINE ASCENTS

Knowledge & expertise.

Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. We operate what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. This expertise is based upon years of accumulated experience-not just from individual mountain guides, but through experience on particular mountains where details are fine-tuned over time.

Our guides are an integral part of Alpine Ascents because they understand and share our climbing principles. These individuals are dedicated to sharing their excellence with others. Many of our guides have been with Alpine Ascents for over five years, with a handful of veterans working with us for most of their careers. The quality of our Guide Staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors.

Environmental Reponsibility

Leave No Trace principles are fundamental to our program, and we encourage all who climb and trek with us to understand proper wilderness practices. We help facilitate this effort by passing on Leave No Trace training and literature to every Alpine Ascents climber.

Partners & Accreditations

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Denali National Park, Alaska

Denali is the number one reason to book Alaska cruisetours into the state’s rugged wilderness and it’s easy to understand why. At an impressive 20,310 feet above sea level, Denali isn’t just any mountain; it’s the centerpiece of Alaska’s interior, a shining jewel rising above pristine Alaska wilderness. Good news if you want more than just a glimpse of “the Great One.” When you book a cruisetour, you can settle in for up to three nights and get a true sense of North America’s tallest mountain.

Holland America Line’s Alaska cruisetours offer full immersion in Denali. Each of our land and sea cruisetours include up to three nights at our beautiful 60-acre riverside resort.

Denali Square™ at the McKinley Chalet Resort is the ultimate base camp. Spend your days sightseeing at Denali and the evenings winding down in creature comfort. Enjoy stunning views across the Nenana River into Denali National Park from virtually anywhere on the grounds, as well as upscale dining, quality entertainment, and local shopping.

Holland America Line is also the only cruise line to include the Tundra Wilderness Tour into Denali National Park on all 2- and 3-night Denali cruisetour itineraries. On this expertly guided 6- to 8-hour adventure, you’ll likely spot some combination of Alaska’s Big Five : grizzly bears, caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and wolves. In addition, there are countless bucket list opportunities—such as river rafting, flightseeing (including the chance to land with a ski plane on Denali itself), or meeting an Iditarod dog musher and getting a sloppy kiss from a sled dog.

When looking into Alaska cruise tours, consider including Denali National Park. The wildlife is abundant and easily viewable. There are 6-million acres of untouched land to explore, some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Towering above is Denali, a mountain that will linger in your memory forever. With all of that and more, Holland America Line’s Alaska cruisetours are a dream for those who want true immersion into Denali National Park & Preserve.

McKinley Chalet Resort Video

Watch the video below for an insider’s perspective of our exclusive 60-acre resort at Denali National Park & Preserve.

McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali National Park

Top 3: things to see in denali, alaska, featured shore excursions.

Recommended For You

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Exiting nps.gov

Alerts in effect, plan your visit, step 3: dig into the details of your visit, details of a summer trip.

Totally new to Denali? Get a general overview of the park before you start planning the details of your visit.

Whether coming by road or rail, you have several options for traveling to the park.

Explore the many activities Denali offers to visitors of all ages and experience levels.

Denali charges an entrance fee, and there are a few key park activities that also involve a cost.

Browse our calendar for regularly scheduled summer ranger programs and special events.

Learn about restaurants, lodging, campgrounds and picnic areas: All the basic human needs.

Visiting Denali with your kids? Start planning your family-friendly adventure!

Visit in Fall, Winter or Spring

Plan a trip in fall (mid-September to October).

Closed in winter? Not Denali! Winter is a great time to explore the park, whether by foot, ski, snowshoe, bike, or more!

Snow can linger, but spring is sure to bring sunlight and comparatively warm temperatures. Plan a trip before the busy summer season!

Last updated: January 22, 2024

Trip Highlights

Park footer, contact info, mailing address:.

PO Box 9 Denali Park, AK 99755

907 683-9532 A ranger is available 9 am to 4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you reach the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.

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Moscow travel guide

Moscow tourism | moscow guide, you're going to love moscow.

With 10.38 million inhabitants, Moscow is the most populous city in Russia. It is the most popular tourist destination in the country.

Activities & attractions in Moscow

When to visit Moscow

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Moscow in July, when the average temperature is 62.6 °F, and the highest can go up to 69.8 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 12.2 °F, with an average temperature of 17.6 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in July, when precipitation is around 3.1″. In contrast, February is usually the driest month of the year in Moscow, with an average rainfall of 0.8″.

How to Get to Moscow

There are 4 airports serving Moscow. Moscow Vnukovo (VKO) is the closest to the city center (17 miles). Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) is located 18 miles from downtown Moscow, while Moscow Zhukovsky (ZIA) is 25 miles from the center. The shortest flight to Moscow from the United States departs from Boston and takes around 18h 15m.

Located 1.3 miles from the city center, Moscow Paveletsky is the busiest station in Moscow. Another popular train station is Moscow Passazhirskaya, located 3 miles from the center.

The most popular bus station is Moscow Fili, located 4 miles from downtown Moscow. Moscow Domodedovskaya is also a commonly used station, and is 10 miles from the city center.

Airports near Moscow

Airlines serving moscow, where to stay in moscow.

There are also lots of vacation rental options in Moscow, with prices from $6 to $934 per night. South-Western Administrative is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Moscow are about 8% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Moscow

Most booked hotels in moscow, renting a car in moscow.

Expect to pay $2.27 per gallon in Moscow (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $27.25 and $36.34.