The Essential Guide to Denali National Park & Preserve

Located deep within the heart of the Alaskan interior, Denali National Park and Reserve is arguably one of the most legendary parks in the country.

Stretching across six million acres of mountains, tundra, and boreal forests, the park is home to the tallest mountain in North America, Mount McKinley (also known as “Denali”). The mountain measures in with a base-to-peak vertical rise of around 18,000 feet, while Mount Everest clocks in at just 17,000 feet. But even if you’re not mountaineering while here, there’s plenty to see, including Alaska’s incredible wildlife. During a visit, you may catch sight of grizzly bears and caribou—it’s not so unusual to see golden and bald eagles soaring above the park’s snow-capped ridges.

“Denali is all about taking in a landscape that still feels truly wild,” says Crystal Jones, an Alaska-based senior adventure tour leader at Intrepid Travel. “It’s the kind of place where you pack extra layers, check the sky, and head out not knowing exactly what the day will bring.”

In addition to its stunning landscapes, the thing that makes Denali National Park so special is its remoteness. Alaska’s interior is famously not very well-connected to the rest of the world, and the crowds here are never overwhelming. “You feel like you have the place all to yourself—this is a rare experience in U.S. national parks,” says Jones. 

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Denali National Park and Preserve.

Know Before You Go

The entrance fee for Denali National Park and Preserve costs $15 per person for a seven-day pass, and an annual pass is priced at $45. Like all other national parks, you may qualify for free admission if you have a certain status. This park does not accept cash.

Denali National Park is open year-round, but most lodges, facilities, and shuttles run seasonally from late May through mid-September. Outside of that timeframe, services are quite limited, and the conditions can be harsh. Before you plan a trip, it’s best to check the park’s website to learn about the latest information, including things like road closures.

In the summer, private cars aren’t allowed past Mile 15 (aka the Savage River checkpoint) on Denali Park Road, the park’s main thoroughfare. The park is currently closed at Mile 43 due to a landslide and is scheduled to reopen in 2027. In the winter, the park road is only open till Mile 3 (at the visitor center). From roughly May through September, the park runs several types of buses, ranging from narrated adventures to purely transit-focused shuttles.

Denali is considered to be one of the most remote parks in the U.S. and encompasses a huge swath of the Alaskan interior. Conditions in the park can change quickly, and rain, strong winds, cold temperatures, and pests like mosquitoes are not uncommon. Dress in layers, pack rain gear, and be prepared for limited cell service with a satellite phone or other means of communication for emergency situations. Bear safety is a serious matter, especially if you plan to hike off-trail—carry bear spray and more importantly, know how to use it. 

Best Time to Visit

Jones says the best time to visit the park depends on the experience you’re hoping to have. June through August is peak tourist season, with the warmest weather, full access to park services, and the best opportunities for wildlife viewing.

“Long daylight hours make it perfect for exploring, sightseeing, and nature photography,” she says. 

The months of May and September are considered the shoulder seasons, with fewer crowds, beautiful lighting, and early fall colors, though some services may be limited. From October through April, Denali National Park turns into a snowy wilderness, which is perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and chasing northern lights. But access during this time of year is limited, and the park road is only open at the entrance. Winter conditions also demand careful preparation.

How to Get There

For travelers heading to the park, Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is the closest major gateway and is about a two-hour drive from the park entrance. Anchorage’s Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is another popular entry point, though it’s about five hours away by car. Both cities, Fairbanks and Anchorage, are connected to Denali via the George Parks Highway, which leads directly to the park’s entrance. If you don’t want to drive, you can take the Denali Star Train to the park from May through September.

Best Things to Do

Spot wildlife.

Denali National Park has some of the best roadside wildlife viewing in North America, and visitors frequently catch sightings of large mammals. Shuttle buses often pause to allow passengers to observe animals without disturbing them. Sable Pass at Mile 39 is a top spot for grizzly bears, caribou, and Dall sheep. 

Attend free ranger-led programs.

Rangers host guided walks, educational talks, and demonstrations featuring the park’s working sled dog kennels. Most of these programs don’t require reservations and offer deep insight into the park that you wouldn’t be able to get on your own.

Explore the backcountry.

Denali National Park is famous for its off-trail hiking culture, allowing you to chart your own routes through the land. Free backcountry permits are required if you want to camp and are available at ranger stations. However, if you decide to head off into the back country, be prepared to be self-sufficient, bear aware, and hike in a group whenever possible.

See Denali from the air.

Scenic flights are a great way to take in unforgettable views of Mount McKinley, massive glaciers, and remote valleys unreachable by road. Consider hopping on board a flight with outfitters like Fly Denali and K2 Aviation—some options even include glacier landings for a more immersive experience.

Explore the night sky.

With minimal light pollution, the park has spectacular night skies, from Milky Way showings in the summer to Northern Lights displays in winter.

Best Hikes

There aren’t many marked trails inside the park, and the few that exist are short and near the park entrance. But you don’t have to stick to them. Unlike most parks, you can explore off-trail for a real backcountry adventure.

Horseshoe Lake Trail

This gentle two-mile loop has forest views, scenic overlooks, and the chance to spot beavers or moose near the water. It is ideal for families and first-time visitors.

Mount Healy Overlook Trail

This is a strenuous five-mile hike but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the park entrance area and distant peaks of the Alaska Range. It is best for experienced hikers who are looking to work up a sweat and see an unforgettable view.

Savage River Loop Trail

The Savage River Loop Trail is a relatively easy 1.7-mile hike along the Savage River with dramatic mountain scenery all around. This route gives you a taste of the interior without going too deep into the park.

Triple Lakes Trail

This is the longest trail in Denali National Park, and takes hikers through forest, wetlands, alpine terrain, and three lakes. The trail can take about four to five hours to complete, but backpackers can stay overnight with a permit.

Best Places To Stay

There are no NPS–operated lodgings inside Denali National Park other than campgrounds. However, privately operated lodges exist within the park, and a variety of hotels and cabins are seasonally open just outside the park entrance.

Denali Park Village

Denali Park Village is located eight miles from the closest park entrance. It is open from May to September and overlooks the Nenana River. The Village is a quiet alternative to the busier accommodations near the park entrance. There is a restaurant on-site as well as tours like guided hikes, wildlife, and river trips. 

Crow’s Nest Alaskan Log Cabins

Crow’s Nest Alaskan Log Cabins is a mountainside cabin resort about a mile from the nearest park entrance, and is open from late May through early September. The hand-crafted log cabins have private bathrooms, while on-site amenities include a restaurant with mountain views, a hot tub and sauna (by reservation), and complimentary shuttle service to the park entrance and train depot. 

Kantishna Roadhouse

Deep inside the park, Kantishna Roadhouse is a remote, privately owned, historic lodge where the mountains and wildlife are your closest neighbors. Open June through September and accessible only by small planes, it’s the perfect place to unplug completely. Cozy cabins, hearty meals, and guided hikes make it an unforgettable wilderness experience, especially if you’re chasing solitude. 

Riley Creek Campground 

If camping is more your style, Riley Creek Campground is an easy, no-fuss option just a stone’s throw from the park entrance. Open all year, it has tents and RV spots with picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. The location is ideal for shuttle access into the park. The other five seasonal campgrounds are located further down the park road and is accessible via the shuttle service (private cars are not allowed). Reservations are required and tend to sell out months in advance. 

Denali Lakeview Inn

Denali Lakeview Inn is a year-round, family-owned lakeside inn on Otto Lake in Healy, Alaska. The suites feature private bathrooms and private decks with lake and mountain views, and rates include a continental breakfast delivered to the room.

Places to Eat

Most dining options around Denali National Park operate seasonally from May through September. At Denali Park Village Dining Room, you can refuel with hearty Alaskan fare like fresh fish, rich stews, and comfort-food classics. Consider attending a Alaska Cabin Nite Dinner Theatre event, where a Gold Rush-era story comes to life.

49th State Brewing Company in Healy is a lively favorite for local craft beer and pub-style dishes like its halibut tacos and Alaskan-raised yak burgers. Prospector’s Pizzeria & Alehouse is Jones’s favorite options in the area. “It has great local craft beer and Alaskan specials like Elk meatballs and fresh halibut, along with really good pizzas or burgers, especially after a long day in the park,” she adds.

The Black Bear is a great option for brunch or dinner, and has a great selection of house-baked breads and coffee.